David Cousins
A career strategist.
For more than 25 years, I've worked with businesses, brands and organisations across Australia and internationally, from global corporations and emerging ventures to industry bodies and not-for-profits.
My experience spans business, brand and marketing strategy, research, executive advisory and governance, with a particular focus on health, wellness and the environment.
That breadth has shaped my perspective. I'm interested in the relationships between people, organisations, markets and ideas, and how understanding those connections can reveal opportunities that aren't always apparent from a single point of view.
director. consultant. strategist.
Strategist
I began my career in brand and communications strategy in Sydney and London before moving into healthcare and life sciences. In 2007, I co-founded Ward6, before establishing The Cousins Consultancy in 2017.
Over time, my professional experience and personal interests have progressively expanded into natural medicines, wellbeing, sustainability and environmental conservation, bringing together the three interconnected worlds in which I now focus my work.
Throughout, my approach to strategy has remained grounded in curiosity, evidence and the value of different perspectives. Understanding what's happening, questioning assumptions and recognising connections can create greater clarity around the opportunities ahead.
Consultant
Through TCC, I work directly with organisations and leadership teams on strategic opportunities that rarely fit neatly into a single discipline.
An engagement might begin with research, a new market opportunity, a brand or portfolio question, a new proposition, a growth ambition or the need for an independent perspective.
Rather than applying a predetermined methodology, I draw on the expertise and approaches most relevant to the opportunity, informed by experience across different markets, organisations and disciplines.
Explore TCC expertiseDirector
My experience as a director spans both executive and non-executive roles.
As co-founder of Ward6, I served for ten years as Executive Director alongside my role as Head of Strategy, helping to grow the business across Australia and Singapore. That experience gave me a perspective on strategy from inside a growing business, with direct responsibility for its direction and development.
Today, my directorships and other appointments extend that perspective across commercial, industry and not-for-profit organisations. Together, they provide exposure to different organisational structures, stakeholder environments and approaches to governance.
Current appointments
ATTIA Ltd
Non-Executive Director
Representing the Australian Tea Tree Industry
Living Ocean Inc.
Non-Executive Director & Vice President
Centre for Marine Studies
The Business Birds Pty Ltd
Executive Director
Digital marketing agency
Greenpeace Australia Pacific
Member, General Assembly
Independent campaigning organisation
PRIME Awards
Chair of Judges
Pharmaceutical and life sciences industry awards
Let's talk about what's possible.
If you're looking for experienced strategic thinking or an independent perspective on what comes next, let's start with a conversation.
Get in touch