




Sam Packwood is a global leadership development expert and executive coach with over 20 years’ experience helping leaders and teams thrive across industries including media, government, finance, and consumer brands.
Please get in touch if you want to discuss the Rocket Model Online, or any other enquires such as workshops or keynote speaking.
Taking a scientist-practitioner approach to leadership, Gordy has spent the past 30+ years researching, teaching, practicing, and providing consulting advice on leadership. He has written 25 books, numerous articles, and book chapters, and sold over 100,000 copies of the #1 selling textbook Leadership: Enhancing the Lessons of Experience (11th Ed.). He is also the architect of The Rocket Model™, The Rocket Model™: Practical Advice for Building High-Performing Teams, Ignition: A Guide to Building High-Performing Teams, and the Team Assessment Survey® tools intended to help companies scale effective teamwork.
Gordy Curphy helps C-suite, business unit, and functional leaders develop business strategies; implement major change initiatives; hire, develop, and promote leadership talent; and build high-performing teams.
At the heart of The Rocket Model™ are our founders, Gordon Curphy, Ph.D., and Dianne Nilsen, Ph.D., who have dedicated their careers to pioneering team dynamics and leadership development. Along with a global network of consultants, they are committed to enhancing organizational teamwork and performance.
Dianne is passionate about helping her clients achieve business objectives by strengthening their leadership talent and building high-performing teams. Her Ph.D. in organizational psychology is grounded by her first-hand experience leading businesses through significant change, including reorganizations, strategic outsourcing, acquisitions, and divestitures.
With her partner Gordon Curphy, Ph.D., Dianne is co-author of Ignition: A Guide to Building High-Performing Teams and the Talent Assessment Survey (TAS). The TAS, which has been used with more than 3,000 teams around the world, provides feedback on eight factors proven to differentiate between high and low-performing teams. Ignition offers practical advice for team leaders and facilitators wanting to build more effective teams.
She designs programs that empower leaders to build high-performing teams, and create cultures where collaboration and accountability flourish. Known for her sharp insight, dynamic energy, and ability to build trust quickly, Sam combines psychology, real-world leadership challenges, and practical tools to drive meaningful change.
Her online courses and workshops are practical and tailored to the realities of modern leadership — giving leaders the skills and confidence to lead effectively, inspire teams, and achieve results.