Ben Pronk, DSC
MANAGING PARTNER
Ben is a specialist in risk, resilience and process improvement. His first career spanned 24 years in the Australian Army, with the majority of that time spent in the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment.
In this capacity, Ben served on multiple operational deployments and was decorated for leadership in action. He concluded his service as Commanding Officer of the SAS. Ben is a highly regarded thought leader and sought-after public speaker, particularly on the reduction of risk and on leadership in high-pressure situations. He is an Executive-in-Residence at the Australian Graduate School of Management, a Board member for VGI Partners and a Patron of the Military Art Program Australia. Alongside Tim, Ben also co-hosts the Unforgiving60 podcast.
Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Master in Defence Studies (with Distinction) from Kings College, London and a Master of Business Administration (with Distinction) from the University of Western Australia. He is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course.
Tim Curtis
SENIOR PARTNER
Tim is a strategist, negotiator and adaptive business leader with more than 20 years of management experience. He is a highly-regarded thought leader, particularly on the reduction of operational risk and the management of critical incidents.
Tim’s first career was in the Australian Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment, where his experience included designing and implementing the counter-terrorist response arrangements for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Tim was the United Nations lead elections planner for the 2005 Afghanistan Parliamentary Elections. Between 2006-14 he was based in Dubai as a Managing Director of global companies providing integrated medical, security, logistics, aviation and consulting services. Tim continues to personally advise clients through some of the highest profile corporate crises globally. Alongside Ben, Tim also co-hosts the Unforgiving60 podcast.
Tim holds a Master of Business Administration and numerous undergraduate qualifications. He is the independent Risk Advisor to a multi-donor peace fund and an Advisory Board Member for Starlight Children’s Foundation in Western Australia.
Andy Ennis
PRACTICE MANAGER – EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Andy has a deep background in fire and emergency services, which is complemented with a strong passion for improving frontline response and global experience in training delivery.
Andy’s first career was a firefighter within Victoria, Australia, where he gained experience in both rural and metropolitan firefighting skills. Since 2011, he has worked within the resources sector, initially as an underground mining operator and Emergency Response Team (ERT) member. His capability and passion in this area led him to more senior positions within the Emergency Response (ER) field and he was employed in a variety of roles including Emergency Services Officer (ESO), Emergency Response Coordinator and Medic. Since 2016, Andy has dedicated his efforts towards training ER capabilities, with clients across the world. Based on his deep understanding of best practice in this area, Andy is able to rapidly benchmark existing client capability and provide practical and appropriate training and recommendations tailored to the unique requirements of the site, geographical location and regulatory environment. Andy has delivered training and capability assignments globally, with recent engagements including Alaska, Papua New Guinea and Mongolia, as well as a wide variety of surface and underground engagements throughout Australia.
Andy possesses a Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety, a Certificate IV in Health Care (Pre-Ambulance Care) and Certificate III in Mine Emergency Response Rescue (including all electives).
Jenn Hammond
ASSOCIATE – PROGRAMS
Jenn is a management professional with experience working in various industries across Western Australia.
She has a particular interest in designing and delivering high quality opportunities that focus on leadership, resilience; team building, and the skills needed to achieve and maintain elite performance.
Jenn is an Associate at Mettle and enjoys working across the practice areas of crisis management, leadership, resilience, and strategic advisory. Jenn spent her early career in community development and child protection roles, with a background in social sciences, she a strong understanding of and interest in human behaviour. She has a Master’s degree in International Relations (National Security), Graduate Diploma in International Relations, Graduate Certificate in International Health an undergraduate in Social Sciences and various certificates in mental health and drug and alcohol studies.
Jenn has consulted on health and leadership development projects for the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME), Committee for Economic Development of Australia, Leadership WA and the Mannkal Economic Education Foundation. She has also volunteered in various roles, including with the State Emergency Services. Jenn is the Director of Living Child inc. a non-government organisation providing maternal and child health programs in remote areas of PNG.
Ian Prior
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Ian Prior brings a wealth of high-performance and leadership experience from a successful 14-year career in professional rugby union making over 200 first class appearances across the globe. Throughout his career, Ian achieved remarkable success, including winning a Super Rugby title with the Queensland Reds, defeating the British & Irish Lions with the ACT Brumbies, and captaining the Western Force as they resurrected and re-entered the international Super Rugby competition. He also became one of only three players in the Western Force’s 20-year history to reach the milestone of 100 appearances for the franchise.
At the international level, Ian has proudly represented the Junior Wallabies at the Junior Rugby World Cup in Argentina and his heritage nation Zimbabwe, culminating in their victory at the 2024 Africa Cup in Uganda.
Ian Prior is a dynamic speaker and facilitator with extensive experience delivering keynote presentations and workshops on a wide range of topics, including leadership, high performance, team culture, and resilience. With a genuine passion for empowering individuals and teams, Ian is dedicated to helping them unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success. Leveraging from a blend of both his experience in the professional sporting industry and from his extensive academic studies.
Outside of his sporting achievements, Ian has committed to extensive academic and professional development. He holds a Certificate IV in Occupational Health & Safety, a Diploma of Business, a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and is currently completing a Master of High Performance (Sport).
