Derek Rowe
Trainer. Facilitator. Instructional Designer. Coach.
I create, design and deliver innovative and learner-focused training and coaching solutions.
Services
Learn Teach Explore: Better Conversations
Nearly 20 years of research has revealed an abundant, holistic truth about work conversations. They all possess the same 3-part structure that I now call Learn Teach Explore.
Learn, Teach and Explore are the names of each essential phase in a work-related conversation - regardless of the subject.
Learn LTE and you will be a better conversationalist with any person on any work-related subject.
Feel Know Believe: Business presenting
Presenting at work is only daunting until you use a systematic approach.
One that seamlessly links your writing to rehearsing and presenting. That’s exactly what the Feel Know Believe model does.
This is the only holistic presenting model that supports both presentation design and delivery, speeding up the entire process of being a great business presenter. Impact and influence are hours away, via either coaching or workshops.
CSAR: How to design and deliver great training
Designing and delivering great training and coaching sessions can be a challenging task.
That’s where CSAR comes in. This system asks the designer or trainer to walk in the learner’s shoes, via the four essential ‘learner states.
As creator of this unique and successful IP, I am the only provider of coaching and training in its use.
If you need to write or run internal training of any kind, this is an effective, affordable option that will set you and your learners up for success.
First month leader
Anyone’s first attempt at frontline leadership can be daunting.
The trick is to not overload the new leader with too much development too soon. What they need is just enough training and support to get going; to start to manage the team they were probably a member of just a few days ago.
That’s where this model comes in. It is perhaps the first ever to relate only to frontline managers and empathise with what team members need from a manager.
Tick it off the list:Time and priority management
At work, time = tasking. The thing is, not all tasks are created equal.
At any moment in a successful work day, you need to know which task is the most important to do, and how to get this task done efficiently without compromising quality.
Over the last 20 years I’ve created a lot of IP that makes it simple to learn both these things This IP was originally developed for the Australian Institute of Management, and through that organisation, as well as my own, it has positively impacted thousands of learners.
Right here, Right now: Responding under pressure
So many anxiety-provoking issues we deal with at work happen due to the pressure of having to react in real-time - i.e. right then and there.
The ARC model was developed to give us all a chance to deal with real-time, anxiety-provoking scenarios - or just situations when something big is at stake, and you just have to get things right.
Facilitator for hire
I am a deeply experienced workshop facilitator, whether it’s my own content or someone else’s.
I can work with you to create a bespoke experience, or deliver what you have already designed. I work intensively and creatively with my clients to ensure that workshop outcomes are achieved through continuous engagement strategies.
I’m also DiSC accredited.
Workshop and coaching session design
Using my own CSAR model for workshop design, delivery and evaluation, I have designed workshops on a myriad of subjects, including child and workplace safety, customer service, design thinking, selling and international leadership. My process includes a thorough, detailed learning needs analysis, before using CSAR to construct a balanced, learner-centred workshop experience.
Not every trainer designs workshops for others to deliver. I’ve been doing it for over 25 years.
One-on-one development coaching
I can maximise your PD budget by ensuring it’s spent on reaching your individual goals and needs.
For the same price as being part of a group session where you will get a fraction of the time, skills and attention you need to be successful in your role, we will tailor a series of sessions focused on a specific goal, personal to you.
I coach leadership, communication, conversations, assertiveness, time and priority management, training design and delivery, business presenting, and more.
about Derek
In this, my 4th decade as an educational professional, my focus is on creating solutions that put the learner, and their development needs, first.
I specialise in assisting team members and frontline-to-middle managers. My IP is uniquely my own. My style is informal and authentic.
My workshops and courses focus on several key underpinning skills anyone with a job needs to become high performing: frontline leadership, work communication, business presenting, time and priority management and psychological safety.
I have done this for clients such as:
Bostik Australia
Coles
WorkSafe Victoria
VMIA
City of Melbourne
Canon Australia
Schweppes
McColl's Transport
Victorian Electoral Commission
The Australian Insurance Law Association (AILA)
CGU / IAG
Easygo
Lactalis
MONA (Hobart)
NRMA
Australian Institute of Management (AIM)
Red Cross Blood Service (Lifeblood)
Child Wise
Ramsay Health
Victorian Department of Parliamentary Services
DEECA (formerly DEWLP
Northline
What My Clients Say
Meaningful Professional Development
After years of trying and hoping for meaningful uptake from ubiquitous business‑skills workshops, I reached out to Derek for something fresh, engaging, and genuinely effective.
Derek’s coaching style was a game‑changer. Instead of sitting through generic and dry training material, I had a one‑on‑one experience that focused entirely on my needs, and he created a space where I could bring my own challenges to the table and really dive into my purpose. We didn’t waste time on irrelevant material — every conversation was applicable.
Derek shared information that actually landed, strategies that made sense, and insights I could implement right away. I felt truly seen and listened to, particularly as a neurodiverse individual.
Derek’s program wasn’t just another generic business course; it was curated development that shifted how I think, lead, and operate.
I’m truly grateful for this tailored approach and I strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to grow on their own terms.
Rebekah Winckle, Centre Against Violence, May 2026
I have had the pleasure of working with Derek across a number projects and learning solutions. Derek is passionate about learning like nobody else I know and puts the learner and participants at the centre of his design. I have enjoyed brain-storming solutions with Derek as he is innovative, practical and energetic. Derek is an expert in learning design and facilitation and I would highly recommend him for projects both big and small.
Carolyn Mitchell: Senior Organisational Development Consultant, Australian Red Cross Blood Service - 2018
At McColl’s Transport, we are dedicated to the development of our people. Currently, we’re implementing a Frontline Leadership Development program that integrates the 70/20/10 learning principles, immersing our employees in a comprehensive learning experience. A core aspect of our training focuses on eight essential leadership competencies, with effective communication as a cornerstone. To strengthen this skill, we’ve adopted the Learn, Teach, Explore (LTE) model, expertly researched and developed by Derek Rowe. Derek’s guidance has been instrumental in helping our team fully integrate the LTE model into daily fieldwork, where it has become central to our communication approach.
The LTE model’s simplicity and practicality have empowered our frontline managers to elevate their communication skills meaningfully. With its clear focus on learning, teaching, and exploring, the model provides an actionable pathway for growth, enhancing clarity and engagement in our leaders’ interactions. In adopting the LTE model, our leaders have gained a sharper focus on the purpose and impact of their communication. This approach not only builds individual capabilities but also supports a culture of continuous improvement across McColl’s. The LTE model has become a powerful tool in our coaching, reinforcing effective communication as an essential leadership skill.
Derek has also provided practical LTE examples that have been invaluable for our leaders in planning their interactions. McColl’s remains committed to Leadership Development into 2025, and we will continue to use the LTE model to strengthen effective communication techniques within our teams.
Jack Barresi - Learning & Development Lead McColl’s Transport - NOV 2024
I have previously delivered training courses designed by Derek Rowe from Derek Rowe Consulting and contacted him to write some courses for me, however, Derek thought the best option would be for him to teach me about the CSAR model so I could write my own. Due to COVID-19, the sessions were done via Zoom but this didn’t detract from the learning and coaching experience. You actually come away from the sessions with the knowledge that you’ve grasped the process and this is going to help me greatly with future courses I design and deliver. I feel as though my courses now have a structure to them, and they won’t be boring thanks to Derek and the CSAR model.
Daniel McConville: McConville Risk Solutions
I have worked with Derek over the past several years in joint collaboration designing innovative workplace communication programs. Derek's ability to flex to the client needs and expectations is brilliant. I have been successful in my role due to Derek's ability to draw experiences from the workshop and make the training real in a short amount of time. Derek was always prepared and received impressive feedback and I would not hesitate to work or recommend Derek's consulting services.
Linda Nguyen: National Business Development Manager, Australian Institute of Management - 2018