At ETHICLEAD®, we harness the power of every employee through ethical leadership, rigorous strategy, and best practice governance to drive real results for both individuals and the organisations they work for. By recognising that every person plays a part in the cascading success of the organisation, we create high-functioning workplaces that thrive on collaboration and shared purpose - workplaces where staff are empowered and businesses are thriving.
Proven in Practice
Through his own journey of refinement, Steve developed systems that strengthened teams, sharpened decision-making, and created stability in demanding environments. These systems weren’t born in a boardroom—they were tested and proven in some of the most high-pressure, mission-critical scenarios imaginable.
After years in the Air Force, ETHICLEAD founder, Steve Scott, learned firsthand the challenges and opportunities of leadership. From teaching leadership at the RAAF College to leading high-performing teams under pressure, Steve experienced how gaps in alignment, strategy, and governance could derail even the most disciplined teams.
Born from Experience
Built for Growth
When Steve left the RAAF, he recognised that these lessons weren’t exclusive to the military—they were universal principles for organisations striving to lead better, work smarter, and succeed longer. Thus, ETHICLEAD was created to help build workplaces that work better.
Genuine Leadership, Proven Methods, Measurable Results
We’ve lived it, led it, and learnt from it. Drawing on years of first-hand experience, we understand the nuances of leadership and the challenges it brings. From high-pressure environments to complex decisions, we’ve mastered the strategies that create real impact—because we’ve been there.
Solutions Guided by Experienced Leaders
Our strategies aren’t theory—they’re forged through real-world challenges and rigorously tested for results. Inspired by Air Force precision and discipline, we deliver frameworks that have been proven time and time again to create stability, clarity, and growth.
Solutions Rooted in Proven Success
We believe leadership is about action, not just ideas. That’s why we focus on tools and strategies designed to deliver results quickly. Whether you’re addressing immediate challenges or planning for long-term success, we make it easy to take the next step—right now.
Solutions that Make A Positive Impact, Fast
Built on Integrity, Expertise, and Purpose
CHARACTER
Building Trust Through Integrity
We believe in authenticity, transparency, and accountability to build trust and confidence, helping you make informed decisions and deliver results you can stand behind.
SKILL
Delivering Results With Expertise
We believe in credible knowledge, experience, and a proven track record to drive smarter strategies that solve challenges, optimise resources, and achieve measurable success.
STYLE
Creating Connections that Matter
We believe in being relatable, empathic, and approachable to create safe spaces for collaboration, ensuring you feel supported, valued, and ready to act.
APPROACH
Driving Progress Through Innovation
We believe in continual improvement, productivity, and advancement to keep you competitive, agile, and prepared so you can achieve lasting growth and success.
IMPACT
Making an Impact That Lasts
We believe in intentional leadership and effective strategies to inspire growth and change, expanding your capacity to lead, influence, and thrive.
Stephen Scott
Stephen Scott is the founder of ETHICLEAD, creator of The 15 Disciplines Leadership Framework, and author of Ethics Trump Power. With four decades of leadership experience, including 22 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, Stephen has developed proven strategies for leading teams under pressure.
An author, keynote speaker, and trusted mentor, he has worked with leaders across industries and continues to deliver leadership programs to schools and businesses Australia-wide.
Outside work, Stephen enjoys jet skiing, woodworking, and time with family.
Samantha Holzberger
Samantha Holzberger is ETHICLEAD’s Program Operations Manager, known for her strategic thinking, operational leadership, and unwavering attention to detail. Since joining the team in 2016, Sam has been instrumental in launching the Principals’ Roundtable, co-developing The 15 Disciplines Program, and overseeing the design and publication of two leadership books.
With a background in managing complex priorities across diverse sectors, she ensures the seamless delivery of ETHICLEAD’s programs - coordinating events, liaising with clients, and supporting facilitators nationwide. Sam is a driving force behind the organisation’s growth and its ability to deliver practical, high-impact leadership development.
James Middleton
James Middleton is a leadership and organisational development specialist with nearly two decades of experience in Defence Industry, both in and out of uniform. He served as an Air Battle Manager and Mission Commander on the E-7A Wedgetail, deploying on multiple operations, leading mission-ready teams.
Since leaving the RAAF, James has led multidisciplinary teams across large and smaller, more agile organisations, delivering advanced capability development programs, and capability uplift and training initiatives, always with a focus on developing high-performing teams. A passionate facilitator, he uses personal stories of challenge, failure, and success to create open, engaging, and relatable learning environments.
Outside work, James enjoys coaching his son’s sports teams, challenging himself with home renovation projects, and supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Kelbe Middleton
Kelbe Middleton is a strategic design, delivery and transformation expert with nearly two decades of experience leading organisational change across public services. Known for building high-performing, purpose-led teams, she drives cultural and behavioural change from the inside out. Kelbe’s holds an unwavering belief in people-centred transformation, by understanding developing future leaders and building capability.
With deep expertise in portfolio oversight, and agile delivery, Kelbe empowers organisations solve complex problems, develop actionable roadmaps, and deliver sustainable outcomes. She’s led initiatives improving services for millions and introducing new ways of working to deliver value. Clients value her calm presence and ability to unite vision and execution.
Outside of work, Kelbe is a wife and a mother, who enjoys home renovation projects.
Working with leaders from
For me, ETHICLEAD’s Leadership Program has ignited a fire in me to believe that I can make a difference and be a leader... It gave me the courage to seek new pathways as a professional, and a toolkit to work with a team of people. The 15 Disciplines® have become an important part of who I am; I read them, talk about them, reflect on them, and continually grow in how to best apply them.
There are times in our lives, that we identify are key turning points. ETHICLEAD's program and the 15 Disciplines is one of mine.
ALANA MIKKELSEN - STEM LEADER, THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL