Derek Linsell
Derek Linsell founded Apricot Consulting in 2003 following a distinguished career in the not-for-profit sector and as a consultant with a Melbourne based business. Derek served as CEO of the AFL Foundation from 2005 to 2008 where he built an extraordinary network of relationships with leaders from many sectors of Australian business, government and not-for-profit organizations. In 2008, Derek created and developed Apricot Consulting LLC in America; working with leaders and organizations from diverse sectors and industries.
Derek brings not only the personal experience of having worked with influential leaders, but also makes valuable connections and introductions for others to learn from the voices of experience and maturity. Through a unique and rare ability to influence an organization, Derek leads programs and ideas that bring openness and transformation to organizations.
Matt Ryklin
Matt Ryklin is a second year student at Brown University studying Business and International Relations. Through his long time involvement with the Model United Nations, and his personal interest in business, corporate social responsibility and technology, Matt adds a strong understanding of the role of technology and social change in the business world to the Apricot team. At Apricot, Matt contributes writing and research, social media outreach, and adds to the general strategic direction of Apricot’s CSR practice.
Brenda Linsell
Brenda Linsell is trained as a lawyer and a registered nurse. Following years in the nonprofit and policy worlds, she works on Apricot’s CSR programs and in organizational development in the nonprofit sector. Brenda’s work has ranged from working with community development and education for remote Australian indigenous communities in developing in-house leadership and mentoring program with a large steel manufacturing client.
With a passion for human rights and health, Brenda has participated in three volunteer missions to Tonga, China and Vanuatu with Interplast, Australia – a plastic surgery volunteer program run in conjunction with AusAid and Rotary, Australia. She enjoys her daily visits to the gym; entertaining friends at home; basking in New York and all it has to offer; reading good books and riding her bike around Brooklyn & New York.
Rachael Ellison
Rachael is the director of Apricot’s Organizational Development department. Rachael has 10 years of experience working in both corporate and non-profit contexts, nationally and internationally, with expertise in organizational change, executive coaching, and work-life programs.
At Apricot, she designs and implements customized organizational development interventions for each client. Her strengths lie in her ability to cater to a client’s unique needs, her insights and analytical skills, and her ability to execute initiatives efficiently.
She holds an M.A. in Social and Organizational Psychology and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University.
