About Changing Gears
The Story of Changing Gears
Changing Gears was founded in 2008 by Wayne Bishop, originally established as Activetics, in response to the growing need to better support mature workers in the Australian workforce. Wayne’s vision and leadership helped shape the business into a recognised force in workforce planning for organisations navigating the opportunities and challenges of an ageing workforce.
Rebranded as Changing Gears in 2019, the business continues to evolve. Today, it is led by Managing Director Norm Cockerell and Executive Director Kim Flanagan, both bringing decades of experience in workforce strategy, safety, risk and organisational leadership. Wayne remains actively involved in the business as our Strategic Advisor, providing insight and continuity to the mission he started.
Changing Gears works across a broad range of industries, including government, manufacturing, mining, health, transport, power, communications, and retail, delivering tailored planning, policy development, and practical interventions. We partner closely with senior leaders to design and implement sustainable, cost-effective solutions that make the most of their maturing workforce.
Norm Cockerell
MANAGING DIRECTOR – PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
An experienced Health Sector Executive and Board member, has played a key role in expanding the reach and impact of the Changing Gears program. As Managing Director he brings an extensive background in financial services, insurance, and health including leadership roles at HSBC, Medibank Private and Allianz Australia with deep experience of the challenges facing the sector. His work delivering Changing Gears programs over the past 9 years has helped build Changing Gears into the unique program the creates the context for meaningful discussions around the challenges of transition to enable mature age employees to gain the tools to plan confidently for life beyond work. Norm together with Wayne Bishop leads the strategic direction of the business, working closely with clients to deliver tailored solutions that address the complexities of an ageing workforce. He is passionate about helping organisations and individuals navigate the transition to life beyond work with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Kim Flanagan
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
Kim Flanagan is an experienced executive, safety and risk professional, and workforce strategist with over 25 years’ experience across health, infrastructure, and high-risk industries. As Executive Director of Changing Gears, he brings a pragmatic and people-centred approach to workforce planning, organisational design, and mature workforce engagement. His leadership helps clients turn retirement challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Wayne Bishop
FOUNDER – STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Wayne Bishop is the Founder of Changing Gears and now serves as Strategic Advisor, continuing to provide high-level insight and guidance to the business he established in 2008. With over 40 years’ experience in workforce management, including as a former General Manager in the corporate health sector, Wayne is recognised for his deep understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with ageing workforces. His practical knowledge and strategic thinking continue to shape the evolution of Changing Gears, offering clients invaluable perspective on workforce transitions and long-term talent management.
Sandy Hutchison
CEO - CAREER MONEY LIFE
Sandy Hutchison is the Founder and CEO of Career Money Life. A disruptive, innovative and award winning HR marketplace business providing employees and organisations the power of choice in career transition, parental leave programs, transition to retirement, mental health & wellbeing services and financial advice. Before founding her own startup, Sandy was an Asia Pac Human Resource Director at a global professional services firm, and previously a Partner in a global human resources consulting firm. Sandy continues to consult with organisations on gender equality issues and works as a mentor to senior women.
Peter James
Director: Career Life Transitions
Peter is the Director of Career Life Transitions, the licensee of Changing Gears programs in Western Australia. Based in Perth, Peter leads the delivery of our workforce transition and development services across the state, bringing extensive expertise in leadership coaching, career development, and organisational performance. With a strong track record working with leading organisations across industry, government, and the not-for-profit sectors, Peter blends strategic insight with practical, hands-on support. His professional background spans engineering, business, and adult education, holding qualifications in engineering, an MBA, and a Graduate Diploma in Adult Education. Deeply committed to community service, Peter is an active member of Rotary and volunteers his coaching skills to help individuals from all walks of life achieve their personal and professional goals.
Alan Grimwood
CENTRELINK SPECIALIST
For the last 20 years, Alan has been assisting people prepare for retirement, dealing with them at all stages of their lives from commencement of their employment, through to and in retirement. Along the way he has built up many rewarding relationships and friendships. Alan can assist people understand the maze of rules within Centrelink, so that they can maximise their entitlements in retirement. He enjoys helping people with the knowledge and experience he has accumulated.
Lindsay Vanstan
CENTRELINK SPECIALIST
Lindsay joined KeyPlay Financial Services, Ballarat in January 2008 after a distinguished 37 year career with Centrelink. In that time he has helped many people across Ballarat and the surrounding districts and in his last 10 years with Centrelink, Lindsay was the Financial Information Service Officer for the Ballarat region. Lindsay finished work at Keyplay in June 2018 to concentrate more attention on his consultancy services.
