Welcome.
I’m Seb Norman, an independent researcher and advisor.
Before this, I worked as a civil engineer, management consultant, and public service leader.
Curiosity about how the world works, physically, financially, and technologically, has shaped my career, especially my interest in how public value is created.
I started by raising funds for international development groups, joining make-a-thons, and volunteering on non-profit boards. These experiences led me to work in public policy and program development.
After taking time off to recover and reflect, my curiosity grew. I started The Human to explore how and why people create public value, and what gets in the way of them working together today.
Hands-on experience in systems change
I work as both a researcher and a practitioner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led the Victorian Government Sick Pay Guarantee pilot, a state-funded program testing portable sick pay for casual and gig workers. Running this program, which helped over 130,000 workers and processed more than half a million approved claims, showed me how governments can take on risk and set up the right conditions for positive change.
Outside my research, I’m learning German and open to volunteering in Berlin. I also offer advisory, coaching, and facilitation services to help mission-driven leaders and organisations create public value.