MARIE MCLEOD BIO

I'm a global leader in human thriving, known for guiding ten brave Australians through transformation in the acclaimed documentary How to Thrive. As the intervention lead and presenter, I used my signature BEACON framework to help them move from surviving to thriving — and that’s what I now do every day through my work.

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My early career was in child protection and supporting vulnerable communities, where the focus was often on risk, deficit, and crisis. I saw the cost of systems built around problems — and I knew there had to be a better way. That realisation sparked a career-long commitment to finding creative, science-backed solutions that help people thrive.

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With qualifications in social work, adult education, and positive psychology, I design and deliver evidence-based programs that drive meaningful, lasting change. Whether I’m working one-on-one, with teams, or across entire organisations, my approach is grounded in wellbeing science, appreciative inquiry, and neuroscience — and delivered with compassion, clarity, and creativity.

My superpower is making wellbeing science accessible, engaging, and sticky — transforming evidence into practical tools that shift culture and build capability. Our work has been independently evaluated by the University of Melbourne, reinforcing the power of strengths based approaches.

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I believe thriving can — and should — be taught. My mission is to make the science of wellbeing accessible and practical, regardless of where someone sits on the mental health continuum. Together with my talented team, we create transformational wellbeing education and train Thrive Guides, who teach others skills for thriving despite struggle. 

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Rather than waiting for crisis, we empower people and communities to thrive — building skills, confidence, and culture that support lasting change.

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When I'm not guiding people toward thriving, you’ll find me out hiking in the hills, jumping in the ocean, trawling for treasures in op shops, and hanging out with with my hubby, my thrive tribe, and my three crazy, but loveable teens.