Welcome
Author, Facilitator, Researcher, Public Speaker
Helping people grow the wisdom needed to shape healthier relationships and more resilient systems in the age of AI.
About
Paul Atkins is a leadership expert, researcher, and facilitator specialising in wisdom-based leadership for the AI age. With a unique combination of cognitive science expertise, 25 years of facilitation experience, and cutting-edge research into AI's impact on human thriving, Paul helps purpose-driven leaders navigate complexity while maintaining their humanity and effectiveness.
Academic Background & Research
Paul holds a Master's degree in Cognitive Science and a PhD in Psychology from Cambridge University. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and two books including the best-selling "ProSocial" in collaboration with David Sloan Wilson and Steven C. Hayes. His research has focused on interventions to reduce stress while enhancing relationships, wellbeing, perspective-taking, and cooperation in groups and organisations. His research bridges ancient wisdom traditions with modern behavioural science, exploring how people can develop the cognitive and emotional capacities needed for effective leadership in complex systems.
Current Work & Book Project
Paul is currently writing The Perspective Revolution: How AI Helps Us See Through the Illusion of Separation, a practical guide for developing wisdom-based leadership capabilities in an era of technological disruption. The book explores how leaders can use AI tools to enhance rather than diminish their capacity for systems thinking, emotional regulation, and authentic relationship-building. Parts of this book can be viewed at the substack "Being Prosocial"
Leadership Development & Speaking
Paul delivers keynotes and leadership development workshops focused on building clarity, wisdom and effectiveness in the AI age of complexity. His work with the Australian and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) earned among the highest teaching ratings ever recorded for their Emerging Leaders Program. He designs transformational learning experiences that help leaders develop the inner capacities needed to navigate uncertainty while creating positive impact.
ProSocial World & Global Impact
As co-founder of ProSocial World, a global not-for-profit organisation, Paul has developed and taught methods for building trust and collaboration in purpose-driven groups worldwide. He has applied these approaches in contexts ranging from private sector organisations and political parties to schools and, most recently, with the United Nations Environment Program to co-develop approaches for improving human, animal and planetary health globally in collaboration with WHO, FAO, and WOAH.
Featured Presentations & Media
Paul's expertise has been featured across multiple platforms:
- Podcast Appearances: Coming Down to Earth, Groups of Groups
- Professional Presentations: Core Design Principles Interactive Webinar, Generalising Ostrom's Core Design Principles
- Research Seminars: The Behavioural Science of ProSocial World, ProSociocracy - Exploring Polycentric Collaborations
Paul is former President of the Australia-New Zealand Association for Contextual Behavioural Science, a Fellow of the international ACBS, and a board member of the World Happiness Foundation.