Rethinking business, from the inside out
I didn’t set out to start a consultancy, I arrived here by living the same tensions many leaders face, and following a deep curiosity to understand and transform them.
After years of building businesses, launching brands, and chasing success, I realised something was missing. The achievements were there, but the fulfilment wasn’t. It became clear that the definition of success needed an update.
Ongoing Theory was born from that insight, and from my own deep dive into creativity, wellbeing, conscious leadership, and traditional wisdom. I discovered that when we align with intention, everything changes: how we lead, how we live, and how we feel doing it.
Now, through Ongoing Theory, I help leaders and organisations do business differently - not to reject success, but to expand what it can mean. Less hustle, more presence. Less rigidity, more flow. Less surface, more substance.
We’re all on our own unique journey, but how intentional are we to make it truly our own?
It’s all an ongoing theory.
Founded by a curious mind
Ben Forman has always done things a little differently...
Starting his career in creativity, he went on to build and exit one of New Zealand’s most innovative production studios, Wrestler. Along the way, he’s helped launch billion-dollar brands like Allbirds, advertised New Zealand’s education to the world, and guided the Police through their covid crisis communications.
Ben’s run successful election campaigns, invested in startups, founded startups, raised money, made money, lost money, and learned a hell of a lot in between. He’s served on the board of TVNZ, been named a Forbes 30 Under 30, and continues to advise and in invest in ventures spanning electric motorbikes to psychedelics.
But beneath all that, Ben’s been on a parallel journey - one of personal transformation. A deep dive into the world of wellbeing, sparked at Aro Ha and deepened through co-founding Realise Retreats with them, revealed the power of aligning body, mind and spirit, and forming a new definition of success.
Today, Ben’s work is about merging those worlds: creativity, business and wellbeing. He helps leaders, teams, and organisations become aligned, so they can make better decisions, build better companies, and contribute to a better world. He doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but he’s got a curiosity to find them. That’s why he founded Ongoing Theory; a consultancy at the cutting edge of ancient wisdom.
How we work
We work with a diverse network of collaborators, strategically drawing on their expertise depending on the challenge at hand. From entrepreneurs and therapists to specialists in employee experience and sustainability, the Ongoing Theory network brings a deep well of knowledge we can leverage to tackle complexity, unlock new perspectives, and support meaningful change.
Much of our work is scoped as a case by case, tailored to the needs of each client. Alongside this, we offer a set of flagship programs and retreats - like Return to Centre, our three-month program for leaders, and The Gathering, our annual leadership retreat blending wellbeing practices with modern business ideas.
The people
Designers and Facilitators
Kat Lintott (Ngai Tahu)
Strategy & Creativity
Ben Forman
Creativity, Business & Wellbeing
Tess Brady
Psychotherapy & Embodiment
Robbie Fear
Narrative Therapy & Embodiment
Advisors and Mentors
Damian Chaparro
Wellness & Retreats
Samantha Gadd
Employee Experience
Shay Wright (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi)
Social Entrepreneur & Innovation
Prageeth Jayathissa
Ayurveda & Sustainability
Vector Energy
Our
values
Alignment
We believe the most impactful work comes from alignment. Within ourselves, with one another, and with a greater purpose. When mind, body, and spirit are in sync, decision-making becomes clearer, teams become more cohesive, and business becomes a reflection of integrity. Life’s just way nicer when we’re living in alignment.
Intention
We believe intention is the rudder of energy. It works at a level well beyond our thinking mind, sinking into the subtle body and gently directing us in every moment. When we act with intention our lives have meaning, our actions have purpose and our outputs feel aligned. Intention is one powerful force, so let’s use it with awareness.
Evolution
We’re evolving whether we like it or not. As individuals, as organisations, and as a collective. We embrace change as a constant and view business as a living system - always learning, adapting, and unfolding. Our work supports transformation that is grounded, sustainable, and expansive. We look at life like it’s one grand experiment. That’s the ongoing theory…
Testimonials
“It was an awesome event, truly uplifting and inspiring. Ben is an incredible facilitator who makes everyone feel comfortable. He has curated an experience that enables everyone to feel challenged, connected and inspired.”
Art Green
Fitness Influencer
“I've had life changing experiences on these gatherings, and I'm already looking forward to the next one. Ben has an excellent way of holding space for a diverse group of humans. He is inclusive, funny, provocative and yet provides an amazing feeling of support and safety. It's a privilege to be able to experience these with him.”
Bron Williams
Founder of Springload
“The Gathering was such a well balanced retreat I came away feeling inspired, connected and energised. Ben is a master at bringing together likeminded people and creating an environment where barriers are quickly broken. This enables a deeper level of connection and an openness to explore big questions and topics.”
Jamie MacDonald
Founder & CEO of Storypark
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