An Introduction
Kia ora, my name is Ben Forman, I help future-focused businesses tackle challenges and thrive through creativity, technology, and culture.
I’ve launched global brands like Allbirds, created election campaigns, viral campaigns, behaviour change campaigns, virtual reality games and immersive experiences. I’ve founded pioneering tech companies, from New Zealand’s first commercial drone business to a Web3 start-up backed by investors including the former COO of Disney, Blackbird, and Icehouse Ventures. I’ve worked around the world on projects big and small, with Prime Ministers to start-up founders and everyone in between.
My perspective is shaped not just by the work, but by the communities I’ve been a part of - sitting on the board of TVNZ, investing in and advising start-ups, getting into Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia and facilitating annual retreats for entrepreneurs and business leaders.
What ties it all together is people. I create spaces of curiosity, authenticity, and alignment that enable teams to excel. The result: businesses built for tomorrow, led with clarity, and alive to possibility.
Consulting Services
Creative
I co-founded and ran one of NZ’s most innovative creative agencies - Wrestler. Our work spanned the entire production pipeline - from strategy and concept, through on-set execution, to post-production and media delivery.
I take an audience-first strategic approach to creative work: accurately identifying who we’re speaking to, understanding how to engage authentically, and designing stories and concepts that drive real behaviour change to influences culture. I believe creativity belongs at the strategic layer of a business, and my experience is in doing just that.
Curious about some of the work I’ve done? Check out wrestler - The agency I co-founded and recently exited.
Technology
I’ve been at the forefront of new technology trends throughout my career - from utilisation of the latest film hardware and software to pioneering commercial drone use in New Zealand to exploring VR, AR, and Web3. I also sat on the sub-committee overseeing TVNZ’s $100M+ technology transition, giving me deep insight into how large-scale shifts are managed.
What I’ve learned is simple: technology is only as effective as the people who use it. My strength lies in knowing when a trend is a passing fad and when it’s a genuine business driver, and helping organisations integrate the right tools in ways that actually deliver value.
Culture
I believe culture sits at the heart of business success. It’s what drives innovation, unlocks creativity, and enables people to do their best work. But strong cultures don’t happen by accident - they require intention, care, and a willingness to think in new ways.
The world has evolved faster than most businesses, and many ways of working haven’t kept pace. I’m passionate about helping teams and organisations re-align to the modern world, building cultures that are authentic, adaptive, and high-performing.
Facilitation
My approach to facilitation brings a fresh and bold energy to business strategy. It’s shaped by two worlds: the creativity of advertising, where I honed the ability to spot opportunities and craft narratives that shift outcomes, and the depth of wellbeing, where I co-founded a wellness technology start-up with world-leading retreat Aro Ha and have facilitated business retreats for over five years.
This unique blend allows me to design experiences that go far beyond surface-level workshops. Teams step out of their everyday environment and into spaces that spark new thinking, uncover hidden perspectives, and unlock creativity, clarity, and innovation.
I’m available for facilitation, retreats, and bespoke team experiences that leave lasting impact.
Testimonials
"I arrived at The Gathering a coiled spring and left loosened, inspired and grounded. Ben is an incredible convener of people and moments who effortlessly creates the vibes you need."
Phoebe Harrop Meadows
Blackbird Ventures - Partner
"We opened with our ideas, with our emotions and with our spirits. I emerged enriched and nourished, ready to go forth in the world as the best version of me."
Carlos Chambers
Carbon Invoice - Founder & CEO
"Going to these events is like hitting zoom out on my life - I gain perspective and insights unattainable in the day-to-day hustle.”
Veronica Harwood-Stevenson
Humble Bee - Founder & CEO
Blackbird
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Springload
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Vector
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StoryPark
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Reason
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Te Whare Hukahuka
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Humankind
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Sharesies
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Carbon Invoice
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Previously Unavailable
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Outset Ventures
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Arepa
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Icehouse Ventures
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FTN
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Blackbird • Springload • Vector • StoryPark • Reason • Te Whare Hukahuka • Humankind • Sharesies • Carbon Invoice • Previously Unavailable • Outset Ventures • Arepa • Icehouse Ventures • FTN •
OUR CIENTS COME FROM
Working with me
Working with me is like getting a lightning bolt of fresh energy into your business. I come at the world with a very unique perspective and challenge convention. This unlocks new energy and opportunity within your business, and galvanises a strong path forward.
My career has been built at the intersection of creativity, technology, and culture. What makes me different is the way I connect these worlds. I bring sharp strategic insight, bold creative thinking, and a deep understanding of people. I know how to spot opportunities others miss, cut through complexity with clarity, and create pathways for businesses to grow sustainably. I am decisive and have extremely clear communication skills, allowing me to take big ideas or challenges and boil them down into clear and actionable steps forward.
If you want a partner who will push your thinking, energise your team, and help you build a business that’s fit for the future, I’m here to work with you.
Models
+ Retainer
For consistent help - negotiated monthly rate
+ Projects
For one off projects - negotiated project rate
+ Advisor
For consulting as you need it - hourly rate
Keen to chat?
If you’ve got a project or challenge you’d like to explore, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out by email or phone, or book a free discovery call if you’d like to dive straight in.
ben@ongoingtheory.com
+64 27 424 9863