Where vision meets institutional clarity

We partner with universities, research institutes, and knowledge-sector organisations across Australia, the Asia–Pacific, and the United Kingdom to navigate complexity, design bold strategies, and deliver outcomes that endure.

ABOUT COREBRIDGE

Built on institutional leadership

CoreBridge Advisory was founded by Benjie‑Etta Norman, drawing on more than 20 years of executive experience across higher education strategy, international expansion, and institutional transformation.

We work at the intersection of strategy, governance, and growth — helping leaders make decisions that shape institutions for decades. Our curated network of senior advisors brings together some of Australia and New Zealand most respected voices in education, health, policy, and public leadership.

Our model is deliberately boutique. Every engagement is shaped and delivered by senior practitioners who have led institutions, shaped national policy, and built strategies from the inside — advisors who have held the roles our clients hold. The people in the room at the start are the people in the room at the end.

This limits the number of engagements we take on at any time. It is also the reason universities trust us with their most consequential decisions.

WHAT WE DO

The practices, one integrated approach

Every engagement is shaped by deep sector knowledge, analytical rigour, and a commitment to outcomes that endure beyond the project.

01 Strategy &
Growth Advisory

We design and deliver strategies that drive institutional growth, global positioning, and transformative partnerships. From transnational education and precinct development to innovation ecosystem design, we bring clarity to move from vision to execution.

02 Investment &
Market Entry Advisory

We lead high-stakes feasibility studies and business case development for major institutional initiatives — ensuring they are analytically robust, fiscally sound, and strategically aligned. Built to meet Council and Board-level expectations.

03 Executive Facilitation & Leadership Capability

We design high-impact leadership intensives and executive facilitation that build shared purpose, strengthen decision-making, and support leaders to navigate complexity with confidence. Our flagship Leadership Evolution program transforms how institutions lead from the inside out.

OUR IMPACT

Outcomes that shape institutions

A selection of recent engagements across strategy, governance, and institutional transformation.

01 5-Year Health Research Strategy

Designed the vision and strategic framework for a major Australian university's health transformation institute, including growth, domain structure assessment, governance review, and stakeholder engagement across a complex multi institute ecosystem.

02 Multi-Project University Partnership

Delivered seven concurrent strategic projects for a leading Australian university spanning governance review, strategic planning, financial modelling, and international partnership development — becoming an embedded strategic partner to senior leadership.

03 NGO Governance Framework

Developed an original governance model for not-for-profit boards navigating complex advocacy environments — The Governance Tension Framework — now being adopted by organisations balancing community, evidence, and societal expectations.

04 International Market Entry

Led feasibility and business case development for a university's international expansion, providing the analytical rigour and strategic clarity required for Council-level investment decisions across new markets in the Asia–Pacific.

TRUSTED BY

Working with leading instituions

Australian National University Deakin University University of Melbourne
Edith Cowan University Newcastle University (UK) Australian Catholic University

OUR TEAM

Senior advisors with institutional depth

Our curated network brings together practitioners who have led institutions, shaped national policy, rebuilt workforce systems, and advised at the highest levels of government and higher education — delivering practical, real-world transformation.

Founder and Managing Principal of CoreBridge Advisory

Benjie‑Etta Norman

Benjie is a highly experienced strategist and advisor with a proven track record across higher education, transnational education, growth strategy, and innovation. As the Founder and Managing Principal of CoreBridge Advisory, she partners with universities and knowledge-sector organisations to drive growth, transformation, and long-term impact.

With more than 20 years’ executive experience, Benjie has led billion-dollar strategic initiatives, overseen global education expansion, and advised on high-value partnerships, commercial ventures, and institutional reform. She brings deep expertise in navigating complexity, aligning commercial strategy with mission, and unlocking opportunities for impact.

Senior executive with 20+ years’ experience in strategy, finance, and transformation across higher education and innovation
Specialist in education, governance, market expansion, and commercialisation of research and education
Board and advisory roles spanning universities, NGOs, investment, BioTech, MedTech and innovation sectors

Senior Advisor, Education, Health and Innovation Strategy

Professor Emeritus Margaret Hay

An internationally respected academic leader and strategist, Professor Hay brings over 30 years’ experience shaping health and higher education through innovation, policy reform, and global partnerships. As Professor Emeritus at Monash University, she has led large-scale transformation in medical and professional education, serving as Founding Director of both the Monash Institute for Health & Clinical Education and the Monash Centre for Professional Development.

At CoreBridge Advisory, Prof. Hay advises on university transformation, leadership development, DEI integration, and transnational education. Her global affiliations include the Harvard Macy Institute and previously the MGH Institute of Health Professions.

Led Monash’s executive education and professional development for educators
Former Faculty member and Lead of International Programs, Harvard Macy Institute (Harvard University)
Specialist in leadership learning, psychological safety, and workforce resilience

Senior Advisor, Strategy, Partnerships and Business Development

Belinda Harries

Belinda bridges the gap between public sector rigour and startup agility, helping education and research organisations think and act more strategically. Her background spans government policy, strategy consulting, serial entrepreneurship, and deep knowledge across tertiary and schools education.

Strategic Vision & Planning Developing unique value propositions and strategic frameworks for university faculties, research units, NFPs, and purpose-driven organisations navigating complex stakeholder environments.
Commercial Strategy & Partnerships Identifying market opportunities, securing high-value contracts, and building cross-institutional and sector partnerships that create shared value and measurable impact.
Early-Stage Business Development Building and scaling startups with deep expertise in SaaS, enterprise strategy, and early-stage funding pathways across multiple sectors.

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Senior Advisor, Policy, Research & Strategy

Dr Bronwyn Hinz

Bronwyn helps leaders turn complexity into clear choices through thoughtful engagement and robust evidence. She brings 20+ years across consulting, academia, think tanks, start-ups and parliament, with recognised expertise in education policy, governance and federal reform.

She has worked with every Australian education department, multiple peak bodies, regulatory authorities and tertiary education providers on strategy, policy and program (co) design, evaluations, workforce planning, governance reviews and beyond.

• Chief of Staff for Maria Vamvakinou MP and advisor to Senator Kim Carr in the Australian Parliament.
• Senior roles at Mitchell Institute, Australian Education Research Organisation, Nous Group and HumanAbility: Designed and led influential research, strategies and recommendations shaping national debates, funding and policies on system performance and equity.
• Selected projects: Evaluation of Queensland’s $755m Advance Queensland agenda; international review to boost socio-economic diversity in schools; national workforce plan for the care & support sectors.

Senior Advisor, Research, Inclusion & Global Partnerships

Jacob Thomas

Jacob Thomas is an internationally recognised human rights advocate and higher education expert with over 15 years’ experience in academic strategy, research leadership, student engagement, and global partnerships. A multi-published researcher and advisor, Jacob brings deep expertise in interdisciplinary methodologies, research impact, and inclusive education policy.

At CoreBridge Advisory, Jacob supports universities to strengthen their research strategies, build inclusive, evidence-based academic frameworks, and forge international collaborations. Their work helps institutions enhance student success, drive innovation, and ensure research delivers real-world impact.

Specialist in integrating lived experience into research and teaching
Expertise in research strategy, student inclusion, and internationalisation
Advisor to governments and institutions on equity, impact, and innovation

Lead Facilitator, Leadership Evolution

Ray Lind ONZM

Ray is a strategic operator who rebuilt New Zealand’s care and health workforce system. He is nationally decorated for his work in governance and leadership development and brings hard-earned insight into systems change and operational trust.

Former CEO of Careerforce NZ;
ONZM recipient for services to training governance
Former faculty at Monash & Harvard Macy Institute leadership courses
Expert in succession, mentoring, operational reform, and identity-informed leadership

Lead Facilitator, Leadership Evolution

The Hon. Dame Annette King

An icon of public leadership, Dame Annette brings unmatched political, mentoring, and leadership experience. Her calm strength, clarity, and capacity to mentor under pressure have influenced generations of senior leaders.

NZ’s longest-serving woman in Parliament; held 10+ portfolios in Cabinet
Former High Commissioner to Australia
Mentor to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Insightful voice on gender, power, influence, and institutional endurance

GET IN TOUCH

Ready to shape what's next?

Whether you're navigating institutional transformation, designing a new strategy, or investing in your leadership team — we'd welcome the conversation.

START A CONVERSATION

CoreBridge Advisory is a registered business name of ACN 690 076 101 Pty Ltd (ABN 25 690 076 10)

CoreBridge Advisory acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Wurundjeri Country. We honour their Ancestors and Elders, and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded. We commit to listening, learning and building enduring relationships that respect culture, knowledge and self-determination

Where vision meets institutional clarity

Built on institutional leadership

The practices, one integrated approach

01

Strategy & Growth Advisory

02

Investment & Market Entry Advisory

03

Executive Facilitation & Leadership Capability

Outcomes that shape institutions

01

5-Year Health Research Strategy

02

Multi-Project University Partnership

03

NGO Governance Framework

04

International Market Entry

Working with leading instituions

Senior advisors with institutional depth

Ready to shape what's next?

Strategy &
Growth Advisory

Investment &
Market Entry Advisory