Michael Collins

Michael Collins is an internationally recognised leadership expert, systems thinking authority, and the founder of Cyber Cognition. Recently named a 2025 Top 40 Cyber Security Influencer, Michael has spent over two decades mastering executive decision-making within highly volatile, complex, and ambiguous environments. His unique leadership journey spans eight years in the Royal Australian Navy to C-suite roles, including serving as Chief Information Security Officer at leading financial institutions.

Demonstrating his ability to manage complex environments, Michael recently led the development of an industry-wide cyber security framework to help protect trillions of dollars of funds from systemic threats.

Michael specialises in transforming how cyber security leaders think, communicate, and operate when faced with unprecedented complexity. Far from mere theory, his approaches have been deeply battle-tested in real life, using proven methodologies for mastering systemic thinking and overcoming uncertainty. These skills are actively taught in his acclaimed professional courses and provide the basis for his forthcoming book.

As a sought-after board advisor and Science Board member of the Systems Thinking Standards Institute, Michael brings unparalleled real-world credibility, equipping leaders with the cognitive tools required to cut through the fog of more and drive strategic success.