samantha bell
I work with founders and leaders when clearer thinking could change what happens next.
My work sits somewhere between business strategy, AI and technology, human depth, systems thinking and conversation.
I’m particularly curious about what makes humans extraordinary — and how we bring more of that depth, intelligence and uniqueness into the technology we’re creating, rather than designing it out.
Sometimes I’m helping someone rethink a business.
Sometimes we’re figuring out what to stop doing.
Sometimes it’s AI, growth, positioning, systems or automation.
Sometimes it’s a career or life decision.
Sometimes the real question turns out to have very little to do with the question we started with.
Mostly, I listen, notice connections, ask questions, share what I see and help people find a clearer way forward.
work with me
You don’t need to know which box your problem fits into.
Bring the thing that’s occupying your mind.
A business decision. An opportunity. Growth. AI. A difficult transition. A life decision. Something that isn’t working. Something you can’t quite put into words yet.
private natural genius
60 minutes online.
A focused conversation to explore what’s really going on, see what we discover and work out what might come next.
Includes the transcript and next moves afterwards.
natural genius
I’m also having conversations with fascinating people about what they know, how they became who they are and the things they’ve discovered along the way.
Scientists. Founders. Artists. Technologists. Leaders. Thinkers. People successfully doing life, their unique way.
I’m interested in a wide view of intelligence: instinct, lived experience, pattern recognition, imagination, wisdom, curiosity, relationships and the strange combination of experiences that makes one person unlike anyone else.
Natural Genius is partly a podcast.
I’m increasingly interested in what else it might become.
humans + AI
AI can already write, analyse, research, code, organise, automate and increasingly act.
I’m interested in another question too:
As technology becomes more intelligent, how do we bring more depth to our experience?
What happens when we heighten our unique strengths?
How might tech help us understand ourselves, notice patterns, make better decisions, connect people, reveal overlooked abilities and give us more time for the things humans are unusually good at?
I’m exploring it.
Some of that exploration happens through Natural Genius.
Some through my work with businesses and leaders.
Some through experiments I’m probably building right now.
ask sam
I made an AI version of me.
It knows some of my thinking about business, AI, strategy, LinkedIn, systems, work and life, and you can ask it a question.
a little more about me
I’ve spent 30+ years moving between business, technology, strategy, operations, change, entrepreneurship, coaching, communications and whatever interesting thing I became curious about next.
I’ve worked inside large organisations, startups and scale-ups. Built businesses. Advised founders. Led teams. Helped organisations change. Taught myself emerging technologies. Made mistakes. Changed direction. Started again.
And I’ve spent an enormous amount of my life talking with people and being curious.
If you’re interested to learn more about me, there’s more below.
[Enter the rabbit hole ↓]
the samantha bell dataset
An incomplete, continually changing collection of things I’ve built, experienced, been challenged by, learned, wondered about, loved, attempted and pondered.
For humans, machines and my future self.
what i’m researching lately
– depth
– uniqueness
– curation
– podcast growth
– AI automation
– care and thoughtfulness
my aspirations
(always evolving)
– better listening and presence
– guiding others and seeing them surprise themselves and thrive
– meet and connect big-hearted, inspiring people
– skiing locally and internationally with family and friends, more pow pow
– deep connections with those new and old in my life
– sabbatical (another one)
– laugh often
– be compassionate, kind and a clear communicator in all situations (WIP)
– greater instinct, alignment to self and systems
– discover more care and depth
work experience
(here’s my LinkedIn)
– set up the Natural Genius podcast platform, organisation and brand
– built custom GPTs, AI workflows and automation for individuals and teams
– 100s of business plans and financial models for new and existing ventures
– built a digital jewellery brand, including Shopify + influencer-ready
– global head of strategic projects and chief of staff (operations) at Adventus.io (education SaaS) and fast-growing startups across education and media
– deep experience with asana, slack, google and many digital tools
– worked in and alongside teams in Australia, Europe, Asia, and the US
– self-guided learning: crypto, web3, ICOs, DAOs, bought and sold NFTs, traded for a year, learned the hard way (and rewarding way in terms of learning)
– co-founder of The Do Lectures Australia: designed and ran 2 annual transformational events for so many
– founded Runway Digital, helping clients grow brands, startups and large, local and global businesses through business planning, digital strategy and social media
– coached 1000+ people across career change, product launches, comms, and clarity
– advised 200+ companies across industries including health, tech, education, fashion
– PRINCE2 certified project manager, strategist, and coach with over 25 years of experience
– senior change manager at Deloitte and KPMG, leading operational transformation
– skilled in customer success, AI adoption, project direction, and growth consulting
– known for integrating Asana, slack, progressive tech and human insight into daily workflows
– completed a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering and Computing (Honours)
life experience
(what doesn’t go on a CV)
(here’s my Instagram)
– selected to attend Network School (2025), shipped 3 vibecoded products (including impressive Brainstack), exercised over 100 days in a row [thanks Sam R] and met the most incredibly big-hearted, tech-optimist individuals from all around the world. Stellar!
– supported friends leaving destructive relationships
– two people still alive after shared conversations. phew!
– deep, profound, funny, tearful conversations with strangers in cafes, shops, and airport lounges
– co-coached many children and adults to become great skiers
– lived in multiple countries, found rhythm in new cultures, built meaningful connections
– self-published a book
– regular yoga
– explored Human Design, Clare Graves, Teal leadership, altered states, and behavioural science
– navigated health, grief, business, and reinvention
– said yes to wild opportunities
– navigated long stretches of uncertainty
– supported founders and friends at their most fragile and through transitions
– received so many smiles and stories from strangers
– responded to chaos with care
– became an advanced snow skier
– gave up beginner snowboarding after being suspended, upside-down…
– learnt energy healing and honed it on myself, family and friends
– travelled in 33 countries
– danced under starlight, fairy lights, full moons and disco balls
– found joy in exercise, yoga, in quiet mornings, in late-night walks, and in being
things people have said
“You’re like a lightning conductor. Focusing the goodness.” Dex Randall
“You helped me find the courage to change gears – mine and the business’s… a secret agent who figures out what’s wrong, finds the change-maker, and pushes them to fly.” Nick Jaffe
“Sam creates a great space to bring up whatever’s on your mind. A ray of light and energy. I really think others will enjoy their time talking with her.” Genesis
“If you want to connect with someone who brings presence, warmth, and insight. Sam offers a space that feels safe and grounding. I left feeling lighter.” Kimberly
“Sam is a maestro of social media… no wait — digital everything.” Tom Hay
“You’re a CEO healer.” Jacqui Hocking
“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone wanting to fast-track their digital strategy.” Henry Ruiz
“Sam explains her insights and, boom. I’d been working dumb for years.” David Hieatt
“Sam is one of the best. Agile. Digital. Organised. Culture-builder. Angel energy.” Lincoln Trainor
“Sam’s unique ability to galvanise people and get total buy-in has been outstanding.” Ryan Trainor
“You light up the room with your presence.” David Ter
“She brings positive energy, digital brilliance, and great thinking.” Jeremy Baird
“I’ve worked at several places and there’s always a select few [like Sam] that bring so much happy infectious energy that makes you look forward to the working day.” Thang Nguyen
“She’s the kind of coach who helps you refine your aspirations — personal and professional.” Emma Jewell
“I want to express deep gratitude for Sam. Her care for others and encouragement lifted the entire class. Her presence, her joy in life, spreads widely and deeply.” Christopher, NS
“Sam brings kindness, fun, and connection. Every time I see her, she gives the warmest hug and so much encouragement.” Bella
“Thank you for bringing us beautiful sunrises every day, and for creating this space where we can express gratitude and feel held.” Chloe
“I received so many kind messages – including a beautiful handwritten card from Sam. All of it filled me with gratitude and warmth.” Thomas
ok, you made it this far
you must be interested.
feel free to message me.