Delo Advisory brings the hard-won expertise of a 40-year leadership career across two of the world's most demanding institutions — the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy — to businesses ready to build exceptional leaders, resilient teams and a culture of innovation.
Steve joined the Royal Navy in 1980 and spent more than fifteen years at sea — from the Falklands to the Gulf of Oman. He rose through every rank, and learned what leadership means when it actually matters.
In 2004 he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty The Queen for leading a major organisational change — the leadership behind a workforce tracking and management system for 9,000 people. The Meritorious Service Medal followed.
Emigrating in 2008 to commission as an officer in the Royal Australian Navy, Steve led the Navy's leadership and training institutions — including leadership academies, Australia's initial entry officer training school and a training team at the Australian Defence Force Academy — before becoming the Navy's Innovation Engagements Manager, building the networks that turn people's ideas into capability. His personnel training reforms were endorsed by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Beyond uniform, Steve has served as Senior Advisor, Innovation to the New Zealand Defence Force, coached business leaders and transitioning veterans through his own practice, and is now Chief of Staff at Black Sky Industries — Australia's sovereign rocket motor and defence technology company. He is a certified leadership coach and systems facilitator, and a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Australian Human Resources Institute.
Confidential one-on-one coaching for CEOs, executives and senior managers navigating complexity, growth or change — with measurable outcomes.
Programs that build leadership capability at every level — designed by someone who has built and led entire leadership academies.
Structured mentoring for emerging leaders, founders and executives who want a seasoned, candid sounding board in their corner.
Build a culture where good ideas surface and get delivered — the intrapreneurship systems Steve built across Defence, applied to your business.
Certified systems facilitation for executive offsites, team resets and strategy sessions that actually change how the team operates.
Sought-after speaker on leadership, innovation and resilience — and a dedicated coach for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
“The seas of life can be rough — your team is your life jacket.”Stephen Delo MBE MSM
Led the people side of a major organisational change in the Royal Navy — a workforce tracking and management system covering 9,000 people. The leadership of this change was recognised with the award of an MBE in 2004, followed by the Meritorious Service Medal.
As Innovation Engagements Manager, designed and implemented the networks and processes that let intrapreneurial activity flourish across Navy and Defence — new people-management regimes, a leadership academy, and a culture development program. Training reforms endorsed by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
As Senior Advisor, Innovation, established the networks and processes for intrapreneurial activity across the NZDF — a program that has grown into international engagements. Steve regularly advises other government agencies on starting their own innovation programs.
Now Chief of Staff at Black Sky Industries — Australia's only sovereign developer and supplier of solid rocket propellant and motors to the defence sector — applying transformative leadership inside a fast-scaling advanced manufacturer.
Leadership development for business people and coaching for veterans transitioning out of the military — including pioneering work toward coaching for people with autism, a field Steve pursued because no one else had.
Guest speaker and career panellist at the ARC Training Centre for Joint Biomechanics — insights and lessons from a career of personal leadership and team management across two navies.
Keynote on how the Royal Australian Navy embedded an intrapreneurial mindset across the organisation to create a culture of innovation that drives innovative practice.
A confidential conversation to understand your people, pressures and ambition. No pitch, no jargon.
A clear-eyed assessment of leadership capability, team dynamics and culture — and what's holding them back.
Coaching, mentoring or programs tailored to your context, with the discipline of someone who has built academies.
Measurable change in how your leaders lead — reviewed honestly, adjusted as needed, sustained over time.
Whether you need a coach in your corner, a leadership program for your team, or a keynote that lands — tell us a little about what you're facing. Delo Advisory works with businesses across Australia and internationally, from the Gold Coast, Queensland.
Founders and executives of growing businesses · leadership teams in defence, aerospace and advanced manufacturing · government and agency leaders building innovation programs · veterans transitioning to industry.
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