Owners without an HR team
You're running the business. Now you're refereeing it too.
When your people can't work together, it lands on your desk, and you're too close to it to be the neutral one. We give you someone who is, with prices on the page and no retainer.
Start with a $290 triage call. No retainer, no lock-in.
For owners
Someone neutral, when you can't be.
Mediators, coaches and HR specialists from outside your business.
Shiv, Kieran and Adam
Sound familiar?
It's on your desk because...
- You've spoken to both of them, and each thinks you're on the other's side.
- There's no HR team. There's you, a bookkeeper and a group chat.
- It's small stuff, but it's every day.
- You're worried a good person is about to leave.
- You don't want to make it formal if you don't have to.
- You're not sure what you're allowed to say.
What usually helps
What usually helps owners.
- $290 an hourHR guidanceWhen you need to know what to do next, and how to do it fairly.Find out more
- From $2,900Workplace mediationWhen people are willing to talk but can't do it on their own.Find out more
- $1,290Conflict coaching for leadersWhen the hard conversation is yours to have, and you want support to lead it well.Find out more
Why owners call us
Built for businesses without an HR department.
- Prices on the page
- You know what it costs before you call. No quotes to chase.
- No retainer
- You pay for the work you book, when you need it, and nothing in between.
- Neutral, by design
- We're not inside your business, so nobody can say we're on someone else's side.
- Next steps by email
- Every triage call ends with a short email of next-step recommendations, whatever you decide.
On our panel
Who you might work with.
Founder, triage and mediation
Shiv Martin
Nationally accredited mediator and conciliator
Founder of the Shiv Martin Group. A mediator, conciliator and independent decision maker, and the person you'll speak with on a triage call.
Lead investigator
Kieran Plasto
Workplace investigator, registered psychologist and accredited mediator
Registered psychologist, former criminal investigator and police negotiator, with more than 30 years' experience in complex workplace dynamics. Leads our workplace investigations.
Leadership coaching
Maree Gardner
Executive and leadership coach
Executive coach and organisational development consultant, after more than 20 years as a senior executive. Leads our conflict coaching for leaders.
Every matter is matched on the triage call, and checked for conflicts of interest before anything is booked.
Free guide
The first 48 hours
Questions
Common questions.
Do I need an HR team to use you?
No. Most of the owners we're built for don't have one. We work directly with you.
Will my staff think I'm trying to get rid of them?
Not if it's framed well. We help you word the invitation so it reads as support, not a warning, and everyone hears about it the same way.
How quickly can we start?
Request a triage call and we'll be in touch to confirm a time. Once you've chosen a process, we agree dates with you before anything is booked.
What if the other person won't take part?
Mediation is voluntary, so nobody can be made to attend. A triage call often helps here: we can talk through how to invite them, and what else you can do if they say no.
Is this legal advice?
No. We don't give legal advice and we're not a law firm. If your situation needs a lawyer, we'll say so on the triage call, and we're happy to work alongside yours.
Request a triage call
Start in the middle.
Calm, clear and early is usually better than perfect and too late. $290 ex GST for 45 minutes, and a short email of next-step recommendations afterwards. No obligation to book further work.
- 1Send a request with a few lines about your situation.
- 2We reply within two business days, check suitability and agree on a time and payment arrangements.
- 3You speak with Shiv for 45 minutes, then receive a short email with next-step recommendations.
Shiv, Kieran and Maree