Spencer is a polymath with broad and deep interests, experiences and knowledge – which puts him in a privileged position to study how nature fits together as a whole.  He is currently an Executive Director of a Global Professional Services firm, having previously spent five years undertaking pro-bono research into the foundations and integration of science.  He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and has written three books.  He resides in Auckland, New Zealand and has two children.

Career paths:  Engineer, software developer, entrepreneur, philosopher, researcher, management consultant, investor, author, investment banker, technologist, scientist.

Industry experience:  Dairy, meat, forestry, water, power, telecommunications, education, maritime, consulting, pulp and paper, mineral processing, steel, investment banking, technology, software, finance, banking, insurance, local bodies, FMCG, property, infrastructure, agriculture, entertainment, hospitality, transport, oil and gas, housing, media.

Functional expertise:  Strategy, philosophy, corporate finance, performance improvement, finance function, operations, corporate functions, organisation, M&A, engineering, software development, science, research.

Organisational roles:  Founder, co-founder, cornerstone shareholder, shareholder, director, employee, consultant.

Countries of employment and/or education:  New Zealand, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Russia.  Visited another 30 countries.

Organisational affiliations:  McKinsey & Co, GE Research, Partners in Performance, Tait Electronics, Coopers and Lybrand, Moscow Institute of Electronic Engineering, SBC Warburg, Neutronz Technologies, Ernst & Young, Electricity Corporation of New Zealand, Private Consultant.

Education:  PhD, University of Cambridge [1989-1992]; Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (First Class), University of Canterbury (NZ) [1986-1988]; Diploma in Stockbroking [1995]; Certified Diploma in Accounting and Finance [1989-1990]; Rotary Exchange Student, Canada [1985]; Dux, Nelson College (NZ) [1984].

Notable accomplishments:  Awarded a Prince of Wales scholarship to Cambridge based on grades across all subjects at all universities in New Zealand. Third in the New Zealand secondary school mathematics competition. Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.  Former member of the New Zealand Stock Exchange.