Gary Shaw
Helping organisations see and respond to human harm in the systems they rely on.
Moving beyond risk to the reality of human impact.
Modern slavery is not a risk to manage,
but a reality to meet.
Most organisations approach modern slavery through a risk management lens: identifying potential exposure, implementing controls and demonstrating compliance.
This framing draws the work toward externally driven obligation where action is shaped more by fear, reputation and control than by alignment with an organisation’s values and culture.
Over time, this can weaken integrity at the centre of the work and make it harder to see clearly where harm to people may actually be occurring.
Gary spent years working inside the hidden world of modern slavery and human trafficking.
What he discovered there was not only the brutal cost of captivity, but how often harm remains unseen, even within systems designed to manage and control it.
Today Gary works with organisations and leaders navigating complexity, uncertainty and human impact in environments where compliance, good intentions and technical solutions alone are not enough, and where the way decisions are made matters just as much as the outcomes.
About Gary
Gary Shaw is a former New Zealand Police detective who spent years working undercover inside the world of human trafficking and modern slavery, operating across twelve countries to investigate criminal networks exploiting women and children.
He later founded and led an anti-trafficking organisation, working across the Asia-Pacific region to support the rescue of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators.
For the past ten years, Gary has worked in the private sector with leaders, businesses and investors, helping them understand and respond to human harm within the systems they are a part of.
He advised the New Zealand Government as part of the Modern Slavery Leadership Advisory Group, contributing to the development of legislation grounded in both effectiveness and real world context.
This cross-sector experience spanning law enforcement, non-profit, government and business
informs his work with organisations seeking to respond in ways that remain grounded in lived reality, human dignity and integrity in decision-making.
Speaking
Helping individuals and organisations respond in the face of complexity, uncertainty and change.
Consulting
Helping organisations act with clarity and confidence.
Robin Pickerill, CEO
Heartfelt, thought provoking and brought tears to even the most worldly wise. Everyone was moved. Very practical. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to engage with Gary. He presents in such a way that to hear him once is just not enough!
Robert Fry, GM
His experience gives him a unique and deeply qualified expertise. Gary will challenge the status quo and invite those he works with to deep reflection. If your organisation is ready to move to the next level, I cannot recommend Gary enough.
Chris O'Riley, CEO
Gary has truly unique life experience which brings incredible insight into what can and will make a difference. An incredible individual and presenter with stories that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and bring tears to your eyes.
