The Learning Variable

Who We are. What we do.

The Learning Variable is a boutique Diversity and Leadership consultancy based in Sydney. We provide a range of programs and services across Australia with a focus on developing content to meet the specific needs of our clients to ensure delivery of outcomes that are relevant to the specific organisation that change mindsets and behaviours. 

The Learning Variable prides itself in the positive collaborative relationships fostered with many clients over many years. We specialises in Diversity and Inclusive Leadership to ensure that the People Strategy is aligned to Business Strategy by putting a diversity and Inclusion lens on the whole of organisation thereby increasing engagement of existing employees, harnessing innovation through diversity of thought and creating an organisation that attracts diverse high potential talent. As a boutique consultancy, 

The Learning Variable is flexible and responsive to clients and believes in taking the time to plan and implement positive strategies with key stakeholders within the organisation to ensure the desired outcomes, commitment, and increased productivity are achieved. The Learning Variable’s difference is that we have the experience within the Diversity and Inclusive Leadership arena, and; that we offer bespoke solutions and training to assist organisations to deliver not only learning outcomes but increased engagement and productivity from the team members who participate.

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Meet the Brains Trust

Estelle Olstein, Director

Estelle has specialised in Diversity, Inclusion and Human Resources and has two real passions; firstly, to lead and deliver solutions that increase diversity of thinking and employment; and secondly to develop and deliver exceptional learning outcomes for both the individual and the organisation. With substantial experience in the retail industry in both South Africa and Australia, she has a reputation for developing and implementing diversity and learning strategies that deliver results in a complex, challenging and changing environment.

Estelle is an experienced Practitioner who has an honours degree in Social Work and brings a great depth of value to her consultations with additional qualifications and associations including:

  • Certified Member, AHRI
  • Member of the NSW Diversity AHRI networking group
  • Consulted with Government and was a member of the Business Council of Australia Indigenous and Disability reference groups
  • Head of Diversity for one of the largest employers in Australia
  • Emotional Intelligence Accredited Coach
  • DiSC Accredited Consultant
  • Professional member, Institute of Learning Practitioners

Estelle has held a diverse range of management and operational roles in stores, business systems and HR for several major retailers both in South Africa and Australia. She has also consulted both in South Africa and Australia across a range of sectors and industries, including Professional Services, Education, Banking, Telecommunication, Healthcare and Government.

What Our Clients Say

Not only is Estelle a world class facilitator, she is passionate about ensuring the results of her programs and workshops result in real change in participants. Estelle does this by working with all key stakeholders during the design phase, ensuring that business outcomes are achieved. Estelle’s design and facilitation focuses strongly on ways in which participants can embed learning back in the workplace to guarantee application back on-job.
Stephan Hendricks
HR Director, James Hardie
Estelle partnered with CHOICE in the development of our pilot diversity and inclusion policy and action plan. Estelle’s advice was pivotal during the establishment and scoping phase. Estelle also facilitated exploratory sessions with staff as well as experiential training for our leaders that built diversity and inclusion awareness, connected the organisation with external partners to enhance our focus and impact. The organisation’s efforts were recognised as CHOICE was listed as a finalist for the 2017 AHRI Awards in Gender Equity.  Estelle’s support has been ongoing as CHOICE continues its commitment and action towards our diversity and inclusion targets.
Jessica Hill
People & Culture Director, choice