Abi Cook-Singh - GAICD
Director, Working It Out Now
About
With a rich background in both the practical and professional worlds, I bring a unique blend of lived experience and leadership expertise to my work in multi-generational family businesses. Growing up in a five-generation family business and marrying into another has provided me with a deep, firsthand understanding of the unique dynamics that shape these enterprises. I am passionate about helping families preserve their heritage while fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth—ensuring their legacy endures across generations.
As the Director of Working It Out Now, my approach is informed by a career that spans multiple sectors, including over 20 years in senior management roles in the social services sector. My work has included leadership across child protection, disability services, homelessness, refugee support, and domestic family violence, where I’ve advocated for and supported vulnerable communities. My extensive experience in governance and strategy is further enriched by my directorial roles on government and regional rural boards, where I contributed to shaping policies and initiatives for rural and regional business and community opportunities.
I spent 25 years on a mixed farming property in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, where I gained invaluable insights into generational farming life. My involvement in agriculture, aquaculture, seafood, and retail enterprises has deepened my understanding of the practical challenges rural businesses face. I’ve also led projects in business ventures, event coordination, and grant writing, further expanding my perspective on the diverse opportunities and challenges within these sectors.
In 2011, I was honoured as the South Australian Rural Women’s Award Winner and National Runner-Up for Working Her Out—a pioneering study on family farm dynamics. My professional journey is further complemented by my ongoing counselling studies, underscoring my commitment to using communication, connection, and compassion as tools to strengthen rural families and businesses.
I am deeply committed to helping multi-generational family businesses navigate complex transitions, build resilience, and create sustainable futures.
Dr Karen Cosgrove PhD
Director, Working It Out Now
About
Growing up on a farm in Deniliquin and later lending a hand on my uncle’s sheep and crop farm in Mount Gambier, I didn’t just learn how to work the land – I absorbed the determination, tenacity, and generational wisdom behind every family-run enterprise. These early experiences grounded me in a deep respect for rural life and taught me resilience, ingenuity, and a values-driven work ethic that has guided my journey ever since.
Today, as Director of Working It Out Now, I bring both personal insight and professional expertise to the table. My career has spanned agriculture, rural development, R&D, minerals and energy, justice, and business consulting, working alongside local governments and small businesses to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Whether it’s a suburban family venture, an agri-food operation, or a resource-sector project, I specialise in crafting strategies that strengthen competitiveness and support long-term viability, especially for those navigating succession, growth, adaptation, or transition.
Beyond business development, I’ve led pioneering R&D initiatives, designing tools and frameworks that support communities to adapt to climate variability and economic change. My work in socio-economic and cultural impact modelling has helped shape how industries and policymakers engage with community priorities—particularly in rural and remote settings.
I’ve been honoured to share this work on global platforms: first, when I was invited by the UK Commission for Rural Communities to present in London on the development of the Community Capacity Tool; and more recently, with an invitation to participate in the International Forum on Impact Management at the University of Cambridge in April 2025, a global think tank focused on transformative impact practices.
For me, it’s about more than business – it’s about legacy. I’m passionate about helping family-run and rural businesses grow stronger through every challenge, ensuring they thrive today and for generations to come.