OUR STORY
It started over decade ago when I ran out of space.
Leading a team and swamped with work, I felt rushed with barely any margin for pause. It started affecting my health—I found myself breathless during team meetings, and this feeling soon infiltrated every aspect of life, from family dinners to story time with my children. I was on the brink of burnout.
Taking sick leave marked a turning point. I found a coach, set firmer work boundaries and intentionally carved out space to deeply consider how I wanted to live and work.
I learnt that space is precious, and living intentionally is non-negotiable. We can still be productive and offer our best without succumbing to the overwhelm. As I found strategies that worked, doing less to achieve more, I became passionate about helping others find their space too.
Thus, Spacemakers was born.
— Daniel Sih, CEO of Spacemakers® in Australia and Canada —
WHAT WE DO
At Spacemakers, we help busy people make space to focus on what's truly important.Â
Our flagship training courses, including Email Ninja, Priority Samurai, and Space Sensei, are transforming workplace productivity.
We deliver engaging keynotes that inspire audiences with our unique approach to creating space amid workplace distractions.Â
Our premier Productivity Masterclass program redefines the productivity habits and work practices of leaders and their teams.
And we're taking our vision global, sharing our expertise through our award-winning books, a vibrant podcast, an informative YouTube channel, and comprehensive online courses.
MEET THE TEAM
DANIEL SIH
QUALIFICATIONS: CLIFTONSTRENGTHS® TOP 5 / TEAMS COACHING; BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN PHYSIOTHERAPY; DIPLOMA OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY; DIPLOMA OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
FAVOURITE BOARD GAME: AGRICOLA
Daniel is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and productivity expert with 20 years experience working in senior leadership and strategic consulting roles across Australia and the UK.
His first book, "Spacemaker" won the USA Axiom Business Book Award for Work-Life Balance / Time Prioritisation in 2023, the Australian Business Book Award for Personal Development in 2021, and several niche book awards. His newest book, "Raising Tech-Healthy Humans" is also a best-seller, awarded 'Best Parenting Book' in the Best Independent Book Awards in 2023.
Daniel is an accredited CliftonStrengths® Top 5 and Team coach with the South Pacific Strengths Network, and co-creator of Email Ninja eLearning®.
As a trainer, coach and keynote speaker, Daniel has worked with CEO’s, executives, and other senior professionals throughout Australia and beyond, ranging from global corporations and businesses to universities and non-profits. He has a broad professional history, including leadership roles in physiotherapy, health management, Christian ministry, and project management.Â
Daniel has 3 children, 14 chickens and is the CEO of Spacemakers® in Australia and Canada.
ELISSA LOK
QUALIFICATIONS: HONOURS BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL OF HUMAN RESOURCESVICES: EXPENSIVE BIKES
Elissa is a People and Culture (“HR”) consultant based near Vancouver, Canada. An unabashed people person, she is passionate about helping employees and employers thrive, by understanding the interconnectedness between employee engagement, corporate culture, technology, wellness and productivity. Her 15 years of experience includes senior roles in organisational communications, career development, culture change, coaching and mentorship, and process implementation.
In addition to her professional work, Elissa is a certified ski instructor, nationally certified mountain bike coach, and has competed as a pro-elite cyclist (while balancing parenthood and career… that was tiring!)
Elissa has 2 children, 1 blue heeler named Gus, 1 identical twin, and heads up Spacemakers® Canada.
MATT BAIN
QUALIFICATIONS: BACHELOR OF SOCIOLOGY, BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORKFAVOURITE ALBUM: EXILE ON MAIN STREET
Matt has 15 years of counselling and leadership experience across the public service, education sector, and in private practice. His roles have involved individual counselling, group therapy facilitation, psycho-educational program delivery, policy development, productivity training and team leading. When not working for Spacemakers, Matt helps lead a local church community in southern Tasmania.
Matt is the co-host of "The Spacemakers"—a podcast to help people slow down and make space for meaningful life.Â
In his spare time, he enjoys brewing beer with friends whilst listening to records. This may sound painfully and self-consciously cool, so it’s important to him that you know he was enjoying these past times before they were tarnished by bearded hipsters.
Matt has 2 children, a 40kg chocolate Labrador, and is a senior trainer at Spacemakers®.
KYLIE SIH
QUALIFICATIONS: BACHELOR OF NURSING, GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN ONCOLOGY NURSING, CLIFTONSTRENGTHS® TOP 5 / PARTNERSHIP COACHINGCURRENT SPORT: WATER BASKETBALL
A true "people person" at heart, Kylie wears many hats with grace and resilience. As an educator, nurse, coach, community leader, and devoted mother, she has earned an imaginary award in juggling responsibilities. As a coach, she is passionate about fostering growth, encouraging others to embrace their strengths and express their values, and ultimately becoming the best versions of themselves.
As an accredited CliftonStrengths® Top 5 and Partnership coach with the South Pacific Strengths Network, Kylie brings a wealth of experience to her coaching and group facilitation roles.
Kylie has three children, is married to the CEO (which is an adventure all its own), and leads the strengths coaching arm of Spacemakers®.Â
