Co-founder and Director of Narrative at The Workshop

Jess Berentson-Shaw is the Co-founder and Director of Narrative at The Workshop, a not-for-profit organisation based in Whanganui-a-tara. The Workshop researches how people think about complex issues, and helps organisations frame their communications to deepen understanding and build public support for action. Jess is a social scientist by training, with a PhD from Victoria university. Throughout her career she has worked across government, business and not for profit sectors, advocating (and agitating!) for the use of best knowledge to achieve more inclusive, healthy and connected communities. 

As Director of Narrative at The Workshop, Jess works with people in local and central government, kaupapa Māori organisations, business, academia, and social and environmental movements to find and use more effective ways of talking about and frame issues to unlock wise decision-making across a wide range of public good topics. Jess is author of Pennies from Heaven: Why Cash Works Best to Ensure All Children Thrive and A Matter of Fact. Talking Truth in a Post-truth World.