In a career spanning more than two decades, Professor Gaven Ferguson has built a reputation as a transformative figure in vocational education, hospitality training, and international program development. Today he serves as the Global President of the World Association of Master Chefs (WAMC) and is an Adjunct Professor (Industrial) with UCSI University, Malaysia. His trajectory from local lecturer to global leader reflects a blend of strategic vision, operational discipline, and a deep commitment to educational advancement.
But Prof. Ferguson’s rise within the industry began in Australia’s training sector, where early leadership roles laid the foundation for a career defined by organisational transformation and cross-border collaboration. His journey was one of commitment and determination, when having served in the Australian Defence Force with a goal of following his father into Law enforcement his dreams were dashed, when a permanent back injury on an army exercise in 1998 saw a need to reconsider his entire career. His life would forever be changed for the better though as this new path was to be full of excitement and intrigue.
Prof. Ferguson completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) at Griffith University in 2001 and a Master of Marketing Management in 2005, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching from the University of Southern Queensland. He later expanded his professional credentials with a broad suite of qualifications, including diplomas in Project Management, Quality Auditing, Business, Leadership and Management, Vocational Education and Training, and Training Design and Development to name a few.
His extensive educational background would later underpin his ability to navigate the complex regulatory, operational, and strategic demands of both public and private training environments.
Prof. Ferguson’s early roles included positions as a lecturer in Business and Marketing at Griffith University, RTO Manager at Try Australia, the oldest Social enterprise company in the country, NEIS Coordinator at Box Hill Institute where he provided advice on business and networking to many hundreds of small businesses, and leadership roles within other high profile organisations. These positions exposed him to the challenges facing the training sector, from compliance and audit readiness to student engagement, curriculum design, and workforce development.
It was during this period that Prof. Ferguson developed the hands-on leadership style he would later apply on a global scale.
In 2008 his career entered an international phase when he joined WAMC Holdings International Ltd. As Managing Director and Educational Program Director, he worked with partner institutions and hospitality professionals across multiple regions, leading curriculum redesign, international program delivery, and strategic partnership development.
2016 was a big year with his appointment to Global President of the World Association of Master Chefs. In this role, he oversees international education programs, accreditation processes, strategic partnerships, and global events across more than 62 countries, established the Global Education Endorsement Program and positioned himself as a leading figure in global hospitality and training systems.
Domestically, Prof. Ferguson has continued to influence Australia’s tertiary training landscape. Working as General Manager of Mint International College, and Operations Manager of Pax Institute of Education, roles which have allowed him to guide these institutions and others through major compliance reforms.
In his spare time, Prof. Ferguson loves to write and is the author of several works spanning business strategy, personal development, and creative craftsmanship.
His 2021 title, The Business Procrastinator, explores the behavioural and organisational factors that undermine productivity in business settings. Its pages are full of antidotes, ideas and inspirational stories from his life that help readers feel a personal connection to what they are reading. The Business Procrastinator is written in a free flowing and creative manner, giving readers a sense of connectedness with relatable chapters that provide clear and concise insight into the procrastinator’s world. According to his professional records, the book has sold more than 12,000 copies as of 2023.
He later authored The Wisest Man in Giza, a business-focused narrative that blends storytelling with leadership theory. The book introduces Prof. Ferguson’s original framework known as the Business Triangle, a strategic model asserting that organisational success depends on the balance between people, process, and performance.
According to Prof. Ferguson’s theory:
- People represent the skills, culture, and leadership mindset driving an organisation.
- Process encompasses systems, structures, and operational pathways.
- Performance reflects measurable results, organisational health, and long-term outcomes.
The Wisest Man in Giza uses allegorical storytelling inspired by ancient wisdom traditions to illustrate how modern leaders can stabilise these three interconnected pillars to achieve sustainable growth.
Outside of his business publications, Prof. Ferguson has also authored titles within the Scratch Built model-making series, reflecting his personal interest in craftsmanship and creative design.
Prof. Ferguson’s appointment as an Adjunct Professor (Industrial) in 2023 at UCSI University, Malaysia highlights his contributions to hospitality and tourism education in the Asia-Pacific region. His work includes advising on curriculum updates, strengthening industry partnerships, and promoting global standards in vocational training.
Across more than 25 years, Professor Gaven Ferguson has become known for his ability to scale organisations, expand international networks, and develop training systems that operate across cultures and regions. His work has influenced education and hospitality initiatives in over 60 countries, impacting thousands of students, chefs, and industry professionals worldwide.
From his early days as a lecturer to his leadership roles on the global stage, Prof. Ferguson’s career continues to be shaped by a commitment to practical education, organisational improvement, and strategic innovation.
His influence in education circles on the global stage and through the Hospitality industry, show how dedication, determination and commitment can form a lasting mark on so many and for someone who cares about what they do and wants to share that passion with those around them, Professor Gaven Ferguson is a person you cannot help but listen to with interest and eagerness.
Check out books by Prof. Gaven Ferguson:
The Business Procrastinator: https://www.amazon.com/Business-Procrastinator-lessons-developed-followed/dp/0646826328/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
The Wisest Man in Giza: https://kdp.amazon.com/amazon-dp-action/us/dualbookshelf.marketplacelink/0645433381
