Shay P Leighton
Chairperson/CEO and founder
Shay Leighton is a social activist, community organiser, and creator of Tough Guy Book Club, who has been working with people for 25 years to build stronger communities, by using collaborative strategy, difficult conversations, and leadership development.
His work involves the use of personal narrative and community organising frameworks to rebuild the civic network and address issues of men’s mental health, literacy, and loneliness.
Shay is currently a Teaching Fellow for Professor Marshall Ganz at the Centre for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Politics, working to teach others how to use their stories to help build power in their communities and make the changes they need in the world.
His lifelong obsession with people and their stories drives his passion for people to find their voices, get heard, and be listened to.
Steve Bruce
Finance Director & Company Secretary
Since 1981 Stephen has been a volunteer on numerous boards within the Financial Planning industry, including holding the position of Chairperson of the National Council of Financial Planners Associations (NCFAA). He has served as Deputy Chair on the Australasian Board of Management (Life Member) for a number of years as well as a Federal Delegate representing Victoria’s interests and President of the Managing Agent’s Association for four years.
Stephen ran a successful Financial Planning practice from 1980 – 2013 and during this time, worked hard to ensure that his colleagues in the industry were treated fairly by Licensees, Underwriters and Government Agencies. All of these positions were volunteer positions.
Outside of his business interests, Stephen has held the position of President (Life Member) of Doncaster Heights Junior Football Club and spent six years as a volunteer Guest Services Ambassador at Falls Creek resort.
Matt Shaw
Business Operations & Planning
With over a decade in non-for-profit leadership in Australia and the USA, Matt acts as our volunteer Director of Operations. Helping to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise while driving operational best practice and alignment to our business goals, mission, and vision.
His professional areas of influence expand across digital ecosystem development, brand, marketing, and project management. Serving as an officer since 2017, Matt enables our good works not only as a member of the Board of Directors, he also supports the ongoing activities in our Operations, Technology, Camp, and Finance Committees. This is Matt's first board appointment.
Outside of his role with Tough Guy Book Club, Matt serves as the Executive Manager of Digital and Creative for one of Victoria's oldest non-for-profit organisations. Locally he's volunteered as a past committee member and remains an active volunteer for the conservation group, Friends of Newport Lakes.
David Michell
Business Development & Partnership Logistics
David Michell has been attending Tough Guy Book Club since February 2018. He has set up Chapters in Petersham, Chatswood, and Kensington in Sydney, leading the expansion of the Sydney chapters from one in 2020 to eight in 2024. He has identified and mentored other members in stepping up to leadership roles.
His background is in Process Development and Business Analysis and has led teams in large and small organisations in commercial, education and Government Organisations. Holding an MBA and Masters of Marketing from Melbourne Business School, he brings a strategic mindset and business focus to the board.
Peter Machell
Information Technology and Finance Logistics
Peter Machell is a small business owner, an information technology professional with over 25 years of experience in developing and supporting Australian healthcare systems, a facilitator to communities of IT business owners and serves as Tough Guy Book Club’s Director of Technology.
With a small team of talented volunteers, Peter has led the development of a new web site and internal communications platforms, migrated legacy systems to a modern cloud based environment, and developed custom systems to support the growth of TGBC.
Peter serves as an officer of the Fortitude Valley Chapter since 2018 and leads the development of chapters and volunteers in Queensland. When not helping to build communities, reading fiction and playing music are enduring passions.
Desmond Doyle
Communications and Design
Desmond Doyle serves as Tough Guy Book Club's Director of Communications and Design, supporting the club's communications, branding, and visual identity. He works with a team of dedicated volunteers to share TGBC's mission and achievements, celebrate our stories, and support the club's continued growth.
A natural volunteer, Desmond has been involved with a variety of community organisations and committees over the years, including running clubs, P&C associations, and local sporting communities. He believes strong communities are built by people who are willing to step up, pitch in, and create opportunities for others to connect.
Desmond has been part of the growth of several TGBC Chapters across Newcastle, NSW, and currently serves as President of the Mayfield East Chapter. Outside of TGBC, he enjoys rugby, reading, and spending time at the pub with friends.