Why We Invest in Leadership Development

As the New Zealand team has expanded and taken on increasingly complex global projects, so too has the need for confident, capable leadership at every level. That’s why Cause and FX invested in a leadership development programme for key team members through Two Tides Consulting.

The goal? To build a culture where leadership isn’t confined to job titles — it’s something people grow into, own, and embody.

We sat down with Cause and FX CEO Greg Flannagan to talk about why the studio chose to invest in leadership training — and how that investment is already paying off. Along the way, two team members, Lloyd Branzuela and Chris Lyne, have stepped up in ways that reflect the kind of leadership Cause and FX is proud to be known for.

Why did you decide to introduce leadership training at Cause and FX?

As we’ve grown, we’ve seen more demand for internal leadership — not just from department heads, but across the board. It was clear we needed to be more intentional about how we developed those skills. We wanted to give people the tools to lead, communicate well, manage conflict, and ultimately make good calls under pressure.

What kind of impact has the training had?

It’s had a real ripple effect. The biggest thing I’ve seen is confidence — people leaning into leadership, not waiting to be told.

Take Lloyd, for example. He was already a strong performer, but when the opportunity came up to lead a project, he stepped into it fully. At first, it looked like a small assignment — but it quickly grew in size and complexity. Lloyd didn’t hesitate. He applied everything from the training — especially around communication and team support — and just ran with it.

What really stood out was how proactive he was. He didn’t wait for problems to arise — he saw them coming, dealt with them early, and kept the whole team steady throughout. That kind of leadership, especially from someone newer to the role, is rare.

“He leaned into the challenges. He didn’t shy away from them. That’s what leadership looks like — and he nailed it.” – Greg Flannagan

“I was comfortable in my role as a Senior Compositor, but stepping up to lead had always been in the back of my mind. So I told Greg I wanted to give it a shot — to see if I was up for the challenge, and maybe even enjoy the process.

Around the same time, we started the leadership training. I wasn’t a Lead Compositor yet, but the timing was perfect. The training helped me understand the scale of responsibility that comes with the role — and it gave me a solid foundation in key areas like communication, problem-solving, and building confidence before I officially stepped into it.

It’s been an awesome journey so far, and I’ve never once regretted putting my hand up.”
– Lloyd Branzuela

What else did you learn through the leadership journey?

For one, leadership doesn’t always look the same.

Chris is the calm in the storm. He already had a solid leadership presence, but what’s impressed me is how he’s continued to grow. His department has expanded massively — with multiple disciplines and a much larger team — and he’s handled it all with quiet confidence.

He’s the person others look to when things get tough. He brings stability, never overreacts, and always makes the team feel supported. It’s the kind of leadership that doesn’t seek the spotlight, but absolutely holds the culture together.

“We always say we need another Chris. He’s a ballast for the whole team.” – Greg Flannagan

“It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about listening, staying calm, and helping the team move forward. The training helped me gain confidence and provided the tools to navigate hard conversations without escalating things.”– Chris Lyne

What tools or skills from the training stood out most?

For Chris, conflict management really stood out. With so many moving parts in his team, he’s had to keep people aligned, manage expectations, and deal with issues quickly and diplomatically. It’s a big part of why things run so smoothly under his leadership.

For Lloyd, it was being able to apply the full range of tools in a live project setting. He didn’t just learn it — he lived it. And when things got complex, he stayed in it, supported the team, and led from the front. His communication was exceptional, and the team appreciated it.

Why do you think leadership training is important in a creative industry like VFX?

Because this work can be intense. We’re solving creative and technical challenges every day, often at pace, and the stakes are high. You need people who can lead — not just manage — and that takes more than talent. It takes mindset, communication, and the ability to support others under pressure.

We’re building a studio that’s not just technically world-class, but a great place to work and grow. Leadership is a big part of that.

Where to next — how will Cause and FX keep building leadership?

We want to embed leadership as part of our culture — something that’s visible, lived, and recognised. This isn’t a one-off. The plan is to keep expanding that training across the team, create more opportunities for people to step up, and keep backing our people to grow.

It’s not just about the projects we take on — it’s about who we become while we do them.

At Cause and FX, leadership isn’t left to chance — it’s something we actively develop, support, and celebrate. The creative industry thrives on collaboration, trust, and momentum. That only happens when people are equipped to lead well.

As we continue to grow, we’re committed to backing our team not just with the latest tools and technology — but with the mindset, skills, and support to thrive as leaders. Because when our people grow, so does the work we’re capable of delivering.

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