Ashwin Seetal trained as a trans-disciplinary scientist and is a multi-disciplinary specialist with extensive strategic and operations experience in water and natural resources and its associated sectors. During his 39-year career in higher education, government, business and research, his business and technical acumen and insights have helped him establish a wide network of local and international associations. In addition to his compelling ability to lead multi-disciplinary project teams, he is a consummate strategist, communicator, negotiator and facilitator in the analysis and resolution of complex technical, socio-political, business and management issues. His passion is systems analysis, strategy formulation through to intervention implementation. Many aspects of his work have contributed to the current and previous organisational structures, policies, legislative and implementation processes in the sector. He has shared many of his experiences with developed and developing countries undertaking focussed sector interventions or reforms, in the capacity as an advisor or expert.