
“The session was a conference favourite, with Ruben captivating and enlightening the audience, from the crime scene to verdict.”
Shannon Kelly, Judges Associates Manager
“People want the science. But what they really need is the story underneath it.”
I speak about what crime, trauma, and silence do to people — not just to victims, but to those tasked with investigating violence day after day. After 23 years as a forensic scientist, I now bring that lived experience to conversations that matter: justice, burnout, resilience and what truth really costs.
I don’t speak in soundbites. I speak to connect — with truth, with humour, and with things we usually avoid.
Signature Topics
What I’ve Learnt By Not Living In A TV Show
Universal messages from unglamorous places - what popular media misses and the gold that lies in reality
Needle In A Haystack
Unusual tales of never giving up - perseverance and finding the best version of ourselves in the face of challenge
Personal Bias, Expertise and Ego
Points of view and perception - understanding one’s limits, the benefits of collaboration and the beauty of context
The Mind Of A Killer
The danger of becoming your work - how to keep perspective and the importance of mental wellbeing
Bespoke
Reach out to talk about specific topics that suit your team
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“We invited Ruben to share and connect with us on the realities of the forensic investigative process. Ruben highlighted the issues that were relevant to Maori, as well as representing the forensic side of crime scene investigation. Ruben presented in a professional manner that was warm and respectful. He was able to read the needs of the audience and present accordingly. The material he presented was fascinating.”
Dame Rangimārie Naida Glavish, Chief Advisor Tikanga General Manager He Kamaka Waiora, Maori Health Waitemata and Auckland District Health Boards
"It was great to experience Ruben’s most thoughtful and insightful presentation. He is clearly a really fine human being, as well as being such a credible expert in a field of such significance."
Ann Dunphy, Penrose Rotary Club Secretary
Formats Available
Keynote talks
Conference panels
Workshops
Guest interviews & media
Previous Audiences
NZ Police
Judiciary
Crown Law
Public Defence
University & mental health organisations
Rotary
Community
