GR

Hi there. My name is Grant Rayner.

For over two decades, I've helped organisations navigate crisis and uncertainty. Along the way, I've also written books, designed gear, built applications, and worked on projects that matter in challenging places.

Originally from Australia, I've been based in Asia for 23 years.

Here's a snapshot of my work.

Consulting

I am a crisis management and travel security specialist with over 23 years of hands-on experience in the field.

13 years ago, I founded Spartan9, where I’ve had the privilege of working with many leading global companies and non-government organisations to strengthen their crisis preparedness and operational resilience.

My work is centred on equipping organisations to navigate uncertainty with confidence. I focus on two key practice areas:

1. Empowering organisational resilience

I design and deliver practical training and realistic crisis simulation exercises that enhance crisis team performance and organisational crisis response capabilities. To support this work, I have developed proprietary frameworks to assess crisis management maturity and measure crisis team performance, providing structured, actionable insights for continuous improvement.

2. Enabling organisations to operate safely in complex environments

I help organisations develop robust travel risk management policies and procedures, including the development of contingency plans for higher-risk locations. A key focus right now is Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula. I also provide direct support to assist travellers impacted by critical incidents. I've responded to major natural disasters, coups, civil unrest and terrorist attacks. When the need arises, I assist organisations to plan and execute discreet evacuation or exfiltration operations.

Beyond this, I conduct training workshops for security managers, crisis teams, and senior executives, ensuring they are prepared to lead effectively in times of crisis.

Writing

In September 2025, I released my first novel - Memoirs of an Assassin.

I also share my knowledge and experience in the fields of crisis management and travel security through books and articles.

You can find the full range of books on the Spartan9 website.

I'm currently working on a two new books focused on physical intrusion testing and travel risk management.

I've also written about travel security at Dangerous Travels and about security consulting at The Business of Security.

From time to time, I also write on Medium.

Bag Design

In 2023, I started a new project to design and manufacture bags under the brand Station XV. My first collection of bags went on sale in April 2024, comprising a satchel, pack, duffel, belt, tote, camera bag, travel folio, and three accessory pouches.

Station XV bags have been developed based on years of experience in the field. Our bags are purposefully designed for individuals looking for discreet and hard-wearing gear for urban environments and travel. We use high performance materials such as Challenge UltraWeave and Challenge Ultra Stretch fabrics, customised UHMWPE webbing, and YKK zips. The bags are highly versatile and durable. Perfect for everyday use and travel.

You can follow our adventures on Instagram.

Applications

I build useful applications relating to my professional expertise and interests. So far, I've built the following applications:

Tenacio. A project management tool designed for people with too much on their plate.

Whistler. A simple and secure whistleblowing application for organisations.

Incident Manager. The first application for incident management teams focused on team performance, with integrated AI support.

Photography

Photography is an integral part of my travels, capturing people and things I find interesting in the moment.

I share a selection of photos from different places on my Instagram account. The images I port here follow a simple rule—monochrome, 1:1 and shot on my phone. These constraints force me to focus on composition, light, and storytelling. I've started posting stories as well for those looking for something more colourful.

For my 'proper' photography, you can explore a curated selection here. I'm still in the process of adding photos to this site.

In 2022, my photos from Syria were exhibited in the Leica gallery in Singapore. These photos highlighted the resilience of the Syrian people, who have faced decades of challenges under an authoritarian regime. I've also delivered a 'Photography in Challenging Environments' workshop for Leica.

In September 2025, I published a book focused on photography in higher-risk environments. Proceeds from this book support humanitarian projects in Syria and Afghanistan, particularly in the areas of mental health and women's education and welfare.

Impact

I'm involved with different projects in challenging locations designed to provide meaningful assistance, build resilience, and give people a voice.

A new project I initiated in 2025 is to assist with locally-led initiatives to educate women and girls in remote parts of Afghanistan. I'm also assisting Afghan women to tell their stories. These stories are extraordinarily powerful, and provide a voice to those who have had their voice taken away.

I recently returned to Syria for the fourth time to deliver a one-day workshop series titled 'Restoring Hope and Resilience: Supporting Individual and Collective Recovery'. Together with experienced clinical psychologists and crisis counsellors, we delivered workshops in Damascus and Homs. The sessions were designed to strengthen local capacity for trauma recovery and resilience by bringing together Syrian psychologists, students, and community leaders and sharing practical knowledge. Both sessions went exceptionally well, thanks to the expertise of the facilitators and the enthusiasm of the participants.

While in Syria, I also delivered a workshop for local fixers to help prepare them for working with foreign companies as these companies begin to explore market opportunities in the country. We discussed the culture of foreign companies, their internal working practices, itinerary planning, journey management, risk appreciation and contingency planning.

I fund most of these projects myself. However, if you're in a position to contribute - even in a small way - please reach out.

Misc

My work takes me across the world, and I regularly travel for short breaks. At last count, I’ve visited 57 58 countries, with some—especially in Asia—becoming regular destinations. Travel has brought a lot of perspective, a little adventure, and some wonderful friendships.

I have always had an interest in product design and have built the 'One of Things', a site where I highlight one beautiful and useful thing in each category of things. I've taken a break from this for a while due to other more pressing priorities but will come back to it.

When I’m home, I unwind by listening to records, reading books, and playing the guitar and piano. I’m not particularly great at either instrument, but it's engaging and fun.

I used to climb mountains, with ascents in New Zealand, Peru, and Russia. Probably the most committing ascent was the central gully of the south face of Douglas Peak in New Zealand (IV, 5), These days, I prefer the slower pace of trekking, with recent trips taking me through Japan and Switzerland.

Thanks for stopping by.

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