What makes our system work
By moving between big picture strategies and day-to-day details, we help you understand TO-BE state and how to get there whilst still handling your AS-IS efficiently. We do that with:
- Corkscrew Thinking®
Zeroes in on your TO-BE and tackles the big picture challenges. It breaks down legacy systems and silos and brings together interwoven practices with fresh perspectives to develop mission-driven strategies.
- Brilliant Basics®
Zeroes in on your AS-IS and how your organisation actually works. It helps teams understand and navigate complexity while adapting to what the organisation specifically needs across people, processes, and technology.
Corkscrew Thinking®: strategy-making that works
Our Corkscrew Thinking® approach reimagines how public services create strategy.
We help public-facing organisations see the bigger picture and understand complex situations through multiple lenses. This diverse approach reveals fresh transformation alternatives that drive real reform and unlock mission-driven government.
How it works
Through co-design with clients and stakeholders, we find pathways to rewire delivery that create bigger impacts on long-term problems. Instead of endless reactive cycles, we work as part of a wider coordinated effort.
We apply Corkscrew Thinking® to focus on what's viable both now and in the future. This means turning systemic understanding into actionable strategies that get embedded in operating models, leading to lasting, meaningful change.
Our approach combines proven methods
We use recognised philosophies and toolsets, blending systems approaches with agile and project management methods. For example, we:
- Reveal hidden dynamics and unintended consequences over time
- Build pictures of strategic interventions across organisations and sectors
- Create strong multi-layer governance foundations for decision making
- Develop roadmaps for delivery
But we know there’s no one-size-fits-all and come with open minds; ready to tailor our approach to individual situations and clients.
Breaking down silos
Corkscrew Thinking® tackles silo-thinking by fostering collaboration between diverse stakeholders and aligning them around shared strategic objectives instead of competing perspectives. Driving towards a common purpose anticipates challenges and develops tailored solutions that reflect priorities and broader reforms.
Clear communication for complex ideas
A core strength of this framework is its ability to distill complexity into accessible, actionable insights. This helps leaders communicate decisions clearly and persuasively – whether addressing Parliament, media, or other stakeholders – while balancing immediate organisational performance with future priorities.
With a culture of client-first, outcome-focussed collaboration, Corkscrew Thinking® identifies win-win solutions to seemingly impossible problems, enabling joint action to deliver multiple goals while avoiding negative unintended consequences.
Brilliant Basics®: making change happen across people, process, and technology
Brilliant Basics® is our structured approach to implementing strategy and making change happen.
This framework focusses on mastering the fundamentals to build strong, adaptable systems that deliver measurable improvements in public services, whilst also embedding sustainable practices at the core of operations.
Building strong foundations
Brilliant Basics® introduces accountability, feedback loops, and clear cause-and-effect thinking into daily workflows. It provides a structured yet flexible foundation that helps organisations focus on the essentials needed to drive sustainable growth and transformation.
But we work with you, not at you, so instead of imposing predefined solutions, Brilliant Basics® offers an adaptable framework tailored to your unique needs. By delivering practical advice and toolsets, it equips transforming organisations with actionable insights.
Connecting strategy to action
At its core, Brilliant Basics® connects strategic goals with actionable pathways, fostering learning systems and coordinated efforts. It provides a robust blueprint for:
- Planning
- Risk and change management
- Effective communications
Decisions are guided by our proven 3-D governance matrix, which ensures visibility and accountability across all levels – from grassroots teams to executives and ministers.
How we work together and our cutting-edge best practices
A key component of the framework is creating interwoven delivery teams that combine our expertise with yours. This bridges silos, aligns functions, and connects vision to delivery. We pilot change systematically to test feasibility and build shared ownership through co-created narratives.
Leveraging cutting-edge best practices across people, processes, and technology, Brilliant Basics® integrates innovative thinking with proven methods. Supported by access to industry-leading expertise, we select and adapt the most appropriate tools and approaches for each project.
Balanced approach
When paired with Corkscrew Thinking®, we balance real-world experience with strategic intent – adapting both strategy and delivery based on evidence-based feedback loops, and skilled people working in purposeful systems.
Our goal is for transformation to become an unstoppable habit, not just a project. Together, these frameworks provide the structure and agility needed to implement radical improvements while balancing priorities, driving productivity, and managing risks.
3D Governance: balancing three critical dimensions
Effective governance must balance three dimensions:
- Defining purpose and strategic direction
- Preparing for the future
- Managing today's operations
Our 3D Governance model bridges these dimensions, recognising that no organisation operates in isolation. By embedding humility into rigor, our approach ensures governance remains adaptable, aligned to a greater whole, and capable of meeting both internal and external demands with clarity and confidence.
Our proven frameworks can help you navigate complexity and deliver sustainable change across people, processes, and technology. Let’s talk.