Why I turned down a British Empire Medal (BEM)

Why I turned down a British Empire Medal (BEM)

Sometime around 2019, like many who receive this kind of thing, the most unexpected email from the Cabinet Office dropped into my inbox. The sort, in my usual rush, I at first ignored, then read, re-read, assuming some kind of error. As it sunk in and I tried to...
Keep it simple

Keep it simple

Following the strategy preparation phase in which you’ve established your red lines, reviewed your impact and your previous strategy, spoken to your key stakeholders and leadership team, outlined a timeline, and allocated resources to the process, it’s time to...
How to prepare for strategy

How to prepare for strategy

Sometimes you get a little gem of a gig. That’s what the consultancy I’m undertaking with and on behalf of 185 and The Common Lot in Norwich is. As is the norm, they’re fantastically busy and passionate in what they do, wanting to bring value to their local community...
When is a strategy not a strategy?

When is a strategy not a strategy?

When it’s an operational plan, when it’s neither ambitious nor credible and when it lacks measurable objectives that align with the organisation’s mission. With so many options available, it’s impossible to pick the perfect strategy. A rule of thumb though, like so...
Re-imagine Norwich – developing strategy

Re-imagine Norwich – developing strategy

You may not have heard of Re-imagine Norwich, or Doughnut Economics as it was. Having been part of their reading group, as an arts graduate, I’ll admit to finding some of the alternative economics theory quite challenging. Looking back, this made me well placed to...