I have captured some highlights from 2024’s typically ECLECTIC portfolio of projects. Many thanks to everyone who approached me for help, contributed insights or bravely participated in my workshops.
TECH-ENABLED CARE. The challenge was how to deploy ‘tech-enabled care’ solutions to sustain independence for adults seeking social care support. Recommended service model embraced the potential for data-led decision-making for solutions such as monitoring, falls alarms, memory prompts and virtual care. Our aim was enhanced user well-being with potential cost savings of >£4 for each £1 invested.
FOREST POSITIVE. Exploring how advanced forestry management can support more ambitious sustainability outcomes. The collaboration covered the complexity of techniques and the challenge of building awareness. Forests support unique ecosystems that are home to 80% of land-based biodiversity. Effectively supporting biodiversity in the journey from forest to finished product must compete with CO2 as an ESG priority.
HIGH PERFORMING TEAMS. Working with 10 teams from the same organization in one workshop. Content and stimulus covered attributes of winning teams alongside accessible actions to build cohesion and trust. A creative and fun exercise took people beyond their roles for safe collaboration. The day concluded with each team enthusiastically pitching their manifesto for higher performance and supporting action plan.
AI ASSISTANCE FOR SOCIAL WORKERS. Tools such as MS Copilot can significantly increase social worker capacity for directly assisting those in need. User cases showed significant time saving for tasks such as transcribing meetings or generating case notes. As importantly, AI assistance should enable more objective care choices by connecting social workers to more data and preventative options.
UNLEASHING THE POWER OF DESIGN. Collaborating on a workshop with design experts across an organization. Design (for packaging and beyond) is a key driver of a brand desirability, user experience and marketing ROI. But it can be overlooked as a growth opportunity. It was inspiring to see a community align on an ambitious OKRs to raise the cultural and commercial impact of design.
IDEATION FOR INNOVATION. Workshops to develop opportunity areas, business models and ideas continue to feature prominently in my briefs. My favourite this year focused on quick preparation meal innovation. The advance preparation / content from the client team was exceptional. The venue also included a professional kitchen for showcasing a menu of exciting R&D innovations. This made for a highly productive two days and for facilitation that was a lot of fun – thank you to the Unilever team!
Facilitate Success 