Who we work with

We have some great partners. They cover the globe and pretty much every sector. 2021 marks our 20th anniversary. In that time we have worked in more than 200 organisations, in 30 countries on five continents. Here’s a couple of case studies, click on the logos.

We ask the audience

We like to ask our clients what they think.

Here’s a few testimonials. You know what to do!

And here are some of the other recent clients we worked with.

Helping the British Council to understand and develop its global leadership population in an increasingly uncertain world

Appreciate

Profiles of top 90 global leaders generated
1:1 feedback, reports and development plans completed
Sector analysis & internal review conducted

Align

Data synthesis
Heatmap and meta theme narrative
Feedback to Board/ Executive/ leaders
Recommendations on development focus and next stage of investment

Apply

Learning framework for leadership development
2 day leadership module with optional deep dive modules
Suite of on-line learning resources
Train the trainer resource for roll out

“The KWA team were excellent partners in our work to build the leadership capability, collaboration and confidence of our most senior cadre. They demonstrated strong business empathy and understanding, cultural flexibility, and a willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ so that each individual felt truly supported in their personal development.”
Helen Murley
Global HRD (until October 2017), British Council

Helping Virgin Care to identify and grow its talent and build an effective executive team

Appreciate

Profiles of Executive diagnostics and feedback produced
Levelled behaviour model created aligned to Values
Internal assessment approach developed for internal talent – engage, sift, assess, feedback

Align

All assessment data synthesised
Heatmap and meta themes produced and narrative shared
Key talent identified invited to leadership journey

Apply

Design and delivery of 12 month Inspire Leadership Programme aligned to operating model
Blended learning – on-line, 1-2-1, peer support, workshops, service visits and projects
Conversion rate of Inspire graduates into leadership team positions

“The things that stand out for me is the closeness and flexibility of a smaller organisation, with the professionalism and quality of a large one - it’s the perfect balance and makes for a successful and long term partnership.”
Bart Johnson
CEO, Virgin Care

“I think of Karen as a human ‘generator’…when the energy, commitment and passion has temporarily left the room, she is capable of flicking the switch which turns the lights back on for both our team and the individuals within it, with a few carefully timed interventions. Karen’s support and observations have enabled us to achieve more than we thought possible as a team, and that has made a measurable difference to both the effectiveness and efficiency of the services we provide as a business.”

Dr. Vivienne McVey
CEO, Virgin Care

Helping Change Grow Live transform a culture through a Belief in People.

Appreciate

Understand the most important internal and external levers of a culture
Understand the strengths, preferences and capabilities of the top 50
Understand how the Values of Be Open, Be Compassionate and Be Bold were being lived every day

Align

Create a heatmap of the 5 pillars of cultural transformation; Trust and Psychological Safety, Connection, Collaboration, Choice and Whole Person approach against a context of a post Covid world

Apply

Create an end to end intervention for 5,000 staff of Living the Values, Developing Together and Creating Together. Modular interventions over 12 weeks based on human based design, mindset and behavioural change that creates safety and happiness. Following the principles of Real Teams Doing Real Work in Real Time

“Integrity: KW always tells you the truth, never afraid to challenge. Unlike many consultants, never says what she thinks you want to hear, even if it limits commercial opportunity.

She has a deep understanding of people; holistic approach, far more than just professional assessment and coaching. Unusual emotional intelligence; great at dealing with sensitivities. Helps people share their fears and vulnerabilities. Actually can teach old dogs new tricks. Manages to tell the unvarnished truth, with a varnish. Always willing to recognise and accept when she’s wrong – rare in consultants. Very purposeful; nothing KW says is ever without consideration and purpose.

Pays attention to, and delivers on, the brief. Very conscious of the commercial objectives. Provides uniquely tailored solutions, rooted in the context of the client’s objectives. Never imposes a pre-determined approach. Data driven and evidential – provide real targets and measures around performance.

Huge added value in the relationship. Continuous informal coaching; excellent sounding board. Introduces you to a fascinating network of people.

With CGL, in an unusual sector, KW could see past the obvious differences vs. a more corporate environment, to the similarities - and then make her experience relevant.

Enormous breadth of knowledge. Allows a more agnostic approach to programme design.”

Mark Moody
CEO, CGL

Karen’s strengths : credible, experienced, trusted advisor and partner. Listens carefully and gets to the heart of the matter very quickly. Commercial and strategy expertise is key; genuinely understands the business issues surrounding her appointments. Never just ‘HR fluff’.

Dramatically different from the many development charlatans and change management gurus that flood the sector. Straightforward and down to earth; takes a common sense approach. Doesn’t try to turn everything into jargon, a model or a chart. Doesn’t treat it like rocket science.’

Paul McAvoy, Global HRD TMF

Genuine rigor of intellect. Ability to listen, learn and deliver a wholly bespoke solution based on client needs. Refreshingly agnostic approach to tools and methodologies. Unusually broad knowledge of proven approaches, and always willing to explore something new. Deep understanding of the real issues facing corporate leaders .Acts as a neutral supporter; a sounding board without creating pressure. Develops real relationships with key clients. Informal coaching is a hidden value. Knows how to apply the right kind of learnings to help people self-develop.

Stephen Robson, European HRD TK Maxx

Extremely capable around the development of senior executives and how they operate as a team. Best I have worked with, and frequently recommends to others. Builds strong relationships, gets on with people. Unusual ability to get people to be honest and admit their vulnerabilities. Very empathetic and human in her approach. Feels like one of the team. Always intellectually up to the task. Unusual in people consultancy. Huge range of contacts, always able to recommend someone who can help even when she can’t. This adds unexpected value.

Bart Johnson, CEO, Linnaeus, Mars Pet Foods

Integrity: KW always tells you the truth, never afraid to challenge. Unlike many consultants, never says what she thinks you want to hear, even if it limits commercial opportunity.

Huge added value in the relationship. Continuous informal coaching; excellent sounding board. Introduces you to a fascinating network of people.

With CGL, in an unusual sector, KW could see past the obvious differences vs. a more corporate environment, to the similarities - and then make her experience relevant.

Enormous breadth of knowledge. Allows a more agnostic approach to programme design.

Mark Moody, CEO, CGL