Leaders of change need time to 'talk shop'
The work of delivering change is difficult and demanding
We need more opportunities to gather with people doing similar work - to learn from one another and make useful connections which could help change be more effective (and slightly less difficult along the way).
"We need more opportunities like this, to connect with and learn from people doing this work."
The Real Work of Change is designed in answer to this ask - to help people doing the hard work of delivering change.
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We focus on a different topic each time.
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We invite a select group of relevant people.
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We have input to spark our conversation.
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We write up the (anonymised) notes in a shareable output.
The aim is to contribute to the wider conversation and collective intelligence about how meaningful change actually happens 'when the rubber hits the road'.
Examples of roundtable topics
A different kind of professional conversation
Each session brings together people leading change to share learning and connect with others who know the detail of the work.
We begin with a short, useful input - e.g. research, a guest practitioner’s perspective, a real case or a live question from the work. This gives us something concrete around which to gather.
The rest of the session creates space to:
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Explore what the ideas mean;
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Speak about what is difficult in your work;
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Network with others navigating similar challenges;
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Test assumptions and gain different perspectives;
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Identify useful insight to take back into your own work.
The roundtable is for people who are...
The details on how it works
Places are deliberately limited so that the conversation can engage everyone and remain candid.
Sessions:
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Last around 90 minutes;
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Take place online;
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Include approximately 10–12 people;
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Begin with a short provocation or piece of input;
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Are participative, confidential and facilitated;
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Take place under the Chatham House Rule;​
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Are completely free to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are your services for?
I work with leaders, teams and organisations who know that something needs to change, but need help leading it well. You may be looking for clarity, assurance and practical support from someone you can trust.
Does the leadership need to be fully onboard with this before I approach you?
Though it helps if they are, they don’t need to be. Part of our service is helping you to obtain that buy-in from your leadership team and the wider organisation to ensure that the journey runs smoothly.
I have a small budget, is it worth me reaching out?
We bring big impact at competitive prices as a small organisation. We’re able to be flexible in how we design and price your project so you’re always getting the most competitive deal.
How long do your services take?
It depends on the size of your organisation and the service you need. Some programmes take as little as three weeks to complete. Larger, more comprehensive programmes may take a few months. Either way, we focus on bringing a sustainable impact from the word 'go'.
I'm worried you'll try to change us too much - is there a risk of that?
If some things are working really well, why change them? Everything we do is co-developed and keeps your best interests at its core. We’re all about building on your strengths.
Do you offer one-off workshops and away days?
Yes, we do deliver these. We provide short, sharp but high-impact offsites, workshops and events, bespoke for you.
Who will lead our project?
We match our consultant team to you to deliver your project most effectively. However, all projects are led by founder Lydia Paris.