AI in strategic planning
I've been exploring AI's potential across about 20 different activities, and more recently its potential to support strategic planning.
Independent IT strategy consultant
Finding organisational elevation.
I help executives and boards turn digital strategy into action — with direct honesty and efficiency.
- 46
- years in IT and IT leadership
- 30+
- Australian organisations advised since 2010
- 400+
- health facilities connected across Queensland
- CAUDIT
- former Chair, and Leadership Institute faculty
My background
An intuitive navigator of organisations, and the paths to strategic goals.
I'm Neil, and I've worked in information technology for 46 years — including senior executive roles in federal and state government, health and higher education. In the private sector I managed professional services at Oracle, and have twice worked as an independent project remediation and management consultant.
I'm a certified professional member of the Australian Computer Society (CMACS), specialising in project management, and have served on the boards of AARNet and the Queensland National Heart Foundation, and as chair of CAUDIT.
Today I research cloud computing and the opportunities it brings — AI included — and consult with leaders who want more from their digital investment.
Read my full background How I work
See the full process A five-step path to targeted improvement.
- 01
Absorb current strategy and tactics
Understand where the organisation says it is heading, and who carries it there.
- 02
Interview the key actor cohort
Confidential conversations with the few people who make strategy work.
- 03
Triangulate, drawing on 46 years' experience
Synthesise the organisation's real rules and beliefs, and where they can improve.
- 04
Findings: commend, affirm, recommend
Recognise what works, sharpen what's under way, and prioritise what's missing.
- 05
Plan the next steps
Turn findings into a leadership action plan, and re-energise the people who deliver it.
Trusted by organisations across higher education, research and health
Writing
All posts Notes on IT leadership and strategy.
Puzzling IT leadership
How do we coach effective leadership behaviour in our leading technology people?
Reassess your leadership style
CIO leadership must flip from control-led to vision-led. So how do you make it happen?
Away from the desk
Family, fitness, and fresh snow.
These days my focus has shifted a little. I'm passionate about my family and staying fit. My wife Vivian and I are proud parents of three — Andrew, James and Katherine — and grandparents to Charlotte and Penelope.
Oh, and I love snowboarding.
Let's grab a coffee and see how I can help.
Whether you're refreshing a digital strategy or need it to finally land, a conversation is the best place to start.