Q5 Partners

Why high-performing organisations will be built by design, not by chance. The future of work isn’t being shaped by technology alone. As AI, demographic change and evolving workforce expectations transform organisations, leaders must rethink operating models, culture, leadership and capability together.  Download the full insights below to explore how organisations can create the conditions for sustainable organisational performance in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world. Reading time: 6 minutes  Every organisation is asking the same questions.…

Your organisation has changed. Just not in the way your strategy needed. Many organisations have become better at strategy but still struggle to turn ambition into results. The problem may lie in how the organisation itself is designed. We explore why traditional restructuring falls short, how organisational systems constrain performance, and how leaders can diagnose what really needs to change. Reading time: 6 minutes For many organisations today, strategy is…

2-minute read  When work gets busy, our instinct is often to push harder: focus more, apply more discipline, reach for another coffee. But what if sustainable productivity is less about willpower and more about understanding how our energy actually works?  That was at the heart of Q5’s webinar with Clemence Cleave and Julie Newman, exploring personal productivity and resilience through the lens of how our bodies and brains actually work.  Rethinking productivity and energy at…

Everyone says culture matters.   Very few organisations account for it that way.  Culture is the first thing cut when money gets tight and the last thing measured when it doesn’t. Not because leaders stop believing in it, but because they can’t defend it and tell you what it’s worth. Marketing has revenue forecasts. Technology has business cases. Operations have productivity metrics. Every significant investment arrives with a number attached. Culture arrives with an engagement score.   And anything that everyone agrees matters, but no one…

The hidden cost of complexity is eroding your performance Growth often brings hidden complexity that quietly erodes margins, slows decision-making and increases costs without ever appearing as a line on the P&L. This article explores the difference between necessary and unnecessary complexity, why it matters, and how leaders can identify the hidden tax affecting organisational performance before it becomes a strategic problem. Reading time: 6 minutes Complexity is the largest…

Building high-performing defence alliances: What separates success from failure Modern defence programmes depend on strong alliances between government, industry and technology partners, but collaboration alone isn’t enough. In this discussion, Q5’s Helena Simister and Joel Grundy explore the leadership, culture and operating models that enable defence partnerships to adapt, perform and deliver successful outcomes in increasingly complex environments. Reading time: 2 minutes The scale and complexity of modern defence programmes…

How to compare the parts of your business that matter most Most organisations can benchmark financial performance, but few can compare the performance of their own functions. This article explores why measuring efficiency and effectiveness separately, using common and function-specific ratios, gives leaders a clearer view of where value is created, where it’s lost, and where to focus improvement. Reading time: 6 minutes You can compare your share price to…

The organisational economics behind sustainable value creation EBITDA tells you what happened, but not why. This article explores the financial and organisational drivers hidden beneath the headline number, from product profitability and cost allocation to culture, structure and complexity, and explains why organisations that understand these drivers consistently create more long-term value. Reading time: 6 minutes A few years ago we sat in two boardrooms in the same month, looking…

Publishers have diversified their commercial models. Their operating models haven’t kept pace. As publishers expand beyond traditional advertising and subscriptions, their operating models are becoming increasingly complex. This report explores how leading media organisations are responding by creating greater clarity over content, capabilities and governance, helping them unlock commercial value while avoiding unnecessary organisational complexity in a rapidly evolving publishing landscape. Reading time: 2 minutes How can publishers adapt their…

Multigenerational workforces and the future of organisations Q5’s Futures Taskforce 2026, supported by Ipsos research, explores how organisations can unlock the potential of multigenerational workforces. Drawing on insights across five sectors, the report argues that leadership, knowledge transfer and organisational design matter more than generational stereotypes, offering practical actions to build more resilient, inclusive and high-performing organisations. Reading time: 8 minutes The Q5 Futures Taskforce is an annual research programme…

AI adoption is accelerating. Business value isn’t. Here’s what leading organisations are doing differently. Organisations are investing heavily in AI, yet many are struggling to translate adoption into measurable revenue driving or cost base reduction. The difference isn’t the technology. It’s how organisations are designed to use it. Those that rethink their operating model alongside AI will be best placed to create lasting competitive advantage. Reading time: 2 minutes AI…

Resilience as a strategic advantage in an era of shared security National security is no longer the responsibility of governments alone. In this discussion, Joel Grundy and Phil Osborn explore how organisations can build resilience, adapt to emerging threats and strengthen leadership capabilities. Discover why resilience, trust and agility are becoming essential for success across the defence and security ecosystem. Reading time: 3 minutes As the strategic environment becomes increasingly…

Six cultural enablers that unlock AI’s full potential The biggest barrier to AI success isn’t technology, data, or investment – it’s culture. While organisations focus on deploying new tools, the real challenge is creating an environment where people feel confident, accountable, and empowered to work alongside AI. Here’s what the most successful organisations are doing differently. Reading time: 7 minutes For many organisations, AI adoption is progressing faster than their…

Strengthening Q5’s workforce transformation, organisation design and people performance capability across Australia and New Zealand Q5 has appointed Kirsty Miller as Director in Melbourne and a member of the Australia & New Zealand Leadership Team, strengthening its expertise in workforce transformation, organisation design and people performance. With more than 15 years of experience helping organisations navigate complex workforce, organisational and transformation challenges, Kirsty brings a powerful combination of consulting expertise…

Why culture is the ultimate performance advantage Elite football teams invest heavily in strategy, talent and analytics, yet performance gaps remain. The difference often lies in culture. This article explores how high-performing football organisations create alignment, accountability and resilience, and what leaders in any sector can learn to build cultures that drive sustained performance and success. Reading time: 4 minutes In performance environments, culture is the edge​ From podcasts to…

Bringing global leadership experience in transformation, brand growth, and organizational effectiveness Juliet Scott-Croxford has joined Q5 as President, North America, bringing extensive leadership experience across the consumer, media, retail, and mobility sectors. Formerly President of the Americas at Brompton Bicycle, she will lead Q5’s North America business, helping clients navigate transformation, growth, organizational effectiveness, and AI-driven change. Reading time: 4 minutes As organizations across North America grapple with AI disruption,…

Unlocking potential, allocating resources in the right way and driving accountability without burning people out Many organisations are caught between relentless performance pressure and cultures that lack accountability. The organisations that thrive will build collective performance, align leadership teams, allocate talent strategically and create disciplined execution through clearer priorities, stronger capability and more sustainable ways of working. Reading time: 11 minutes There is a tension sitting at the heart of…

From Strategy to Delivery: The UK Defence Challenge with General Sir Richard Barrons CBE, KBE Joel Grundy speaks with General Sir Richard Barrons about the UK’s changing security and economic landscape following the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review. Together, they explore resilience, defence capability, public sector trade-offs and the leadership challenges organisations face as geopolitical uncertainty, cyber threats and societal pressures continue to intensify. Watch the full discussion below.…

AI adoption is accelerating, but value isn’t – what 70+ organisations globally are doing, and what this means for you This report explores why many organisations are struggling to scale AI beyond experimentation, despite growing investment and adoption. Drawing on insights from 70+ organisations globally, it highlights the operational, cultural, and governance barriers limiting impact, alongside the approaches leading organisations are using to embed AI successfully and deliver measurable enterprise value.…

Q5 strengthens organisational transformation and leadership capability with Associate Partner hire, Helen Kewell Q5 has appointed Helen Kewell as Associate Partner, strengthening its expertise in organisational transformation, culture and leadership development. With more than 25 years’ experience across multiple sectors, Helen brings deep expertise in behaviour change and organisational effectiveness, helping clients build healthier, more connected and higher-performing organisations through sustainable transformation. Reading time: 3 minutes Helen joins Q5 as…

Recognising the power of giving back together We are proud to have been named Pro Bono Company of the Year at the Better Society Awards 2026. The award recognises the commitment, energy and expertise of Q5ers across the globe who continue to use their skills to create meaningful impact through pro bono work, community partnerships and social impact initiatives. Reading time: 2 minutes We have been named winner of the…

Why utilities must redesign for growth in the AI era AI-driven data center growth is reshaping the utility sector, pressuring operating models built for stability rather than rapid expansion. Utilities that succeed will combine infrastructure investment with faster decision-making, stronger commercial capabilities, proactive regulatory alignment, and stakeholder engagement, all while maintaining the reliability and affordability customers expect. Reading time: 4 minutes Data center electricity demand is accelerating fast. EPRI has…

How leaders can create and deliver ‘immersive’ strategy that people can actually see themselves in Successful strategy execution depends not only on the quality of the strategy itself, but on leadership’s ability to build belief, trust and organisational alignment. This article explores how leaders can make strategy truly land by shaping culture, modelling consistent behaviours and creating systems that enable execution, supported by real-world business examples and research. Reading time:…

AI is forcing a new operating model conversation, not just a technology one AI is no longer just a technology upgrade but a shift in organisational operating models. As AI embeds into everyday work, it reshapes people, processes, structures, technology and governance. Organisations that succeed will design for human–AI collaboration, clear accountability and trust, moving beyond isolated use cases to enterprise-wide transformation. Reading time: 4 minutes Most organisations are approaching AI like a technology…

Chris Parsons on why organisation design must go beyond org charts to deliver lasting performance Featured on the Questioning Gurus podcast by QuestionPro APJ, Q5 Co-Founder Chris Parsons shares why true transformation goes beyond restructuring. Sustainable performance comes from aligning strategy, structure, processes, and culture to reduce friction and improve outcomes for both customers and employees. Reading time: 4 minutes What does real transformation actually look like? In a recent…

Why local government’s biggest changes won’t be decided on election day Local elections matter, but the biggest changes in local government will unfold after polling day. Structural reforms, devolution, technology, financial pressure and rising demand are reshaping councils long term. Success will depend on clear leadership, organisational performance and embracing transformation to improve services, beyond short electoral cycles over time ahead. Reading time: 5 minutes As local elections across England,…

Practical strategies from our latest In Good Company webinar In our second In Good Company webinar, we explored how organisations can grow income in a challenging funding environment. From smarter grant selection to stronger cases for support and more strategic use of events, this session shared practical tools and insights to help charities build sustainable, long term income. Watch the full webinar below and sign up here to receive future updates…

Can you design an ‘audience-first’ newsroom without increasing cost and complexity? Newsrooms have added layers of roles, workflows, and formats to keep up with change, but many are now paying the price in cost and complexity. Download our latest report below to see how an audience-first approach can simplify decision-making, sharpen focus, and improve long-term performance. Reading time: 4 minutes Modern newsrooms didn’t become complex by accident. Over the past…

Why sustainable performance requires balancing people, purpose and systems Organisational performance can no longer be defined by financial outcomes alone. It emerges from the interaction of people, purpose and systems, shaped by constant trade-offs. High-performing organisations do not eliminate tensions, they navigate them deliberately, making clear choices to sustain long-term value, resilience and meaningful outcomes for employees, customers and stakeholders. Reading time: 4 minutes “Performance” is a commonplace word in…

Q5 panel event: The nation’s ‘cash cow’ We recently convened a cross-sector panel to examine London’s role in the UK economy and the roots of anti-London sentiment. The discussion challenged zero-sum thinking, highlighted the impact of over-centralisation, and explored how stronger regional empowerment and collaboration could support more balanced, inclusive growth across the country. Listen to the podcast below. Reading time: 2 minutes We recently hosted a panel at The…

What a five-generation workforce means for culture, leadership, and performance Five generations now work side by side, creating both opportunity and tension. Drawing on insights from Oxford Elevate and Q5 workshops, this article explores how organisations can understand their culture, lead inclusively, and connect people through shared purpose to unlock collaboration, improve wellbeing, and enable the next generation to contribute and thrive. Reading time: 5 minutes Each year, Oxford Elevate…

Insights from Innovation 2026: from ideas to impact Innovation in the public sector depends less on new ideas and more on creating the conditions for delivery. Leaders must focus on alignment, data, governance, and capability to turn ambition into impact. By strengthening systems, not just solutions, organisations can move from isolated pilots to sustained, system-wide performance improvement. Reading time: 5 minutes Innovation 2026 highlighted a familiar reality for senior leaders:…

Joel Grundy on moving beyond plans and buzzwords to make strategy actually work Strategic thinking is coming of age. In this podcast, Joel Grundy explores how strategy has help leaders make their decisions add up, be pragmatic about uncertainty, and make the most of what’s happening in reality. A practical take on using strategy well right now when the big picture for most businesses is being shaken up. Listen to…

The manufacturing skills crunch: why hiring and AI alone won’t fix it – and what to do instead Manufacturers face a growing skills crunch that hiring and technology alone won’t solve. The real constraint is capability. Leading organisations treat skills as an operating model, not an initiative. By redesigning roles, building coaching capacity, and linking learning to performance, manufacturers can create and sustain critical skills. Read more to learn six…

100% of employees say Q5 is a great place to work Q5 Australia has been certified as a Great Place to Work, with 100% of employees saying it is a great place to work. This recognition reflects Q5’s strong culture of collaboration, development, and support, and reinforces its commitment to building healthy and high-performing organisations where people and businesses can thrive. Reading time: 2 minutes We are proud to share…

Five macro trends shaping the next three years Our first Sports Report, From strategy to delivery in a maturing sports ecosystem, explores five macro trends shaping UK sport over the next three years. Drawing on insights from 40+ senior leaders, it examines how clubs, leagues and investors are evolving to balance performance, governance and long-term sustainability. Download the full report below. Reading time: 2 minutes UK sport is entering its…

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-WEB:3fb7d580-788f-4bab-a602-8eba1b410b4a-0" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Why do so many organisations deliver successful projects but fail to realise strategic impact? In this Q5 think piece, we explore the hidden disconnect between strategy and execution, where green dashboards and on-time milestones mask a lack of meaningful progress. We examine why portfolios drift, why initiatives lose alignment with strategic intent, and why transformation alone is not enough to deliver lasting…

Building resilient, responsible organisations in a changing world Q5’s 2026 Sustainability Report highlights the firm’s progress across people, ethics, resilience, environmental action and social impact. With clear ESG priorities and a focus on long-term organisational health, the report shows how Q5 is evolving to help clients and communities thrive. Download the full report below. Reading time: 2 minutes We are proud to share our 2026 Sustainability Report, which captures how…

Where does accountability sit for attracting and retaining high-value audiences? Editorial, Marketing, Product, or … somewhere else? Reading time: 2 minutes As search declines, high-value audiences are no longer “acquired”, they are built. This report explores how fragmented accountability across editorial, product and commercial teams slows progress, and why clear leadership, shared priorities and common metrics are now critical to driving habitual, high-value audience growth. Download the full report here.…

Four key trends shaping growth, fundraising and organisational health Charities are facing fewer donors, rising costs, and increased competition. Through 18 Pop-Ups in 2025, we identified four trends shaping the sector: sharper fundraising strategies, growth through collaboration, rethinking operating model,s and strengthening culture. These insights highlight how leaders can adapt and build resilience for 2026. Reading time: 4 minutes During the Covid-19 pandemic Q5 founded Pop Up Consulting, an initiative…