How I Work

A strategic framework that connects business objectives with technical execution

Why Methodology Matters

Most data initiatives fail not because of technology choices, but because they skip the strategic questions and jump straight to tools.

After 25 years designing and building data solutions across Oceania and Europe, I've developed a framework that ensures alignment between business goals and technical execution—before you invest millions in the wrong direction.

The 5 Questions Framework

Every successful data strategy must answer five fundamental questions, in the right order:

1. WHY → What business outcomes do you need?

What decisions or capabilities require data? What business value are we creating? This defines priorities and success metrics before any technical discussion begins.

2. WHO → What team capability do you have?

What skills does your organisation have today? What structure fits your business model? Platform choices depend on team reality, not vendor features.

3. WHAT → What data do you actually need?

Given your objectives and team capabilities, what data is feasible to capture and use? Where does it come from? What quality thresholds matter?

4. HOW → How do you deliver it?

What platforms, architecture, and processes fit your answers to WHY, WHO, and WHAT? Technology choices come fourth, not first. Governance enables rather than restricts.

5. WHEN → What's the roadmap?

What sequence makes sense given dependencies? What are quick wins versus strategic foundations? How do you phase investment and build momentum?

Why This Order Matters

Most consultants start with HOW (platform selection, architecture patterns) without understanding WHY (business objectives) or WHO (team capabilities).

The result? Snowflake for a SQL-light team. Databricks for simple reporting needs. Millions invested in platforms that don't fit.

My approach starts with outcomes, assesses organisational readiness, validates data feasibility, then recommends technology that actually fits your reality.

How We Work Together

My delivery model keeps me focused on strategy whilst ensuring you can execute:

What I Do

Strategic questionnaires, analysis, recommendations, architecture design, roadmap development, partner introductions

What You Decide

Final platform choices, budget approvals, hiring decisions, internal prioritisation, go/no-go calls

What Partners Deliver

Implementation, migration execution, development work, ongoing platform support

Why this works: You get strategic guidance without paying consulting rates for implementation work. I stay focused on high-value strategy. Partners execute with clear direction.

What Makes This Different

Questionnaire-Based, Not Facilitation

I gather objective data through structured questionnaires rather than facilitated workshops. This removes politics, accelerates timelines, and produces evidence-based recommendations.

Independent Perspective

No vendor partnerships. No implementation revenue dependency. My recommendations are based on your needs, not my commercial incentives.

Bridge Technical and Business

25 years designing and building data solutions plus performance framework expertise means I translate between what leadership needs to measure and what engineers can build.

Boutique Focus

You work with me directly, not a team of junior consultants. Every engagement gets my 25 years of experience, not a methodology playbook delivered by graduates.

What You Get

Regardless of which service you choose, every engagement delivers:

  • Strategic recommendations backed by evidence, not opinions
  • Clear documentation that your team and partners can execute from
  • Executive presentation ready for board or investor discussions
  • Implementation roadmap with dependencies, sequencing, and investment model
  • Partner introductions to vetted implementation firms (if needed)
  • No surprises - fixed scope, fixed price, clear timeline

Time to Value

Strategy engagements: 5-14 weeks depending on scope

Not 6-12 months like Big 4 firms. I deliver strategic consulting at scale-up speed, not enterprise bureaucracy pace.

Fast enough to maintain momentum. Thorough enough to get it right. No fluff, no juniors learning on your budget, no methodology theatre.

Ready to Work Together?

Book a free 30-minute call to discuss your data strategy challenge and see if my approach fits your needs.