My Journey with EPiC

Our Philosophy:

At EPiC, we live by the mantra: “It’s your transformation; we’re just your guide.” Think of us like personal trainers at the gym. We bring expertise, experience, and a personalised approach to help you achieve your goals. We can demonstrate the exercises, ensure you have the right form, and push you when needed. But ultimately, you’re the one who lifts the weights. The transformation is yours.

The Challenge: Ambitious Goals Under Tight Constraints

Our client was performing well, but “well” doesn’t lead to industry leadership. They wanted significant change—and they wanted it quickly. Their goal was to design and implement our Value-Centred Design (VCD) model within a year, all while operating under budget constraints. On paper, it seemed almost impossible.

Stepping In: A Collaborative Partnership

Recognising the stakes, we shifted from a passive advisory role to an active partnership. We provided a seasoned Transformation Programme Director, supported by agility coaches and transformation experts to bolster their core team. Our approach was collaborative—done with them, not for them.

Our Approach: Tailored and Comprehensive

• Leadership Workshops: We conducted over 60 workshops with their leadership team to uncover and align the company’s true values.
• Bespoke Training: We ran customised training sessions across all necessary areas, ensuring everyone was on the same page.
• Custom Solutions: Instead of a one-size-fits-all strategy, we developed bespoke solutions for different business areas.
• Measuring Progress: We used tools like AgilityHealth Radars to establish baselines and track improvements, providing tangible proof of progress.

Every transformation journey is unique but there are some constants that remind us that the advice we provide isn’t a “hunch”, it’s a lived experience over and over. They are:

1. Executive Engagement is Crucial: Consistent buy-in and active participation from top leadership are non-negotiable. Advocacy without action leads to stagnation.
2. Involve Finance & HR into the Transformation from Day One: Bringing the CFO and CPO into the process early ensures a greater focus on ‘benefits’ and ‘culture’, instead of the processes of change, and highlights them as enablers on the journey.
3. Trust the Process: Challenges are inevitable. Having a proven partner who’s navigated similar journeys makes trusting the process easier—and more effective.
4. Balance Internal and External Resources: While building internal capabilities is important, early reliance on external expertise accelerates progress and reduces long-term costs.
5. Don’t Outsource Ownership: Your internal team’s ownership and active participation in the transformation process isn’t just about saving money or ensuring accountability; it’s a strong predictor of success and a critical factor in embedding lasting change within your organisation. 

As an executive, you might be weighing the merits of hiring a large consultancy versus a boutique agency like EPiC. Here’s why our approach might be the perfect fit for your organisation:

1. Personalised Attention: We offer a level of personalised service that big consultancies often can’t match. Your organisation isn’t just another client to us; it’s a partnership we invest in deeply.

2. Depth and Breadth of Experience: Our team brings a wealth of experience across various industries. This cross-industry insight allows us to anticipate challenges and craft innovative solutions that might not be immediately obvious.

3. Honest and Candid Partnership: Transformation isn’t about comfort—it’s about growth. We’re committed to telling you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear, ensuring decisions align with your long-term goals.

4. Hands-On Involvement: We’re more than just advisors; we’re collaborators. We work alongside your team, ensuring knowledge transfer and sustainable change that lasts long after we’ve stepped back.

5. Cost-Effective Solutions: Our tailored approach ensures you get maximum value for your investment. We focus on what matters most to your organisation, eliminating unnecessary costs often associated with larger firms.

Reflecting on my experience with this client, I’m reminded of how transformative a true partnership can be. They not only achieved their ambitious goals but also cultivated an internal culture poised for continuous improvement and innovation.

If you’re considering embarking on a transformation journey, remember that the right partner makes all the difference. At EPiC, we’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the way. We’re here to turn challenges into opportunities and help your organisation reach new heights.

As the African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Let’s embark on this journey together.

At EPiC, we specialise in neutral facilitation that fosters collaboration, drives innovative thinking, and builds leadership ownership. Contact us today to learn how we can help facilitate your next strategy session.