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James Kitney

Chief Strategy and Transformation Catalyst
Auckland, New Zealand
+64 (0) 21 1424 117
james@fivenz.comBook a call
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James has 20 years of experience supporting organisations in New Zealand and Australia helping organisations develop world-class strategies and organisational systems that enable organisations to realise their full potential. James views strategy and transformation as two critically linked components that help organisations move from problem/opportunity space into realising their potential. He has delivered corporate strategies and large-scale transformation programs for some of New Zealand and Australia's leading brands, including FMG, AMP, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Southern Cross, Countdown, Woolworths AU, Coles, Vector, Visa, Australian Retirement Trust, M1 Singapore, Mitre 10, St George Community Housing, and IAG. James is an experienced consultant and coach with the passion, energy and intellect to challenge the status quo, and stretch executive and board thinking into new realms. James helps his clients in Strategy, Transformation, Futures and Innovation.

I've recently written about:

Strategy & Leadership

Cut with a scalpel, not a Chainsaw: Strategic cost management and investment beyond the economic cycle

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We've all seen the headlines in recent weeks with a number of public and private businesses across New Zealand announcing staff reductions. It's a familiar pattern – economic contraction leads to reduced consumer spending, which then necessitates cuts to operating expenditures. Then, when consumer confidence rebounds, it becomes an all-out scramble to capitalise on the upswing. This cycle seems logical on the surface. But is it truly optimal? Do we really need an economic downturn for us to focus on cost efficiency? Conversely, do we need economic growth to even consider strategies for expanding market share?
Strategy & Leadership

Ditch the Decks, Unleash the Dragons: Why Strategy Isn't a Game trapped in spreadsheets and PowerPoint

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Step into a world where strategy is not confined to boardrooms but thrives in the chaos and creativity of real-world challenges. This post explores how today's leaders are ditching traditional, rigid planning for a dynamic, design-led approach. Discover how embracing uncertainty, fostering a culture of experimentation, and engaging directly with the market through rapid prototyping and iterative testing can lead to spectacular successes.
Strategy & Leadership

A more Human Centred Approach to Strategy

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Traditional strategy making has long been the domain of Corporate Strategy Teams, Executives and Consultants. For most employees in an organisation the first time they see or hear about any changes to strategy is when a new poster goes on the wall or their manager ‘informs’ them what the new strategy is.

You can talk to me about:

Strategy & Leadership

Organisational Design

We help you to design new strategies, processes, metrics, ways of working, methodologies, services and structures to deliver your strategic and cultural aspirations.

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Strategy & Leadership

Programme Leadership

Expert programme leadership for NZ organisations running complex, multi-workstream initiatives — ensuring your strategic programmes deliver on their promise.

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Strategy & Leadership

Strategic and Transformation Advisory

We help you to gain valuable insights and fresh perspectives at the executive table, with assessment and challenge of your existing strategies, capabilities, tactics and systems.

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Strategy & Leadership

Strategy Design

Strategy by Five is a highly collaborative approach to strategy development that enables you and your team to envision, design, test, and activate your strategy.

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Strategy & Leadership

Transformation

Connect your transformation to your strategy to enable organisational agility

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Technology

WalkMe Discovery

Five is New Zealand's most experienced people-technology WalkMe delivery partner.

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