WORK
Different problems need different ways in.
One size doesn't fit all. The work starts with understanding what's actually happening; what's stuck, what's being avoided, what's not adding up, and what needs to become possible.
From there, we work out what will help.
Strategy & Transformation.
When the challenge is bigger than the plan, I work with organisations, leaders and ventures facing strategic questions where there isn't a straightforward answer.
That might mean
...shaping or challenging a strategy
...navigating competing priorities and stakeholders
...making sense of a complex or changing environment
...connecting commercial, social and regenerative outcomes
...developing a new proposition, venture or direction
...turning good intentions into something that can actually work.
I bring strategic systems thinking and a willingness to question the assumptions underneath the intention.
The aim isn't simply a better idea.
It's a clearer direction and a greater capacity to act.
Working with Deepa on developing Earthed’s strategy has been nothing short of transformative. She guided us to pause and reconnect with the “magic” of what we’ve achieved over the past 20 months since launch, no small task when you’re in the thick of delivery. Deepa created the space for reflection, helping us truly see and appreciate the scale and significance of our work so far.
From that grounded place, she helped us look forward, clarifying our future vision in a way that feels both inspiring and achievable. Deepa brings a powerful presence and energy to this work, blending strategic expertise with real joy and playfulness. Crucially, she doesn’t stop at lofty ambition. She helps translate vision into practical, actionable pathways, grounded in realistic targets and operational clarity.
We’re deeply grateful for her contribution. She’s helped us build a Theory of Change that doesn’t sit on a shelf but it’s already shaping how we grow and make impact.
"
Christabel Reed Founder, Earthed.
Intentional Conversations.
Good conversations don't happen by accident.
I design and facilitate conversations, learning experiences and events for people working with complexity.
That can include
...strategic conversations
...leadership and team sessions
...multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaborations
...talks and keynotes
...panels and hosted conversations
...workshops where the quality of the conversation matters as much as the content.
I bring structure without over-engineering the room, and challenge without losing the human connection.
The work is guided by my Conversation Architecture®️ thinking and Diagnostic that brings clarity before convening so you can understand the dynamics; from your own assumptions to power and how it shows up, and design accordingly.
The goal isn't a room full of people who agree. It's a room where something useful can happen.
"
Deepa was chosen to host and facilitate our workshop with expert panellists on agricultural sustainability. She went out of her way to invest time and effort in getting to know our ask, the panellists and was instrumental in shaping the agenda for the day. Through this process, it became clear how well Deepa is fully-versed with the themes of sustainability. Her knowledge of the subject matter definitely played a role in asking probing questions of the panellists. Her meticulous attention to detail, matched with her ability to read the situation and adapt accordingly, were very evident on the day and played a large part in ensuring everything ran smoothly. The workshop was a success, both in terms of its outcome, but also the experience for all attendees.
I would not hesitate to recommend Deepa for organising, facilitating or chairing any workshop, panel or event, no matter how complex. I am sure we will be relying on Deepa for other similar events in the future.
Atha Mandis, innocent drinks
Critical Friend.
Sometimes you just need someone who will tell you the truth. Someone to think with. Someone who isn't invested in your organisational politics. Someone who can see the thing you've stopped seeing because you've been too close to it.
My Critical Friend work is one-to-one and deliberately direct. I'll listen carefully. I'll ask questions. I'll join dots. I'll challenge your assumptions. And if I think you're making the wrong call, I'll tell you.
It's particularly useful when you're:
...stuck on a strategic decision
...trying to work out what's really going on
...holding competing responsibilities or perspectives
...developing something new
...questioning whether your current direction still makes sense.
I offer a two-tier programme depending on your needs and the speed/ intensity you want to travel.
Time: x1 90 minute session per month for 6 months, or x2 90 minute session per month for 6 months.
Both include access to multimedia resources and toolkit for reflection, work in-between sessions.
Investment: Based on the nature of the engagement and fairshare ethics.
Perfect for: Senior leaders, founders & executives driving complex change, entrepreneurs.
Supportive doesn't have to mean agreeable.
Working with Deepa changed the way I lead and make decisions. We were in the middle of some challenges: conflicting priorities, tension between old systems and new directions, and for me some big questions about how to grow without losing what made us distinct.
Deepa helped me work through them each with total clarity. By the end of our work I felt real alignment where before I had felt pretty stuck for some months. She helped me rethink how our programs fit together, and guided me in telling our story in a way that truly reflects the depth of what we do.
Since working with her, I’ve seen sharper internal focus, and real progress on the goals I’d been circling around for too long. Deepa was able to hold the strategic and also the human side of the work we do.
"
Andrew Michael Nolan, Mandala Institute
A Note about Regenerative Systems work
Regeneration isn't a separate service.
It's part of how I think about strategy, organisations, venture building and change.
I'm interested in outcomes that strengthen the systems they're part of which means that they need to be commercially viable, socially useful and regenerate rather than harm.
That lens can be particularly valuable when conventional approaches have reached their limits.
A Labour of Love.
Every year I work with a Labour of Love client. This is an issue I care deeply about or a founder that I really believe in, they just may not have the funds to pay for the advice they need. They get the same Support, Counsel and Challenge like all clients, just with the spirit of the gift economy and paying it forward.
If you think that you, or your organisation could do with some love, please get in touch and let's see what we can do.
Past Labour of Love clients include: Tarkebien, Know your Stars, the Ashiyaana Foundation, Force of Nature, The Industree Foundation, The Vaults Festival, Amalurra.