Client Success Stories
At Taking It Forward, we believe that the success of our clients is the best testament to the work we do.
Our practical, people-centred solutions make measurable differences
Explore some of our recent success stories to see how we’ve helped organisations just like yours overcome challenges, enhance their people strategy, and build a more engaged, high-performing workforce.
Transforming Government HR: A streamlined employee experience
Taking It Forward partnered with a Government HR department to transform their employee lifecycle experience.
How we approached the project
Our team worked to identify key impact points and develop materials and strategies to significantly improve both employee and leadership experiences. During this project out team:
- Analysed the entire employee lifecycle
- Identified points of greatest impact
- Created tailored materials and strategies
The outcome we achieved for our client
The result was a more streamlined, engaging, and effective employee experience that benefits both staff and leaders.
Strategic planning for not-for-profit: Laying the groundwork for future success
Taking It Forward was commissioned by a not-for-profit (NFP) division to meticulously plan and design the future structure.
How we approached the project
- Creating detailed Board materials
- Assessing financial impacts
- Developing clear communication strategies
- Crafting a precise timeline plan.
The outcome we achieved for our client
This strategic planning ensured a smooth transition and set the foundation for future success.
Demerger for ASX Top 10 Company: Smooth transition and integration of people
Lana Johnston was part of a team of six (6) who were asked to lead the people de-merger activities from an ASX top 10 listed company, to an American purchaser.
How we approached the project
Our activities focused on keeping those impacted top of mind while delivering the project within the set timeframe and under budget.
The outcome we achieved for our client
Key achievements included:
- Seamless transition for employees
- Swift mitigation of people risks
- Adherence to strict deadlines
- Efficient use of resources, staying under budget.
Illuminating Change: Strengthening Policy Framework for Growth
Taking It Forward partnered with an industrial LED lighting and electronics company to review and enhance their policy governance framework.
How we approached the project
Our team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the existing policy landscape and identified critical gaps that needed to be addressed. During this project our team:
• Performed a thorough review of current policies and governance procedures
• Identified key policies required for upcoming tender submissions
• Developed tailored policies that aligned with the company’s specific operations and culture
• Created a governance process for ongoing policy management and updates
The outcome we achieved for our client
The result was a robust suite of custom-tailored policies with a clear governance framework. This delivered multiple benefits:
• The company successfully met compliance requirements for upcoming tenders
• Leaders gained clear guidelines for consistent decision-making
• Employees benefited from transparent expectations and procedures
• The business reduced risk through proper documentation and processes
• The organisation established a foundation for sustainable growth with proper governance
Through this partnership, the company transformed their policy approach from a potential liability into a competitive advantage that supports both business objectives and people management.
Global Health Leadership Transformation: Building Future-Ready Leadership
Taking It Forward partnered with a global health company to conduct a comprehensive leadership assessment and development strategy.
How we approached the project
Our team implemented a thorough 360-degree evaluation process to gain deep insights into leadership capabilities across the organisation. During this project our team:
• Conducted full 360-degree assessments of leadership across all organisational levels
• Identified leadership strengths and shadows impacting organisational performance
• Evaluated bench strength within the Senior Leadership Team
• Analysed leadership capabilities against future business requirements
• Developed tailored recommendations for leadership development
The outcome we achieved for our client
The assessment revealed crucial insights that led to significant organisational improvements:
• Identification of 5 key leadership changes required to align with strategic goals
• Development of a comprehensive leadership program addressing specific capability gaps
• Enhanced understanding of leadership bench strength for succession planning
• Clear roadmap for leadership development aligned with business objectives
• Improved leadership awareness of strengths and development areas
This partnership enabled the client to make data-driven leadership decisions that strengthened their leadership pipeline and positioned the organisation for sustainable growth in the competitive global health sector.
Higher Education Integration: Guiding People Through Organisational Change
Taking It Forward partnered with a University to support the people aspects of an acquisition and subsequent organisational restructure.
How we approached the project
Our team developed a comprehensive people strategy to navigate the complex transition, focusing on both process integrity and individual wellbeing. During this project our team:
• Led the end-to-end people stream for the acquisition
• Designed and implemented a fair and transparent change management process
• Created a structured communication framework with regular touchpoints
• Developed leader toolkits for supporting team members through transition
• Established clear documentation and FAQ resources
• Facilitated open dialogue sessions to address concerns
The outcome we achieved for our client
The partnership delivered a smooth transition with positive people outcomes:
• All employees felt informed and supported throughout the change process
• No subsequent cases or disputes arose from the organisational change
• Leaders demonstrated confidence in guiding their teams through transition
• Trust was maintained through transparent communication and consultation
• Documentation provided clarity and comfort during periods of uncertainty
• The new structure was implemented on schedule with minimal disruption
This project demonstrated how thoughtful people management during significant organisational change can protect both institutional interests and individual wellbeing, resulting in a more cohesive academic community post-acquisition.
Strategic Direction Partner: Annual Planning Excellence
Taking It Forward has partnered with a dedicated client over a three-year period, providing ongoing strategic guidance and facilitation support.
How we approached the project
Our team has established a consistent annual rhythm with this client, focusing on strategic planning facilitation and follow-through. During this ongoing partnership our team:
• Designs customised agendas for annual Strategic Planning Days
• Creates targeted pre-reading materials to maximise session productivity
• Facilitates engaging and outcome-focused planning sessions
• Develops comprehensive ‘talk books’ that capture key decisions and action items
• Conducts mid-year checkpoint sessions to assess progress against strategic priorities
The outcome we achieved for our client
This long-term partnership has delivered sustained strategic benefits:
• Consistent strategic direction maintained across multiple years
• Improved accountability through regular progress reviews
• Enhanced meeting productivity through professional facilitation
• Clear documentation of strategic decisions for future reference
• Strengthened leadership alignment around key priorities
• Year-on-year building of strategic capabilities within the leadership team
This enduring relationship demonstrates the value of consistent strategic support in maintaining momentum and focus on long-term objectives, while adapting to changing market conditions each year.
Regional Council Transformation: Elevating the Employee Onboarding Experience
Taking It Forward partnered with a Regional Council to revamp their onboarding process as part of a broader People & Culture improvement initiative.
How we approached the project
Our team conducted a thorough assessment of the current onboarding practices and gathered comprehensive feedback to design a more effective approach. During this project our team:
• Collected insights from leaders across all Council departments
• Gathered feedback from recently onboarded employees about their experience
• Analysed existing induction materials and processes for effectiveness
• Identified key improvement opportunities and success metrics
• Engaged all Executive Team members throughout the development process
The outcome we achieved for our client
The partnership delivered a completely refreshed onboarding experience:
• New Council Onboarding Framework implemented across all departments
• Redesigned onboarding materials that better reflect Council values and priorities
• Enhanced support processes for managers leading new team members
• Success metrics dashboard for ongoing monitoring of onboarding effectiveness
• Positive adoption of new suggestions by leadership team
• Improved first impressions for new employees joining the Council
This project helped the Regional Council transform a critical touchpoint in the employee experience, creating a strong foundation for engagement and retention while demonstrating their commitment to valuing their people from day one.
Global Insurance Advantage: Creating a Compelling Employer Value Proposition
Taking It Forward partnered with a Global Insurance company to develop an authentic employer value proposition (EVP) to strengthen their position in the competitive Australian insurance sector.
How we approached the project
Our team designed a comprehensive approach to uncover and articulate the unique employee experience offered by the company. During this project our team:
• Conducted in-depth research into the current employee experience
• Identified distinctive elements that set the company apart as an employer
• Collaborated with key stakeholders to define core EVP pillars
• Developed compelling messaging that resonated with target talent audiences
• Created comprehensive campaign materials for internal and external use
• Worked closely with the Executive Team throughout the approval process
The outcome we achieved for our client
The partnership delivered a powerful EVP that accurately reflected the organisation’s culture:
• Authentic EVP firmly anchored in real employee experiences
• Clear articulation of the company’s talent offering in the Australian market
• Comprehensive suite of campaign materials for recruitment initiatives
• Full Executive Team approval and organisational buy-in
• Successful implementation completed within a tight three-month timeframe
• Strengthened employer brand position in the Australian insurance sector
This project enabled the Global Insurance company to clearly communicate their unique advantages as an employer, attracting higher quality candidates and reinforcing their employment brand in a competitive talent marketplace.
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