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Performance measurement is often seen as a technical exercise, but at its core, it's about understanding whether an organisation is achieving what it set out to achieve. In this episode of A Little Bit of Nous, host Allen Dorsey sits down with Nous Principal Greg Joffe to explore how organisations can build performance frameworks that support better decisions, stronger accountability and more effective strategy execution. Drawing on decades of experience advising boards, executives, government agencies and private sector organisations, Greg explains why many organisations struggle to measure what truly matters. Together, Allen and Greg unpack the difference between measuring activity and measuring outcomes, why a clear strategy is the foundation of meaningful performance measurement, and how leaders can avoid becoming overwhelmed by data that offers little insight. Along the way, Greg shares practical frameworks for selecting the right measures, tips for aligning performance indicators with strategic priorities, and simple tests leaders can use to determine whether their measures are actually helping them understand progress. Whether you're responsible for organisational strategy, reporting, governance or performance improvement, this conversation offers practical insights into turning measurement from a reporting exercise into a powerful tool for achieving results. About A little bit of NousAt Nous, we partner with clients across a huge range of interesting, challenging, exciting and complex issues. Having good conversations is a huge part of what we do. A little bit of Nous is a podcast miniseries that explores big topics, through good conversations. Learn something, up your dinner party game and get to know the back stories of some of the Nousers who work passionately to achieve positive influence – not just for our clients and their businesses, but also for the customers and communities they serve. Your host Allen Dorsey is Nous’ unofficial Chief Connection Officer, who is passionate about bringing the best minds at Nous together to discuss our biggest challenges. Allen is a curious, conversationalist, always ready to share A little bit of Nous…About GregGreg leads projects helping clients to develop and implement their strategy. He works with CEOs and boards to set a clear strategy and then to align the operating model, including organisation structure, to deliver. Greg works across financial services, energy, health and utilities for private sector clients and with government agencies in defence, transport, human services, health, justice, utilities, and trade and investment. Greg is an adjunct professor at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at the University of NSW, where he teaches and researches organisation structure and alignment. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

In this episode, Allen Dorsey sits down with Anita Sarris to explore what it takes to build organisations where people can do their best work. Drawing on her background in organisational psychology and experience across resources, energy and government, Anita shares her perspective on why long-term workforce planning and a focus on capability matter more than headcount alone. They discuss the often-overlooked role of culture in organisational performance, why structural change rarely shifts behaviour on its own, and how organisation design can signal what's truly valued. They also explore what the rise of AI means for the future of work, and why distinctly human qualities – empathy, creativity and connection – may become even more critical as it reshapes how we work. About A little bit of NousAt Nous, we partner with clients across a huge range of interesting, challenging, exciting and complex issues. Having good conversations is a huge part of what we do. A little bit of Nous is a podcast miniseries that explores big topics, through good conversations. Learn something, up your dinner party game and get to know the back stories of some of the Nousers who work passionately to achieve positive influence – not just for our clients and their businesses, but also for the customers and communities they serve. Your host Allen Dorsey is Nous’ unofficial Chief Connection Officer, who is passionate about bringing the best minds at Nous together to discuss our biggest challenges. Allen is a curious, conversationalist, always ready to share A little bit of Nous… About AnitaAnita is an organisational performance and capability expert with more than 15 years’ experience designing organisational structures, systems, processes and culture across a range of industries including resources, energy, and government. Anita is passionate about designing progressive work environments that allow people and organisations to thrive and creating the people engagement necessary to enact change. At Nous she has led influential work supporting clients with their workforce strategy, capability development, leadership, culture, operating model, and change. Her career has spanned both consulting and management roles across Australia, the UK, and Peru. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

In this episode, Allen Dorsey sits down with Mark Baines to explore what the rise of AI means for the future of work, decision-making and defence. Drawing on his experience across digital systems, military strategy and the defence and security sector, Mark shares his perspective on where AI can enhance human decision-making, from analysing vast amounts of data to supporting commanders and autonomous systems. They discuss the limits of AI in complex and uncertain situations, why human judgement, ethics, trust and leadership remain critical, and how militaries are adapting their approach to technology, training and warfare. About A little bit of Nous  At Nous, we partner with clients across a huge range of interesting, challenging, exciting and complex issues. Having good conversations is a huge part of what we do.  A little bit of Nous is a podcast miniseries that explores big topics, through good conversations. Learn something, up your dinner party game and get to know the back stories of some of the Nousers who work passionately to achieve positive influence – not just for our clients and their businesses, but also for the customers and communities they serve. Your host Allen Dorsey is Nous’ unofficial Chief Connection Officer, who is passionate about bringing the best minds at Nous together to discuss our biggest challenges. Allen is a curious, conversationalist, always ready to share A little bit of Nous… About Mark Mark has worked in the UK Public sector for 30+ years and can apply his extensive experience in consulting, together with strategic thinking and senior leadership to help solve complex problems. These might often involve a combination of large-scale organisational transformation, leading edge digital technologies and complex programme delivery. Mark is well versed in Government and public sector decision making and managing risk tolerances around technical performance, cost and schedules. Mark has a strong focus on programme outcomes and achieving impact and value for money for clients and citizens. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

In this episode, Allen Dorsey sits down with Nous Principal Michael Rathjen to unpack one of the biggest questions facing leaders today: how do you make decisions about AI when the future is moving so quickly? Michael shares his perspectives on why AI is more than just another technology shift, how organisations should think about change, and why having a clear direction matters more than having a clear destination. Along the way, we explore his "javelin arc" analogy, the risks of standing still, and why the rise of AI could make the human side of work even more important. About A little bit of Nous  At Nous, we partner with clients across a huge range of interesting, challenging, exciting and complex issues. Having good conversations is a huge part of what we do.  A little bit of Nous is a podcast miniseries that explores big topics, through good conversations. Learn something, up your dinner party game and get to know the back stories of some of the Nousers who work passionately to achieve positive influence – not just for our clients and their businesses, but also for the customers and communities they serve. Your host Allen Dorsey is Nous’ unofficial Chief Connection Officer, who is passionate about bringing the best minds at Nous together to discuss our biggest challenges. Allen is a curious, conversationalist, always ready to share A little bit of Nous… About Michael  Michael is an experienced advisor across digital strategy, policy and technology-enabled transformation. He is passionate about the role of technology in improving outcomes for people, government and organisations. He is also a deeply strategic and pragmatic thinker; combining structured problem-solving, data-driven analysis and qualitative insight with a strong, clear narrative to communicate with leaders, business, technical and front-line people alike. He has partnered with government, charitable and private organisations to develop and implement large-scale strategy, policy and technology transformation programs. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

In this episode, Allen Dorsey speaks with Nous Group's Chief Marketing Officer, Lauren Douge about the leadership lessons she's learned over 11 years leading marketing at Nous. Lauren reflects on the mindset shifts that have shaped her leadership journey, from championing new ideas and driving change to building consensus and leading collaboratively. She shares practical advice for emerging leaders on developing influence, staying grounded in purpose, and creating impact through collective success. Together, they explore why curiosity and listening are critical leadership skills, and how a strong sense of purpose can help leaders navigate challenges and create lasting impact.  About A little bit of Nous  At Nous, we partner with clients across a huge range of interesting, challenging, exciting and complex issues. Having good conversations is a huge part of what we do.  A little bit of Nous is a podcast miniseries that explores big topics, through good conversations. Learn something, up your dinner party game and get to know the back stories of some of the Nousers who work passionately to achieve positive influence – not just for our clients and their businesses, but also for the customers and communities they serve. Your host Allen Dorsey is Nous’ unofficial Chief Connection Officer, who is passionate about bringing the best minds at Nous together to discuss our biggest challenges. Allen is a curious, conversationalist, always ready to share A little bit of Nous… About Lauren Lauren Douge is an accomplished marketing executive with a wealth of experience in growth strategy, brand management and client relationship development in professional services. This builds on her earlier consulting career in organisational performance and transformation. As Chief Marketing Officer, Lauren drives the creation and implementation of strategies that enhance our international presence and engage our diverse client base. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

In this episode, Allen and Rachel Flitman, Director, Nous Group explore the concept of co-design as collaborative creation with stakeholders, emphasising its importance in problem definition, risk reduction, and equitable outcomes, illustrated by a case study with Australian Red Cross on community resilience, and highlights the ongoing relevance of human-centered co-design in a digital future. About A little bit of Nous  At Nous, we partner with clients across a huge range of interesting, challenging, exciting and complex issues. Having good conversations is a huge part of what we do.  A little bit of Nous is a podcast miniseries that explores big topics, through good conversations. Learn something, up your dinner party game and get to know the back stories of some of the Nousers who work passionately to achieve positive influence – not just for our clients and their businesses, but also for the customers and communities they serve. Your host Allen Dorsey is Nous’ unofficial Chief Connection Officer, who is passionate about bringing the best minds at Nous together to discuss our biggest challenges. Allen is a curious, conversationalist, always ready to share A little bit of Nous… About Rachel Rachel is a strategic designer who works at the intersection of human-centred design, policy and community development across a range of sectors, including transport, aviation, emergency management and education. She brings expertise in co-design, facilitation and communications, and thrives on helping people explore ideas, develop solutions and engage in powerful and experiential ways. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

In this episode, Allen and Carlos Blanco, a Principal at Nous Group, discuss the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) for businesses, emphasising that while ESG covers broad issues such as climate change and labour standards, organisations should focus on the most material factors relevant to their strategy to create real value, rather than simply comply with regulations. He highlights the dual pressures of regulatory demands and stakeholder expectations and shares his optimism about the role businesses can play in addressing major societal and environmental challenges through the strategic integration of ESG. About A little bit of Nous  At Nous, we partner with clients across a huge range of interesting, challenging, exciting and complex issues. Having good conversations is a huge part of what we do.  A little bit of Nous is a podcast miniseries that explores big topics, through good conversations. Learn something, up your dinner party game and get to know the back stories of some of the Nousers who work passionately to achieve positive influence – not just for our clients and their businesses, but also for the customers and communities they serve. Your host Allen Dorsey is Nous’ unofficial Chief Connection Officer, who is passionate about bringing the best minds at Nous together to discuss our biggest challenges. Allen is a curious, conversationalist, always ready to share A little bit of Nous… About Carlos  Carlos is passionate about working with clients to deliver innovative and practical solutions to complex challenges. His focus is on translating insight into action that delivers improved performance. Working across government, not-for-profit organisations, foundations and private sector organisations; Carlos has developed a multi-sector approach to problem solving that looks for opportunities to translate success from one sector to another. Clients appreciate his authentic and compassionate approach to stakeholder engagement and his thorough qualitative and quantitative data analysis experience. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

In this episode, Allen Dorsey, Host, and Sally Higgins, a Director at Nous Group and a farmer, discuss sustainable agriculture as a holistic food and fibre system that nourishes the environment, supports resilient communities and promotes a healthy farming workforce. Drawing on her personal experience growing up in regional Queensland and starting a mixed cattle and cropping farm with her partner, Sally emphasises the importance of bridging urban and rural perspectives, holding space for diverse values and fostering optimism through Australia’s leadership in farming under challenging climatic conditions. She also encourages consumers to make informed food choices and reduce waste to support sustainability and food security. About A little bit of Nous  At Nous, we partner with clients across a huge range of interesting, challenging, exciting and complex issues. Having good conversations is a huge part of what we do.  A little bit of Nous is a podcast miniseries that explores big topics, through good conversations. Learn something, up your dinner party game and get to know the back stories of some of the Nousers who work passionately to achieve positive influence – not just for our clients and their businesses, but also for the customers and communities they serve. Your host Allen Dorsey is Nous’ unofficial Chief Connection Officer, who is passionate about bringing the best minds at Nous together to discuss our biggest challenges. Allen is a curious, conversationalist, always ready to share A little bit of Nous… Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

“I am hugely supportive of those things that the other consulting firms are doing. But in many respects, it’s almost icing on the cake of their core business model. For us, positive influence is the cake.” - Tim Orton, CEO and Managing Principal, Nous Group. We interview Nous Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Principal Tim Orton to see how he defines positive influence, how he believes it can be achieved, whether it ever comes into conflict with the profit motive, and why it matters to him personally.  You can read our reflections on 25 years of positive influence on our website. About NousCast: The NousCast podcast brings you fresh thinking on some of the biggest challenges facing organisations today.  Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

The NousCast podcast brings you fresh thinking on some of the biggest challenges facing organisations today. In each episode of our third series, NousCast will feature interviews with Nous clients and consultants to a cutting-edge project, from the challenge to the approach, outcomes and lessons learnt. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

The NousCast podcast brings you fresh thinking on some of the biggest challenges facing organisations today. In each episode of our third series, NousCast will feature interviews with Nous clients and consultants to a cutting-edge project, from the challenge to the approach, outcomes and lessons learnt. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

The NousCast podcast brings you fresh thinking on some of the biggest challenges facing organisations today. In each episode of our third series, NousCast will feature interviews with Nous clients and consultants to a cutting-edge project, from the challenge to the approach, outcomes and lessons learnt. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

The NousCast podcast brings you fresh thinking on some of the biggest challenges facing organisations today. In each episode of our third series, NousCast will feature interviews with Nous clients and consultants to a cutting-edge project, from the challenge to the approach, outcomes and lessons learnt. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

The NousCast podcast brings you fresh thinking on some of the biggest challenges facing organisations today. In each episode of our third series, NousCast will feature interviews with Nous clients and consultants to a cutting-edge project, from the challenge to the approach, outcomes and lessons learnt. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.

The NousCast podcast brings you fresh thinking on some of the biggest challenges facing organisations today. In each episode of our fourth series, NousCast will feature interviews with Nous clients and consultants to a cutting-edge project, from the challenge to the approach, outcomes and lessons learnt. Nous Group is an international management consultancy, and for the past 25 years we’ve helped public, private, and not-for-profit clients deliver better outcomes for their customers, communities, and society. You can explore more of what we do at www.nousgroup.com or follow us on our socials.