The Rise of Innovative Workplaces: A New Era in Consulting and Technology
May 7, 2025, 12:33 pm
In the world of consulting and technology, the landscape is shifting. Companies are no longer just about profits and products. They are about people. The recent AFR BOSS Best Places to Work list shines a spotlight on this transformation. It reveals a new breed of workplaces that prioritize employee experience and innovation.
At the top of this list is SixPivot, a small but mighty consultancy based in Brisbane. Founded in 2015, SixPivot has carved a niche in software development and cloud consultancy. It supports a diverse clientele, from startups to government agencies. But what sets SixPivot apart? It’s their commitment to radical transparency.
Imagine a company where the employee handbook is open for all to see. SixPivot has done just that. They’ve made their HR policies, promotion criteria, and salary bands public. This bold move has led to a staggering 120% increase in job applicants. In a tight tech talent market, this is no small feat.
Transparency breeds trust. When employees know what to expect, they feel valued. This approach fosters a culture of collaboration. It empowers employees to contribute to the handbook, making it a living document. This is not just a policy; it’s a philosophy.
On the other side of the spectrum is Slalom, a global digital consultancy. In just four years, Slalom has grown its local workforce to over 330 professionals. They’ve won the medium-sized organization award for their commitment to employee experience. Their secret weapon? The Experience90 tool.
This tool allows leaders to gather real-time feedback from their teams. It replaces guesswork with data-driven insights. Leaders receive personalized recommendations to improve their scores. This focus on continuous improvement creates a thriving work culture.
The consulting sector is not alone in this shift. Across the market, companies are making strategic leadership moves. Accenture Federal Services has welcomed Garrett Berntsen, a former Defense Department officer, to oversee data and AI initiatives. His experience in national security will guide Accenture’s efforts in defense and intelligence.
Acuity has also made waves by appointing Adam D’Angelo as vice president of technology solutions. D’Angelo’s two-decade experience in tech will enhance Acuity’s capabilities. His leadership will focus on industry frameworks and partnerships, driving innovation forward.
Meanwhile, Astrion has brought in Steve Hamric as CFO. With a rich background in financial leadership, Hamric will steer Astrion’s financial strategy. His experience at Cognosante and other firms will be invaluable as Astrion navigates its growth trajectory.
Guidehouse has tapped Karen Odegaard to lead its artificial intelligence portfolio. Odegaard’s two-decade career in tech positions her well to shape Guidehouse’s automation strategy. Collaboration will be key as she works with leaders and clients to drive AI initiatives.
IPTA is also undergoing a transformation. Adam Morton has joined as chief growth officer, focusing on defense priorities. His extensive experience in the defense sector will guide IPTA’s growth strategy.
In the nonprofit sector, Mitre has appointed Brian Abrahamson as COO. With three decades of experience, he will lead various functional areas, including corporate strategy and global security. His role will be crucial in fostering collaboration across Mitre’s research and development sectors.
Nava, a technology integrator, has welcomed Samantha Kwok and Marvin McLain as vice presidents. Kwok will shape Nava’s technology strategy, while McLain will oversee program delivery for federal health clients. Their combined expertise will drive innovation in healthcare technology.
Navteca has appointed Hector Collazo as president. He will lead corporate strategy and operational functions, focusing on AI and cloud-native development. His two-decade experience in federal IT will be instrumental in Navteca’s growth.
Ridgeline International has brought in Shawn Nighbert as chief growth officer. His role will involve identifying expansion opportunities and developing marketing strategies. Nighbert’s background in business development will be key as Ridgeline navigates its recent merger.
Finally, RTI International has created a new role for Jamie Pina as vice president of data strategy. He will lead the creation of an enterprise-wide data strategy, centralizing efforts to support RTI’s mission.
These leadership moves reflect a broader trend in the industry. Companies are recognizing the importance of innovation and employee experience. They are investing in talent and creating environments where people can thrive.
The consulting and technology sectors are evolving. They are becoming more than just service providers. They are becoming partners in innovation. As companies like SixPivot and Slalom lead the way, others will follow.
The future of work is bright. It’s a landscape where transparency, collaboration, and innovation reign supreme. Companies that embrace this shift will not only attract top talent but also foster a culture of excellence.
In this new era, the workplace is not just a place to clock in and out. It’s a community. It’s a space where ideas flourish and employees feel valued. The rise of innovative workplaces is just beginning. The journey ahead promises to be exciting.
At the top of this list is SixPivot, a small but mighty consultancy based in Brisbane. Founded in 2015, SixPivot has carved a niche in software development and cloud consultancy. It supports a diverse clientele, from startups to government agencies. But what sets SixPivot apart? It’s their commitment to radical transparency.
Imagine a company where the employee handbook is open for all to see. SixPivot has done just that. They’ve made their HR policies, promotion criteria, and salary bands public. This bold move has led to a staggering 120% increase in job applicants. In a tight tech talent market, this is no small feat.
Transparency breeds trust. When employees know what to expect, they feel valued. This approach fosters a culture of collaboration. It empowers employees to contribute to the handbook, making it a living document. This is not just a policy; it’s a philosophy.
On the other side of the spectrum is Slalom, a global digital consultancy. In just four years, Slalom has grown its local workforce to over 330 professionals. They’ve won the medium-sized organization award for their commitment to employee experience. Their secret weapon? The Experience90 tool.
This tool allows leaders to gather real-time feedback from their teams. It replaces guesswork with data-driven insights. Leaders receive personalized recommendations to improve their scores. This focus on continuous improvement creates a thriving work culture.
The consulting sector is not alone in this shift. Across the market, companies are making strategic leadership moves. Accenture Federal Services has welcomed Garrett Berntsen, a former Defense Department officer, to oversee data and AI initiatives. His experience in national security will guide Accenture’s efforts in defense and intelligence.
Acuity has also made waves by appointing Adam D’Angelo as vice president of technology solutions. D’Angelo’s two-decade experience in tech will enhance Acuity’s capabilities. His leadership will focus on industry frameworks and partnerships, driving innovation forward.
Meanwhile, Astrion has brought in Steve Hamric as CFO. With a rich background in financial leadership, Hamric will steer Astrion’s financial strategy. His experience at Cognosante and other firms will be invaluable as Astrion navigates its growth trajectory.
Guidehouse has tapped Karen Odegaard to lead its artificial intelligence portfolio. Odegaard’s two-decade career in tech positions her well to shape Guidehouse’s automation strategy. Collaboration will be key as she works with leaders and clients to drive AI initiatives.
IPTA is also undergoing a transformation. Adam Morton has joined as chief growth officer, focusing on defense priorities. His extensive experience in the defense sector will guide IPTA’s growth strategy.
In the nonprofit sector, Mitre has appointed Brian Abrahamson as COO. With three decades of experience, he will lead various functional areas, including corporate strategy and global security. His role will be crucial in fostering collaboration across Mitre’s research and development sectors.
Nava, a technology integrator, has welcomed Samantha Kwok and Marvin McLain as vice presidents. Kwok will shape Nava’s technology strategy, while McLain will oversee program delivery for federal health clients. Their combined expertise will drive innovation in healthcare technology.
Navteca has appointed Hector Collazo as president. He will lead corporate strategy and operational functions, focusing on AI and cloud-native development. His two-decade experience in federal IT will be instrumental in Navteca’s growth.
Ridgeline International has brought in Shawn Nighbert as chief growth officer. His role will involve identifying expansion opportunities and developing marketing strategies. Nighbert’s background in business development will be key as Ridgeline navigates its recent merger.
Finally, RTI International has created a new role for Jamie Pina as vice president of data strategy. He will lead the creation of an enterprise-wide data strategy, centralizing efforts to support RTI’s mission.
These leadership moves reflect a broader trend in the industry. Companies are recognizing the importance of innovation and employee experience. They are investing in talent and creating environments where people can thrive.
The consulting and technology sectors are evolving. They are becoming more than just service providers. They are becoming partners in innovation. As companies like SixPivot and Slalom lead the way, others will follow.
The future of work is bright. It’s a landscape where transparency, collaboration, and innovation reign supreme. Companies that embrace this shift will not only attract top talent but also foster a culture of excellence.
In this new era, the workplace is not just a place to clock in and out. It’s a community. It’s a space where ideas flourish and employees feel valued. The rise of innovative workplaces is just beginning. The journey ahead promises to be exciting.