Testimonials 

“Adam has been working with the Automotive Services management team since January 2018, helping us reset, reorganise and refocus, following a major successful technology change implementation.

During several initial workshops, the senior management team unpacked a range of issues and concerns, and clarified the fundamental purpose of the work being done across the business unit of nearly 300 employees. 

The formation of “Circles”, is how we are organising to improve understanding of the business, gain clarity and visibility of business unit priorities, and ultimately, educate and empower our frontline managers to improve work systems to enhance customer value, improve our financial performance or increase the end-to-end customer experience.

The “Circles” are already having a number of positive effects in relation to engagement of front-line managers, improving awareness of priorities and understanding of resource allocation decisions, shaping conversations with a focus on our customers, encouraging greater visibility and use of data, and encouraging greater co-operation and collaboration amongst those involved in critical processes.”

Dominic Jacob, GM Automotive Services, RAA

“I spent a session working through the strategy for our SA business with Adam. Through a thoughtfully planned and well executed process of discovery we were able to achieve outcomes that exceeded my expectations. Not only do we now have a well articulated strategy - it comes with tangible actions and an easily communicable pathway forward, around which we can really mobilize the team to achieve results. I would recommend Adam's work for anyone looking for similar outcomes.”

Ben Nottage, Branch Manager SA, Schneider Electric

“Adam has been available to access his definitive style across much of my professional life.

From staff structures, to strategies, accountability of staff members and how to have them realise their importance to an organisation, to most recently pivotal in our attempt to overhaul a culture and have it continue.

Adam has a down to earth, every-person approach to  the topics we wanted to discuss and a very impressive way of connecting with the tone of an audience. His style has translated across the business requirements we had and moved into the sporting side of our culture creation or identity.

Adam provided access to change across multiple levels of our organisation, with players on our team and also with management providing solutions and methods around how we could be the most effective managers and builders of all important relationships.

There is no doubt in my mind that our work with Adam last year directly contributed to the fast tracking of team camaraderie and the integration of new team members, recruited from multiple countries around the globe”

Nathan Davison, General Manager, Adelaide Giants Baseball

“I have worked with Adam to deliver a functional and organisational review of a business unit within the Department for Energy and Mining. Adam's knowledge and experiences in organisational design and leadership practices have been a great asset to the review team, in particular his practical and creative leadership concepts, and delivery focus.

It has been a pleasure to work with Adam, I have personally learnt a lot from him and would recommend him to any organisation who is looking to review their strategies and business models.”

Paul De Ionno, General Manager Mining Compliance & Tenements, Department for Energy and Mining

“Adam impressed me from the first time we worked together and has every time since. He has the unique ability to approach an issue from a different direction than everyone else in the room – an extremely valuable characteristic and often the key contributor to successful outcomes. His innate understanding of organisation structures, role relationships, systems of work, managerial practices, and his ability to match employee capability to job complexity is his key area of expertise. Adam creates powerful visions and promotes clear thinking which combined with his dynamic engaging style is addictive to all those he comes into contact with.”

Peter Hurcombe, Chief Operating Officer, Guide Dogs SA/NT

“I cannot recommend Adam enough. I know these recommendations can sound a bit canned but Adam is one of the smartest people I've ever worked with. However, he has a knack for not being intimidating with his knowledge, and let me tell you that knowledge is deep.

I worked with Adam while I was with Playford and he was with the Working Journey. We worked on developing a Requisite Organisations (RO) at the City of Playford. RO is a difficult concept to get your head around at first but Adam's calm manner and easy way of distilling information made it seem so much easier. It's not. He just made it seem that way. But he was able to develop a real understanding in the team which led to a much greater understanding within the organisation as a whole.

If you get a chance to work with Adam, at any level, do it. Whatever it is you will come away better for the time you spend with him. I am honoured to call Adam a friend and am definitely a better person for the time I spent with him”

Effrim Volkoff, General Manager Corporate Services, City of Playford

“Adam is an outstanding coach and mentor who provides great insight and tools for self reflection. He thinks a little bit differently and challenges you to approach topics and situations from angles which may not be immediately apparent. I've found his advice useful not only for the workplace, but in everyday life”

Simon Moore, Principal Facilities Contract Manager, Flinders University

“The notes and guidance provided by Adam have enabled a greater understanding of organisational structure and my place within it. I have found many of the tips useful as a manager of a team of people and Adam’s guidance and suggestions have been a valuable help. Adam’s enthusiasm and vision for making work places more effective and enjoyable are second to none. Highly recommended.”

Rick Jeuken, Senior Geologist, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance

“Adam’s work in mentoring and most importantly consulting with the Senior Management team within our business has enabled RAA Secure Services to become one that is now the leading provider of personal and property protection within South Australia. If one is seeking a consummate professional with the skills to assist organisations in achieving best practice with an understanding of efficient and engaged management and staff structures, Adam is that person.”

Neil McLean, Senior Manager Secure Services Business Development, RAA

“Adam has a great way of listening, understanding and playing back to you the challenges you are facing with insights and recommendations that help you to simplify and focus (“seeing the wood for the trees”). I really enjoy working with Adam.”

Michael Simmons, Strategy Specialist, Homestart Finance

“Structure, capability, and accountability and unlocking an organisation’s design to achieve its intent. Sounds simple, but generally isn’t. Adam has been a significant part of both my personal development and that of our business and team.

In a challenging and fast paced SME environment, Adam has be integral to our transition from an owner / founder model to a highly capable and organised model for the future. And Adam will continue to support our journey with his unique skill set and ability to evaluate a challenge and navigate a pathway to an outcome. He makes things work.”

Marc Taintey, Chief Executive Officer, Rivergum Group

“Adam is a conceptual thinker who has the ability to cut through complex issues and discussions to identify both the core issue and a number of possible paths to the solution. Adams open style of questioning encourages all to participate and therefore full value is gained from any forums he is involved in.”

Steve Murray, Manager Strategy & Projects, IAG

I first met Adam when he delivered a two-day planning session to our leadership team back in 2021. I walked away from these sessions with more clarity, energy, and optimism than I’d ever had before so I naturally jumped at the chance to engage him for leadership coaching sessions when the opportunity presented itself.

Working with Adam was an absolutely brilliant experience. His expertise in areas such as systems thinking, process and strategy development, leadership, coaching, and relationship management was truly exceptional. What set Adam apart for me was his unique ability to guide me towards finding answers for myself, skilfully coaching and empowering me to discover solutions. Adam was always able to connect my challenges and the proposed ways forward to innovative and thought-provoking research and readings that showcased the methodologies he was proposing.

I truly valued Adam’s non-judgmental approach and the positive atmosphere he fostered during our sessions. Adam’s sense of humour added an enjoyable dimension to our conversations, making each meeting engaging and productive. I always left our sessions feeling equipped with the necessary tools and strategies to tackle any problem that came my way.

Overall, I cannot recommend Adam highly enough, his wealth of knowledge, coaching style, and ability to provide practical resources made a significant impact on my personal and professional development. Thanks to his honest and authentic guidance, I have grown as a leader and gained valuable insights that continue to benefit me. Working with Adam was an enriching and empowering experience that I am truly grateful for.

Scott Vassal, Manager, Workforce Strategy, Systems & Engagement, OCPSE

Adam has an incredible array of system-led, organisational theories and practices at his fingertips which he is able to translate into bite-size teaching topics with immediate applicability. It's a rare blend: depth + applicability.

Tom Key, Interim Director, National Skills Commission

“I've been fortunate enough to have worked with Adam Thompson on several occasions during my time at RAA, both as a member of management teams that have sought his guidance, and more recently as the beneficiary of solo senior management tuition. Adam's conversational, down-to-earth approach belies a shrewd observational eye and a keen understanding of what it takes to make an organisation operate effectively. He draws on a wealth of personal experience and a passion for management theory to collaboratively diagnose organisational challenges, and to provide practical, actionable advice that's situationally specific to a team or individual.

On a personal level, his mentorship has given me valuable insights into my own leadership style and - crucially - how to build upon it. I highly recommend Adam to anyone wishing to make meaningful, enduring improvements to their management systems or practices.”

Steve Parker, Senior Manager Creative Services, RAA

Big shout out to Adam Thompson for spending time with us unpacking the ‘leadership’ business. Great feedback from the team…looking forward to the next couple of sessions. If you’re in Adelaide and need some tips on leadership, Adam’s the man

Maurice Savelli, Senior Executive, Services Australia

“Our problem was clear, our relevance within the larger company was suffering as key contributors were operating within their own traditional hierarchical setting. The sharing of challenges was ineffective and we were unable to tap into the skills of others effectively. Collaboration and change management was difficult due to this siloed effect, but of course siloed leadership is comfortable especially as pointing blame can be a detractor to the real issues. The mere suggestion to managers to widen the scope of their collaborative functions brings threat and fear – and more accountability.

Adam has taken us from this, to a safe, secure, methodical and logical setting through the formulation of circle meetings. Not dissimilar to some of the basic methods of ‘Holacracy’. But here’s what’s happened, we have refocused what we are really here for ‘to serve our Members’ and this has reshaped the desires to improve what we do for them. All stakeholders are on board – collaborating – and are now contributing their efforts to the real challenges we are facing.This is real change, and to see this change in an area of the organisation steeped in tradition is pleasing, for me somewhat releasing.

Adam has empowered us, guiding us through the transition to work better and remain focused on our purpose. His usual methods and approach are amongst the best I have encountered, which I’m sure readers will find from the testimony of others. Thank you Adam for every occasion where I have had the pleasure in receiving your guidance, a real asset to me and I’m sure to many others.”

Robert Warburton, Vehicle Services Manager, RAA

“When planning for the new financial year I was determined to improve our results despite the current difficult economic conditions. Through examining our structure, speaking with staff and identifying areas of dysfunction Adam was able to offer invaluable advice to improve our operation. His expertise has increased our ability to work and achieve goals as a team, redefined our roles and identified key areas for us to monitor into the future. The process has resulted in more motivated, responsible and reliable staff, less conflict between employees and management, and increased sales. I would recommend any organisation of any size to listen to what Adam has to say if you are interested in achieving your business goals.”

Mathew Jones, Managing Director, The Table & Chair Company

“I’ve been in a Senior Management role for over a year, and within the year it had been apparent I lacked a few skills to manage a demanding role. Working with Adam Thompson with his unique training and mentoring course has helped me, firstly to understand where I needed to improve and secondly he gave me tools to support me with an ongoing improvement plan to keep my department meeting its goal as part of the production line to meet our members end to end expectations.

Adam also regularly touched base with me to discuss my progress. He has inspired me to pass on my learnings to my staff in which I have see an improvement. Thank you very much Adam for your help and support.”

Tony Iomazzo, Senior Manager Automotive Support, RAA

“I have been fortunate enough to engage Adam as a mentor and coach in my role as a corporate trainer. Adam is a very intelligent and well researched communicator who has a knack of being able to evaluate various and complex scenarios quickly, and then respond with his observations and recommendations in a clear, logical and easy to understand way. Adam always backs up what he says by providing me with the links to the research and articles that he considered when making his recommendations. I appreciate that he does this as a mentor so I can learn the theory behind his thought processes for myself and start to build my own knowledge base on the various topics raised.

Adam always communicates in a safe, non threatening and quite often humorous approach. I have learnt so much in a short period of time and have already noticed my passion for improving processes and the business in general increasing the more I engage his services. I unreservedly recommend Adam as an Adviser, Coach and Mentor. He is certainly one of the most capable and intelligent people I have ever met and had the pleasure of working with.”

Simon Batchelor, Corporate Trainer, Elders

“Adam was on the interview panel for my job interview at RAA nearly 10 years ago. About half way through my time so far at RAA Adam left to run his own consultancy. Still to this day I am learning from Adam. Generous with his time and knowledge. Look him up if you’re a leader at any level, or have the aspiration to lead”

Peter Bray, Senior Manager Road Service Delivery, RAA

“Adam assisted our organisation in the final selection process for the recruitment of a team leader position. It was important to get a perspective from someone who has an understanding of what it takes for someone to make the transition from team member to team leader. Adam provided very thoughtful and useful input into the process, marrying his expertise in understanding what makes organisations work effectively, and his knowledge of the requirements of different roles within an organisation structure, at management, team leadership and operational levels. His expertise proved valuable in assessing the capabilities of the candidates for the role. Adam also provided some reading and resources to assist us to get the best value out of the new role. We are very appreciative of Adam’s assistance.”

C Young, Marketing Manager, Not-for-Profit Agency (National)

“Adam's presentation hit the mark and identified in an easy to follow manner, key aspects of Leadership requirements for Managers; even better, he didn’t just deliver theory, he gave practical advice on what to do to fulfil these requirements.

It was excellent.”

Greg Sharon, Motor Claims Manager, RAA