Business advisory
Clear thinking for important business decisions
Advisory is one way SAI.NZ applies Solution Alchemy. It gives owners, founders, directors and senior leaders direct access to JJ when a decision, problem, opportunity, leadership challenge or period of change benefits from independent thinking and perspective.
We start from the reality of the situation, understand what really matters and shape the most useful way forward.
Where advisory creates value
Useful when something important needs clearer thinking
The situations vary, but advisory is most valuable when the answer is unclear, the stakes matter or a different perspective could reveal a better way forward.
Decision clarity
Cut through options and trade-offs so an important decision becomes easier to make and act on.
Problem solving
Look beyond the symptoms, identify the real cause and focus effort where it can make the greatest difference.
Profit protection
Find stronger commercial levers across cost, productivity, structure and the use of existing capability.
Leadership and team alignment
Strengthen priorities, accountability, direction and the environment people need to perform well.
Growth and change
Think through strategy, operating models, capability and the decisions required to move forward well.
Opportunities worth exploring
Test an idea, surface overlooked value and understand whether an opportunity is worth pursuing.
Solution Alchemy in advisory
Understand first. Find leverage. Shape the right way forward.
The work starts with the situation, not a predetermined answer.
Understand what matters
Clarify the context, underlying need, constraints and what a great outcome would actually look like.
Find the point of leverage
Identify where the greatest difference can be made, whether that sits in a decision, process, priority, person or commercial arrangement.
Shape the right way forward
Work out the most useful response and what SAI.NZ, the business or specialist capability should contribute.
The answer determines the method.
Commercial outcomes
Advisory should create value, not just conversation
Examples from situations where understanding the real need changed the commercial outcome.
Working with SAI.NZ
Two common ways to engage directly
The commercial model depends on the situation and the outcome required.
Advisory
Direct access to JJ for important decisions, challenges, opportunities, strategy, leadership and situations that benefit from independent thinking and perspective.
From NZD 600 per hour. Two hours is usually recommended for a first engagement.Defined engagements
A focused piece of work built around a specific outcome, such as solving an important problem, shaping strategic direction, improving organisational effectiveness or navigating significant change.
From NZD 10,000 per engagement.Ongoing advisory, special engagements and partner solutions are also available where they fit the situation. Explore how we work together.
Frequently asked questions
Business advisory through SAI.NZ
What does a business advisor actually do?
Business advisory helps owners, founders, directors and senior leaders think clearly about important decisions, complex problems and opportunities. The work may involve clarifying the real issue, testing assumptions, identifying leverage, shaping direction and deciding the most useful next step.
When is advisory most valuable?
Advisory is most valuable when the answer is unclear, the stakes matter or a different perspective could reveal a better way forward. Common situations include decision-making, problem solving, margin pressure, leadership alignment, growth and significant change.
How does Solution Alchemy shape the advisory approach?
Solution Alchemy starts from the reality of the situation rather than a predetermined solution. We work to understand what really matters, find the point of leverage and shape the right way forward. The answer determines the method.
Does SAI.NZ implement the answer?
SAI.NZ creates value primarily by discovering, shaping, deciding and connecting. JJ may guide or accompany implementation where useful, and specialist capability can be brought in when that is the right answer.
Can we work outside Christchurch?
Yes. Most in-person conversations take place in Christchurch, New Zealand, and remote advisory is available across New Zealand and overseas. Sessions can also take place in Spanish if preferred.
How do I start?
Share the situation, opportunity or decision. If SAI.NZ can create meaningful value, JJ will suggest the most useful next step and how to work together.
Start with what matters
Tell me what you're working through
Share the situation, opportunity or decision. If SAI.NZ can create meaningful value, I'll suggest the most useful next step and how we can work together.
Prefer to talk? Book time with me