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Pivoting a consulting firm (without blowing it up)

It’s a wild time to be running a consulting business.
AI’s rewriting the rules. Governments are shifting. Clients are tightening their belts.

Every conversation in our industry circles back to the same question:
How do we evolve without wrecking the good stuff that made us who we are?

That’s exactly what our COO, Karyn Smith, explored with Projectworks CEO, Mark Orttung, on a recent episode of The Z-Suite — a podcast made for consulting leaders who’ve zig-zagged their way to the top. 

Both have led companies through change — the kind that tests everything from your strategy to your sanity.

The episode dives into the messy middle of reinvention: when the playbook runs out, and leadership becomes about judgement calls, not frameworks.

Karyn and Mark share hard-earned insights on staying steady when the ground keeps shifting, and how to bring your people along for the ride.

It’s a survival guide for anyone riding the reinvention rollercoaster.

If you’re steering a firm through change (or about to), this one’s worth your time!

Watch the episode here:

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Eugene Brink
Chief Delivery Officer
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An advocate for technology and innovation, Eugene has extensive experience in analysing, designing, and delivering enterprise solutions in complex environments.

With a background in State and Federal Government, he’s recognised for bridging the gap between technical and business needs, driven by a belief that anything is achievable with the right approach.

As bdna’s Chief Delivery Officer, Eugene leads delivery excellence, creating impactful solutions for a safer, healthier future.

Henry Vesander
Chief Product Officer

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Henry combines a passion for technology with extensive experience in product management, customer success, and channel management.
 
Trusted to drive growth and digital transformation, he has a strong track record in developing innovative products and go-to-market strategies.

As bdna’s Chief Product Officer, Henry leads our product vision, focusing on our SaaS Public Safety Suite to ensure we meet—and exceed—the evolving needs of our clients, ensuring we deliver maximum value through strategic innovation.

Karyn Smith
Chief Operating Officer

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With over 30 years of international, cross-industry experience, Karyn excels in strategic planning, organisational transformation, and performance improvement.
 
As bdna’s Chief Operating Officer, she oversees people, brand, and finances, keeping the company humming, healthy, and happy. Known for her dynamic leadership and strong communication skills, Karyn motivates and empowers teams to deliver sustainable, impactful results.
 
Passionate about making a difference, she focuses on not only achieving outcomes but also ensuring they’re delivered with care and respect for those involved.

Marty Wauchope
Chief Technology Officer

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A founding member of bdna, Marty brings over 30 years of global consulting experience across public safety, utilities, mining, construction, eHealth, and commercial sectors.

As bdna’s Chief Technology Officer, he focusses on risk management, information security, and technology compliance to ensure bdna remains safe and resilient.

Known for delivering high-quality, transformative outcomes, Marty uses his deep industry knowledge to drive impactful solutions that help our clients navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Ryan Sheppard
Chief Executive Officer
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Ryan, CO-founder and CEO of bdna, brings over three decades of leadership experience in commercial and public sectors across Australia and globally.

Known for spearheading large-scale transformation initiatives, he actively drives bdna’s vision while fostering a culture of mentorship and innovation.

With a strategic focus on sustainable growth, Ryan collaborates across industries, including health, law enforcement, and nonprofits, to deliver impact-driven results.