I help businesses work out why something isn't working, then stay until they can run it without me.

Sometimes it's one process that takes twice as long as it should. Sometimes it's a new system that nobody quite trusts, a project that keeps slipping, or a change big enough to involve teams in five countries. The size changes; the approach doesn't. I get under the skin of how things really work before suggesting how to fix them, then stay to help make it happen, building up your own team as we go so that the business can carry on without me. A bit like Nanny McPhee: I stay while I'm needed and go when I'm not, ideally leaving you glad to have me back next time.

I've been doing this independently for 19 years as Dragonhead Consultancy, after starting out in finance at Barclays and then seven years consulting with Serco. Along the way I've helped a community health service become the UK's first not-for-profit health service, and run a four-year system replacement for an international online gaming operator. Most of my work has come through referral or people coming back for more, which I take as the best compliment there is.

Away from work, I'm Grampy to five grandkids, a practising golfer (heavy emphasis on practising), and walked daily by Milo the Cockerpoo

A fresh pair of eyes: a short review of a process or way of working, with practical changes you can make.
Best for: when something feels harder than it should and you can't quite see why.

Choosing the right system or supplier: working out what you actually need, shortlisting, and running the selection or tender.
Best for: before you sign a contract you'll be living with for years.

Getting a project back on track: finding out what's really holding it up, resetting the plan, and getting people moving again.
Best for: when deadlines keep slipping and nobody is quite sure why.

Running the project or programme: from plan through to the change working day to day, including system and client migrations and teams spread across countries.
Best for: bigger changes where you need someone to own delivery, and leave your team able to carry it on.

A sounding board or mentor: for business owners thinking through a change, or for analysts and project staff in your team.
Best for: when you'd value an experienced second opinion.