Case
Studies
"30 years. Four organisationsTransformational results at every scale. This is what Identity Anchoring® leadership looks like in practice."
Winner - AIM PINNACLE AWARDS - People and Culture
So Proud of the Team
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
From Disaster Recovery to Humanising the Brand
Challenge: Port Macquarie-Hastings Council faced major natural disasters, declining staff engagement, and the need for large-scale infrastructure upgrades.
Actions Taken:
-
Led crisis management during floods, ensuring continuity of essential services. and oversaw the Rawden Island bridge rehabilitation, which meant a whole community was cut off and it was a major crisis.
-
Oversaw the $100 million Ocean Drive Duplication, which has now been delivered on time.
-
Raised performance scores from 220/1000 to 500/1000 via the Australian Business Excellence Framework.
-
Drove diversity and reduced workplace psychological injuries by 9%.
-
Fostered collaboration across 600+ staff, building a resilient culture.
Results:
-
Awarded 2024 IPWEA Engineering Excellence Award for bridge rehabilitation.​
-
Council recognized for outstanding crisis management and community leadership.
Community First International
From Debt to Sector Leader
Challenge: Community First International faced financial instability, stagnant client numbers, and the need for stronger governance.
Actions Taken:
-
Led a financial turnaround, moving from debt to sustained profitability.
-
Scaled client base from 2,000 to 12,000 and expanded from 2 to 11 sites.
-
Achieved first-time AS/NZS ISO 9001-2008 accreditation and full compliance with Disability Service Standards.
-
Fostered innovation, driving record profits and sector-leading performance.
-
Enhanced board engagement and long-term sustainability.
Results:
-
Transformed from deficit to record profits.
-
Client numbers increased sixfold; largest employment agency in WA sector.
-
Over 20 awards, including:
-
Telstra Business Woman of the Year (WA IBM Community & Government) – 2007
-
Alcoa Enterprising Woman Award – 2009
-
Multiple awards for excellence, innovation, and employer engagement.
-
-
Built a reputation for measurable community impact and governance excellence.
Minda Inc
Navigating NDIS with Limited Systems
Challenge: Minda Inc was experiencing financial distress, operational inefficiencies, and reputational damage from regulatory sanctions.
Actions Taken:
-
Rebuilt relationships with government and stakeholders.
-
Led a financial turnaround, restoring cash flow within months.
-
Introduced the Australian Business Excellence Framework and new strategic plans.
-
Realigned the organisation’s core purpose and support models.
Results:
-
3,500 client plans onboarded within six months.
-
Cash flow restored and commercial losses reversed.
-
Enhanced reputation and service quality, setting new sector benchmarks.
VisAbility Ltd/Guide Dogs WA & TAS
Rebrand and Merge
Challenge: VisAbility needed to modernise its brand, improve financial sustainability, and expand vision-loss services.
Actions Taken:
-
Launched a new brand and tripled social media engagement.
-
Merged Guide Dogs WA and TAS, expanding reach.
-
Implemented new client, IT, and finance systems and introduced fee-for-service models.
-
Drove innovation with ROAM technology for remote service delivery.
Results:
-
Won 2018 Hesta Award for Outstanding Organisation and 2019 AIM Pinnacle Award.
-
Grew operating cash reserves from two to six months.
-
Established as a sector leader, with services accessed in 13 countries.
I Do Not Take Full Credit
I know that these results would not have been possible, without the support of the remarkable men and women I worked with.
I thank them for trusting me.
This is our story and one, which I hope they tell the world. ~ Dr Clare Allen