
I've been consulting since 2006, helping leading organisations and individuals make sense of their world so they can see clearly what is needed.
I call this work 'Meaning Making' because it is holistic, integrating fields of: strategy (choices and priorities), vision (where you are headed), purpose/mission (the cause), brand (framing/differentiation), opportunities/innovation (tangible projects/changes), and culture/change/values (behaviours/ways of working). I have the perspective of a scientist, a creative problem solver and an artist.
What meaning making can do
Help us unite our organisation
Working with senior leaders at Grameen Foundation post-merger to create a shared story of "who we are", "where we are going" and a unified theory of change.
Help us build a more collaborative organisation
My work with Let's Go is of this sort - spanning leadership development, team optimisation and wider system change.
Help us build the kind of culture we need
Working into Aviva CFO on "Risk Culture", turning their much-loved values into everyday decision making tools.
Help us find values that are meaningful
Involving whole organisations at Lindt UK and USA in process to define new values - agreements of what everyone can expect from colleagues and leaders.
Help us make some hard strategic choices
Working with Premier Marinas on a new strategic framework to make investment decisions and prioritise projects for the long term good.
Help us deepen our emotional connections
Helping Cancer Research UK engage with donors in more personal way, with 'Support a Young Scientist' putting a face on breakthrough research projects.
Help us create a new product or service
A new beer, designed to meet Chinese needs around mealtimes - Harbin Cooling launched nationwide in China in 2012.
Over 75 projects in over 20 countries
Here are a few of the brands and organisations I have worked with.
I highly recommend Richard for any company who needs a collaborative, effective partner with the experience to support organizational development that impacts the business in a meaningful way
Lisa Cloutier, VP Human Resources, Lindt & Sprungli USA
Richard was an exceptional partner in our design thinking process... He inspired our team and we emerged stronger, thinking and communicating better not only within the team but with our institutional partners as well.
Gigi Gatti, Director, Technology for Development, Grameen Foundation
I have engaged Richard and his team on multiple occasions to help with brand vision and company strategy. He has been a true collaborator: committed to our success, flexible with our evolving needs, and working hand in hand with our teams to achieve great output.
Joanne Savage, VP EMEA Marketing, Fitbit
Get in touch
Richard Watkins is a lifelong collaborator as a scientist, creative problem solver and an artist. He started his career with BP where he spent 8 years across Research & Development and product strategy. As a strategist with What If Innovation, he ran over 75 collaborative projects in over 20 countries, leading teams to the creation of major brands and products in China, Europe and the US. He founded Let’s Go in 2013 to offer specialist support to organisations who want to get more from collaborative working. Outside of work, his creative projects have led to exhibitions in Beirut, Cape Town, Istanbul, LA, and his hometown London.