Insights Newsletter: April ‘26

Happy Earth Day! To celebrate, I wanted to share a short note on why we built RobinsonHewitt and a little bit on how we think about the work.

RHC didn't exactly start as a consulting business. It grew out of years of researching for another project, exploring what a different approach to strategy, governance, and technology could look like for planetary management. One built from human-centred innovation and holistic strategies. In working through that, I realised the framework could be useful well beyond the original project, so I turned it outward.

Now we work with founders, leaders, and organisations who sense that the old playbook isn't enough and who want to build something that will still make sense in the next era. We help them evolve rather than simply optimise what already exists. And although we can't share all our secrets about what happens behind the scenes, where we can, we try to be open about how we think, so that others can be inspired to help innovate for the future.

A big part of this work is recognising that the world is in transition and evolution, not a reset. The goal isn't to throw everything out and start again; it's to understand what still works, what can carry forward, and build thoughtfully from there, with the understanding that trial and error is part of the process.

We believe that people and other ways of ‘knowing’ need to actively shape the future, not just be thought about after the decisions are already made. And technology is a big piece of this. If used poorly, technology disconnects people and concentrates power. Used well, technology can support us, amplify what we’re good at, and bring us back into alignment with what matters. The difference is how it’s designed and why.

Ultimately, this is a long-term question about what kind of future we're building toward; not just now, but over the next 50 or 100 years. We see ourselves as part of that bigger shift, working at the forefront of a transition that calls for new thinking, new values, and a willingness to do things differently. The future isn't fixed, and that's exactly why the work we do today matters. As we always say: if you want different, do different.

If you want to go deeper, our Future-Facing Whitepaper breaks down the thinking behind how we approach all of it and how you can too. For those still orienting on an idea, you can check out our free "For the Curious"resources to help you on your founder’s journey.

And through the RobinsonHewitt Foundation, we're continuing our Pay It Forward work to make sure access to this kind of thinking isn't limited to just the boardroom. Learn more here.

Happy Earth Day! Let’s make sure she’s around for the next era.

Best,
Alison Mackie
Founder & Director
RobinsonHewitt Consulting