1. What is your name and what is the name of your business?
Tom Dennehy and I am a Partner at a business change consultancy called Afiniti
2. What does the business do and who are your customers?
Afiniti is a specialist business change consultancy that helps organisations make complex change stick by putting people at the centre of transformation. We work across people, process, systems and data, combining change leadership, programme delivery, communications, learning and creative design to turn strategy into measurable outcomes.
Our customers are typically large, complex organisations in highly regulated or asset‑intensive sectors including life sciences, healthcare, rail and transport, energy and utilities, consumer health and the public sector who need change to be adopted, embedded and sustained at scale.
3. What’s the history of the business and what’s your role within the business?
Afiniti was founded in 2003. From the outset we positioned ourselves around making change stick, rather than treating transformation as a purely technical or structural exercise. Over time, we have grown our capability and expanded from the UK into the US, operating globally.
In 2016, we took a bold move to become a Limited Liability Partnership, supporting our ambition to grow without external shareholders, allowing us to remain values‑led and independent. It supported our ethos and the way we work together: shared accountability, leadership, and long‑term commitment to the business.
I am a Principal Consultant and Partner, mostly working in the Life Sciences sector.
4. How long have you been using Freshmill and why were you looking for a space like this?
During the Pandemic, we made the decision to become a virtual working organisation, with our teams located throughout the world proving beneficial in how we support our global clients. And because of our client global footprint, many of us were very comfortable working virtually or at a client site. My own clients are either based in Europe or North America, so while I do travel, I often work at home. Freshmill gives me a break from that and the opportunity to get out of the house.
5. Why does Freshmill work well for you and your business?
It’s local as I live around 20 minutes away. The environment is professional and friendly. It helps separate home life from work. And of course, the coffee is great!
6. What is the most important lesson you have gained from your career so far?
I have been at Afiniti for 14 years. I have never looked anywhere else. While the work is challenging at times, the one reason I have stayed is my colleagues. We have built a connection and shared purpose over the years. We love what we do and love doing it. So the most important lesson is to surround yourself with like-minded people and you can get through almost anything.
7. Where do you hope to be in 5 years’ time?
Still working at Afiniti. Maintaining our great client relationships and growing the business.
8. What advice would you give your younger self just starting out?
As a consultant, you build strong, enduring client relationships by acting with authenticity. Trying to be someone you are not, can lead you out of your comfort zone and undermine your credibility. It’s more impactful to engage in a way that is genuine and aligned with your natural strengths – so be yourself and bring your whole self to work.
9. What is your favourite quote or mantra?
I think a good philosophy to lean back on particularly when working in complex business environments is “you cannot control what happens, only how you respond.”
10. If you could, who would you change places with for the day, and why?
I was an aspiring musician in my youth and played in several bands. I loved the feeling of performing as a group in front of people and to do that on a bigger stage would need incredible. So I would swap with Foals front man, Yannis Philippakis.
