Opening Strategy to
the Nation
Client
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
Sector
Finance / Strategy Facilitation
Challenge
SAICA approached Alchemy Inspiration with a bold vision: to reimagine its strategic direction by inviting input from all levels of its organization. Rather than relying solely on top-down decision-making, SAICA aimed to engage its entire ecosystem—board members, EXCO, MANCO, employees, and external stakeholders—in a truly inclusive, co-created process.
This was no ordinary strategy refresh. It required a facilitation approach that could handle scale, diversity of thought, and the emotional complexity of shared ownership.
The Shift
As the engagement progressed, we witnessed a significant mindset shift. Conversations deepened. Cross-functional insights emerged. Participants became co-owners of the strategy, not just contributors.
What began as a strategic planning exercise transformed into an organisation-wide cultural shift—one rooted in transparency, collective intelligence, and a shared sense of purpose.
Impact
The final strategy was one of SAICA’s most robust and widely supported to date. It reflected not just leadership vision but the aspirations and lived realities of those delivering on it. The process itself became a model of Open Strategy, proving that inclusive design leads to stronger, more actionable outcomes.
Our Approach
Alchemy Inspiration brought in our Project Artistry Framework, designed specifically to help teams navigate ambiguity, connect across silos, and co-create purposeful strategies. We facilitated a series of creative, psychologically safe spaces where voices from every part of the organisation could be heard.
Rather than beginning with rigid frameworks, we began with curiosity, creativity, and trust-building. Our sessions incorporated storytelling, play, and design thinking, tools that invited people to reflect, challenge, and build together.
