Richard Corderoy, CEO of The Oakland Group, returns to The Purposeful Strategist at a pivotal moment for the consultancy. Since our last conversation in 2022, Oakland has achieved B Corp certification, secured a place on the UK Government’s G-Cloud 13 framework, been named “Best Consultancy in the UK” by the Best Companies Awards, and, most recently, joined Softcat plc through acquisition.
In this episode, Richard reflects on how Oakland has navigated these major transitions while staying true to its values. He shares why cultural alignment was central to the Softcat acquisition, why they have chosen not to continue with B Corp while maintaining the same principles that are shaping Oakland’s approach to clients and social issues, and why moments of challenge reveal more about leadership than times of smooth growth.
We also explore the evolving role of consultancy in the age of AI, the importance of diverse voices in shaping ethical decisions, and what it takes to prepare the next generation of leaders. At its core, Richard shares how purpose, care, and culture can sustain an organisation through transformation.
The Oakland Group: https://weareoakland.com/
Softcat plc: https://www.softcat.com/
Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/
Richard Corderoy