“The future is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed.”
William Gibson
regenerate is a green communications consultancy
We help forward-thinking organisations future-proof themselves against the effects of systemic global changes – in particular Climate Change – through systems thinking, design thinking, innovation, digital transformation, and targeted messaging.
regenerate will connect you with the necessary knowledge, information, expertise and opportunities – and give you the communication and persuasion tools you need – to respond appropriately, rapidly and impactfully to the unique challenges that you and your organisation face in today’s fast-changing, unpredictable world.
Ask Yourself
How might global environmental change – specifically, Climate Change – impact your business?
How will you respond to – and harness – the unique new challenges, risks and opportunities headed your way?
regenerate will work with you to unpack these questions, and help you devise the best responses.
We are curious by nature, thrive on challenges and driven by results. Want to know more? Let’s talk.
Approach
regenerate’s value proposition and offerings are based on a few key, observable, measurable assumptions:
- The world and humanity are facing new challenges (multi/pan-systemic: environmental, social, cultural, economic, personal and spiritual) for which solutions are still evolving, being devised, or are taking time to gain traction.
- The effect of these challenges is that the business, social, spiritual and geopolitical landscapes have in a short space of time changed in ways that demand new paradigms and approaches: both in terms of risks and opportunities for individuals, societies, business, governments and public and academic institutions.
- It seems as if most things in human experience are now moving targets: the only constant appears to be change. And change is often frightening, daunting, and yet can be freeing and exhilarating. Transformation equals evolution, equals ongoing existence.
- The solutions to these challenges need to be found collaboratively and actioned fast: there is hyper time sensitivity at play, especially in terms of environmental concerns, and how these are having a ripple effect throughout all areas of the global system.
- In this information-driven, digitally-connected, socially-networked, knowledge-based new world, there is a surfeit of information being generated and consumed by the millisecond. This exponentially accelerated data sharing and communication capacity is bringing people and communities into closer proximity and interactivity than ever before, and opening up new frontiers of markets, knowledge and learning to entire new cohorts of people. However, it is also often causing overwhelm, numbness, confusion, alienation or conflict.
1. The medium is the message
Today’s increasingly user- and peer-to-peer, collaboratively generated technology and interconnectivity, has become disruptive, with constantly expanding global reach. A consequence of this is unprecedented power to rapidly reach, persuade and influence masses of people. More so than at any previous time in history, today huge and diverse swathes of people can be swayed to perform specific actions, and coaxed to engage in particular behaviours towards very focused ends.
Communication and knowledge-sharing have never before been such powerfully sharp instruments in the hands of those people and organisations seeking to influence human hearts and minds.
Just as marketing, advertising and persuasive formulas and techniques have been used in the past – especially during the 20th century – to influence the masses to consume, vote and live in ways that have led to our system’s current dysfunction and dis-ease, we believe that so too can they be used to hack the existing dysfunctional system and turn things around for the greater good of the world and humanity.
regenerate green communications consultancy will help you:
- imagine new possibilities for the future
- devise the messages and mediums required to communicate these, and
- deliver them to carefully targeted audiences, via the best channels, at the right time, pitched in the most impactful, sticky, actionable way.
2. With all of this in mind, here is an important question to consider:
Is ‘Sustainability’ in the traditional sense of the word now the most appropriate approach to solving the world’s big problems?
Evidence appearing daily in news headlines seems to suggest not – at least, not if it means maintaining the status quo. Instead of change makers and leaders trying to sustain systems that have become fundamentally and inherently dysfunctional, there is a new vision for the future under the guidance of the world’s thought leaders that includes Sustainability, but more importantly, requires regenerative or restorative design thinking and practices. The aim for any individual or organisation from here forwards should be more than ‘Sustainability’… it should be ‘Thrivability’.
The old must make way for the new. It is time for business unusual.
This is where Regenerate Collaborative Transformation Consulting enters play.
3. Our approach is simple
We see the world as one large ecosystem made up of smaller inter-related, ever-changing ecosystems. Our job is to connect the dots, i.e. work out where you fit in and how you can benefit by adopting a TBL (Triple Bottom Line, i.e. Profit, People and Planet) approach to business.
By using our unique, fit for purpose methodologies and tools we can assist you in discovering and unlocking hidden value in your business, faster, more efficiently and affordably than other, outdated modes of practice.
Systems Thinking
Systems Thinking is about strategy from an end-to-end perspective. We analyse the relationships between all the system’s parts to understand the potential for better decision-making.
Design Thinking
With Design Thinking we use logic, imagination, intuition, and systemic reasoning, to explore possibilities of what could be – to create desired outcomes that benefit the end user.
Innovation
Innovation includes all processes by which new ideas are generated and converted into useful products and services. Creativity and imagination play a big part in this.
Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas your organisation, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to your stakeholders.
Thrive Forward
Regenerate offers collaborative communication, digital marketing and transformational or change management strategies and solutions to help solve the world’s biggest and most important challenges, rapidly and lastingly, using a Diagnostic/Remedial/Adaptative/Immunisation methodology called Thrive Forward:
Diagnostic/Assessment
What ails your organisation?
- What needs to transform?
- What problems are you trying to solve?
- What are your pain points?
- What keeps you up at night?
- Chronic or acute problems?
- Curable or terminal?
- Do you want to be cured?
Remedial/Strategic
What treatments/remedies are recommended to fix your ailment?
- What focused strategic solutions and communicative/persuasive tools are recommended for your ailment that are based on sound research and innovative/disruptive processes/practices?
Adaptive/Recalibration
How agile and adaptive is your organisation to the required changes?
- Is there a chance of resistence/immunity to the remedies?
- What are the blocks to change?
- Is there any chance of relapse?
Immunisation/Thrivability
Is your organisation able to sustain/maintain the new regimen to ensure better health, wellbeing and longevity?
- Maintenance: have you built ongoing health assessments/check-ups/follow-ups/regimen adjustments into your long-term Thrive strategy?
- What type of life do you envision for your organisation in the long term?
- Are you able to embrace the ongoing learning and adaptation required to keep your finger on the pulse of the most current changes and developments to prevent the return of dis-ease?
Reduce. Re-use. Recycle.
The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to transform our world:
GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being
GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
BusinessGenetics
21st century corporations can no longer only focus on the traditional ‘bottom line’ or pure profit incentive. The new global system and economy dictate that a broader corporate perspective is required.
BusinessGenetics is uniquely positioned to support traditional corporate Sustainability, as well as the requisite new ‘Thrivability’ modality. It facilitates these by expanding the scope of BI and analysis techniques to identify and support the implementation of Sustainability and Thrivability initiatives.
BusinessGenetics has the only method available that formally captures the five dimensions of a business and enables formal analysis thereof. Enhancing the foundation of tomorrow’s sustainable corporations has been proven to enhance overall corporate performance, yield greater ROI and attract more investors.
Leadership Challenges
- Leadership and corporate awareness
- Institutionalising Sustainability and Thrivability
- Programmatic, enterprise deployment
- Sustainability strategies reflected in executable actions
- Measurement of Sustainability and Thrivability strategies
Operational Challenges
- Culture and awareness
- Understanding of business operations/process
- Ensuring TBL (Triple Bottom Line) business operations
- Alignment with Sustainability/Thrivability goals
- Tracking of Sustainability/Thrivability progress
BusinessGenetics xBML
Using a method and system of diagrams based on an intuitive framework of Five W’s (Who does What, with Which information, Where and When), we give our clients a comprehensive overview of their enterprise – one that clarifies the complex relationships between information, people, resources and technology.
What
What activities must the business perform to achieve its purpose?
Which
Which information is used to perform each activity?
Who
Who performs each activity?
When
When are the activities performed?
Where
Where are the activities performed?
How
After mapping the 5Ws above, BusinessGenetics then uses an algorithm (or inference engine) to create a comprehensive, choreographed, model of an organisation’s operations.
Traditional Corporate Sustainability increases the economic bottom line
- Companies listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the FTSE4 Good Indexes have outperformed other market indices.
- Companies that belong to the World Business Council outperformed their national stock exchanges by 15 to 25% over the last three years.
- The Winslow Green Index of 100 ‘green screened’ companies increased in value by 73%, compared to the Russell 200 Index at less than 17%.
Services
Consulting
Business Modelling & Analysis
Communications & Digital Marketing Strategy
Transformation & Change Management
eLearning/Instructional Design
Event Conceptualisation, Planning & Management
New Product Development
Disruption & Innovation
UX/CX Strategy & Implementation
CSI/CSR Strategy & Implementation
Communications
Digital Transformation
Digital & Marketing Communications
Copywriting & Design
Content Creation & Curation
UX/CX Design
Digital Asset Management
eLearning & Blended/Experiential Learning
IoT Development and Integration
Scaled Virtual Coaching & Personal Development
Thrive Forward
Regenerative/Restorative System Design
Business Sustainability/Thrivability Integration
Circular Economy & Value Systems
Clean Energy Disruption
Fossil Fuel Divestment
Green Building Systems & Technology
Social Innovation
Institutional/Personal Development & Transformation
Team
Ian Davidson
BA (Economics & Law), Rhodes University
Ian is a communications specialist with a background (30+ years) in Financial PR, Above- and Below-the-Line Advertising, Brand Development and Digital Communications. He has worked with a number of reputable agencies, in senior positions, including Ogilvy & Mather, Lintas Worldwide and Publicis.
In 2002 he joined a digital agency as CEO, which he helped grow into a successful, pioneering, award winning business and since then he has been actively involved in digital communications and transformation.
Ian has worked with a wide range of clients, both in South Africa and abroad, across a number of sectors including FMCG, Financial, Hospitality, Education, Tourism, Property, Fishing, Automotive, Govt., Professional Services and NGOs.
Given his extensive communications experience and deep interest in Climate Change, sustainability, innovation and technology, Ian is well placed to spearhead any any project, campaign or initiative to help a business or organisation make sense of the world around them and how to move forward.
Brand & Project Experience
Architecture
- MLH Architects
- EWE Architects
Automotive
- Alfa Romeo
- Fiat
Education
- Rocket School
- Kaos Pilots (Denmark)
- Rhodes University
- AEON (Africa Earth Observatory Network, UCT)
- CSAG (Climate Systems Analysis Group, UCT)
- Rhodes University Trust (UK)
- AccessScience (UK)
- Global Innovation Network (UK)
- Institute of Knowledge Transfer (UK)
- Auril (UK)
Equine
- Haras de Saint Pair Stud Farm (France)
FMCG
- Bokomo Breakfast Cereals
- White Star Maize Meal
- Duens Bread
- Dentyne
- Federal Marine
- Marine Products
- Glenryck Canned Pichards
- Lucky Star Canned Pilchards
- Saldahna Canned Pilchards
- Everfresh Long Life Milk
Fashion
- YDE
- Bomshell
- ICUBA
- Nederburg SA Fashion Week
- Mont Blanc
Film & Media
- Media 24
- Fine Music Radio
- Cape Town Film Studios
- Creamer Media
- Reelives (UK)
- Michel Comte Photography Archive
- African Oral History Archive
Financial Services
- Investec (UK and SA)
- Interactive Investor (UK)
- Old Mutual
- Old Mutual Independent Broker Group: Bridge / Celestis / Masthead / Navigator / Tradewinds
- Warwick Private Wealth
- Assay Advisory, Assay Capital Strategies and Assay Corporate Finance
- La Fayette (UK)
Food and Catering
- Innovate (UK)
- Conrad Gallagher (Celebrity Chef)
- Col’ Cacchios
Furniture
- Orgafile
Government
- Technology Strategy Board (UK)
- Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN)
Hospitality
- Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
- Lodge Lake Lure (US)
- Constantia Uitsig
- V&A Waterfront
- Vrede en Lust Wine Estate
- Tops Wine Show
- Tops Bierfest
Industrial
- Laser Chemicals
- Quick Tint
IT & Software Applications
- Affinity Logic
- JustEnough (US and SA)
- Macrolan
- UCS Solutions
- Tap
Legal
- Werksmans
Sport & Leisure
- World Sport
- J&B Met
- Chilli Fiesta
- Hobie 16’s World Championships
- World Golf Amateur Championships
Liquor
- Windhoek Lager
- Das Pilsener
- Telana Hill Wines
- Overgaauw Wines
- Richelieu Brandy
- White Horse Scotch Whisky
- Black and White Scotch Whisky
- SA Wine Foundation
- SA Brandy Foundation
Medical
- Lila
NGOs
- Greater Good South Africa (GGSA)
- South African Social Investment Exchange (SASIX)
- SouthSouthNorth (SSN)
- South African Institute for Entrepreneurship (SAIE)
- Activate!
- #IAM protest
- KIDS Foundation
- World Wildlife Foundation
- One World Sustainable Investments
- Regional Climate Change Programme (RCCP)
- Shine Literacy
Pharmaceutical
- Vital Health Foods
- Pfizer
Property
- Durr Properties
- Greeff
- Spearhead
- Knowledge Park
- Harries Projects
- Old Mutual Properties
- Rabie
- Moby
Publishing
- Juta
Retail
- Shoprite
- Sanlam Centre
Travel & Tourism
- Wilderness Safaris
- Constantia Valley Association
- Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association
- Beach & Bush
- Tanda Tula
- Western Cape Tourism
Utilities
- Boffin & Fundi
Erica Kleine
BA (English & Psychology), University of KwaZulu-Natal
Erica started her career as an advertising copywriter, and has since gained extensive experience as a communications practitioner, strategic consultant, project manager and entrepreneur. Her work spans a wide cross-section of sectors and industries, and a large variety of media – from print to digital.
With 25+ years of communications, writing, marketing, eventing (specifically lifestyle/wellbeing events), project management and consulting experience behind her, Erica is passionate about creating innovative, holistic, strategically, socially and environmentally sound solutions for her clients.
The importance of pursuing inner – or personal – transformation, which can then facilitate wider social and environmental transformation, is one of Erica’s core philosophies. Her main aims in life are to thrive, and inspire others to thrive by discovering healthier, more fulfilled and authentic ways of living, being and doing. She lives by the maxim: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
In practice this means collaborating closely with clients in their process of becoming ever more conscious and aligned, using her communication skills to help them imagine the amazing possibilities inherent in their lives and projects.
Brand & Project Experience
Erica has worked on a wide range of content creation, instructional design, project and event management and creative services projects, collaborating with creative services peers, subordinates and vendors to produce events and marketing, eLearning and other communications (including print, radio, and online communications and video projects).
These range from some of the world’s most recognisable brands, to lesser-known, but equally rewarding ones. Some of the better-known accounts on which she has worked are:
Advertising/Marketing/CX:
- Publicis Advertising
- WNA Advertising
- nLighten Customer Experience Consultants
Financial Services/Consulting
- Ernst & Young
- Accenture
- Sanlam
- Telesure
Environmental/Health/Lifestyle
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
- Rodan & Fields (R&F)
- Vital Health Foods
- Virgin Active
- Holistic Living & Design Lifestyle Events
Retail
- Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC)
CSI/CSR/NPO
- The Nelson Mandela Foundation-endorsed 67 Blankets initiative
- MMI Foundation/Metropolitan Health
- The South African Institute for Entrepreneurship (SAIE)
- The Stellenbosch University School of Business-affiliated Impumelelo Social Innovations Centre
- Wot-If? Trust
- Umuzi Academy
- I Love Coffee (upskilling deaf black South African youth)
Telecommunications
- MTN
International Cultural Relations/Governmental/Local Community Organisations
- British Council
- Cape Town City Council
- Muizenberg Improvement District
- SARS
Media/Publishing
- Cape Media Publications
- Independent Newspapers
- Trialogue Publications
- Valiant Media (specifically, the Pick ‘n Pay-endorsed Argus Cycle Tour and Mercedes Benz 75th Anniversary in SA commemorative books)
- Pearson Education/Maskew Miller Lomgman (MML) – authored a SA Further Education and Training (FET) course texbook ‘Business Practice’
- Mafube Publishers
- Isikhova Publishers
- Bush Community Radio Station
eLearning/Human Performance Improvement
- Cognician Self-coaching & eLearning Platform
- LRMG Performance Architects
- Achievement Awards Group
- EDGE Learning Media
Events (including)
- The Observatory Holistic Lifestyle Fair
- Community Chest Carnival
- Observatory Street Festival
- Cape Town Summer Festival
- Streetopia Festival (Hosted by Afrikaburn)
Resources (Just a few that have helped shape our thinking – there’s lots out there!)
Books
- This Changes Everything Capitalism vs The Climate – Naomi Klein
- Antifragile – Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Signals – Dr Pippa Malmgren
- Green to Gold – Daniel C. Esty and Andrew S. Winston
- Natural Capitalism – Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, L. Hunter Lovins
- Plan B 3.0 – Lester R. Brown
- Cradle to Cradle – Remaking the Way We Make Things – William McDonough and Michael Braungart
- Confessions of an Eco Sinner – Fred Pearce
- Spiritual Capital – Danah Zohar and Ian Marshall
- The Price of Inequality – Joseph E. Stiglitz
- Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism – Richard D. Wolff
- The Zero Marginal Cost Society – Jeremy Rifkin
Websites
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation
- Future-Fit Business
- State of Green
- The International Bateson Institute
- Population Reference Bureau
- 350.org
- Fossil Free South Africa
- DivestInvest
- Sustainable Development Goals
- World Resources Institute
- Institute for Leadership and Sustainability – University of Cumbria
- Kalundborg Symbiosis
- Kaleidoscope Futures
- Biomimicry Institute
- The Climate Reality Project
- MIT Climate
- Information is Beautiful
- Institute of Art and Ideas
Videos/Podcasts
Videos
- Chasing Ice Trailer
- An Inconvenient Truth Trailer
- An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power Trailer
- Before the Flood Trailer
- Deep Adaptation
- Collaboration as the New Wealth
- The Beauty of Ugly Food
- True Cost Accounting in Food and Farming – Ecosystems and Food Systems
- The first Circular Economy 2.0 Conference
Podcasts
Network
Our network is as wide as it is deep, in terms of skills, knowledge and experience. It includes businessmen, critical thinkers, designers, copywriters, media experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, software developers, NGOs, learning institutions, innovators and environmental practitioners.
We currently have experts in the UK, US, South Africa and Australia.
By working with us, you’ll be tapping into our social capital and expertise.