The art and science of transformative change

I help people and organisations grow and transform through Lean Change, Authentic Communication, Self-Organising, and Men’s Work.

How I can help

Lean Change

I work with organisations, from start-ups to corporates, that are open to exploring more effective ways of engaging with change. I work with the people directly impacted by change to co-create and implement solutions.

Change Communications

I work with senior leaders on major change and transformation programmes to develop communication and engagement strategies. I can also work creatively and flexibly as a one-person comms and engagement team.

Self-Organising

I work with start-up founders to enable them to stay focused on what they’re good at and what they love as their company grows, without getting bogged down in bureaucracy and people management.

Men's Work

I challenge the narrative of what it is to be a successful man in a work setting, and help men find healthier and more satisfying ways of fulfilling their roles, which are also beneficial to the organisation.

Who I am

I listen, try to understand what's going on quickly, and work with people to solve problems. Sometimes that means offering a spark of creativity; at other times it's about just rolling up my sleeves to get stuff done. I like working hard, getting results, and nudging the world in a better direction. I’m not afraid of failure – it’s where I’ve learned my biggest lessons. And I laugh a lot. Not for any particular reason – it’s my nature.

Who I'm not

I’m not a corporate man, but I know how the system works – and I’ve found that what I bring is often just what’s needed. I’ve never been interested in climbing a career ladder, and the idea of retirement-as-non-work doesn’t appeal either. I live life knowing that I can't control what’s coming next – and I’ve always found it odd that some people think they can. This approach keeps me curious, open to change, and prepared to adapt to a business world that's in constant flux.

I believe that people and organisations already have the answers they need to grow and transform. Sometimes, they need help to bring these answers to the surface, and to understand the deeper purpose of those parts of the organisation that appear to be holding it back.

Julian Sharples

Find out more about me

My clients include:

Julian fizzes with inspired creativity. Your business issue will spark a discussion that spins off in any number of surprising and useful directions before delivering the elegant insight or solution you need. Julian is a good listener, a perceptive lateral thinker and a charismatic, humorous presenter.

Advisory Board Member, Media start-up

Perspectives

What business change can learn from the affichistes

Lean Change

What business change can learn from the affichistes

25th May 2025

The affichistes — artists like Jacques Villeglé and Raymond Hains — didn’t paint. They tore.

What’s your theory of change?

Lean Change

What’s your theory of change?

24th May 2025

Rebecca Solnit’s answer in The Guardian today grabbed me.

Postmodern thinking and business change

Lean Change

Postmodern thinking and business change

23rd May 2025

Although they might not realise it, most change programmes are built on modernist assumptions – that with the right data, the right plan, and the right leadership, we can drive predictable outcomes.

Mel Robbins

Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere that you don't belong.

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