Open Table: A Recipe for Purpose-Led Strategy
CASE STUDY - DELIVERED THROUGH IMPACT PRACTICE
Open Table is a values-led not-for-profit working to improve food access, food literacy and community connection in Melbourne. With strong programs and growing impact, the organisation was ready to refresh its three-year strategic plan and wanted a process that genuinely brought board and staff into the conversation.
Like many small social enterprises, Open Table operates with a lean team and limited resources. The CEO was looking for someone who understood the sector and could bring both rigour and creativity to the process.
I designed and facilitated a highly interactive strategy workshop with Open Table’s board and leadership team. The session combined structured strategic frameworks with participatory exercises that drew on the lived experience of everyone in the room. Together, we refreshed and validated the organisation’s vision, mission and values, explored strengths and development areas, clarified value propositions across key programs, and identified clear strategic priorities for the years ahead.
Following the workshop, I provided detailed feedback on the draft strategic plan, supporting the CEO to finalise a practical, future-focused roadmap grounded in shared ownership.
Open Table now has a clear, aligned strategic plan and a stronger foundation for decision-making, governance and growth.
“Olivia was recommended to us as someone who understands small not-for-profits and social enterprises, which is exactly what we were looking for when we began our strategic planning work.
She worked closely with us to create an engaging, thought-provoking process that brought our board and staff together to really reflect on our organisation, what’s working, and where we want to head next. Olivia brings a great mix of sector experience, insight and practical judgement, and she was clear and well organised throughout — the process felt well structured, and things happened when she said they would.
Olivia was also just lovely to work with — warm, a great listener, and easy to collaborate with. I’d happily recommend her to other purpose-led organisations looking for practical, values-aligned strategic support.”