Headspace Strategies Limited

We are a strategy consultancy with a distinct difference.  

We help leaders in complex international businesses and their teams build for growth.

We believe Strategy isn’t just a document or a meeting. It’s a system. 

We design for growth - built with flexibility, and purpose. 

We help make sense of complexity and simplify the approach.  

Allowing teams to learn, align, and design an approach that adapts, while delivering tangible outcomes. 

Stronger, smarter, clearer - every time.

Founder

growyze

Growyze is a female-led startup revolutionising inventory management in the global hospitality industry, estimated at £15 billion. By harnessing advanced technology and insightful analytics, Growyze enables restaurants, bars, and hotels to reduce waste, leakage, and inefficiencies—addressing the sector’s enduring ~10% shortfall that can lead to almost half of all business failures. As a Non-Executive Director and Strategic Advisor, I support Growyze’s vision for reshaping operational processes, enhancing profitability, and championing a responsible approach to inventory control. My role focuses on guiding the company’s long-term strategy, ensuring robust governance, securing vital funding channels, and nurturing strong leadership capabilities.

This comprehensive advisory approach empowers Growyze to develop reliable solutions that optimize cost management, enhance user experience, and drive sustainable growth. By forging partnerships, refining internal structures, and adhering to best practices, we are collectively revolutionizing how hospitality businesses manage their stock—from procurement to consumption. Through transparent reporting, data-driven insights, and forward-thinking strategy, Growyze aims to curtail waste, safeguard margins, and create a thriving, future-focused hospitality sector. Together, we strive to empower businesses globally to excel in a competitive marketplace, reduce environmental impact, and foster resilient, profitable growth. My involvement ensures that Growyze remains at the forefront of innovation and industry excellence.

Strategic Advisor & Non-Executive Director

KanataQ

Ecosystem Partner

Micro Thermal Energy Ltd

Micro Thermal Energy Ltd is a female-founded renewable energy pioneer, transforming the industry with its patented geothermal technology. By harnessing the Earth’s natural heat, Micro Thermal Energy delivers a clean, cost-effective solution to meet global energy demands, significantly reducing carbon footprints while promoting sustainable development. In my role as a strategic advisor to the CEO/founder, I provide guidance on key business decisions.

Committed to shaping a greener future, Micro Thermal Energy’s revolutionary geothermal solutions address the pressing global need for clean, reliable power. My involvement helps the company make the most of the next stage as it is poised for success, helping it scale effectively, maintain a competitive edge, and forge new paths in sustainable energy. Together, we’re championing a dynamic, eco-conscious approach that promises to reshape the renewable energy landscape.

Mentor & Advisor

Nexus Digital Technology Limited

Non Executive Director

SUSXL: Sustainability. Excellence. Leadership.

SUSXL is a minority-founded business dedicated to driving real-world impact on sustainability challenges by hosting dynamic, action-focused events. By uniting diverse audiences—from large corporations to innovative startups—SUSXL fosters meaningful collaboration across multiple industries, ultimately accelerating eco-conscious solutions. In my capacity as a strategic advisor, I support SUSXL’s mission by helping shape event agendas that prioritize tangible outcomes and scalable business strategies, rather than mere discussions.

Leveraging my experience in sustainability, governance, and leadership development, I guide SUSXL in curating inclusive forums that encourage cross-sector networking, knowledge-sharing, and the formation of strategic alliances. This approach empowers participants to not only learn from varied perspectives, but also to devise practical action plans that address pressing environmental and social challenges.

Through tailored programming, expert-led workshops, and constructive panel discussions, SUSXL enables businesses of all sizes to forge transformative partnerships that drive lasting sustainability progress. By integrating best practices, advanced technologies, and forward-thinking strategies, SUSXL is at the forefront of fostering actionable initiatives that promote accountability, resilience, and responsible growth in the global marketplace.

Strategic Advisor

Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.

I was appointed as a member of the ExCo team, with a dual remit, for this $5BN specialty chemical business producing two billion gallons of product annually. 

I lead the development of ‘Total Calumet’, our sustainability strategy, integrating international legislation and working to enhance the product offering in collaboration with the top 15 key accounts. 

I also oversee the $0.5BN Performance Brands business: Lubricants, Greases & Alkylate Fuels, with 500 employees on four sites and customers in 90 countries.

EVP Sustainability & EVP Performance Brands

Over this period, I took on a variety of interim leadership roles, including CCO, CSO and Program Lead for global blue chips such as Ordnance Survey, Associated British Foods, and Dubai World. 

I led major interventions to drive better financial performance, deliver commercial improvement or change strategic direction for complex multinational businesses.

Independent Consultant, UK, US, Middle East - Ordnance Survey, Associated British Foods

Appointed to lead a 50-person Strategy and Transformation team operating in four regional hubs across global business, I ensured the effective management of a $2BN CAPEX budget for this $10BN, 10,000-person organisation operating in 100 markets. 

I managed the development of all 23 key country strategic plans, and all oversight for the other 47 markets. 

As Programme Director, I oversaw a team of 100 in a business transformation programme spanning systems, structure, reporting and other organisational changes that impacted all 10,000 employees and 2,000 contractors.

Global Strategy Director, Programme Director, Business Transformation / London

Commissioned by global multinationals, including BP, EMI, Premier Farnell and Vitec plc, I undertook a series of consulting and interim leadership roles that included CMO, Transformation Director and Retail Operations Director, with the remit to lead the identification and execution of global marketing, commercialisation and transformation activities.

Independent Consultant / London - EMI, BP, Dubai World, Premier Farnell & Vitec plc

Strategy. Simplified. Connecting the dots in complex international businesses. | Human centered approaches to transformation that sticks | Global Business Advisor | Ethical & Sustainable Practices

I am a global business leader and innovative strategist with nearly 30 years of international experience driving transformational growth for blue-chip companies, private equity-backed ventures, and SMEs. 

I provide expert support, advice & proven frameworks to leaders searching for ways to deliver strong, bold growth, or turnarounds.

With expertise spanning commercial strategy, business transformation, and sustainability, I consistently deliver strategies that unlock superior performance in dynamic and complex global markets.

As EVP of Performance Brands at Calumet Specialty Products, I spearheaded record-breaking results in the Lubricants, Greases, and Alkylate Fuels business. By streamlining operations, appointing high-impact leaders, and championing sustainability initiatives through the ‘Total Calumet’ strategy, I positioned the company as a leader in addressing energy-sector challenges. My creation of a comprehensive roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 exemplifies my ability to balance bold vision with actionable solutions.

Throughout my career, I have a proven track record of driving profitable growth by aligning strategic priorities with market opportunities, launching innovative ventures, and delivering pioneering products that create measurable value. I specialize in turning complexity into opportunity, navigating global and environmental challenges to deliver future-focused, high-impact results while enhancing margins.

A dynamic leader known for uniting diverse, global teams, I excel at building alignment across executive stakeholders and navigating cultural and operational complexities. By rallying teams around shared objectives, I ensure strategies are not only visionary but also executable, enabling sustainable growth and enduring commercial success.

What happens when the lights go out…

…or your systems are hijacked.

Business continuity planning, sounds dull, but if the proverbial hits the fan - can you carry on.

In a world where cyber attacks are seemingly a matter of when, rather than if, how we plan to manage the inevitable fallout is crucial.

As AI supercharges & it’s possible to buy ‘phishing (and more) as a service’ on the dark web it has never been more critical to be prepared.

But it’s not just IT & OT hacks, power cuts, mobile services, and almost all our connectivity is susceptible to outages that could be catastrophic for the business.

The average cyber attack now costs the business in excess of $10m, yet around 85% of executives are still surprised by outages…

…and half believe that they are woefully unprepared for issues…

…despite over 90% expecting an issue to occur in the next 12 months.

So maybe it’s about time we understood our manual workaround, we’ve seen Jaguar-Land Rover and Marks & Spencer both suffer significant losses for not being able to.

After all, while the dynamo may not be cutting edge, it can keep powering those lights after the battery 🪫 fails for good.

How well prepared are you?

Marc Lawn

Strategy. Simplified. | Human Centred Strategy | Global Business Advisor | Ethical & Sustainable Practices | Performance Delivered

No alternative text description for this image

Are we utilising what we already have?

One of the most valuable opportunities for business is the referral.

Yet, it’s an area that so often gets overlooked.

A strategic ‘faux pas’ let’s say.

Depending on the specifics, and with some thought & consideration, Wharton University found that the total value of referred customers could be as much as 200% higher than those from other channels.

The Athens Journal of Business & Economics published research that suggests that not only is total value higher, retention rates are much higher. 

But…

…referral programs have a big sting in the tail - if they are badly designed - because they crowd out genuine advocacy & intimacy.

So referrals are powerful, but only under the right circumstances. 

Maybe we don’t want dad to make that referral then!

Do you have a referral program, or one you’d point to as an excellent example?

(Meme courtesy of memedroid)

graphical user interface, text, application, chat or text message

‘Quick to take credit…

…faster to apportion blame.’

Planes, a little like corporate environments, have that unnerving ability to bring out the worst in people.

I’ve been travelling this week & I was reminded of this stimulus for my Sunday Reflection.

A couple of conversations. One with an ex professional referee, and one with a retired senior cabin crew professional.

Both recounted situations that, while rare, do happen, and when they do the results can be catastrophic.

It reminded me of some the poor behaviours I’ve seen in businesses over the years.  

Behaviours that have gone beyond competition, to become vindictive.

It’s little wonder that most people leave their jobs, because of their managers & those around them.

I just wish we could find a way so that it wasn’t so.

Maybe like buying this domain? We could work together in a more engaging & lighthearted way.

What do you think?

graphical user interface, text, application

Petty theft…

…or accidental misappropriation!!

According to surveys & research 3 in 4 employees admit to taking pens, and stationery.

While that was an eye opening stat…

…nothing prepared me for the real punchline.

Small misappropriations like this correlate with employees suggesting that they are not: 

1. Supported by their employer

2. Trusting of their employer

3. Feeing that they are treated fairly by their employer

So, a petty theft situation, could reasonably be the least of your worries.

In fact some studies suggest that act alone accounts for 1 in 3 of the total business stock losses.

It’s interesting to think that the reason our strategy is doomed to fail is because we don’t address the root cause of open theft!

Loud and proud…

…or quietly getting on with it?

When it comes to leadership there are several viewpoints here. 

The extroverted individual, when emerging in to a leadership position, tends to be rated more highly.

Yet, the introverted individual tends to be more highly rated once in role.

So…

…we have a contradiction..

…or do we?

In reality the answer is much more nuanced, more like - it depends.

While we pay (around 5% if you were wondering) more for extroverted CEOs, introverted leaders can achieve as much as 20% improvements in productivity.

This is based mainly on their openness to listen to new ideas & thoughts - however it also comes with a caveat, proactive followers required.

Grant, Gino & Hofmann discuss these things at length, as do the Myers-Briggs foundation.

When shows up, at least in my mind, in the reporting, is that there is no one single answer here.

And that’s the killer - we keep looking for that silver bullet that will solve everything for us, and it doesn appear to exist.

In fact the biggest solution isn’t whether we are introverted or extroverted - the best approach is much more about being open to differences, understanding of circumstances & being able to park our ego.

The big question now - will you still buy natural looking flaming hot Cheetos?

Are we being awkward…

…or are we just being difficult?

That’s the question we should be considering at every point of our customer journey.

Why?

Because according to Gartner - ‘Effort is the strongest driver to customer loyalty’.

Make it easy to spend money with you, and customers will, so much so that if the effort to interact is high then we stand a 96% chance the customer will defect.

An easy, low effort interaction, just 9% chance of leaving.

The most powerful question we can have asked of our customers….

‘On a scale of 1-10, how easy was it to do business with company x, where 1 is really easy, and 10 is really hard’.

Not only that but the lower that score, the lower the cost of dealing with the customer - up to 40% lower.

And employees feel better too, with a 17% increase in their intent to stay with the business.

The question - how easy have we made it to access the contents of the business’s offer?

Inattentional blindness…

…and money growing on trees!

How often have you missed something in business, and it’s been there, right in front of you all along.

We are so stuck on autopilot that those early warnings signs, all the way to flashing red lights…

Just. 

Get. 

Missed.

A study by Hyman et al published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that 80% of us walk by…

…even when money is hanging from a tree!

Add a mobile phone & almost 95% of us walk on by.

It’s no wonder, without a structure that helps us identify early warning signs, that so often the risk to our business goes unnoticed until we find ourselves in panic mode.

That early warning system, spread across many groups, can be our strategy saviour.

After all, no strategy survives contact with the real world, without adjusting to new data.

If it doesn’t it fails.

That’s how the best boards & executives manage their businesses - well monitored early warning signs, designed to help them adapt accordingly.

So, maybe the real question really is - How did that big a$$ crane get there?

Meme source - memedroid.

Marc L.

Experienced Managing Director / CEO across multiple industries & multinational markets. 

Marc has developed and delivered strategies to turnaround, or accelerate the performance of multiple companies. 

Key skills:

Business Strategy
Sustainability
Sales & Marketing
Operations
P&L
International
Strategy development
Growth & profit delivery
Talent growth & management
Team building
New market & product entry
Performance management
GAAP / IDRS

Selected career highlights:

Doubled profitability of £250m ($300m) business in 3 years through focus on efficiency, growth, strategy & people.

Grew £50m ($65) business unit to £125m ($150m) over 3 years, while increasing returns 20%.

Launched products and services into multiple markets over career including; USA, Australia, UAE, UK, EU, Eastern Europe, China, South Africa, Philippines, Brazil, Russia & Singapore.

Marc has led businesses to increased performance through growth & recessionary times. His focus on making the right choices & flawlessly executing activity a ‘hallmark’ of his style. However, designing & developing teams & recruiting the right talent has been critical to his success. His track record of people development is excellent, and his passion for his own personal development ensures he is able to support the growth of others.

Worked in: Sport & Leisure, Food & Beverage, Media, FMCG, CPG, Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Private Equity & Public / Private Businesses

FTSE / Dow / NASDAQ / AIM

taplio

Marc Lawn's Linkedin Analytics

Marc Lawn

Performance ScoreMarc Lawn's LinkedIn Performance

Marc Lawn's Best Posts (last 30 days)

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

.css-6ytdur{background-image:linear-gradient(284deg, rgba(39, 43, 72, 1) 0%, rgba(33, 47, 183, 1) 100%);color:transparent;-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;}Marc Lawn's Linkedin Analytics

Marc Lawn

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Marc Lawn's LinkedIn Performance

Marc Lawn's Best Posts .css-1emoo84{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:400;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);}(last 30 days)

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Marc Lawn's Linkedin Analytics

Performance ScoreMarc Lawn's LinkedIn Performance

Marc Lawn's Best Posts (last 30 days)