Our Services

Board Reviews

Strategic Evaluation

Board Reviews at Apricot Acumen

At Apricot Acumen, we understand that boards are pivotal in steering organisations toward success through the application of collective wisdom and operational governance. In an era marked by transparency and heightened accountability, the role of the board has never been more critical. We collaborate closely with boards to enhance their maturity and usefulness, ensuring they fulfill their responsibilities with wisdom, insight and integrity.

Our Approach

Our Approach to Board Development

We assist boards in distinguishing their governance functions from management duties, emphasizing the importance of providing strategic oversight while allowing management the autonomy to operate. This clarity fosters a productive partnership focused on organisational progress. Apricot emphasises the transformative potential of blending the 'wisdom of experience' with the 'wisdom of inexperience' in boardrooms.

Boards excel when they offer wise and informed guidance and hold management answerable. We facilitate dialogue that understand assumptions, promote strategic thinking, and reinforce commitments that all are answerable to, thereby enhancing wise decision-crafting processes.

Our services include tailored surveys and consulting arrangements designed to assess board dynamics, performance, and areas for maturing. These tools provide valuable insights that inform development strategies and strengthen governance practices.

We offer workshops and coaching tailored to the unique needs of each board, focusing on enhancing decision-making, fostering effective communication, and building a cohesive culture. These sessions are designed to cultivate a deep understanding of governance principles and the application of collective wisdom.

Leadership Wisdom

The Imperative of Board Wisdom in Governance

Integrating diverse perspectives enriches a board's collective wisdom, leading to more robust governance. Research indicates that "collective wisdom increases as board diversity increases." 

Our Services

  • Board Surveys and Consulting: Customized assessments to evaluate board performance, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas for improvement.

  • Workshops and Coaching: Interactive sessions focused on enhancing governance skills, strategic thinking, and collaborative decision-making.

By partnering with Apricot Acumen, boards can navigate the complexities of modern governance with confidence, ensuring their organizations are guided by wisdom, accountability, and strategic foresight.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Client Testimonial

Perspective and wisdom are a powerful combination, and Derek brings both in a way that is truly transformative. When I first met Derek, his ability to offer an external perspective—one honed through a lifetime of building meaningful and impactful relationships with business leaders in both corporate and not for profit institutions—was profound.

I’ve found it’s easy to become too close to a problem, overanalyse it, or even misdiagnose it entirely. Derek’s approach, grounded in humility and genuine care, has helped me and those in our business step back, see challenges more clearly, and find common ground to move forward. He has a rare ability to draw out the best in people while quieting the noise that often clouds decision-making.

The impact Derek has had—both on me personally and on our business—cannot be overstated. His wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to trust myself have been invaluable, and I owe him a great deal of gratitude.

Multiworks - Alex Crosby (Managing Director)
Client Testimonial

Over the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Derek. He is a person of utmost integrity, possessing an intuitive understanding of people that is rare and remarkable. His counsel is imbued with wisdom, and I have always found his advice to be grounded in areas where he has genuine knowledge and expertise. While I may not have always agreed with his perspectives, I have always respected that they reflect his sincere beliefs. Derek consistently encouraged me to trust my own judgment, empowering me to make decisions with confidence.

Mark Elliott, Non Executive Director and Former CEO
Client Testimonial

Over the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Derek Linsell. He has provided unwavering support and encouragement as I have navigated various professional roles and personal experiences. Through our relationship, I have developed a heightened awareness of what good leadership looks like and cultivated trust in my decision-making processes. This journey has led to significant improvements in my career trajectory, reflecting the profound impact of his commitment to me with his wisdom and thoughtful action.

Adam Watson, CEO and Managing Director. APA
Client Testimonial

Derek listens deeply and adeptly draws on his crystallised wisdom as a trusted thinking partner, having his timely counsel available really helped empower me find the courage needed to completely reinvent my career and create a purpose-filled life. Through my work with Derek and his encouragement to do my inner-work I’ve discovered remarkable new depths of personal strength and creativity.

Alexander Hayes Griffen
Client Testimonial

Having benefitted from Derek’s insight in helping establish a very productive relationship amongst the senior executive at one organisation, I was pleased to bring him to help at my next two. Derek has a disarmingly simple style that senior executives warm to. He balances this with great insight into how people work and how they can work well in teams. As CEO his reports to me were invaluable in removing barriers to productivity that would never be apparent through the using structural analysis or metrics. He brings great experience to his wise understanding of people.

Emeritus Professor Mike Calford – formerly university Provost and research institute CEO
Client Testimonial

I highly recommend Derek as a trusted advisor and mentor. His wisdom and insight have been invaluable in helping me navigate complex decisions in my professional life. He has taken a genuine interest in me and my family, offering support that goes beyond mere professional guidance. His deep understanding of my career aspirations has enabled him to provide thoughtful and strategic advice, always with my best interests at heart. Above all, Derek is someone I trust implicitly—an insightful sounding board who has helped me think through challenges with clarity and confidence.

Angus Leitch. COO. Veris
Client Testimonial

I have known and worked with Derek for 10 years as a trusted advisor and mentor. His wisdom and insight extends beyond just me as an individual—he has a deep understanding of the organization I have worked for and the people around me. His ability to see the bigger picture while also appreciating the nuances of my personal and professional journey is truly unique. He takes a holistic approach, offering guidance that is both strategic and deeply personal. What sets Derek apart is his genuine interest in me, not just as a professional but as a whole person. His thoughtful support and perspective have been invaluable in helping me navigate challenges and grow with clarity and confidence.

Leigh Petschel. CFO. Port of Melbourne
Next Steps

Ready to lead with wisdom?

Contact us today to explore how Apricot Acumen can support your leadership journey.
Copyright © 2025 Apricot Acumen. all rights reserved.