Scaling Deep

Over the last 15 years, the concept of scale has become such a big part of the social and environmental change sector.

A business mindset of growth has been seamlessly transferred to all the problems we are collectively trying to shift in the world.

Scaling up (influencing policy) has been considered the strategic pathway to systems change. Scaling out (spreading new models) is seen as a pathway to success.

These methods are tangible, measurable and really important, but they are obviously not enough to deal with complex human and environmental concerns.

But more importantly, they have shifted our attention away from a messy truth: that sometimes bigger isn’t better!

Sometimes our urgency to try to “fix the problem”, seek solutions, and scale big has contributed, in part, to the crisis we are in.

In the process, we’ve devalued and under-resourced the slow, steady work of deepening relationships - work that recognises the importance of context, builds bridges across diverse communities, and prioritises inner work and healing as essential to any meaningful scaling process.

We call this ‘Scaling Deep’ and believe that adequately supporting it and funding it holds the greatest potential for long-lasting systemic change.

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How we help you Scale Deep

To support organisations in scaling deep, we design programs that are human-centred, modular, and responsive. Our approach begins by engaging the informal leaders and key influencers within your organisation—those who already shape the culture from within. We support them to develop the habits, mindsets, and tools they need to foster wellbeing, inclusion, and meaningful connection.

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, we work with you to co-design initiatives that are context-specific, tested in practice, and shaped by lived experience. Our programs are intentionally flexible: they can be stacked, staggered, and repeated to build momentum and create ripple effects throughout your organisation.

As cohorts move through the process, we build internal capability by training graduates to become mentors and facilitators, supporting a sustainable model of peer-to-peer leadership and cultural change.

We also collect data and insights along the way—both qualitative and quantitative—to help you understand what’s working, refine your strategies, and contribute to wider sector learning. Whether you're focused on mental health, leadership, or organisational culture, Scaling Deep is about embedding transformation where it matters most: in relationships, practices, and people.

If you would like to find out more about how we could apply this Scaling Deep philosophy to a program for your people, please schedule a conversation with us.