Real Business Results
Culture, Leadership & Team Development Case Studies
These are just a few examples of what happens when ambitious, founder-led businesses stop firefighting and start fixing the root causes of performance and culture challenges.
We work with UK-based, service-driven companies that are scaling, preparing for investment or exit, or navigating periods of internal change.
Often, the issues they think they have - “communication problems”, “line management gaps”, “culture stuff” - are actually symptoms of deeper misalignment.
Here’s what happens when we get under the surface and fix it properly.
We pride ourselves on confidentiality, so while these case studies reflect real client stories, we’ve kept company names private.
From Friction to Flow: Rebuilding a Senior Team and Culture After 30 Years
Creative agency | £10m turnover | London | Team Dynamics & Leadership Development
The Challenge:
Persistent tension at senior level was slowing decisions and unsettling the wider team. Despite growth, the business felt stuck. Roles had evolved organically, but not strategically.
What We Did:
Ran a 5Voices diagnostic to surface hidden dynamics
Coached the new CEO to step into a strategic leadership role
Realigned senior roles based on strengths (not history)
Embedded practical team development sessions company-wide
The Outcome:
The senior team now works with clarity and cohesion
Internal silos broken down, junior team stepping up
Team grew by 33%; client retention improved
CEO freed to focus on business growth, not day-to-day
Why it matters:
You can’t scale on good intentions alone. If the foundations aren’t right, it’s only a matter of time before cracks show.
This business now has the clarity - and culture - to grow with confidence.
Quote:
“We didn’t realise how much our internal friction was holding us back. Kate helped us name the unspoken issues and rebuild as a proper senior team. It’s changed everything - not just how we work, but how it feels to come to work.”
- Managing Director, Creative Agency
Solving the Wrong Problem: Why Line Management Training Wasn’t the Answer
Tech company | £25m turnover | South East | Leadership Coaching & Structural Change
The Challenge:
Problems were bouncing up to the senior team, despite a full management layer. Staff turnover was high, and the CEO was still managing their biggest client - which made up 65% of revenue.
What We Did:
Uncovered misalignment using 5Voices - future-focused leaders vs. present-focused team
Translated business strategy into clear, team-friendly actions
Supported the CEO to build trust in her team, delegate key accounts and de-risk the business
Clarified roles so managers could lead, not just deliver
The Outcome:
Staff turnover dropped from 35% to 23%
Middle managers now confidently leading
CEO freed to diversify client base and reduce risk
Internal comms and confidence significantly improved
Why it matters:
You can’t train your way out of a structural problem.
Once we removed the fog, the solution became obvious - and self-sustaining.
Quote:
“We thought we needed training. What we really needed was clarity. Meraki People helped us fix the structure, not just the symptoms - and the impact has been immediate. I’m finally leading the business, not holding it together.”
- CEO, Tech Company
Scaling for Exit: Getting the Founder Out of the Way (Without Losing the Magic)
Professional services | £18m turnover | Midlands | Succession Planning & Culture Shift
The Challenge:
The founder was still involved in everything - from client decisions to team approvals. The goal was to scale and exit in 3 - 5 years, but the founder had become the bottleneck.
What We Did:
Coached the founder to redefine their role and step back
Built trust and autonomy in the senior team
Shifted culture from founder-centric to organisation-led
Supported internal and external stakeholder comms during the transition
The Outcome:
Founder now operating as CEO, not MD
Senior team taking ownership and leading independently
Client relationships are now team-based, not founder-reliant
Business is structurally and culturally ready for sale
Why it matters:
If your business can’t run without you, it’s not ready to sell.
We helped this founder step back without burning out - and exit from a position of strength.
Quote:
“I knew I had to step back, but I didn’t know how. Kate helped me shift from being the business to building a business that could run without me. The team has grown into their roles, and I’ve finally got the space - and the confidence - to exit well.”
— Founder & CEO, Professional Services Firm
Are These Leadership or Culture Challenges Showing Up in Your Business?
If any of these stories sound familiar, you’re not the only one - and you don’t have to stay stuck.
Whether you’re facing senior team misalignment, performance dips, or early signs of a culture problem, we help you identify what’s really going on - and fix it properly.
Book a Clarity Call to explore how our leadership coaching, culture consulting, or team development support could help your business move forward - with less friction and more focus.