Meet the Team
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PROF MARTIN PARR
DIRECTOR, CHIEF CONSULTANT & FOUNDER
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Simon Devonshire OBE
CHAIR & CO-FOUNDER
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Sophie Jackson
Systems Thinking Consultant
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Prichelle Gooden
INTERN
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Prof. Martin Parr is a distinguished consultant with a specialisation in business transformation across public and private sectors. With an impressive background in executing consultancy assignments for complex, large-scale projects, he brings a wealth of expertise in catalysing corporate change through systems thinking. His proficiency lies in strategically formulating and instituting organisational objectives that foster growth and achievement.
Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Parr has been entrusted with the pivotal role of devising strategies and conducting comprehensive assessments for UK projects featuring substantial annual budgets surpassing £1 billion. A standout accomplishment includes his instrumental contribution to establishing governance and assurance protocols for the UK government's major projects portfolio, boasting an exceptional whole-life cost of approximately £600 billion.
A core facet of his work revolves around guiding senior leaders through intricate landscapes. Prof. Parr excels in furnishing them with timely, accurate information, enabling them to make well-rounded, informed decisions. His driving vision centers on equipping global leaders with essential tools, methodologies, and approaches to adeptly tackle complexity and make exceptional choices.
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Simon Devonshire has an extensive corporate career and is also a serial entrepreneur. He previously ran O2 Business, the business division of the mobile-network and co-founded Wayra Europe, the business accelerator belonging to Telefonica. He served as Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) for the UK Government for three and a half years, reporting to Dept BEIS. Simon co-founded One Water which has donated more than £20m to providing clean water in Africa. He also helped scale-up Zopa.com at seed-stage.
Simon’s current portfolio includes:
Being an active investor in Howz.com, LocalDataCompany.com, Zopa.com, Yoti.com, Wrisk.co. TrueInvivo.co.uk, SwoopFunding.com, CelsiusHealth.com, Native.fm, and GetCoconut.com. EiR for the National Physical Laboratory, Rolls Royce, and Institute of Cancer Research.
Simon Devonshire is Chair of Ploughshare Innovations. He is Non-Executive Director of the Student Loans Company, and Mercia Technologies VCT and is an Advisory Partner at Alantra Capital Finance.
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Sophie Jackson is an accomplished professional who has been an integral part of Guided Systems Solutions and Systems Thinking AI since their inception. With an initial background in Biology, Sophie has amassed an impressive 15-year track record of success in both the private and public sectors, including notable roles within the MOD, as well as the retail and charity sectors.
Throughout her career, Sophie has consistently demonstrated her ability to create and seamlessly integrate systems, identify and implement efficiency-enhancing measures across various domains, assemble and lead high-performing teams, and achieve ISO accreditation, among other significant achievements. Her expertise shines particularly bright in effecting substantial improvements within highly constrained environments, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication.
Sophie's diverse range of experiences has ultimately crystallised her true passion in life: systems thinking! Most recently, she played a pivotal role in a transformative project for a small charity, employing VSM (Viable System Model) to help shape the organisation's strategic direction and drive it forward.
Sophie's unwavering commitment to excellence and her profound impact on the organisations she has served highlight her status as a formidable force in the field of systems thinking. -
Prichelle is a dedicated and ambitious university student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Kent. With a passion for helping others, mental health, and writing the wrongs in the Criminal Justice System, she is on the path to becoming a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist.
Currently in her second year of studies, Prichelle sustains a strong academic record and alongside her studies, Prichelle is an intern at Guided Systems Solutions LTD., providing a psychological perspective to Prof. Martin Parr’s consultancy and systems thinking. She is also a co-host on a podcast with Prof Parr where she continues to bring a psychological insight into the art of effective business leadership. Additionally, she is a Student Ambassador for the University of Kent and helps show prospective students how accessible higher education is, regardless of background.
Prichelle has an overall drive to help others and in that, often emphasises the importance of psychology and its presence everywhere – from personal life to the corporate world, it should always be considered and acted upon. Furthermore, the crucial need for change and support within the CJS, likewise drives Prichelle and she aims to make a great change in our society.