Kiah Consulting - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Kiah Consulting is an Australian-owned, veteran-established consulting firm founded in 2003, which has evolved into a multi-million dollar enterprise. Its core mission is to empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential, focusing on enhancing the delivery of public services and navigating the intricate intersection of public and private sectors. Kiah is a significant player in the Australian consulting landscape, known for delivering tangible outcomes through innovative strategies and purposeful execution.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Kiah Consulting's main business objectives revolve around "breakthrough consulting," aiming to deliver measurable outcomes rather than merely activity. The company is dedicated to solving complex problems, resolving challenging engagements, and revitalizing stalled projects, particularly at the public-private sector interface.

Specialization Areas

Kiah specializes in several key areas:

Strategy and Transformation: Guiding organizations through significant strategic shifts.

Procurement and Program Delivery: Ensuring efficient and effective acquisition and execution of projects.

Risk and Resilience: Building robust frameworks to identify, assess, and mitigate risks.

Public Sector Capability Uplift (Kiah Academy): Enhancing skills and knowledge within the public sector through specialized training.

Strategic Procurement and Selling: Optimizing negotiation and sales strategies for both government and industry.

Operational Readiness and Compliance: Preparing organizations for optimal performance and adherence to regulations.

Critical Writing and Strategic Execution: Developing clear, impactful communication and effective implementation plans.

Operational Resilience: Strengthening organizations' ability to withstand and recover from disruptions.

Kiah’s unique value proposition lies in its ability to manage complexity and its "T-shaped" assignment leaders who combine broad business acumen with deep domain expertise.

Target Markets

Kiah Consulting primarily targets both government and industry clients in Australia and internationally. This includes providing specialized assistance to startups in navigating grant applications and public sector funding opportunities.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

Kiah Consulting is a multi-million dollar Australian business. As of October 2025, the company's estimated annual revenues are between 100 million and 1 billion dollars, reflecting a robust market presence and significant growth potential. The company has achieved this through sustained consulting engagements and expansion of its service offerings.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Kiah Consulting's service offerings are continuously developed and delivered through its consulting engagements and the Kiah Academy.

Commercial Acumen for the Public Sector:

Description: Training program offering insights into effective market approaches, contract negotiation and management, and understanding vendor perspectives within the public sector.

Development Stage: Established training program.

Target Market: Public sector professionals.

Key Features and Benefits: Enhances commercial understanding and negotiation skills for government employees.

Practical Practices for the Public Sector:

Description: An experiential program sharing business tools and techniques for problem-solving and effective communication.

Development Stage: Established training program.

Target Market: Public sector professionals.

Key Features and Benefits: Improves practical problem-solving and communication within government agencies.

Impactful Communication:

Description: Program focusing on clear messaging, structured arguments, and writing for decision-makers.

Development Stage: Established training program.

Target Market: Professionals across public and private sectors.

Key Features and Benefits: Develops skills in crafting persuasive and concise communications.

Mastering Influence:

Description: Program designed to equip professionals with skills to influence outcomes, structure conversations for agreement, and manage difficult stakeholders.

Development Stage: Established training program.

Target Market: Professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and negotiation abilities.

Key Features and Benefits: Fosters effective persuasion and stakeholder management.

Bespoke Training:

Description: Tailored programs developed based on specific client needs and content.

Development Stage: Ongoing, customizable service.

Target Market: Organizations with unique training requirements.

Key Features and Benefits: Delivers highly relevant and targeted professional development.

Startup Grant and Public Sector Funding Navigation Service (Planned):

Description: A new service line aimed at assisting startups in navigating the landscape of grants and public sector funding.

Development Stage: Planned future service.

Target Market: Startup companies.

Key Features and Benefits: Provides guidance and expertise to help startups secure crucial funding.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Kiah Consulting leverages its proprietary Kiah Method™, an intellectual property built on extensive research and practical experience. This formalized suite of tools and practices is central to their strategy of deploying high-performing delivery teams around specific client problems. The company emphasizes a flexible approach, integrating client domain expertise with specialist skills to achieve strategic change. While not relying on a predetermined list of expert technologies, Kiah utilizes standard digital infrastructure, including cloud management, website platforms, and security tools for its operations.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Davina Mansfield, Managing Director:

Professional Background: Appointed February 11, 2025. Previously held senior operational roles for five years at Viden, a defense and cybersecurity boutique, serving as Operations Manager and Chief Operating Officer. Served as Kiah's Office Manager until 2018. Six years in the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps. Holds an MBA from UNSW Business School.

Notable Achievements: Awarded the International Women in Cyber Day Canberra Awards 2024 Fujitsu Cyber Security Services - Cyber Leader of the Year.

Key Contributions: Fostering innovation, strengthening partnerships, cultivating professional excellence, and leading company expansion and market adaptation.

John Glenn, Founder and Mentor:

Professional Background: Established Kiah Consulting in 2003 and served as Managing Director for over two decades. Retired Army Officer with service in Signals, IT, and the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). International experience in the US, UK, and Cambodia. Experienced executive, negotiator, and dispute resolver. Holds tertiary qualifications in mathematics, engineering, computer science, and management. AICD Company Director and nationally accredited Mediator with IAMA.

Key Contributions: Founded and led the firm for over twenty years, establishing its core values and market presence. Now serves as a mentor, providing guidance and insights for new strategic directions.

Recent Leadership Changes

On February 11, 2025, Davina Mansfield was appointed as the new Managing Director, succeeding founder John Glenn. John Glenn transitioned to a mentorship role within the company, signifying a planned evolution in leadership to support new strategic directions.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Kiah Consulting has demonstrated significant growth, expanding from approximately 35 staff members in early 2019 to an estimated 51 employees as of October 2025. This growth spans four continents: Oceania, Asia, and Europe. The company seeks professionals with diverse life experiences, strong educational backgrounds, and adaptability, prioritizing passion, drive, and dedication to achieving client outcomes. Kiah fosters employee development by providing tools and training tailored to diverse client needs, rather than enforcing rigid processes.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Kiah Consulting maintains an active online presence, primarily through its website's "Insights and Resources" sections, which feature articles and commentary from its leadership, including John Glenn. These contributions cover topics such as public sector insights, leadership, and general business practices, positioning the company as a thought leader. Kiah also utilizes platforms like LinkedIn to announce significant company news, such as leadership changes, and to engage with its professional community.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

Davina Mansfield, the Managing Director, was recognized with the International Women in Cyber Day Canberra Awards 2024 Fujitsu Cyber Security Services - Cyber Leader of the Year. This highlights Kiah Consulting's leadership and expertise in relevant industry sectors.

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

Kiah Consulting operates within the competitive Australian advisory industry and positions itself as a strategic alternative to the "Big Four" consulting firms. The company actively advocates for policies that promote a more diverse and competitive Australian advisory sector, challenging the dominance of larger consultancies in public service engagements. The broader management consulting market in Australia features numerous firms that compete on metrics such as reputation, service quality, specialized expertise, and pricing. This competitive landscape also includes the in-house capabilities of clients, which can sometimes compete with external consulting services.

10. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The Australian consulting services market is a robust and growing sector. It was valued at approximately USD 5.7 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 10.2 billion by 2034, demonstrating a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.58% from 2026 to 2034. Another estimate places the market at AUD 15.53 billion in 2025, with a projected CAGR of 7.50% to almost AUD 32.01 billion by 2035. This sustained growth is fueled by increasing demand for digital transformation initiatives, significant government investments in infrastructure, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. Key areas experiencing heightened demand for consulting expertise include advanced technological fields, artificial intelligence (AI) software implementation, big data research, and cybersecurity. While the Australian government is a major client, there is also a strategic focus on rebuilding internal Australian Public Service (APS) capabilities to potentially reduce reliance on external consultants in the long term.

11. Strategic Partnerships

Kiah Consulting has established numerous strategic partnerships through its extensive panel memberships with Australian and New Zealand governments, solidifying its position as a trusted advisor to public sector entities.

12. Operational Insights

Kiah Consulting holds a strong market position within the Australian advisory industry, particularly regarding its engagements with government and industry. Its primary competitive advantage stems from the proprietary Kiah Method™ and a focus on "breakthrough consulting" that delivers tangible outcomes. Operational strengths include a flexible and adaptable workforce, commitment to employee development, and a leadership team with deep experience in both public and private sectors. Areas for improvement could include further expanding its global footprint and continuously innovating its service offerings to adapt to rapidly evolving technological and market demands.

13. Future Outlook

Strategic Roadmap

Kiah Consulting plans to continue its growth trajectory by expanding its service offerings, notably with a new service line dedicated to helping startups navigate grants and public sector funding. The company aims to strengthen its existing partnerships and explore new collaborations to enhance its market reach and impact. Continuous innovation of the Kiah Method™ and the Kiah Academy programs will remain central to its strategy. Future challenges may include adapting to evolving government policies regarding external consulting reliance and maintaining a competitive edge against larger firms, which Kiah plans to mitigate through its unique value proposition and focus on complex problem-solving.