Founder
Mark Davidson
Founder | Strategy, Systems & People
Mark is a founder of CoLab Works, with a focus on strategy, systems and people.
Professional introduction
Mark works with leaders, boards and teams across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to connect strategy, systems and people, helping organisations navigate change, improve performance and deliver better outcomes. I also write In the Lab, CoLab Works’ Substack, sharing ideas and practical perspectives on strategy, systems, people and organisational change.
Areas of expertise
Strategy and governance | Digital transformation and AI readiness | Change and workforce capability | Procurement and programme delivery | Partnership development
Relevant professional experience
I’ve led national services in Australia and worked with boards and senior leadership teams on strategy, governance, reporting and organisational change. This has involved balancing service quality, workforce needs, funding obligations and organisational sustainability. In Australia, my consulting work included setting up newly awarded government-funded programmes. I translated contract requirements into practical delivery, recruited teams and established the processes and operations needed to launch services. In Ireland, my work includes digital transformation within the public health service and helping professional regulators plan and procure business-critical systems. I help organisations clarify their needs, assess options and prepare for procurement. I also provide programme, project and change management to support implementation and help people adopt new ways of working. Across these roles, I’ve supported strategic planning, partnership development and service improvement, connecting organisational ambitions with the decisions, resources and support needed to deliver them. I hold a postgraduate qualification in Leadership for the Not-for-Profit Sector and am completing an MSc in Strategic Human Resource Management.
How I approach my work
I understand the pressures boards and leaders are balancing: overseeing organisational performance, managing resources, supporting their people and meeting stakeholder expectations all while preparing for what comes next. I start by listening to the people doing the work, using the services, funding delivery and making decisions. Bringing those perspectives together helps establish what needs attention, what is already working and where change will make a meaningful difference. I ask questions, connect ideas and translate between services, leadership and technology. I work collaboratively to build a shared understanding, make clear decisions and agree steps that people can realistically deliver. I believe professionalism and compassion belong together. Strategy should give people direction, systems should support their work, and change should reflect its impact on the people involved. That belief sits at the heart of CoLab Works.