Neil Gaught & Associates

Neil Gaught is a globally recognised thought leader in purpose-led strategy and an award-winning author best known as the creator of the Single Organizing Idea (SOI®) — a breakthrough framework that enables organisations to embed purpose as the primary driver of governance, culture and long-term value creation.

Long before “purpose” became business jargon, Neil was helping shape the agenda. As an independent consultant and founder of NG&A, he has spent over two decades developing practical tools that bridge vision and execution. His work has taken him to more than 60 countries, supporting leadership teams across sectors — from global corporates and start-ups to government agencies and mission-driven non-profits — helping them bring clarity to complexity and turn ambition into actionable strategy. Neil’s thinking has been endorsed by some of the most respected figures in business. CORE, his first book, was shortlisted for the 2018 UK Business Book of the Year Awards, and his work has been praised by Charles Handy, Rob Markey, John Elkington and acknowledged by Michael Porter for its contribution to reshaping how businesses can create — and simultaneously deliver — both commercial and societal value. Through his client work and involvement in global think tanks, Neil continues to challenge orthodox thinking — leveraging his diverse global network and deep field experience to advance new approaches to strategy, governance, and leadership. He is also a seasoned speaker, regularly delivering keynotes and facilitating C-suite sessions at leadership events around the world. Today, Neil is at the forefront of the next evolution of business governance — exploring purpose’s convergence with technology (AI) while also contributing to its formalisation as an international standard through The ISO. Having recently returned to Auckland, Neil is focused on contributing his global perspective to the business communities of New Zealand and Australia. He brings a rare combination of international insight, intellectual rigour and practical experience to every boardroom and peer group he joins. He is not one of the many who talk about brand and purpose — he’s one of the few who built the foundations and continues to evolve them.