Services

The Douglas Knowledge Path

The Douglas Knowledge Path is our end-to-end services solution. Beginning at strategy and ideation, followed by content creation, and ending with amplification, we support clients across the entire services spectrum, or at any point of their knowledge journey.

The Douglas Knowledge Path is our end-to-end services solution. Beginning with strategy and ideation, followed by content creation, and ending with

amplification, we support clients across the entire services spectrum, or at any point of their knowledge journey. Hover over buttons to find out more.

Our leaders offer counsel on knowledge strategy, competitor analysis, and effective knowledge initiatives. We reflect on which findings and ideas will have the greatest impact, and how these ideas can be communicated most effectively, including optimal narrative techniques and blend of media.

The Douglas team manages the end-to-end publication process in any chosen media, handling audience analysis, structuring and storylining, targeted research, interviewing, drafting and ghostwriting, editing, and design, layout and development. Our media include articles, reports, books, microsites, web content, video, animation, podcasts, and more.

To drive enduring impact, we work with our clients to co-develop multichannel amplification campaigns. We apply bold thinking to develop ideas and mobilise audiences, extracting op-eds, social media, stump speeches, and other communications tools – guided by the philosophy “create once; share everywhere”. To bring data and ideas to life, we develop a variety of data visualisation devices and bring stakeholders together through real world or virtual convening events.

Supporting knowledge strategy and planning

Co-creating knowledge content, from start to finish

Amplifying ideas to magnify their impact

Our leaders offer counsel on knowledge strategy, competitor analysis and effective knowledge initiatives. We reflect on which findings and ideas will have the greatest impact, and how these ideas can be communicated most effectively, including optimal narrative techniques and blend of media.

Supporting knowledge strategy and planning

The Douglas Knowledge team manages the end-to-end publication process in any chosen media, handling audience analysis, structuring and storylining, targeted research, interviewing, drafting and ghostwriting, editing, and design, layout and development. Our media include articles, reports, books, microsites, web content, video, animation, podcasts, and more.

Co-creating knowledge content, from start to finish

To drive enduring impact, we work with our clients to co-develop multichannel amplification campaigns. We apply bold thinking to develop ideas and mobilise audiences, extracting op-eds, social media, stump speeches and other communications tools – guided by the philosophy “create once; share everywhere”. To bring data and ideas to life,we develop a variety of data visualisation devices and bring stakeholders together through real world or virtual convening events.

Amplifying ideas to magnify their impact

Organisations whose ideas we’ve magnified

We work with leading knowledge organisations, consultancies, private companies, non-profits, and public-sector organisations on every continent. Their need for discretion means we can’t speak about all of them, but here are a few we can tell you about…

We work with leading knowledge organisations, consultancies, private companies, non-profits, and public-sector organisations on every continent.

Client confidentiality means we can’t speak about all of them, but here are a few we can tell you about …

Magnifying ideas: Recent collaborations
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The following impact stories showcase the range of work and clients we partner with – from seminal books on doing business in Africa, to perception-shifting reports on the role of SMEs in the UK’s journey to net zero.

These case studies speak to the issues that matter to us as a knowledge partnership – and the ideas that can help our clients shape a better world. Hover to learn more.

The Idea
With CEOs under greater pressure than ever to lead through disruption, uncertainty, and social change, leaders can step more purposefully into their roles to serve people, profit, and planet.

The Impact
The Douglas team developed a series of powerful CEO stories and launched the collection under an attention-grabbing campaign hashtag. The approach worked: the organisation’s annual CEO survey received double the number of respondents over its previous edition – signalling a more engaged client network.

CEO stories help global leadership consultancy connect with clients

The Idea
With bold ideas, solid investment, and cross-sector support and collaboration, the public and social sectors can tackle the biggest issues facing society in the century: inclusive economic development, health, and sustainability.

The Impact
For more than a decade, we’ve worked closely with the public and social sector practice of a world-leading knowledge organisation to establish its pre-eminence on the global stage. Our ongoing collaboration covers reports, articles, video and animation, keynote speeches and presentations.

Shaping insight on inclusive economic development

The Idea
By shifting from prevailing African support mechanisms focused on ‘aid for survival’ to ‘aid for productivity’, a ground-breaking new approach is unlocking productivity and rolling back poverty in Africa.

The Impact
The Bank of Industry’s Growth Platform initiative has helped over 4 million small businesses in Nigeria in just five years. Its aim is to drive innovation through enterprise to overcome poverty in Africa. Over several months, we partnered closely with Growth Platform to develop their five-year report, Aid for Productivity, from conception to production.

Partnering with Nigeria’s Bank of Industry in support of millions of small businesses

The Idea
Small- and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy. Without involving them in the green economy transition, the UK will struggle to meet its carbon-reduction commitments and SMEs could lose out on significant growth opportunities.

The Impact
We partnered with a leading UK bank to develop a major research report focused on the critical role of SMEs in the country’s journey to net-zero emissions. Our team developed social media content to promote the report and its key findings, helping to further amplify the bank’s role as a leading supporter of small businesses.

Highlighting the critical role of SMEs in the UK’s net-zero transition

The Idea
Africa is alive with opportunity. Contrary to outdated but persistent Western notions of Africa as a continent riddled by conflict, corruption, and a complex business environment, Africa offers fertile ground for building innovative, profitable enterprises.

The Impact
Described by Publishers Weekly as “a truly disruptive book”, Africa’s Business Revolution is the definitive guide to doing business in Africa. The Douglas team is proud to have helped shape this important work alongside the authors and the publishers, published by Harvard Business Review Publishing.

“Truly disruptive book” reshapes thinking about doing business in Africa

Powerful CEO stories help global leadership consultancy connect with clients

The Idea
With CEOs under greater pressure than ever to lead through disruption, uncertainty, and social change, leaders can step more purposefully into their roles to serve people, profit, and planet.

The Impact
The Douglas Knowledge team developed a series of powerful CEO stories and launched the collection under an attention-grabbing campaign hashtag. The approach worked: the organisation’s annual CEO survey received double the number of respondents overits previous edition – signalling a more engaged client network.

The Idea
With bold ideas, solid investment, and cross-sector support and collaboration, the public and social sectors can tackle the biggest issues facing society in the 21^stCentury: inclusive economic development, health, and sustainability.

The Impact
For more than a decade, we’ve worked closely with the public and social sector practice of a world-leading knowledge organisation to establish its pre-eminence on the global stage. Our ongoing collaboration covers reports, articles, video and animation, keynote speeches and presentations.

Longstanding partnership shapes thought leadership for a world-leading knowledge organisation

The Idea
By shifting from prevailing African support mechanisms focused on ‘aid for survival’ to ‘aid for productivity’, a ground-breaking new approach
is unlocking productivity and rolling back poverty in Africa.

The Impact
The Bank of Industry’s Growth Platform initiative has helped over 4 million small businesses in Nigeria in just five years. Its aim is to drive innovation through enterprise to overcome poverty in Africa. Over several months, we partnered closely with Growth Platform to develop their five-year report, Aid for Productivity, from conception to production.

Partnering with Nigeria’s Bank of Industry in support of millions of small businesses

The Idea
Small and medium sized businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy. Without involving them in the green economy transition, the UK will struggle to meet its carbon reduction commitments and SMEs could lose out on significant growth opportunities.

The Impact
We partnered with a major UK bank to develop a major research report focused on the critical role of SMEs in the country’s journey to net-zero emissions. Our team developed social media content to promote the report and its key findings, helping to further amplify the bank’s role as a leading supporter of small businesses.

Highlighting the critical role of SMEs in the UK’s net-zero transition

The Idea
‍Africa is alive with opportunity. Contrary to out dated but persistent Western notions of Africa as a continent riddled by conflict, corruption, and a complex business environment, Africa offers fertile ground for building innovative, profitable enterprises.

The Impact
Described by Publishers Weekly as “a truly disruptive book”, Africa’s Business Revolution is the definitive guide to doing business in Africa. The Douglas team is proud to have helped shaped this important work along side the authors and the publishers, published by Harvard Business Review Publishing.

“Truly disruptive book” reshapes thinking about doing business in Africa

Our people

The Douglas Knowledge Partners

animations, websites, and interactive content; Vivi in London for market research; and Compass Crew in South Africa for digital convening.

Our extended talent network allows us to tap into the full range of skills and expertise across the end-to-end ideation and publishing process, meeting client needs with the highest quality, flexibility, and value. Hover over the partners to learn more.
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We are an ever-expanding team of writers, strategic thinkers and researchers, expert consultants, young creatives, and meticulous copy editors – based primarily in London and Cape Town and serving clients all over the world.

We also work with a global network of partners who are leaders in their respective fields. Among them are New York-based Darby Films for animations, websites, and interactive content; Vivi in London for market research; Compass Crew in South Africa for digital convening.

Our extended talent network allows us to tap into the full range of skills and expertise across the end-to-end ideation and publishing process, meeting client needs with the highest quality, flexibility and value. Click on the partners to learn more.‍

Colin Douglas, founder of Douglas Knowledge Partners, has spent over two decades as the knowledge partner of choice to some of the world’s leading organisations, working with them to conceive and create books, reports, and articles on topics that shape the world’s future for the better. Previously, Colin served as a contributing editor to the McKinsey Quarterly and worked with the firm’s senior leadership to develop and publish articles, reports, and books on key knowledge topics.

Colin Douglas

Chief Knowledge Partner

Courtney Cox is a creative strategist and thinker. As Creative Knowledge Partner, she leads, manages, and recruits for multiple complex projects both internally and externally. As a digital artist, she has worked with leading design thinkers and multimedia experts, harnessing her design capabilities to create end-to-end publications. Her training as a molecular engineer gives her the unique advantage of combining her analytical brain with her creative side. Courtney leads Douglas' Sustainability Hub, a network of writers and researchers with special interests in sustainability.

Courtney Cox

Senior Knowledge Partner, Creative

Melanie Blythe, over the last 15 years, has carved out a career as a strategic communicator, working with organisations to hone their tone of voice, messaging, and audience engagement strategies. She spent 10 years in London at a communications agency and a top multinational healthcare company, where she led global communications campaigns. A writer and editor with a passion for translating complex ideas into ‘plain English’, she has developed knowledge across topics as diverse as sustainability, finance, law, consumer packed goods, insurance, health, and more.

Melanie Blythe

Managing Knowledge Partner

Jackie Fermo is an experienced writer and editor and has worked on a wide range of articles, reports, and books covering topics such as healthcare, education, diversity, productivity, and public-sector reform. She works closely with clients to develop their ideas, refine the content, and produce and publish a final product that brings their research and expertise to life. Jackie brings a mix of creativity, business acumen, and academic skill to her work: She has an MBA, a fine art degree, and an entrepreneurial background.

Jackie Fermo

Senior Knowledge Partner

Henrietta Rose-Innes is a world-renowned novelist and experienced commercial writer, using her sense of narrative to produce professional prose with the pace and drama of great fiction. She holds a PhD in creative writing. Henrietta has worked with our clients on topics ranging from financial services to technology, and from healthcare to education. She is also an outstanding editor, whose skills have sharpened major novels, non-fiction works, and articles and reports for Douglas clients.

Henrietta Rose-Innes

Senior Knowledge Partner

Mvuselelo Dyabaza is a Knowledge Resources Partner. In this role, he is responsible for Douglas’s people, wellness and finance matters, as well as overall project pipeline management and client liaison. Mvuselelo has worked in start-ups to medium enterprises across all organisational levels. He has worked in the creative industry across Africa, with experience in live television, broadcasting, directing, producing, filmmaking, theatre, scriptwriting, TV content distribution, and management. He’s also experienced in processes and project management systems, with years in managerial roles.

Mvuselelo Dyabaza

Knowledge Resources Partner

Click here to meet the rest of our team.

What our clients say about us

Thank you so so much for being such a great steward of this process! Definitely the best experience I’ve had working on a publication at the firm – thank you!!!

Engagement manager, global management consultancy

A heartfelt thank you for the superhuman work of all in the Douglas team. The effort and expertise you put in will make a real difference to how this is received and processed by stakeholders across the spectrum – people who would take it with them to champion the project's success and impact.

Government policy advisor

I’ve worked with Douglas for several years, including multiple major reports and more than five global articles. They are the best I’ve worked with, having worked with over 10 editors on major publications.

‍Partner, global management consultancy

We’ve loved working with you all at Douglas – thanks for everything … your ideas, suggestions, patience and ability to keep calm with the ongoing and last-minute changes from us. The final report looks amazing and that’s down to you all. Thank you again for everything.

‍Head of communications, UK bank

We want to thank the Douglas team for all your work – it has been a great pleasure to work with you, and we absolutely could not have delivered this publication without your tireless efforts. We have been very impressed with the great support you have provided and the quality of work – you have lifted our work to beyond the client’s expectations.

Project leader, Australian government agency

Our compliments to the Douglas team for tackling a complex topic and making it so appealing. The final article is a terrific exploration of the issues and challenges of sharing data. It held my attention while covering a lot of ground, and I believe it will appeal to a large audience.

‍Executive, Asian telecoms company

A big, big THANK YOU for the wonderful work you have helped me with! I would not be here today without that great support and I’m looking forward to continue our wonderful cooperation in the times to come!

‍Global leader, professional services firm

We’ve loved working with you all at Douglas – thanks for everything… your ideas, suggestions, patience and ability to keep calm with the ongoing and last-minute changes from us. The final report looks amazing and that’s down to you all. Thank you again for everything.
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‍Head of communications, UK bank

A heartfelt thank you for the superhuman work of all in the team. I am confident that the effort and expertise you put in and the final push to refine it that bit extra over this weekend will bear fruit - it will make a real difference to how this is received and processed by stakeholders across the spectrum - people who would take it with them to champion the project's success impact.

Special communications leader

News

Our news and initiatives

Douglas Knowledge Partners welcomes Rik Kirkland as Chair

We are deeply honoured to announce the appointment of Rik Kirkland as our new Chair, starting 1 July. Previously Head of Global Publishing for McKinsey & Company and Managing Editor at Fortune magazine, Rik brings extensive expertise and a distinguished track record to our business.

Rik has been a close collaborator and strategic advisor to our team for a number of years, winning respect and admiration from clients and colleagues. We are thrilled to welcome him on board in this official capacity, and look forward to learning from, and with, him as we embark on our next phase of growth.

During his time as Head of Global Publishing for McKinsey, Rik showcased exceptional leadership and contributed significantly to the firm's publishing success. He also spent more than ten years leading Fortune Magazine and is widely regarded for his leadership, insight, and remarkable ability to cut to the heart of any matter and express ideas with razor-sharp clarity and sensitivity.

His appointment as Chair of Douglas Knowledge Partners heralds an exciting new chapter in our growth story and we warmly welcome Rik to our team!

London calling: Douglas Knowledge Partners goes global!

‍Three years after “setting up shop” in Cape Town, South Africa, Douglas Knowledge Partners is opening new offices in London – making us “global” not just in client engagements, but in physical footprint too.

Our London office – the company’s first outside of South Africa – opened its doors in April 2023 at Second Home in Clerkenwell, a design-driven hub in one of the city’s most creative neighbourhoods.

Chief Knowledge Partner and founder Colin Douglas says London offers the perfect base for deepening relationships with a growing number of UK and Europe-based clients.

“As a company, we embrace technology and the way it has enabled us to partner with clients on every continent. But we also believe in the power of human connection – especially when it comes to exchanging ideas and being meaningful thought partners to our clients.

“Building a presence in the Northern Hemisphere also offers an opportunity for our talented team to broaden their horizons and seek inspiration in the wider world – bringing that back into our business.”

Douglas Knowledge Partners is teaming up with London-based Vivi Research Ltd to grow the UK subsidiary. Vivi Research founder Julian Misell says: “I am excited to be collaborating with the team at Douglas Knowledge Partners, whose growth is testament to their creativity, innovation, and strong client relationships. By integrating cutting-edge research capabilities, we are well-positioned to build on this success.”

The Cape Town team is saying farewell to Senior Knowledge Partner and Head of Design Courtney Cox and Knowledge Partner Kayla Beare, who together are setting up our new “home away from home”.

“To celebrate our expansion, we will be hosting an opening event for clients and friends – and in typical Douglas style it will be an evening of thought-provoking talks from people in our network,” said Courtney. “Invites coming soon!”

If you’d like to know more about our London office, how we work with clients, or are interested in joining our team, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a message below.

Youth Innovation Prize: Surfacing and nurturing Cape Town’s best young talent
Douglas Knowledge Partners runs the annual Youth Innovation Prize in partnership with the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town. Each year, shortlisted entrants receive hands-on coaching from our network of experts.
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Our winners in 2022 presented innovative, practical ideas for supporting mental wellbeing in South Africa.

Candice Richards placed first with a piece titled “No one needs to be a consumer”, advocating for funding public libraries to create spaces for young people to coexist and connect.

Dr Mumta Hargoven placed second with “Hidden in plain sight”, which proposes that primary healthcare professionals are trained as the first intervenors for gender-based violence.

Shadia Beepat and Delicia Govender placed joint third, with essays on education and empowerment for youth, and comic books as a medium for continuing the ancient storytelling traditions of South Africa’s Khoi and San people.

The Youth Innovation Prize speaks to Douglas’ deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of local talent by surfacing and developing the best young writers and thinkers.

Youth Innovation Prize: Surfacing and nurturing Cape Town’s best young talent

‍Douglas Knowledge Partners runs the annual Youth Innovation Prize in partnership with the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town. Each year, shortlisted entrants receive hands-on coaching from our network of experts.
‍
Our winners in 2022 presented innovative, practical ideas for supporting mental wellbeing in South Africa.

Candice Richards placed first with a piece titled “No one needs to be a consumer”, advocating for funding public libraries to create spaces for young people to coexist and connect.

Dr Mumta Hargovan placed second with “Hidden in plain sight”, which proposes that primary healthcare professionals are trained as the first intervenors for gender-based violence.

Shadai Beepat and Delicia Govender placed joint third, with essays on education and empowerment for youth, and comic books as a medium for continuing the ancient storytelling traditions of South Africa’s Khoi and San people.

The Youth Innovation Prize speaks to Douglas’ deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of local talent by surfacing and developing the best young writers and thinkers.

Magnifying the impact of
ideas on the world

Supporting knowledge strategy and planning

Co-creating knowledge content, from start to finish

Amplifying ideas to magnify their impact

Supporting knowledge strategy and planning

Co-creating knowledge content, from start to finish

Amplifying ideas to magnify their impact

Organisations whose ideas we’ve magnified

Magnifying ideas: Recent collaborations
‍

CEO stories help global leadership consultancy connect with clients

Shaping insight on inclusive economic development

Partnering with Nigeria’s Bank of Industry in support of millions of small businesses

Highlighting the critical role of SMEs in the UK’s net-zero transition

“Truly disruptive book” reshapes thinking about doing business in Africa

Powerful CEO stories help global leadership consultancy connect with clients

Longstanding partnership shapes thought leadership for a world-leading knowledge organisation

Partnering with Nigeria’s Bank of Industry in support of millions of small businesses

Highlighting the critical role of SMEs in the UK’s net-zero transition

“Truly disruptive book” reshapes thinking about doing business in Africa

Colin Douglas

Courtney Cox

Melanie Blythe

Jackie Fermo

Henrietta Rose-Innes

Mvuselelo Dyabaza

What our clients say about us

Ideas matter

The power of puppetry: Life, breath, and everything in between

Click here to read more

Ideas matter

Shaping ideas, shaping the world.

Click here to read more

Douglas Knowledge Partners welcomes Rik Kirkland as Chair

London calling: Douglas Knowledge Partners goes global!

Youth Innovation Prize: Surfacing and nurturing Cape Town’s best young talent

Magnifying the impact of ideas on the world

Supporting knowledge strategy and planning

Co-creating knowledge content, from start to finish

Amplifying ideas to magnify their impact

Supporting knowledge strategy and planning

Co-creating knowledge content, from start to finish

Amplifying ideas to magnify their impact

Organisations whose ideas we’ve magnified

Magnifying ideas: Recent collaborations‍

CEO stories help global leadership consultancy connect with clients

Shaping insight on inclusive economic development

Partnering with Nigeria’s Bank of Industry in support of millions of small businesses

Highlighting the critical role of SMEs in the UK’s net-zero transition

“Truly disruptive book” reshapes thinking about doing business in Africa

Powerful CEO stories help global leadership consultancy connect with clients

Longstanding partnership shapes thought leadership for a world-leading knowledge organisation

Partnering with Nigeria’s Bank of Industry in support of millions of small businesses

Highlighting the critical role of SMEs in the UK’s net-zero transition

“Truly disruptive book” reshapes thinking about doing business in Africa

Colin Douglas

Courtney Cox

Melanie Blythe

Jackie Fermo

Henrietta Rose-Innes

Mvuselelo Dyabaza

What our clients say about us

Ideas matter

The power of puppetry: Life, breath, and everything in between

Click here to read more

Ideas matter

Shaping ideas, shaping the world.

Click here to read more

Douglas Knowledge Partners welcomes Rik Kirkland as Chair

London calling: Douglas Knowledge Partners goes global!

Youth Innovation Prize: Surfacing and nurturing Cape Town’s best young talent

Magnifying the impact of
ideas on the world

Magnifying ideas: Recent collaborations
‍