Meet Critical Input’s Senior Consultant and Tasmanian Business Manager Bridget Mahony

Bridget Mahony leads and oversees commercial improvement projects for CRITICAL INPUT across Tasmania and occasionally in other states. Her expertise lies in framing, scoping, and defining projects with a strategic focus on commercial and supply chain optimisation, ensuring successful outcomes. She manages process transformations through targeted projects and coordinates internal teams to achieve these goals. In essence, Bridget empowers businesses to deliver successful projects by ensuring that the right people are involved and set up for success.

What unique capabilities have you brought to Critical Input?

I integrate a broader perspective into projects, identifying key patterns and underlying issues that inform strategic improvements. My interest in human behaviour and its influence on organisational dynamics guides this process, helping align efforts with business goals and client expectations.

I focus on resolving operational inefficiencies with practical solutions that offer genuine value. My communication approach is geared towards fully understanding client needs, which ensures strategies effectively address specific challenges.

A problem-solving focus is critical in delivering substantial, enduring benefits to clients, enhancing our capacity to meet their long-term success.

If you could change one aspect of the business world, what would it be and why?

One key change I’d advocate for is greater awareness and openness to effectively implementing and embedding strategies. An industry connection recently shared a formula with me: (D+I) > R = C, meaning that Dissatisfaction plus Interest is greater than Resistance to Change. This equation highlights the critical leap from planning to action. It’s essential not only to devise strategies but to truly bring them to life. I believe encouraging more businesses to embrace this mindset—recognising the value of support in activating and sustaining change—can lead to profound improvements in how strategies are realised and goals are achieved.

What does a typical day look like for you at Critical Input?

A typical day at Critical Input involves engaging with various organisations to address issues, identify solutions, develop strategies, guide project execution and look out for areas for improvement. I usually start by reviewing emails and updates, followed by meetings with team members or clients to discuss ongoing projects and align efforts with broader goals. A dynamic schedule keeps a focus on prioritising tasks and ensuring successful outcomes for our clients.

What common challenges do clients face and how do you advise overcoming them?

Three that immediately come to mind are:

🟠 Fear of decision-making: Clients often hesitate due to fear of mistakes. Calculated risk-taking, supported by thorough analysis and scenario planning, is important. Presenting data-driven insights helps clients gain confidence in their decisions.

🟠 Underestimating stakeholder engagement and cross-departmental communication: Effective communication is critical for project success. Establishing a clear communication plan that includes regular updates and feedback loops with all stakeholders ensures that everyone is aligned and free to contribute to the project effectively, thereby enhancing collaboration and minimising resistance.

🟠 Not empowering teams: Insufficient team empowerment leads to disengagement. I advocate for real delegation of authority and providing necessary resources. Fostering a trusting environment where team members feel valued enhances motivation and outcomes.

How do you measure success in your projects?

Success is when the project strategy is collectively understood and then fully realised to visibly enhance our clients’ operational effectiveness.