Amplifying Potential. Resonating Change.

Transformative Client Experiences

Testimonials

Discover how our strategic consulting services have empowered businesses to achieve remarkable growth and success.

Our Clients

Impactful Outcomes

Our clients have experienced remarkable transformations through our strategic consulting services.

Creating Clarity for Investments Funds: Increased engagement by 20%

Creating Clarity for Investment Fund Information

The Challenge:

A client’s existing webpages for their various investment funds were not as easy to use or understand as they could be, potentially making it difficult for clients to find the information they needed. The challenge was to create more user-friendly and informative webpages for these funds.

 Service Provided:

Business Analysis & Consulting. Facilitation & Moderation

 Our Approach:

We helped redesign these pages by:

  • Conducting an audit of the existing fund webpages.
  • Collaborating with UI/UX teams to create easy-to-understand layouts.
  • Gathering user feedback to identify areas for improvement.
  • Developing wireframes and prototypes for the new design.
  • Conducting user testing to ensure the redesigned pages met user expectations.

 The Impact:

The redesigned Investments Fund pages aimed to provide:

  • Improved Clarity: Decreased the bounce rate on fund pages by 25%, indicating increased engagement.
  • Enhanced Usability: Increased the average time spent on fund pages by 20%.

Higher Conversion: Led to a 5% increase in clients downloading fund-related documents or contacting advisors.

Streamlining Insurance Product Applications. Reduced the average application processing time by 35%.

The Challenge:

Our client aimed to simplify the application process for home loan bond insurance by creating a dedicated online application for clients.

 

Service Provided:

Business Analysis & Consulting. Facilitation & Moderation

 

Our Approach:

We partnered to develop this online solution by:

  • Collaborating with UI/UX teams to create a streamlined application.
  • Developing detailed documentation outlining specifications and user stories.
  • Working closely with the development team during implementation.
  • Conducting usability testing to ensure an improved user experience.

 

The Impact:

The creation of the online application for home loan bond insurance aimed to provide:

  • Improved Efficiency: Reduced the average application processing time by 35%.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Increased the online application completion rate by 20%.

 

 

Revamping a Digital Journey Through Stakeholder Alignment : Achieved 30% faster quote generation

The Challenge:
A large financial services provider sought to modernize its online life insurance quoting experience, but misaligned expectations and siloed departments hindered progress. Multiple stakeholders held conflicting priorities, creating friction in scope and timelines.

 

Service Provided:

Business Analysis & Consulting. Facilitation & Moderation, Coaching & Mentoring

 

AKILI’s Approach:
To navigate the internal and external dynamics, AKILI deployed its stakeholder-centric methodology:

  • Stakeholder Mapping: Mapped out influence, interests, and potential blockers for over 20 internal and external stakeholders.
  • Structured Engagement: Instituted regular sprint reviews, feedback sessions, and email digests to create shared visibility.
  • Expectation Alignment: Hosted pre-design alignment sessions to manage scope realism and secure cross-departmental agreement.
  • Trust-Building: Used one-on-one dialogues and informal check-ins to build rapport and transparency.

 

The Impact

  • Reduced stakeholder resistance and created a unified project charter within 3 weeks.
  • Delivered a revamped quote journey that was both intuitive and compliant — on time and within budget.
  • Achieved 30% faster quote generation and a 20% increase in user satisfaction post-launch.

 

AKILI Promise in Action:
By putting people in the front and centre of the process, we transformed stakeholder conflict into stakeholder synergy — enabling a solution that was both technically sound and human-centric.

Ensuring Clarity in Unbundled Rewards Programs: Client rewards queries decreased by an estimated 15%

The Challenge:

Following a strategic decision to unbundle the company’s single reward system into product-specific rewards, it was crucial to update the client web and mobile applications. The existing design, showing a unified reward view, would no longer accurately reflect the new structure and could cause user confusion.

 

Service Provided:

Business Analysis & Consulting. Facilitation & Moderation

 

Our Approach:

We partnered with the client to redesign their digital interfaces by:

  • Analyzing the existing web and app to understand how rewards were currently represented.
  • Collaborating with UI/UX teams to design new interfaces that clearly displayed product-specific rewards.
  • Conducting user surveys to gather insights on user preferences and potential points of confusion.
  • Developing detailed documentation to guide the redesign and development process.
  • Performing usability testing to ensure users could easily understand and navigate the new rewards structure.

 

The Impact:

The redesign to accurately reflect unbundled rewards led to:

  • Reduced Client Confusion: Client queries related to understanding their rewards decreased by an estimated 15%.
  • Increased Clarity: User feedback indicated a 90% accuracy rate in understanding their specific product rewards after the redesign.
  • Improved Feature Utilisation: Engagement with the rewards sections of the web and app saw a 30% increase.

Empowering Clients with Advisor Information: 40% increase in clients accessing their advisor details online

The Challenge:

Clients for a large financial services organization lacked an easy way to find the details of their linked financial advisor online, creating a potential point of friction in their digital experience.

 

Service Provided:

Business Analysis & Consulting. Facilitation & Moderation, Coaching & Mentoring

 

Our Approach:

We enhanced their online platform by:

  • Analyzing the existing (or non-existent) process for viewing advisor details online.
  • Collaborating with UI/UX teams to design a user-friendly view.
  • Ensuring a seamless integration with the backend systems holding advisor information.

 

The Impact:

Enabling clients to view their linked financial advisor details online led to:

  • Increased Transparency: A 40% increase in clients accessing their advisor details online within the first month.
  • Improved User Convenience: A 15% reduction in call centre inquiries for advisor contact information.

Enhancing Online Enquiries: Reduced the average response time by 25%.

The Challenge:

Clients of a large financial services company had an existing process for submitting online enquiries which required improvement in terms of how queries were routed and resolved to ensure more efficient handling.

 

Service Provided:

Business Analysis & Consulting. Facilitation & Moderation

 

Our Approach:

We helped enhance this process by:

  • Analyzing the existing online enquiry submission process.
  • Collaborating with UI/UX teams to improve the process.
  • Developing detailed documentation outlining specifications and user stories.
  • Conducting usability testing to ensure improved routing and resolution.

 

The Impact:

The enhancement of the short-term insurance online enquiry process aimed to achieve:

  • Improved Query Resolution Time: Reduced the average response time to online enquiries by 25%.
  • Increased First-Contact Resolution: Improved the first-contact resolution rate by 18%.
  • Higher Customer Satisfaction: Led to a 10% increase in customer satisfaction scores related to online support.

Proof of Concept for a New Policy Administration System: 40% Reduction in Project Ambiguity

The Challenge:

A leading financial services provider initiated a Proof of Concept (POC) for a new policy administration system. The project involved highly technical subject matter and required collaboration between IT teams, business stakeholders, and executives with varied levels of technical understanding. Communication gaps were causing confusion, delays, and low stakeholder engagement.

 

Service Provided:

Business Analysis & Consulting. Facilitation & Moderation, Coaching & Mentoring

 

Our Approach:

AKILI was brought in to streamline communication and ensure project alignment. We:

  • Tailored communication for each stakeholder group based on their technical expertise and preferences.
  • Delivered regular project updates through presentations, workshops, and executive briefings.
  • Shared comprehensive written reports and visual dashboards to ensure transparency.
  • Held one-on-one meetings to address concerns and offer personalized guidance.
  • Actively listened to stakeholder feedback, responding promptly and clearly.
  • Proactively communicated risks, challenges, and upcoming changes to minimize surprises and manage expectations.

 

The Impact:

Our targeted communication strategy led to:

  • 92% Stakeholder Engagement: Achieved high levels of participation and alignment across stakeholder groups.
  • 40% Reduction in Project Ambiguity: Significantly reduced misunderstandings and rework by simplifying complex concepts.
  • 30% Improvement in Collaboration: Enhanced cooperation between internal departments and external vendors.
  • Consistent Transparency: Maintained an open communication environment that fostered trust and minimized resistance to change.

Transition to Electronic Distribution: 100% Compliance with established quality and security standards

The Challenge:

A Corporate insurance organization aimed to transition from paper-based to electronic distribution of benefit statements and membership certificates. The shift was designed to improve operational efficiency, cut distribution costs, and enhance the overall member experience. However, it was critical to ensure the new system met rigorous quality, accuracy, and security standards.

 

Service Provided:

Business Analysis & Consulting. Facilitation & Moderation

 

Our Approach:

To ensure the success of the new electronic distribution system, we:

  • Defined clear performance indicators, including delivery turnaround time, data accuracy, system uptime, and member satisfaction.
  • Designed and implemented a detailed testing plan covering functionality, security, and usability across diverse user profiles and devices.
  • Continuously monitored performance metrics to detect and address deviations from established standards.
  • Maintained open communication with stakeholders, providing regular updates on achievements, risks, and areas requiring improvement.

 

The Impact:

Through this methodical and quality-focused implementation, we achieved:

  • 100% Compliance with established quality and security standards.
  • 65% Reduction in benefit statement and certificate distribution time.
  • 40% Cost Savings compared to the previous paper-based process.
  • 30% Increase in member satisfaction, based on post-implementation feedback.
  • Zero Critical Incidents post-launch, thanks to proactive risk identification and mitigation.
  • Ongoing System Optimization through real-time performance tracking and continuous improvement protocols.

Improving Team Engagement and Performance: 40% improvement in cross-team communication

The Challenge:

There was a pressing need to assess team dynamics, uncover performance gaps, and identify risks. The goal was to enhance individual and collective performance while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

 

Service Provided:

Business Analysis & Consulting. Facilitation & Moderation, Coaching and Mentoring

 

Our Approach:

We applied principles of checking, reporting, and auditing to:

  • Conduct individual performance reviews to understand each team member’s strengths, goals, and development areas.
  • Launch anonymous surveys and host open feedback sessions to reveal team morale, communication issues, and trust levels.
  • Analyze key performance metrics such as productivity, accuracy, and turnaround time to establish a baseline and set improvement targets.
  • Observe and evaluate daily processes to pinpoint inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and role misalignment.
  • Perform a formal risk assessment to proactively address issues that could derail performance.

 

The Impact:

As a result of this initiative, we delivered:

  • 100% Team Member Assessment completed within 30 days.
  • Boosted productivity by 25% within 3 months through targeted workflow adjustments.
  • Achieved a 40% improvement in cross-team communication, based on post-intervention survey scores.
  • Increased team morale and engagement scores by 28%, as reported in follow-up surveys.
  • Established a replicable performance audit framework now adopted across other teams.

What Our Clients Say

From complexity to clarity – that’s the AKILI impact for every client we serve.

Percy Erasmus - Chief Operating Officer

I had the pleasure of working with Oupa for a number of years and I can attest to his exceptional qualities as a business analyst leader. His coaching skills were instrumental in fostering the professional growth of our team and taking our business analyst community to new highs.

Oupa demonstrated a remarkable combination of business acumen and digital expertise during our time working together.

His keen insights into both traditional business practices and digital technologies were invaluable in steering our projects towards success. His ability to navigate complexities and identify strategic opportunities showcased his excellence as a business analyst.

As a leader, Oupa was not only results-driven but also dedicated to the development of his team. His coaching style involved understanding each team member’s strengths and areas for improvement, and providing tailored guidance that significantly contributed to their professional advancement.

Having Oupa on the team was a tremendous asset. His collaborative approach, open-mindedness, and encouragement of innovative ideas created a positive work environment that inspired the team to excel.

I wholeheartedly recommend Oupa for any position that requires a leader with a deep understanding of business dynamics and digital strategies.

Working with him was not just professionally rewarding but also enjoyable.

Any organisation would benefit from his leadership


Alicia Conradie - Strategic Finance Analyst

We worked together on an Activation Project as part of a Management Course. Oupa has strong leadership skills but was also willing to listen to other team members‘ opinions. He is hard-working and conscientious, and contributed a great deal to the project in terms of ideas, and research, providing feedback to the course coordinators and arranging our project station at the presentation day. Oupa is someone who can be counted on!


Portia - Project Manager

I worked with Oupa Laka in the same team, he was the assigned BA on most of my projects.

Oupa is passionate and shows great commitment to his work. He is proactive and detailed. Not only does he master what he does but he goes the extra mile to make others understand the complex projects he is involved in. He is also a problem solver, before anything can be escalated, he makes every effort to find a solution and implement it if it will work.

It was a great honour to work with such talent. I believe he is an asset to an organization.

Waldo Wenhold - Principal User Experience Designer

Oupa and I worked in the client design team at Momentum. The project work focused on large, digital, client-facing platforms enabling content exploration, online quotes and self-service journeys across the Momentum client platform. Oupa collaborated well with the design team and together our teams established a way of work that applied design thinking to project delivery.

Oupa joined the team as a business analyst but soon got promoted to business analyst lead. He has an excellent approach to problem-solving, people management and project implementation. He managed projects from start to finish, allowed the design team to complete their discovery work and set up the relevant sessions to find and implement the best concept.

Oupa understands the value of design exploration and coming up with the right solution for the end-user. He is a multifaceted leader in the delivery of successful digital products.


Michele Labuschagne - Business Systems Analyst Team Lead at Momentum

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Oupa as a Business Systems Analyst Team Lead, and I am delighted to provide this recommendation for such an outstanding professional.

Oupa possesses a unique blend of creativity and analytical prowess that sets him apart in the field of business analysis. His ability to think outside the box and approach challenges with innovative solutions has significantly contributed to the success of many projects. Oupa’s creativity extends beyond traditional boundaries, bringing a fresh perspective to problem-solving and strategic planning.

One of Oupa’s standout qualities is his passion for documentation and mind mapping. Oupa not only excels in gathering and analyzing data but also has a keen eye for organizing and presenting information in a visually appealing and comprehensible manner. His dedication to creating detailed and insightful documentation, coupled with his adept mind mapping skills, has proven invaluable in enhancing project communication and understanding among team members.

Oupa is a meticulous professional who pays great attention to detail. His commitment to accuracy and thoroughness ensures that every aspect of a project is thoroughly examined and documented. This meticulous approach not only contributes to the success of the current project but also lays a strong foundation for future initiatives.

Moreover, Oupa is a collaborative team player who fosters a positive and inclusive working environment. His excellent communication skills and willingness to share knowledge make him an asset to any team. Oupa’s ability to work seamlessly with cross-functional teams and stakeholders has greatly facilitated the alignment of business objectives with project outcomes.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Oupa for any business analysis role that requires a creative thinker, meticulous documenter, and expert in mind mapping. Oupa’s unique skill set, coupled with his dedication to excellence, make him an invaluable asset to any organization.


Mmakgabo Mekwa - Head: QA

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Oupa as a business architecture and business analysis mentor. Oupa is an exceptional professional who excels in his role and consistently demonstrates a transparent communication style and servant leadership qualities.

Oupa goes above and beyond to guide and support his team. He takes the time to truly understand their goals and challenges and then provides tailored guidance to help them achieve their objectives. Oupa’s communication style is clear, concise, and transparent. He is always available to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer insights to help his team navigate complex business architecture and business analysis scenarios.

What truly sets Oupa apart is his servant leadership approach. He genuinely cares about the success and growth of his team, and he continuously looks for opportunities to empower and uplift them. Oupa fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where the team feels encouraged to share their ideas, challenge the status quo, and learn from each other.

In addition to his mentoring capabilities, Oupa is a seasoned professional in the fields of business architecture and business analysis. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their skills in these areas. Oupa stays updated with the latest industry trends and best practices, ensuring that his mentees receive the most relevant and valuable guidance.

I highly recommend Oupa as a business architecture and business analysis mentor. His transparent communication style, servant leadership qualities, and deep expertise make him an exceptional mentor and an asset to any individual or organization seeking to excel in these domains.


Lindiwe Tshabalala - Business Analyst

I wholeheartedly recommend Oupa for his remarkable ambition and unwavering determination. Oupa consistently demonstrates an exceptional drive to achieve his goals, setting him apart as a standout individual. Whether facing professional challenges or personal pursuits, Oupa exhibits a relentless commitment to success.

In the professional realm, Oupa has consistently showcased an unparalleled work ethic. His ambition propels them to tackle complex projects with enthusiasm and tenacity, driving not only his own success but also uplifting the entire team. Colleagues admire Oupa for his proactive approach and ability to turn aspirations into tangible results. His keen sense of direction and focus on continual improvement makes Oupa an invaluable asset to any team.

Beyond the workplace, Oupa extends his ambition to personal development, taking on new challenges and opportunities with vigour. This innate drive has not only allowed Oupa to realize his own potential but also serves as an inspiration to those around him.

Oupa’s ability to set audacious goals and pursue them with unwavering dedication is a testament to his exceptional character and potential for continued success. I am confident that Oupa will excel in any endeavour he chooses to pursue, making him an outstanding choice for any opportunity that aligns with his ambitious spirit.


Eunice Chabalala - Business Analyst

I had the privilege of crossing paths with Oupa during our time at Rhodes Business School, and it’s been an incredible journey under his guidance. His depth of knowledge in business analysis is truly impressive, but what sets him apart is his remarkable humility. He effortlessly translates his expertise into practical wisdom, offering invaluable insights not just in business analysis matters but also in navigating life’s complexities. Oupa has been an outstanding mentor, providing unwavering support and guidance. His dedication to mentoring is truly commendable, making a lasting impact on my professional growth and approach to challenges.


Nolwazi Lushozi - Channel Manager

Oupa was a joy to work with. He is very, very knowledgeable as a senior BA. In peer reviews, he would be attentive and help dissect your requirements to help improve the documentation. He is also willing to help out other BAs with answering any questions, whether it be explaining or helping someone to figure out the answer themselves, and not always spoon-feeding. He worked on tough projects which he handled with grace and was able to deliver. I would work with him over again.


Lukckson Karikoga - Head: Software Engineering

I have had the pleasure of working with Oupa Laka for many years in the Momentum: Client Digital and Design department. Oupa was a Leader of the Business Analysis team and he worked with me in my position as Solutions Architect and Head of Software Engineering.

Oupa’s strengths include an incredible dedication to his profession and a willingness to tackle business problems head-on. As someone with a technical background, Oupa’s analytical skills are unmatched; he made it easier for the teams to understand complex business problems and offered practical solutions. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Oupa was known for his volunteerism in organizing events and participating in employee forums.

During his tenure in our department, Oupa consistently guided his team to deliver on critical business projects. He took accountability for the projects allocated to him and his team.

I am confident that Oupa will bring that same energy and talent to his next role. He has my complete recommendation.


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