About Us
Vision
Empowering SMEs worldwide to work smarter, grow sustainably, and thrive in a complex world
Mission
To deliver clear, effective strategies and solutions — grounded in systems thinking and real-world know-how — helping every SME leader reclaim time, confidence, and purpose.
Purpose
To simplify business and technology challenges, so founders and leaders can focus on what truly matters: their people, customers, and impact.
(We even keep this is simple)
From global boardrooms to your business – I make complex things simple.
Hi, I’m Ash.
For over 20 years I’ve worked inside global companies, government, not‑for‑profits and high‑growth businesses, fixing the kind of messy, complex problems that slow SMEs down – from strategy and operations through to systems and people. Across more than a dozen industries, the pattern is always the same: when things get too complex, growth stalls, teams burn out and profit leaks away. When strategy, operations and people line up, business gets simpler, margins improve and leaders get their time back.
Pragmatic People exists to create that alignment. Through SME consulting, the Pragmatic Business Apprenticeship and the Pragmatic Business Accelerator, I help founders and leaders replace chaos with simple, repeatable systems that actually work in the real world. I also teach Systems Thinking, Strategic Alignment and Leadership in the University of Adelaide’s online MBA program, bringing enterprise‑level tools into practical, plain‑English frameworks for smaller businesses.
Right now, I’m writing Making the Complex Simple – a book focused on systematic improvements for SMEs, so owners can scale without losing control of quality, culture or cash. My approach is direct, practical and people‑centred: no jargon, no fluffy slides, just clear thinking, honest conversations and a focus on measurable results.
Pragmatic People is how I bring that experience directly to SME owners who are ready to simplify and scale.
Ash Holliday
Founder, Pragmatic People
Contact Us
Ready to make business simpler, smarter and scalable?
Email Ash directly at ash@pragmaticpeople.co