Objective: During a period of significant scrutiny in the Victorian construction sector, allegations of improper conduct surfaced against a major player, prompting media headlines, regulator interest, and intense stakeholder pressure. Director of Catalyst Strategy, Philip  Woods, played a central role in the crisis response, guiding the organisation to stabilise the situation, mitigate commercial fallout, and maintain alignment across a highly complex web of interests and expectations.

Approach: As (then) Associate General Counsel of Operations, Catalyst Strategy’s founder led the rapid coordination of a cross-functional response team including legal, communications, commercial, and executive leaders. Rather than rushing into reactionary measures, he enforced a crucial pause, steering the group through a methodical process to align on:

• Strategic objectives and red lines

• Likely objectives and tactics of key counter-parties

• Risks, unknowns, and probable escalation scenarios

• Stakeholder-specific engagement strategies.

The team collectively considered various probabilities and shaped an adaptable plan that positioned the organisation to respond with confidence; never surprised or caught off guard.

Throughout, Philip ensured all voices were heard while maintaining a clear decision-making structure to avoid gridlock or domination by any single interest group. The strategy was as much about stakeholder psychology as it was about traditional negotiation, requiring strong presence, internal influence, and clarity under pressure.

Positive Impact: Despite the volatility, the public narrative was stabilised and commercial impact significantly mitigated. The organisation achieved its defined objectives, avoided costly overreactions, and maintained credibility across multiple stakeholder groups. The experience reinforced a key lesson: in high-stakes moments, clear objectives and alignment are the greatest assets a leadership team can hold.

If you're facing a sensitive negotiation, reputational risk, or crisis moment, let’s explore how Catalyst Strategy can help you respond with clarity, confidence, and control.