ABOUT US
We’re all about community, collaboration and transformation. At CoLab Strategy, we believe the best solutions are developed from the outside in rather than the inside out. We believe when we use research, data and stakeholder insights to clearly define the issues we’re solving for and when we bring people from diverse experiences together to think creatively about new possibilities, innovation and transformation can occur.
That’s why we’ve developed a process that blends traditional business frameworks and analysis with human centred, design thinking techniques. Our team has over two decades of experience working within and for the public sector and with not-for-profit and for purpose organisations.
Cherie Rae
(she/her)
Dr Alexandra Johnston (PhD) (she/her)
Cherie Rae
(she/her)
Founder and Director
Cherie is the Founder of CoLab Strategy and the primary consultant on all projects. Cherie is an expert workshop facilitator, design thinker and experienced strategist with over twenty years experience within local and state government. She’s recognised by clients for her well-founded strategic advice, strong analytical ability and the ease with which she distils complex ideas into easily digestible information and compelling business cases. She has a knack for making the people around her feel positive, confident and assured.
Dr Alexandra Johnston
(PhD) (they/them)
Qualitative Research and Education Lead
Alexandra (AJ) is a proudly neurodivergent academic and a qualitative and lived experience researcher. They have accumulated over twenty-five years experience in the education, positive psychology, early childhood and disability sectors. An incredible facilitator, educator and highly sought after speaker, AJ is CoLab’s subject matter expert for qualitative and lived experience research and leads our education and training design.
Aqilah Abdeen
(she/her)
Senior Strategic Adviser
Aqilah (Aqi) is a dynamic strategist who is deeply passionate about social justice and inclusivity. Her vast experience ranges from working in a B-Corp consultancy through to international development in regional projects funded by Asian Development Bank, and World Bank, and as a consultant for PwC Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Aqi believes the best planning is insights driven. With an analytical eye, and a strong suite for research – she can help you solve complex problems and build rigour into your strategy and planning
Rahul Soans
(he/him)
Senior Strategic Adviser
Rahul’s career is distinguished by a focus on entrepreneurship and strategic planning. With a broad background in business and design, he possesses skills in client enquiry, design thinking workshops, user research, concept design, lean start-up methodologies, and disruptive innovation. From leading thought discussions on frontier technologies like AI, Blockchain, and Digital Identity to hosting the ‘Finding Meaning in Work’ podcast and teaching Social Impact and Design to university students, you’ll always find Rahul working with people to push the boundaries of status quo thinking.
Qualitative Research and Education Lead