Strategic approach
We bring rigour and clarity to complex challenges. Our work is grounded in evidence, informed by experience, and oriented to action that aligns with organisation purpose.
This Is
Shaping sustainable futures
Our purpose is to create successful sustainable high-performance organisations that are socially and environmentally responsible, where people enjoy their work, and where there is a continuing ambition to do things in the best way possible.
Our deep expertise in organisation and business psychology is trusted by Boards, CEOs and Senior Leaders to help navigate complexity, transformation and the human dimensions of change.
What we are known for
We are trusted partners
Broad perspective
We bring a multidisciplinary approach to our work. We have extensive experience of working with global networks and organisations which we share with our clients.
Psychological understanding
We design interventions that bring people on board. We understand the individual and collective dynamics that enable or constrain transformation and change.
Thought partnership
We work collaboratively as thought partners. We aim to surface insights, test assumptions, and develop clarity on the questions that matter the most.
Leadership development
We aim to develop leaders at all levels. Sustainable change requires building long-term capability and capacity, not just immediate movement.
High quality delivery
We are committed to excellence — in the quality of our thinking, our relationships, and the outcomes we help create.
Who we are
Core team
Terri Morrissey, MBA Chair
is the Chair of This Is… Her practical and incisive approach to sustainability and performance are in high demand. A former CEO of the Psychological Society of Ireland, she is also the current Chair of An Taisce: The National Trust (Ireland).
Richard Plenty, PhD Managing Director
is the Managing Director of This Is… He started life as a physicist before becoming a psychologist and has worked extensively with senior leaders as a thought partner, mentor, coach and facilitator in times of uncertainty and change.
Richard and Terri published their book "Uncertainty Rules? Making uncertainty work for you" in 2020. They were awarded a Presidential Citation from the American Psychological Association in 2022 for their leadership in advancing global psychology.
Professional partners
This Is… supplements its core team with a panel of experienced professional partners to provide a multidisciplinary, multi-sector, perspective and capability.
Our panel includes:
Elaine Gallagher, PhD
Elaine has a particular interest in evidence-based diagnostic methods and the design of interventions that are most appropriate for different organisations based on their specific circumstances and challenges. She provides cutting edge expertise in behavioural science and environmental psychology.
Caragh Dewis, PhD
Caragh brings hands-on experience in corporate leadership, organisational development and group facilitation. One of the founding Directors of The Collective Facilitation, Caragh provides deep expertise in designing and delivering collaborative workshops and leadership development programmes, particularly within the research sector.
David Connolly
David is an experienced Company Director and entrepreneur who brings commercial experience to the core team. David has a keen interest in climate change and the 'just transition' and was the founder of Frontline Energy & Environmental.
Our values
The principles that guide everything we do
Making a difference
We measure success by the lasting impact we have on organisations, teams and individuals.
Ethical approach
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.
Curiosity
We stay open to ideas and seek to understand before taking action.
Innovation
We remain actively engaged with emerging thinking, research, and practice.
Courage
We are prepared to be bold and act decisively when the situation demands.
How we work
Leadership in uncertainty and change
We support leaders and organisations by designing and facilitating change strategies, as well as mentoring and coaching both teams and individuals.
Our approach is co-designed with each client and adapted as understanding deepens.
Diagnosis
Change strategy
Organisation development
Leadership development
Learning and renewal
Diagnosis
We begin by reviewing the organisation context, challenges, and aspirations. We develop a shared understanding on what matters most for sustainable high performance.
Change strategy
We develop a customised approach to change that is appropriate to the organisation's specific circumstances. In complex and uncertain situations, we explore different options and scenarios before finalising the approach.
Organisation development
We design and support the interventions required to bring about organisation change. These may include clarification of purpose; organisation redesign; working on mindset, attitudes and behaviours; and enhancing communication.
Leadership development
We work directly with individuals and teams to enhance their leadership capability. We aim to develop self-awareness using reflective practice, evidence-based metrics, coaching, mentoring and targeted skills development.
Learning and renewal
We facilitate review and reflection, adjusting plans as appropriate, and continuously shaping the future. Carving out the time to learn from experience and anticipate future developments adds on-going value.
Model
The Richmor Model
The more we have worked with change programmes, the more we have realised that they rarely work out as planned. Traditional change models are based on simply establishing the gap between a ‘vision’ and the ‘current reality’ and systematically planning how to close it.
In practice, this approach is rarely sufficient. Circumstances change and the unexpected happens. We have learned to appreciate the wisdom demonstrated many years ago by Oscar Wilde, who pronounced that: ‘To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect.’
In our book ‘Uncertainty Rules?’ we describe the approaches that individuals and leaders can take which we have found work best in uncertain times.
We have come up with a straightforward approach which we call the Richmor Model. As a way of thinking about uncertainty, we use the metaphor of navigating our way through a mountain range where conditions are unpredictable and changing. This provides a logical framework for dealing with uncertainty that helps people take personal responsibility, think positively, and proactively take advantage of the opportunities that uncertainty brings.
For example, when we are faced with a steep rise in uncertainty, we can follow the four steps of the Richmor Cycle:
- Reflect. Stop! Carve out time to reflect, think and take stock.
- Strategise. Consider the big picture and possible courses of action.
- Explore the options that are available and their implications.
- Act decisively once clear on what works best and fits with your purpose.
You can learn more about the Richmor approach on our YouTube channel.
Reflect
Carve out time to reflect. Take time to think and understand what matters before deciding what comes next.
For review — above: current layout · below: proposed layout
When we are facing uncertainty, we can follow the four steps of the Richmor Cycle:
Reflect
Carve out time to reflect, think and take stock
Strategise
Consider the big picture and possible courses of action
Explore
Explore available options and their implications
Act
Act decisively once clear on what works best and fits with your purpose
Learn more about the Richmor approach on our YouTube channel
Reflect
Carve out time to reflect. Take time to think and understand what matters before deciding what comes next.
Core
Our character and purpose
What we have done
Selected work and contribution
Our core team has a successful track record of supporting strategic change. We have worked with entrepreneurs, established companies, professional networks and international organisations who wish to develop sustainable high-performance cultures for over 20 years.
Examples from our portfolio include:
Development of an international alliance of psychology associations to deal with global challenges
Design, facilitation, delivery and support for summits, work groups and leaders of an alliance of 80 national psychology associations. The focus was on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including climate change. Awarded a Presidential Citation in 2022 from the American Psychological Association for our leadership in advancing global psychology.
Supporting an innovative successful social enterprise in the health and social care sector
Supporting a UK-based social enterprise over a 15-year period following their spin out from the NHS. With a strong emphasis on autonomy, empowerment, and innovation, this organisation has achieved high levels of staff engagement, operational efficiency, and service quality and demonstrated a successful alternative model for delivering community health services.
Strategy re-design and subsequent transformation of a UK charity
Working with the Chair to transform strategy; clarify its core purpose and identity; and fundamentally reshape its structure, processes, behaviours and communication. Delivery of the change plan has transformed the organisations and its impact.
Leadership and people development in the airport sector
Supporting the transformation of the airport sector from one focused primarily on operational and technical issues to one which now pays more attention to organisation, leadership and people matters
Design and delivery of high-performance cultural change in a major airport
Working with the CEO to deliver an intensive and highly successful programme of organisation and leadership development over a period of 7 years in parallel with a €2b investment in facility infrastructure. A classic case study which continues to influence leadership development across the sector.
Vision values and people strategy for a high-profile property development company
Supporting the Board and high net worth entrepreneurial owners of a rapidly expanding international property development company to restructure to keep up with the pace of change. Detailed assessment of the culture led to an impactful reformulation of its people strategy.
Rollout of leadership competencies for a major multinational
Structured global rollout to 10,000 leaders of new leadership competencies through the design of engagement workshops and their delivery internationally using a 'train the trainer' approach.
Introduction of a performance management and development system for local government
Design and delivery of a performance management and development system across Ireland based on cascading strategic objectives and encouraging dialogue. A strategy-led 'train the trainer' approach developing leadership capacity which was recognised as best in class.
Our contribution
In support of the work we do on leadership, uncertainty and change, the core team of This Is … carry out personal pro bono work for charities and other organisations. This has included work with Aoibhneas Women and Children’s Refuge in Dublin and An Taisce, the Irish National Trust.
We also contribute to the development of our professional field through publications, articles and presentations.
Publications and presentations
Latest thinking
Leading through uncertainty
A short reflection on how leaders can create steadiness, perspective, and practical momentum when circumstances remain fluid.
Transitions, communication, and trust
Thoughts on how communication shapes confidence, alignment, and shared purpose during periods of strategic or organisational change.
Sustainable futures in practice
Exploring the relationship between organisational purpose, human capability, and the longer-term conditions for sustainable performance.
The story of This Is…
A name that carries its own meaning
"Many years ago, a young aspiring student had to take part in a competitive 3 hour examination to get into the prestigious university of their choice. They entered the examination room, turned over the paper, and read the questions. There was one question and one question only, on the paper. 'What is Courage?' was the question. The student thought for a few minutes and wrote the words 'THIS IS', handed the paper in, and immediately left the room. An offer of a place followed a few days thereafter."
This Is… was formed in 2004. We were looking for a name that was simple, memorable and reflected the importance in times of change and uncertainty of having a clear purpose and identity, the courage to find one's own path, and acting in a way consistent with one's values. We were struck by this story and named our company after it. This Is… a company rooted in clarity, courage and purpose.
This Is…
If you would value a conversation, please contact us.
- Terri Morrissey
- linkedin.com/in/terrimorrissey
- Richard Plenty
- linkedin.com/in/richardplenty
All enquiries are treated with complete confidentiality.