Bridging the AI gap in Technology Transformation
Empowering Business Transformation & AI Consulting Experience ON TAPThe best ResourceConsulting
Our Focused Activities
Empowering Individuals with Tailored Business Solutions
In this ever-evolving technological landscape, making the right choices today is paramount, as what worked before may not necessarily meet the demands of tomorrow. That’s why it’s crucial to choose wisely, creating a robust pathway for upgrades that build a future-proof foundation. We specialise in providing the ‘battle-scars’ leadership to advise and direct companies with the business solutions that fit and cater to their unique needs, enabling AI to be ethically integrated. This dynamic world of AI technology can drive a business forward, but only when it’s done “right”.
Get Your Company’s IT to Deliver Exactly What You Need
Don’t settle for lackluster IT solutions that hold your company back. Far too often, businesses are stuck with outdated applications. It’s time to boldly break free from the shackles of the status quo and take control of your business with AI. We can help empower you and ensure that your IT development team is driving practical application improvement.With our assistance, you can confidently navigate the transition to modern, efficient, and future-proof AI solutions. Say goodbye to legacy systems that hold you back and embrace innovation.
Where Digital Change Hits the Road
Reorganising a business is often a complex and delicate undertaking, particularly when it involves established relationships. Engaging the expertise of third-party consultants can significantly reduce stress and ease any personal discomfort associated with these changes. These external professionals offer specialised knowledge and impartial viewpoints, facilitating a smoother transition and promoting positive results. Rely on the insights of external experts to maneuver through the intricacies of business transformation. Digital transformation encompasses the integration of digital technologies across all facets of a business, fundamentally altering how you operate and provide value to your customers.
Managing Vendors
Most vendor suppliers rely on marketing hype to showcase their products but what truly matters is identifying the technology that best fits your needs. That’s where unbiased consultants come in, offering their extensive experience and expertise who’ve worked both sides, to negotiate ensuring a successful tech refresh.
Fractional Leadership
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of fractional leadership has emerged as a pivotal force in driving successful transformations, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence implementation. By engaging fractional leaders, organisations can harness specialised expertise without the commitment of a full-time executive. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt swiftly to technological advancements and market demands. Fractional leaders bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective, enabling companies to navigate the complexities of AI integration with confidence. They work closely with C-Suite executives and teams to identify key areas where AI can deliver the most value, ensuring that initiatives are aligned with organisational goals. The essence of fractional leadership lies in its ability to foster collaboration and innovation, creating a culture that embraces change. By leveraging the insights of fractional leaders, businesses can implement AI solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also drive strategic growth. Together, we can unlock the potential of AI and pave the way for a future characterised by agility and success.
Fostering enduring partnerships and trust between businesses and their suppliers
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, embracing innovative cloud-based SaaS solutions is crucial for surpassing traditional operational services and outdated IT methodologies. The impact of the COVID intensified the need for more agile business practices, especially in addressing the challenges of remote working. Today, corporate leaders prioritise risk assessment capabilities and adopt agile technologies.
At Straightalking Consulting, we champion the concept of ‘Hire the Old Guy‘, bringing seasoned executives to the forefront, individuals whose invaluable expertise and experience have been honed through years of navigating complex challenges.
We firmly believe that practical knowledge & lessons learned through real-world experience sets us apart. Embracing the shift of Digital Transformation is not merely a trend; it is a cultural evolution that compels organisations to continuously challenge the status quo, experiment boldly, and embrace the lessons that come from failure.
As the Drive for AI Comes to the Fore, Are You Ready?
As organisations endeavor to harness the transformative power of AI in a manner that is ethical and responsible, they encounter distinct challenges in seamlessly integrating these advanced technologies while ensuring that their implementation fosters inclusivity and equity, particularly for communities that have historically been underrepresented. The journey toward effective AI integration is often laden with hurdles, including the need to navigate the intricate nuances of data ethics, cultivate diverse teams that can contribute a range of perspectives and ensure alignment of AI practices with the core values of the organisation. In this landscape, fractional leadership stands out as a strategic advantage, offering access to seasoned experts who possess the knowledge and experience essential for guiding companies in making well-informed decisions that prioritise both effectiveness and accountability. By engaging fractional leaders, businesses can create robust frameworks that not only uphold ethical standards but also encourage meaningful conversations surrounding the use of technology. This approach ultimately propels growth, reinforcing the notion that responsible innovation is achievable when guided by thoughtful leadership.
AI Intelligence
What Craig Ashmole could do for your business !
Craig Ashmole doesn’t just manage change, he architects it.
With over 28 years driving corporate transformation and commercial growth and extensive international experience across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Craig has built his reputation on delivering results that matter: Operational breakthroughs, Multi-million-pound cost savings, and Strategic tech pivots that position organisations for long-term success.
Craig founded Straightalking Consulting in UK 2011 but now based in Dubai. With over two decades he has directed enterprise infrastructure programmes exceeding $100m across ~50 countries and 6,500+ locations. Craig has delivered cloud transformation, data centre upgades to telecommunications optimisation and AI integration.
Technology is only part of the story. Craig translates between board-level objectives and technical delivery, ensuring both sides understand what is genuinely achievable and what is wishful thinking, his real strength lies in bridging the gap between IT and business strategy, forging trusted relationships with executives and boards, translating technical capabilities into tangible commercial value.
Craig’s deep understanding of European, Middle Eastern & African business dynamics, combined with a proven track record in vendor assessment, contract negotiation, and stakeholder engagement, makes him the go-to advisor for organisations seeking to improve their business presence and unlock new growth opportunities.
Craig Ashmole integrates technology, people, and processes to help organisations not just survive change, but thrive through it.
Craig Ashmole – Founder
Straightalking Consulting
Hot Topics
Artificial Intelligence | Fractional Services
Machine Learning – Generative AI – Fractional leadership – Ask
Infrastructure Transformation | Cloud Edge
Core Infrastructure – End-of-Life Support – SD-Wan – Done it
Ethical AI | Unified End-user-Computing
AI from ‘PoC’ to production, Leaders that lead – Lessons
Contact Centre Shared Services – Outsourcing
Options for Outsource, Insource, or Near Shore – Been there
Success
Business Change & Programme Leadership
1. What is Business Change and Programme Transformation? It’s where strategic vision meets decisive action, empowering organisations to navigate market volatility, technological disruption, and evolving regulatory landscapes. We reimagine processes, unlock operational efficiency, and ensure every initiative directly advances your core strategic objectives.
2. Why does Programme Transformation Leadership matter? Exceptional leadership is the difference between ambition and achievement. It delivers complex change on time, within budget, and aligned to strategy, whilst proactively managing risk, sustaining stakeholder commitment, and ensuring outcomes that drive genuine business value.
3. How do you approach transformation programmes? We balance people, process, and technology in equal measure. Through rigorous assessment and collaborative discovery, we identify high-impact opportunities and co-create actionable roadmaps with your stakeholders, minimising operational disruption whilst maximising strategic returns.
4. Which industries benefit most from transformation leadership? Organisations operating in complexity and constant flux: financial services, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing, where competitive advantage depends on the ability to evolve at pace and with precision.
5. How long does a typical transformation programme last? Scope determines timeline. Targeted initiatives may conclude within months, whilst enterprise-wide transformation demands a multi-year commitment. We right-size every programme to your strategic horizon.
6. How do you ensure successful outcomes? Through robust governance frameworks, transparent stakeholder communication, and real-time performance intelligence. We maintain programme agility, respond dynamically to emerging challenges, and remain relentlessly focused on delivering measurable business impact.
7. How does transformation leadership accelerate growth? By streamlining operations, optimising resource allocation, and building organisational agility. This creates the capacity for innovation, sharpens competitive positioning, and enables rapid, confident response to market opportunities.
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Office
Barsha Heights (TCOM),
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Trading Since 2011
Contact
(+971) 585-37-six-3-one-one
- AI Consultative Solutions 91%
- Digital Change Consultation 82%
- IT Telecoms Transformation 58%