Volcano Base

Testimonials for Volcano Base

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What customers say

Phil Dearson is a standout figure in the digital landscape, celebrated for his ability to simplify complex concepts and inspire those around him. From his technical expertise to his charismatic leadership, Phil empowers teams to innovate and navigate challenges with confidence. Numerous testimonials highlight his approachable demeanor, wit, and genuine passion for technology, making him not just a mentor but a remarkable partner in strategic endeavors. Phil’s consultancy, Strategenie, has also garnered rave reviews for its effectiveness in decision-making and prioritization, proving invaluable for organizations looking to enhance their strategy and execution. Clients appreciate the algorithmic framework and evidence-based approach that helps them cut through complexities and achieve clarity, leading to better outcomes. His knowledge of AI and digital innovation further sets him apart as a trusted voice for businesses navigating the future.

Review highlights

Inspiring leadershipSimplifies complex conceptsInnovative strategyEngaging and charismaticEffective decision-makingAI expertiseTrusted partnerRobust approachHumor and relatabilityGreat mentor
Majda Berislavić

Head of Learning and Development, Atlantic Grupa

Phil Dearson is one of the best presenters I’ve ever booked for an event. His clarity, strategic thinking, and ability to make complex concepts accessible left a lasting impression on our audience. His contribution was both inspiring and highly valuable. I would recommend- if you want to understand AI and digital, learn it from Phil
Phil Dearson is one of the best presenters I’ve ever booked for an event. His clarity, strategic thinking, and ability to make complex concepts accessible left a lasting impression on our audience. His contribution was both inspiring and highly valuable. I would recommend- if you want to understand AI and digital, learn it from Phil

Phil Adams

Brand Strategy Adviser, I Know Some People

I don't subscribe to newsletters lightly. And I am deeply, deeply sceptical about the abdication of human creativity to AI. But I look forward to Phil Dearson's articles about practical applications of said technology. He's a boffin but he writes on my level with a twinkle in his eye - a rare combination. And he's actually working on useful deployments of AI that don't undermine anyone's humanity. He's a smart chap called Phil, who keeps things simple. The world needs more of those.
I don't subscribe to newsletters lightly. And I am deeply, deeply sceptical about the abdication of human creativity to AI. But I look forward to Phil Dearson's articles about practical applications of said technology. He's a boffin but he writes on my level with a twinkle in his eye - a rare combination. And he's actually working on useful deployments of AI that don't undermine anyone's humanity. He's a smart chap called Phil, who keeps things simple. The world needs more of those.

Jessica Gregson

CEO, Extra Brain Ltd

Phil is a trusted partner for Extra Brain and our network. Having known Phil for over 2 decades, and working with him a lot during that time, he's someone to keep in my orbit and reach out to whenever I need sound strategy and implementation on technology projects (and actually, almost any innovation initiative.) Honing in on AI, this makes Phil a super useful ally and partner for me and Extra Brain. Having frank, no nonsense discussions stop us getting over (or under) excited about potential ideas and helps us make things happen without fuss or hype.
Phil is a trusted partner for Extra Brain and our network. Having known Phil for over 2 decades, and working with him a lot during that time, he's someone to keep in my orbit and reach out to whenever I need sound strategy and implementation on technology projects (and actually, almost any innovation initiative.) Honing in on AI, this makes Phil a super useful ally and partner for me and Extra Brain. Having frank, no nonsense discussions stop us getting over (or under) excited about potential ideas and helps us make things happen without fuss or hype.

Ian Crocombe

Founder, Deft

Phil is a bit of a rare beast, an engineer who is a marketer, he's had a storied career working on the worlds biggest brands leading production, technology and strategy teams, this means he understands your use cases and can often build them out better, stronger and with far more impact.
Phil is a bit of a rare beast, an engineer who is a marketer, he's had a storied career working on the worlds biggest brands leading production, technology and strategy teams, this means he understands your use cases and can often build them out better, stronger and with far more impact.

Gareth Fryer

Strategy Director, Healthia

Phil is one of the best people to work for, and with. He's genuinely inspirational about all things digital and his passion for what he does is clear for all to see. A brilliant public speaker, he has the ability to clearly articulate incredibly complex themes, trends and strategies and translate them into simple and actionable steps for businesses to help achieve their goals. Couple that with being straight talking and totally down to Earth - Phil really is an asset to any business.
Phil is one of the best people to work for, and with. He's genuinely inspirational about all things digital and his passion for what he does is clear for all to see. A brilliant public speaker, he has the ability to clearly articulate incredibly complex themes, trends and strategies and translate them into simple and actionable steps for businesses to help achieve their goals. Couple that with being straight talking and totally down to Earth - Phil really is an asset to any business.

Lisa Bonney

MD, Link Worldwide

An incredibly inspiring individual who is deeply knowledgeable about innovation and technology. He brings a new level of thinking to all projects and it is highly motivating to work with someone as dynamic as Phil. He's a good laugh in the pub too....!
An incredibly inspiring individual who is deeply knowledgeable about innovation and technology. He brings a new level of thinking to all projects and it is highly motivating to work with someone as dynamic as Phil. He's a good laugh in the pub too....!

Sian Kelly Guy

Senior Marketing & Operations Consultant

I had the privilege of working under Phil's leadership earlier in my career, and his impact continues to influence my professional development to this day. As a mentor, Phil created an environment where I felt empowered to contribute ideas and take ownership of my work, all while providing the guidance and inspiration I needed to stay motivated and excel in my role. Phil's expertise in digital transformation was what inspired me to work with him, and his ability to identify emerging opportunities made our team and projects successful, innovative and great fun to boot. He has a remarkable talent for translating technical concepts into clear business value, and helping people (us mere mortals) connect the dots too. I avidly follow his ventures at Volcano Base, which will undoubtedly help people and organisations better understand how to not just implement new systems but provide them with the tools and knowledge to use them.
I had the privilege of working under Phil's leadership earlier in my career, and his impact continues to influence my professional development to this day. As a mentor, Phil created an environment where I felt empowered to contribute ideas and take ownership of my work, all while providing the guidance and inspiration I needed to stay motivated and excel in my role. Phil's expertise in digital transformation was what inspired me to work with him, and his ability to identify emerging opportunities made our team and projects successful, innovative and great fun to boot. He has a remarkable talent for translating technical concepts into clear business value, and helping people (us mere mortals) connect the dots too. I avidly follow his ventures at Volcano Base, which will undoubtedly help people and organisations better understand how to not just implement new systems but provide them with the tools and knowledge to use them.

Jernej Janežič

Head of Digital Marketing, Atlantic Grupa

His grasp of AI, from foundational principles to cutting-edge innovations, provided one insight after another. The session was filled with laughs and big ideas that left us all buzzing.
His grasp of AI, from foundational principles to cutting-edge innovations, provided one insight after another. The session was filled with laughs and big ideas that left us all buzzing.

Christine Hemphill

MD, Open Inclusion

In case you don’t get enough people telling you [the newsletters] are really good, let me add my personal thanks. They are great! I love the CPR for the mind. It is how I work.
In case you don’t get enough people telling you [the newsletters] are really good, let me add my personal thanks. They are great! I love the CPR for the mind. It is how I work.

Hils Jakison

Creative Technology Director, The Marketing Store

Phil has undoubtedly the biggest digital brain that I know. An intellectually, open-minded, modern thinker, with a true understanding of innovation; he lives it rather than simply wrapping it up in jargon. Extremely personable with an amazing ability to dissect and explain the most complicated systems, processes and plans with empathy.
Phil has undoubtedly the biggest digital brain that I know. An intellectually, open-minded, modern thinker, with a true understanding of innovation; he lives it rather than simply wrapping it up in jargon. Extremely personable with an amazing ability to dissect and explain the most complicated systems, processes and plans with empathy.

Tomi Toluhi

COO, Mission to Seafarers

The feedback has been unanimously complimentary. The teams are buzzing with the possibilities of the insights we have gained.
The feedback has been unanimously complimentary. The teams are buzzing with the possibilities of the insights we have gained.

Michelle Milner-Eradhun

COO, Nuvem9

We got so much out of the session today - lots of golden nuggets and moments of inspiration. Our ops are so much better for it.
We got so much out of the session today - lots of golden nuggets and moments of inspiration. Our ops are so much better for it.

Victor Arciniega

Director, McDonald's UK

Phil in a single tweet: "Experienced digital expert business focused professional passionate visionary charismatic inspirational grounded innovative thought partner" I would highly recommend him.
Phil in a single tweet: "Experienced digital expert business focused professional passionate visionary charismatic inspirational grounded innovative thought partner" I would highly recommend him.

Nathan Fulwood

Co-Founder, CreateFuture

We try to make the design process as democratic as possible, but no matter how expert you are, or how well you know the subject you're exploring (or maybe because of...), it's difficult to be completely subjective when it comes to decision making. Strategenie quickly helps us take a step back and get an objective view of our outcomes and opportunities. It's a fantastic vehicle to then base a roadmap or action plan around.
We try to make the design process as democratic as possible, but no matter how expert you are, or how well you know the subject you're exploring (or maybe because of...), it's difficult to be completely subjective when it comes to decision making. Strategenie quickly helps us take a step back and get an objective view of our outcomes and opportunities. It's a fantastic vehicle to then base a roadmap or action plan around.

Melissa Fretwell

Founder, White Camino

As we help more of our clients take a step back to reset their priorities, Strategenie is a bit of gift. It helps distil thinking and see the business through every possible lens, stripping out any bias, however unconscious.
As we help more of our clients take a step back to reset their priorities, Strategenie is a bit of gift. It helps distil thinking and see the business through every possible lens, stripping out any bias, however unconscious.

Denis Oakley

Founder, Denis Oakley & Co

How do you change the world? Many entrepreneurs and business leaders want to do just that with their new ventures. Often decision making is made based on emotion, incomplete consideration of the variables, or with one or more cognitive biases. Often these are not visible and the whole team believes that they are making decisions well. By applying Strategenie to the process of business model design we're hoping to make much of the new venture creation process much more rigorous. It integrates beautifully with our focus on Jobs to Be Done and our Lean Innovation methodology that obsesses on continually testing and validating our hypotheses.
How do you change the world? Many entrepreneurs and business leaders want to do just that with their new ventures. Often decision making is made based on emotion, incomplete consideration of the variables, or with one or more cognitive biases. Often these are not visible and the whole team believes that they are making decisions well. By applying Strategenie to the process of business model design we're hoping to make much of the new venture creation process much more rigorous. It integrates beautifully with our focus on Jobs to Be Done and our Lean Innovation methodology that obsesses on continually testing and validating our hypotheses.

Craig Saphin

MD, Craig Saphin Consulting

Scaling a business requires firm foundations with pillars of strength, a well-structured strategy and excellent execution. A critical part of the structured strategy and subsequent execution is the leadership required to focus on the most important strategic objectives and the necessary alignment with the leadership team. By applying Strategenie, we are helping clients decide on the correct strategic objectives and secure the appropriate buy-in from the leadership team. This alignment results in the correct focused outcomes and the best leverage from limited company resources.
Scaling a business requires firm foundations with pillars of strength, a well-structured strategy and excellent execution. A critical part of the structured strategy and subsequent execution is the leadership required to focus on the most important strategic objectives and the necessary alignment with the leadership team. By applying Strategenie, we are helping clients decide on the correct strategic objectives and secure the appropriate buy-in from the leadership team. This alignment results in the correct focused outcomes and the best leverage from limited company resources.

Tim Stoller

Founder, The Brand Launchers

We use Strategenie with our clients to help them take an insight-led approach to building a compelling strategy. Its beauty is in the way it simplifies the inherently complex and seamlessly combines the art and science of strategic development.
We use Strategenie with our clients to help them take an insight-led approach to building a compelling strategy. Its beauty is in the way it simplifies the inherently complex and seamlessly combines the art and science of strategic development.

Pauline McNulty

Chief Risk Officer, Liberty Specialty Markets

I support the view that a ‘company’s value is just the sum of the decisions it makes and executes’ - as Strategenie takes the noise out of prioritisation and decision-making with a systematic approach, I use it for my initiatives and recommend it highly.
I support the view that a ‘company’s value is just the sum of the decisions it makes and executes’ - as Strategenie takes the noise out of prioritisation and decision-making with a systematic approach, I use it for my initiatives and recommend it highly.

Cyrus Johnston

Founder, Hands On Brands

At Hands On, we regularly create workshops for brands and leaders to help them get clarity and alignment around priority options, choices and decisions for specific objectives. Strategenie is a fantastic tool to draw on in helping us achieve that both inclusively and with rigour.
At Hands On, we regularly create workshops for brands and leaders to help them get clarity and alignment around priority options, choices and decisions for specific objectives. Strategenie is a fantastic tool to draw on in helping us achieve that both inclusively and with rigour.

Ben Cheston

Managing Director, greyhairworks

Simplifying the complex and difficult tasks of prioritising and decision-making within organisations, is not simple, but essential... one of the reasons Strategenie is so powerful.
Simplifying the complex and difficult tasks of prioritising and decision-making within organisations, is not simple, but essential... one of the reasons Strategenie is so powerful.

David Brown

CSO, Klive

Strategenie provides us with a robust algorithmic framework to underpin decision-making projects we run with clients. The interface and flexibility of the underlying model means we can explore alternative scenarios and hypotheses more easily. With Strategenie we can help clients reach better decisions and achieve wider consensus.
Strategenie provides us with a robust algorithmic framework to underpin decision-making projects we run with clients. The interface and flexibility of the underlying model means we can explore alternative scenarios and hypotheses more easily. With Strategenie we can help clients reach better decisions and achieve wider consensus.

Owen Farrington

Founder, Bridge & Tunnel

Bridge & Tunnel are excited about using Strategenie alongside our existing discovery processes to help us give a more objective view of the richest opportunities in Social Media for our clients. The fact it is iterative means we can use this as a tool to assist our long-term client relationships, alternatively it’s a great tool to help us run workshops with rapid results.
Bridge & Tunnel are excited about using Strategenie alongside our existing discovery processes to help us give a more objective view of the richest opportunities in Social Media for our clients. The fact it is iterative means we can use this as a tool to assist our long-term client relationships, alternatively it’s a great tool to help us run workshops with rapid results.

Matt Isherwood

Group Transformation Director, Mission Group

Using Strategenie has helped us move from concept to scope quickly and easily. It has given us an evidence-based process for decision making. We’re excited to see how Strategenie can help us manage a prioritised backlog when we move into launch.
Using Strategenie has helped us move from concept to scope quickly and easily. It has given us an evidence-based process for decision making. We’re excited to see how Strategenie can help us manage a prioritised backlog when we move into launch.

Jason Anderson

Digital Director, Avantgarde

With an incredible number of potential solutions, I’ve found that clients get stuck in this ‘paradox of choice’ situation and cannot move forward. Strategenie is a repeatable method to get through that and to rapidly create an effective route forward.
With an incredible number of potential solutions, I’ve found that clients get stuck in this ‘paradox of choice’ situation and cannot move forward. Strategenie is a repeatable method to get through that and to rapidly create an effective route forward.

Matt Wells

Partner, Congregation

I love the simple to use interface and I’m looking forward to using Strategenie to help my clients make better strategic decisions in a completely non-biased and transparent way.
I love the simple to use interface and I’m looking forward to using Strategenie to help my clients make better strategic decisions in a completely non-biased and transparent way.

Paul Davis

Co-Founder, Konekt Group

Has a client ever said, "we need you to help us innovate", or “our customers are men and women, 16-65, mixed interest, low to high income with varied interests across the country, we need more”? Strategenie provides a consulting decision-making framework that cuts through the grey areas and competing client priorities to align key stakeholders behind a clear and agreed roadmap or set of priorities to tackle.
Has a client ever said, "we need you to help us innovate", or “our customers are men and women, 16-65, mixed interest, low to high income with varied interests across the country, we need more”? Strategenie provides a consulting decision-making framework that cuts through the grey areas and competing client priorities to align key stakeholders behind a clear and agreed roadmap or set of priorities to tackle.

Tiffany St James

Founder, Transmute

Running a digital consultancy and helping large businesses and governments with digital transformation, I'm always keen to explore new tools, processes, systems to improve my knowledge and my consultant's knowledge. I was gripped by Strategenie. This will jumpcut projects for me and give clients the clear evidence base they need to prioritise projects.
Running a digital consultancy and helping large businesses and governments with digital transformation, I'm always keen to explore new tools, processes, systems to improve my knowledge and my consultant's knowledge. I was gripped by Strategenie. This will jumpcut projects for me and give clients the clear evidence base they need to prioritise projects.

Amanda Blacklock

MD, Blacklock Consulting

With over 20 years working for GlaxoSmithKline across a range of different sectors and geographies, and in that time having worked with the outputs from the really large consulting firms, Strategenie provides a similarly robust model and process that delivers clear and actionable outcomes at a fraction of the time and cost
With over 20 years working for GlaxoSmithKline across a range of different sectors and geographies, and in that time having worked with the outputs from the really large consulting firms, Strategenie provides a similarly robust model and process that delivers clear and actionable outcomes at a fraction of the time and cost

PM
Paul Marsden

Head of Digital Production, Imagination

Phil is vastly (!) knowledgeable about all things digital, from virtual to the physical. His ability to convey jargon and tech speak into something that whips the uninitiated or sceptical into a frenzy verges on sorcery.
Phil is vastly (!) knowledgeable about all things digital, from virtual to the physical. His ability to convey jargon and tech speak into something that whips the uninitiated or sceptical into a frenzy verges on sorcery.

Wendy Lanchin

Partner, The Complete Brief

Phil is one of the most inspiring people I have worked with. He is vastly knowledgeable about his field but unlike many 'tech wizards' is able to explain and enthuse others about new ideas and concepts without resorting to jargon.He understands where innovation can make a difference to business strategy and is therefore a great ambassador for new projects that need to be explained to senior stakeholders.He brings a great combination of farsightedness, imagination and realism to any project.
Phil is one of the most inspiring people I have worked with. He is vastly knowledgeable about his field but unlike many 'tech wizards' is able to explain and enthuse others about new ideas and concepts without resorting to jargon.He understands where innovation can make a difference to business strategy and is therefore a great ambassador for new projects that need to be explained to senior stakeholders.He brings a great combination of farsightedness, imagination and realism to any project.

Graham Wall

CEO, Redwood

Phil is one of the brightest, most charismatic digital heads I know. He has a true passion for, and knowledge of, digital innovation and when he's on a project there's no doubt he's capable of making a tremendous difference.
Phil is one of the brightest, most charismatic digital heads I know. He has a true passion for, and knowledge of, digital innovation and when he's on a project there's no doubt he's capable of making a tremendous difference.

Adam Cavill

Creative Director, Digital Bricks

Mr. Dearson's enthusiasm for new ways of communicating knows no bounds. This enthusiasm is tempered by a critical eye and a keen understanding of the ways and means of getting results and the cost of those results as compared to the bottom line. He institutionalised cross discipline brainstorming, never settled for good enough with his teams and approached each clients communications challenge with fresh ideas and perspective. Hire Phil, or better yet give him your company. Nobody will run it better.
Mr. Dearson's enthusiasm for new ways of communicating knows no bounds. This enthusiasm is tempered by a critical eye and a keen understanding of the ways and means of getting results and the cost of those results as compared to the bottom line. He institutionalised cross discipline brainstorming, never settled for good enough with his teams and approached each clients communications challenge with fresh ideas and perspective. Hire Phil, or better yet give him your company. Nobody will run it better.

Eugene Reisch

Creative Director, Remo

Phil is one of those rare people I wish very much to work with again in the future. He's a pleasure to work beside, very intelligent, knowledgable, enthusiastic and professional but retains his sense of humour!
Phil is one of those rare people I wish very much to work with again in the future. He's a pleasure to work beside, very intelligent, knowledgable, enthusiastic and professional but retains his sense of humour!

Pete Hamblin

Founder, Monokoto

Phil is able to communicate massively complicated technical issues and solutions with a rare panache. He makes the complex appear simple and inspires confidence in clients, the team around him and in other partner companies. As both a technical director then as overall digital team leader Phil was great to work with and I have no hesitation in recommending both him and his work.
Phil is able to communicate massively complicated technical issues and solutions with a rare panache. He makes the complex appear simple and inspires confidence in clients, the team around him and in other partner companies. As both a technical director then as overall digital team leader Phil was great to work with and I have no hesitation in recommending both him and his work.