Change that holds.
Whether you're feeling stuck or ready for what's next, real change rarely happens by working on one thing in isolation. The leader grows, but the team doesn't follow. The programme launches, but the structure can't hold it. And sometimes, it simply starts with you, one person ready to think differently.
At Axis of Action we work with individuals, teams, and organisations, helping change take root through coaching, transformation, and governance.
The founder and principal
With more than 20 years' experience across public sector transformation, programme delivery, and governance, Poly Barratt has held leadership and senior roles both within government agencies and in independent consultancy. She works at the intersection of strategy and implementation, the place where intention either takes off or falls flat. She has helped leaders move from stuck to clear, teams move from competing priorities to shared momentum, and organisations move from stalled change to delivery that holds. Her style is grounded and generous. She meets you where you are, asks the questions that matter, and brings the structure and judgement to turn what you know into what you do. The result is change that doesn't just launch, but lasts.
Three starting points. One axis.
Individuals
Coaching for people navigating career transitions, leadership steps, or personal turning points. We help you build self-awareness and resilience, reconnect with purpose, and translate intention into clear, deliberate action. Typically fortnightly or monthly sessions over six to eight months.
Leaders and businesses
Business advisory, performance coaching and culture development for leaders at pivotal moments. Whether you are building a start-up, scaling for growth or planning succession, we help you lead with clarity in complex conditions, strengthen trust and adaptability across your people, and turn strategy into meaningful sustained momentum.
Organisations
Independent transformation advisory and governance support for organisations navigating significant change. We bring clarity, structure and deep transformation expertise to complex or stalled initiatives, working across organisational, system and policy change. We sit alongside boards and executive teams as an independent voice, contributing the perspective, challenge and strategic judgement that complex decisions demand.
Whatever the starting point, our work is the same: helping you find your axis, hold it steady, and act from it with confidence.
Services that drive impact
Tailored solutions for leaders and organisations navigating complexity with confidence.
Transformation
Organisations often face moments where programmes stall, priorities compete, or delivery loses momentum. We provide independent transformation advice that brings clarity, structure, and confidence to complex change.
Coaching
We offer transformative coaching for individuals, leaders, and entrepreneurs ready to find their direction and unlock their potential. Our tailored sessions help you build actionable plans grounded in your unique strengths, values, and vision for the future.
Governance & leadership
Strong governance provides clarity, oversight, and strategic stewardship in complex environments. Axis of Action supports boards, programme governance groups, and leadership teams with independent insight, principled advice, and practical oversight.
What our clients say
Trusted by leaders who value integrity, depth and impact.
Poly's insights and guidance has prompted me to think differently, particularly around leadership and empowering my team.
Karen
Recruitment Manager, Government Department, Wellington
Ready to find your axis?
Whether it's navigating change, redefining a role or shifting perspective, Axis of Action provides the space to recalibrate and act with purpose.