Akyra celebrates 15 years in business

Fifteen years after launching Akyra Strategy & Development in the City of Moreton Bay, Founder and Managing Director Margaret Goody says the business continues to be defined by trusted partnerships, practical advice and helping organisations navigate increasingly complex people and workplace challenges.

The North Lakes-based business supports employers ranging from local family businesses and not-for-profits to organisations operating across Australia.

Over the past 15 years, Akyra has supported organisations through growth, organisational change, workforce challenges and an increasingly complex employment landscape, helping leaders build capable, compliant and high-performing workplaces.

Margaret said reaching 15 years had prompted her to reflect on Akyra’s longevity in the region.

“Having operated in Moreton Bay for 15 years has provided us with a deep understanding of the local business environment and the opportunity to build enduring relationships with organisations across the region. Over that time you build experience, trust and insights that can’t be created overnight,” Margaret said.

“When I look back on the past 15 years, it’s the people and partnerships that stand out most. We’ve shared challenges, celebrated successes and worked alongside clients as their businesses have evolved and grown.

“Being trusted to support organisations through significant people decisions is a privilege and one that I never take for granted.”

Built on long-term relationships

Akyra’s longevity is reflected in its client relationships, with many organisations continuing to work with Margaret and her team for more than five years and some having partnered with the business for over a decade.

Its client base has included Redcliffe Leagues Club, Pine Rivers Catchment Association, Bramble Bay Co, Tourism & Events Moreton Bay, All Star Batteries, Chameleon House, Lange Creative Lab and Sampson Chemical Products.

The mix provides a snapshot of the breadth of Akyra’s work, spanning family-owned businesses, SMEs, not-for-profits and organisations across a range of industries.

For Margaret, being embedded in the City of Moreton Bay business community means understanding not only workplace legislation, but also the commercial realities facing business owners, executives and community organisations. Over time, it has meant getting to know businesses, their owners and leaders, their people and their commercial priorities.

“Being so connected to the Moreton Bay business community means we get to know the businesses and the people behind them. When you’ve worked alongside organisations for many years, you understand where they’ve come from, where they’re going and can provide advice in the context of their business, not just HR in isolation,” Margaret said.

For many SMEs, Akyra provides access to senior strategic HR and workplace expertise without the need for an in-house team. For larger organisations, the business works alongside executives, boards and people leaders to navigate workforce challenges, manage risk and strengthen organisational capability.

These partnerships often span years as organisations grow, leadership teams evolve and new workforce challenges emerge.

Creating Employers of Choice

While Akyra works with organisations of different sizes and across different industries, its underlying focus has remained consistent: helping clients become “Employers of Choice”.

For Margaret, becoming an Employer of Choice means building the leadership capability, workplace culture and people practices that enable organisations to attract talent, retain key employees and achieve sustainable business outcomes.

Experience has reinforced that there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to people and workplace matters.

After 15 years working closely with employers, Margaret said there was rarely a one-size-fits-all answer when it came to people. Understanding the organisation, its people and its objectives is central to providing advice that works for the business.

Margaret said the workplace landscape had changed significantly over the past decade, with employers navigating increasing regulatory obligations, workforce expectations and leadership challenges.

“The expectations placed on employers today are very different to those of 15 years ago. Organisations need to balance compliance, culture, leadership effectiveness and employee experience, while remaining focused on achieving their business objectives,” she said.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and so very appreciative of everyone who has been part of the journey,” Margaret said.

“As we look ahead, AKYRA’s commitment remains the same… helping leaders build capable, high-performing workplaces with strong people practices where people and businesses thrive. We remain committed to helping organisations build great workplaces, support their people and achieve sustainable success. That’s what has driven us for the past 15 years and what will continue to drive us into the future.”

For Akyra, 15 years in business is ultimately a milestone built on experience and relationships, with its roots in the City of Moreton Bay remaining an important part of the business as its client base has extended across Australia.