Alchemy at the Edge Consulting is designed for VCFSE leaders who stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, inspired by the creative possibilities bubbling up within their organisations or faith communities. These leaders, often operating at the “edge of the inside,” recognise that true, lasting change starts at the edge and radiates toward the centre.

Richard Passmore is a seasoned innovator, and thought leader who has spent decades navigating the intersections of tradition and creativity. Known for his pioneering work in refounding organisations and empowering leaders, Richard draws on deep experience in faith-based innovation, social entrepreneurship, and systemic transformation.

His career began in youth and community development, where he cultivated his passion for engaging with those on the margins and unlocking their creative potential. Richard is the architect of transformative frameworks like the Mixed Ecology Trellis model, A Tricksters Theory of Change, Forward sensing, Reimagining the Two Loops, NWC Speed incubator, Constructive Disruption, etc which continue to shape mission-focused innovation. His approach is rooted in empowering leaders to sense, name, and nurture emerging possibilities while weaving them into sustainable systems of growth. He brings a unique ability to balance traditional values with forward-thinking strategies, making him a trusted partner for leaders seeking lasting, systemic change.

Therefore we specialise in helping organisations and leaders use constructive disruption to grow alternative creative systems that mature and move from parallel systems to ones embedded within the whole. Our work embraces the creative paradox: that newness often happens at the edge but systems embracing innovation can too easily kill it. 

With a focus on innovation within traditional sectors, Alchemy at the Edge offers the tools, strategies, and support necessary to identify, nurture, and amplify these creative sparks, transforming them into sustainable systems of growth and renewal. We cultivate resilience, adaptability, and systemic change to empower leaders and organisations alike.

From Edge to Centre

We specialize in equipping leaders who may feel at the edge of their organisation to catalyse change that permeates the entire system.

Creativity Rooted in Tradition

Our approach values the traditions and strengths of established systems while fostering innovation and creative disruption that reinvigorates them.

Proven Frameworks for Lasting Change

Drawing on practical, time-tested methodologies, we help leaders craft scalable solutions that work.

Focused on Leadership Empowerment

Our services centre on the leader’s unique potential to inspire and guide transformation from within by fostering the right relationships and systems with those who have the gift of not fitting in. 

Narrative-Driven Transformation

By prioritising storytelling, we enable leaders to communicate their vision compellingly, building broad support for change.

Who We Serve

Faith-Based Innovators: Leaders seeking to create imaginative spaces within traditional faith communities.

Social Entrepreneurs: Changemakers with a vision for systemic growth and sustainable impact.

Organisational Leaders: Those on the edge of traditional organisations who want to bring creativity and adaptability into the centre.

1. Identifying Creative Sparks

Help leaders discern and name the imaginative ideas and innovative practices already emerging in their context.

Offer tools to recognise the signs of creative vitality within teams, networks, or communities.

Spot individuals who may feel out of place within traditional systems, celebrating their unique perspectives and reframing their nonconformity as a vital asset for transformation and innovation.

2. Nurturing Creativity

Provide tailored support to develop the leader’s capacity to nurture emerging ideas and initiatives.

Support leaders in fostering environments where creativity can thrive amidst traditional systems.

Focus on empowering leaders and those on the ground to build the confidence and skills needed to foster bold innovation.

3. Networking for Change

Encourage generous spaces for like-minded individuals within established systems to build networks of mutual learning, support and resource change.

Facilitate strategic alliances that amplify creative efforts and build collaborative momentum.

4. Narrating the Journey

Guide leaders in articulating the story of their work in ways that inspire and mobilise others.

Develop storytelling techniques that align the emerging narrative with the organisation’s core values and mission.

5. Systemic Growth for Sustainability

Assist leaders in embedding creative initiatives into the organisational structure, ensuring their longevity and impact.

Use frameworks such as second operating systems, navigating the institutional hairball, sensing your way forward, levers for change, and values-driven practice to balance innovation with operational coherence.