Kelley Rowe

Experience

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  Stratlever

  Aug 2018 - now

  Founder

  Stratlever :: Accelerate the transition to a sustainable and meaningful futureIn my freelance capacity, I provide high-level strategic consulting and advisory services to organisations that are navigating complex transitions toward sustainable growth and innovation. With over 16 years of experience across multiple sectors, my focus is on helping businesses implement long-term strategies that address today’s challenges while positioning them for future success.My work involves advising senior leadership teams on circular economy transitions, corporate strategy, and supply chain transformation. I also coach teams through innovation sprints, guiding them in applying exponential technologies and business models that drive both profitability and sustainable impact. Recent projects have included advising a European renewable energy utility on the development of decentralised energy systems and securing significant funding for public-private partnerships in South Africa’s manufacturing sector.I also provided advisory support to a research initiative analysing the reuse economy across three South African cities, providing insights that have informed new economic models within the circular economy. I also co-led a project in Kenya focused on creating sustainable livelihoods in the informal economy by connecting local repairers, innovators, and experts to foster collaboration between formal and informal sectors.I dedicate 20% of my time to high-value freelance advisory work, focusing on strategic initiatives that align with my expertise in innovation, sustainability, and business transformation. I also provide select pro-bono support to SMEs and social enterprises. Show less

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  OpenExO

  Feb 2020 - now

  ExO Sprint Coach & Advisor

  OpenExO :: Transforming the world for a better futureAt OpenExO, a global transformation ecosystem of over 18 000 coaches, consultants, and innovation specialists, I serve as an ExO Sprint Coach and Advisor. In this role, I work with global innovation teams to help organizations transition towards exponential change and scalability, supporting them in creating a better, more abundant future.My work focuses on guiding organizations through their transformation journeys, ensuring that they adopt exponential principles that allow them to unlock new opportunities for growth and impact. I’ve contributed to the collaborative effort behind the book, Exponential Organizations 2.0: The New Playbook for 10x Growth & Impact, co-authoring content alongside some of the world’s leading experts in disruptive innovation. This book, a follow-up to the original Exponential Organizations, provides updated case studies and insights on how to build scalable, future-focused organizations.Through this work, I’m able to combine my expertise in innovation and transformation with the collective knowledge of the global OpenExO community, helping to shape the future of business for organizations looking to embrace exponential thinking. Show less

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  Women4Impact

  Sept 2020 - now

  Co-Creator

  Women4Impact :: Unlocking Women’s Full Potential for a Better WorldWomen4Impact is a global initiative I co-created alongside a diverse team of exponential thinkers and changemakers from 10 different countries across six continents. Our mission is to unlock the full potential of women for a better world. As a non-profit initiative, Women4Impact aims to drive positive change through collaboration, empowerment, and innovation.At present, I’m not actively involved, however I’m proud to have contributed to the creation of this global movement that continues to inspire and support women around the world. Show less

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  Brownie Points

  Apr 2022 - now

  Chairperson of the Board & Director

  At Brownie Points, a leading impact-as-a-service (IaaS) platform in Africa, I serve as Chairperson of the Board and Director. In this role, I guide the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring that we continue to empower non-profits, businesses, and individuals to create meaningful social impact.My focus is on strengthening Brownie Points’ platform capabilities to track, celebrate, and scale good deeds across Africa. By fostering collaborations between organizations and communities, I help position Brownie Points as a key enabler of measurable social good, helping to drive systemic change through technology and innovation. My role includes overseeing governance, driving long-term strategy, and expanding partnerships that amplify our collective ability to do good. Show less

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  African Circular Economy Network

  Jun 2022 - now

  Chapter Member

  The African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) is a registered Non-Profit Company in South Africa (Reg. No. 2020/115399/08). Our vision is to build a restorative African economy that generates well-being and prosperity inclusive of all its people through new forms of economic production and consumption which maintain and regenerate its environmental resources. We do this through:ResearchThe research activities of the ACEN will investigate issues, document findings relevant for the African context and its needs. Researchers will be drawn from ACEN members, academics and other stakeholder partners across Africa, but also Europe, Asia or America where needed.Training and AwarenessThe priority of ACEN is to raise awareness and undertake training amongst key sectors of the African economy: public (government, educational institutions), private (corporates & SMEs), and civil society (non-governmental organisations) to promote the concept, benefits, principles and practice of the Circular Economy.Networking and EventsACEN believes that solutions to current challenges require inter-disciplinary skills, multiple stakeholder involvement and regional, African as well as international partnerships. ACEN therefore aims to create platforms where specialists can collaborate to exchange ideas, experiences and solutions. We have hosted several stakeholder engagements, in collaboration with partners, to enable a global reach. Knowledge SharingACEN currently disseminates and shares knowledge about the circular economy through LinkedIn and Facebook, and in the future, will also use other online channels to develop a strong base of knowledge and information and extend its reach throughout Africa. Show less

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  Brink

  Jul 2022 - now

  Innovation Lead

  Brink :: Enabling teams around the world to tackle some of the biggest challenges with clarity and courage. Brink is an innovation practice made of psychologists, strategists, designers, creative thinkers and tech optimists. We blend method, systems and mindsets to make enduring innovation. We work with corporates, government and charities to deliver innovation programmes and show teams how to learn, become adaptive and resilient in the face of uncertain futures.At Brink, I work at the intersection of climate resilience, frontier technologies, and the future of work, leading innovation that makes a real difference on the ground. From 2022 to 2024, I led Brink’s Frontier Tech portfolio, overseeing pilots across Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These projects ranged from using AI and IoT for climate and social impact to exploring renewable energy solutions, all with a focus on sustainability and long-term impact.My role is to ensure that innovation goes beyond ideas and becomes something sustainable and scalable. I’ve worked closely with diverse partners to guide these projects through every stage, from concept to implementation, ensuring they are adaptable and deliver tangible results.Now, I’m focused on building out our Climate and Future of Work portfolio, continuing to shape strategies that respond to today’s most urgent challenges. I’m also leading the GeoSeals pilot, which is testing a humanitarian aid track-and-trace system in Ethiopia—work that brings together my passion for innovation and real-world problem-solving. Show less