Albert Einstein said that “nothing happens unless something is moved”. He might have been talking about physics, but change has always been part of Leap’s DNA for that very reason. To be in a state of learning, questioning, evolving, adapting – and creating better ways to design and do business for planet and people.
Over the past year or so, we have been entering into a new chapter in our own evolution.
Our founder, Matt Hocking, is moving into a new role as Chair of Leap, taking a step back from the day-to-day running of the studio. His focus is shifting to longer-term vision, and also supporting others through his new fractional Chief Evolution Officer offering.
It’s a shift that builds on everything he’s created here over the past 20 years. Matt has always been a pathfinder, someone who brings people together, spots potential others might not have noticed yet, and turns it into action. His new role lets him bring that experience to more boardrooms that are ready to evolve, while staying connected to Leap as Chair.
As Matt shifts gear (yes, that’s a cycling metaphor 😉), Leap’s leadership is changing shape too, from a single founder-led model to a shared structure led by three long-time team members: Simon Thomason (Managing Director), Helen Johnston (Head of Client Services), and Nathan Lance (Creative Director).
Together, they’ve already spent the past 18 months steering Leap through this transition, shaping a way of leading that’s more collaborative, regenerative and future-fit.
“Following Matt’s transition to the chair role, Leap has spent the past 18 months operating under a trio leadership structure.
This shift represents our commitment to a more holocratic, regenerative approach to business. We’re moving beyond traditional hierarchical leadership toward a living systems mindset – one that helps us thrive in complexity rather than simply using capitalistic metrics. The trio structure supports our evolution into a more self-managing, diverse, and inclusive organisation that leads with authenticity.
This journey is about becoming truly regenerative: leaning into our purpose to create positive impact, living our values, and ensuring Leap is future-proof and leaves a meaningful legacy for the generations to come. We’re excited about this next chapter as we continue igniting the creative change our planet needs*.”
– Simon Thomason
“Matt has built something special at Leap – a place where people and planet aren’t an afterthought, they’re the whole point. Taking the reins alongside Simon and Nath feels like a big but exciting responsibility.
In our trio structure, I’m able to focus on nurturing the relationships and wellbeing that underpin everything we do. That means actively creating space for our team to genuinely thrive – whether that’s through developing our wellbeing support or getting out into nature together, which reminds us why we do this work.
It’s also about how we show up for our clients: not as a traditional agency-client relationship, but as genuine partners working side by side. When we collaborate as one team, we’re stronger and more creative than any of us would be individually.
This transition has allowed the three of us to pause and get clear on what we each do best and how we want to show up for each other and the work that matters.”
– Helen Johnston
“From a creative point of view, Matt’s move isn’t about rewriting why and how we approach briefs in the way we do (that ethos is woven into every fibre of what Leap is). It’s more of a chance to re-examine our creative services, and to use industry shifts and uncertainty as a catalyst, to reenergise our amazing and growing talented team, to spark more change, to grow with more purpose inside and outside our work.
Matt has laid and continues to build a powerful blueprint for business done the right way – and now we have the opportunity to carry forward that foresight. With courageous clients, bold projects, and outcomes that uplift both people and planet, I’m excited to lean into this next phase.”
– Nathan Lance
The move reflects what Leap has always stood for: progress through collaboration, creativity and care. As well as a leadership change, it’s a natural step in building the kind of business we’ve always believed in.
Matt will continue to support Leap as Chair, offering his strategic perspective and connection to the broader sustainability movement, while Simon, Helen and Nathan lead the day-to-day with the same passion, creativity, expertise and purpose that Leap is known for.
We’ll keep doing what we do best: helping brands and organisations find the creative spark that leads to real, regenerative change.