Aaron Percival
@ampercival.bsky.social
aaronpercival.substack.com
Director / @SSC_SPC / Public Sector Transformation Leader – Driving Change for Real Impact | Obsessed with Value, Cares Deeply, Gets Things Done #PublicSector #DigitalGovernment #ServiceDelivery #Transformation #GCDigital
Director / @SSC_SPC / Public Sector Transformation Leader – Driving Change for Real Impact | Obsessed with Value, Cares Deeply, Gets Things Done #PublicSector #DigitalGovernment #ServiceDelivery #Transformation #GCDigital
“Resilience isn’t a single skill. It’s a variety of skills and coping mechanisms.” – Jean Chatzky
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October 22, 2025 at 4:02 PM
“Resilience isn’t a single skill. It’s a variety of skills and coping mechanisms.” – Jean Chatzky
🧵👇
🧵👇
“Project managers who think their project is unique are therefore a liability.”
Bent Flyvbjerg’s research shows why. 🧵👇
Bent Flyvbjerg’s research shows why. 🧵👇
September 19, 2025 at 3:17 PM
“Project managers who think their project is unique are therefore a liability.”
Bent Flyvbjerg’s research shows why. 🧵👇
Bent Flyvbjerg’s research shows why. 🧵👇
7/
I break down a full framework for Strategic IT Budget Optimization with recommendations and a white paper for leaders.
Read it here 👉 aaronpercival.substack.com/p/strategic-...
#PublicSector #DigitalGovernment #ITLeadership
I break down a full framework for Strategic IT Budget Optimization with recommendations and a white paper for leaders.
Read it here 👉 aaronpercival.substack.com/p/strategic-...
#PublicSector #DigitalGovernment #ITLeadership
September 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
7/
I break down a full framework for Strategic IT Budget Optimization with recommendations and a white paper for leaders.
Read it here 👉 aaronpercival.substack.com/p/strategic-...
#PublicSector #DigitalGovernment #ITLeadership
I break down a full framework for Strategic IT Budget Optimization with recommendations and a white paper for leaders.
Read it here 👉 aaronpercival.substack.com/p/strategic-...
#PublicSector #DigitalGovernment #ITLeadership
6/
Here’s the framework:
🔹 RTB: ensure continuity + find efficiencies (test: necessity + optimization potential)
🔹 CTB: fund high-impact change (test: alignment + time-to-value, tied to RTB insights)
It’s about choosing with intention, not just cutting.
Here’s the framework:
🔹 RTB: ensure continuity + find efficiencies (test: necessity + optimization potential)
🔹 CTB: fund high-impact change (test: alignment + time-to-value, tied to RTB insights)
It’s about choosing with intention, not just cutting.
September 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
6/
Here’s the framework:
🔹 RTB: ensure continuity + find efficiencies (test: necessity + optimization potential)
🔹 CTB: fund high-impact change (test: alignment + time-to-value, tied to RTB insights)
It’s about choosing with intention, not just cutting.
Here’s the framework:
🔹 RTB: ensure continuity + find efficiencies (test: necessity + optimization potential)
🔹 CTB: fund high-impact change (test: alignment + time-to-value, tied to RTB insights)
It’s about choosing with intention, not just cutting.
5/
Best practices for IT leaders:
1️⃣ Create visibility (track RTB + CTB spend)
2️⃣ Prioritize ruthlessly (value, risk, alignment)
3️⃣ Protect critical RTB, optimize the rest
4️⃣ Reinvest savings into CTB
Best practices for IT leaders:
1️⃣ Create visibility (track RTB + CTB spend)
2️⃣ Prioritize ruthlessly (value, risk, alignment)
3️⃣ Protect critical RTB, optimize the rest
4️⃣ Reinvest savings into CTB
September 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
5/
Best practices for IT leaders:
1️⃣ Create visibility (track RTB + CTB spend)
2️⃣ Prioritize ruthlessly (value, risk, alignment)
3️⃣ Protect critical RTB, optimize the rest
4️⃣ Reinvest savings into CTB
Best practices for IT leaders:
1️⃣ Create visibility (track RTB + CTB spend)
2️⃣ Prioritize ruthlessly (value, risk, alignment)
3️⃣ Protect critical RTB, optimize the rest
4️⃣ Reinvest savings into CTB
4/
Cut RTB too much → outages + service risk.
Delay CTB too long → technical debt + falling behind.
It’s a balancing act. That’s where a structured framework helps leaders make smarter, intentional trade-offs.
Cut RTB too much → outages + service risk.
Delay CTB too long → technical debt + falling behind.
It’s a balancing act. That’s where a structured framework helps leaders make smarter, intentional trade-offs.
September 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
4/
Cut RTB too much → outages + service risk.
Delay CTB too long → technical debt + falling behind.
It’s a balancing act. That’s where a structured framework helps leaders make smarter, intentional trade-offs.
Cut RTB too much → outages + service risk.
Delay CTB too long → technical debt + falling behind.
It’s a balancing act. That’s where a structured framework helps leaders make smarter, intentional trade-offs.
3/
The key is separating:
⚙️ Run-the-Business (RTB): keep the lights on — servers, apps, support, security.
🚀 Change-the-Business (CTB): modernization, automation, innovation.
Best practice is 50-60% on CTB.
Most orgs: 60–70% of spend on RTB. In gov’t, it’s higher.
The key is separating:
⚙️ Run-the-Business (RTB): keep the lights on — servers, apps, support, security.
🚀 Change-the-Business (CTB): modernization, automation, innovation.
Best practice is 50-60% on CTB.
Most orgs: 60–70% of spend on RTB. In gov’t, it’s higher.
September 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
3/
The key is separating:
⚙️ Run-the-Business (RTB): keep the lights on — servers, apps, support, security.
🚀 Change-the-Business (CTB): modernization, automation, innovation.
Best practice is 50-60% on CTB.
Most orgs: 60–70% of spend on RTB. In gov’t, it’s higher.
The key is separating:
⚙️ Run-the-Business (RTB): keep the lights on — servers, apps, support, security.
🚀 Change-the-Business (CTB): modernization, automation, innovation.
Best practice is 50-60% on CTB.
Most orgs: 60–70% of spend on RTB. In gov’t, it’s higher.
2/
Public sector IT budgets are stretched by:
- Inflation + rising tech costs
- New workloads without new funding
- Rising demand for digital services
The result: pressure to cut costs and deliver more.
Public sector IT budgets are stretched by:
- Inflation + rising tech costs
- New workloads without new funding
- Rising demand for digital services
The result: pressure to cut costs and deliver more.
September 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
2/
Public sector IT budgets are stretched by:
- Inflation + rising tech costs
- New workloads without new funding
- Rising demand for digital services
The result: pressure to cut costs and deliver more.
Public sector IT budgets are stretched by:
- Inflation + rising tech costs
- New workloads without new funding
- Rising demand for digital services
The result: pressure to cut costs and deliver more.
“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” — Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (1818)
That truth is familiar in government. Change unsettles—but it can also be opportunity. 🧵👇
That truth is familiar in government. Change unsettles—but it can also be opportunity. 🧵👇
September 4, 2025 at 2:08 PM
“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” — Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (1818)
That truth is familiar in government. Change unsettles—but it can also be opportunity. 🧵👇
That truth is familiar in government. Change unsettles—but it can also be opportunity. 🧵👇
Public sector transformation: You won’t always see the results right away.
The systems are complex. The challenges are endless.
And the wins? They’re often quiet.
But they matter.
🧵👇
The systems are complex. The challenges are endless.
And the wins? They’re often quiet.
But they matter.
🧵👇
August 28, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Public sector transformation: You won’t always see the results right away.
The systems are complex. The challenges are endless.
And the wins? They’re often quiet.
But they matter.
🧵👇
The systems are complex. The challenges are endless.
And the wins? They’re often quiet.
But they matter.
🧵👇
"It is very rare that the [Office of the Auditor General] (OAG) reports on miscues committed by central agencies, the PMO, Finance, the PCO, or even the OAG itself."
📖 Donald Savoie, Speaking Truth to Canadians About Their Public Service (p. 34)
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📖 Donald Savoie, Speaking Truth to Canadians About Their Public Service (p. 34)
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August 21, 2025 at 2:07 PM
"It is very rare that the [Office of the Auditor General] (OAG) reports on miscues committed by central agencies, the PMO, Finance, the PCO, or even the OAG itself."
📖 Donald Savoie, Speaking Truth to Canadians About Their Public Service (p. 34)
🧵👇
📖 Donald Savoie, Speaking Truth to Canadians About Their Public Service (p. 34)
🧵👇
Together, these 5 elements form the public sector value chain:
👥 People
⚙️ Service
🤝 Trust
💡 Innovation
🌐 Collaboration
Which element matters most today?
Full piece here: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/unleashing...
👥 People
⚙️ Service
🤝 Trust
💡 Innovation
🌐 Collaboration
Which element matters most today?
Full piece here: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/unleashing...
August 19, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Together, these 5 elements form the public sector value chain:
👥 People
⚙️ Service
🤝 Trust
💡 Innovation
🌐 Collaboration
Which element matters most today?
Full piece here: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/unleashing...
👥 People
⚙️ Service
🤝 Trust
💡 Innovation
🌐 Collaboration
Which element matters most today?
Full piece here: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/unleashing...
5/ Collaboration is the multiplier.
Networks between agencies, NGOs, and the private sector expand capacity.
Partnerships make services more resilient, scalable, and citizen-focused.
Networks between agencies, NGOs, and the private sector expand capacity.
Partnerships make services more resilient, scalable, and citizen-focused.
August 19, 2025 at 2:08 PM
5/ Collaboration is the multiplier.
Networks between agencies, NGOs, and the private sector expand capacity.
Partnerships make services more resilient, scalable, and citizen-focused.
Networks between agencies, NGOs, and the private sector expand capacity.
Partnerships make services more resilient, scalable, and citizen-focused.
4/ Innovation is the driver.
Technology, new policies, and fresh ideas reshape services.
Innovation helps the public sector stay adaptive and cost-effective.
Technology, new policies, and fresh ideas reshape services.
Innovation helps the public sector stay adaptive and cost-effective.
August 19, 2025 at 2:08 PM
4/ Innovation is the driver.
Technology, new policies, and fresh ideas reshape services.
Innovation helps the public sector stay adaptive and cost-effective.
Technology, new policies, and fresh ideas reshape services.
Innovation helps the public sector stay adaptive and cost-effective.
3/ Trust is the currency.
Transparent, accountable institutions earn confidence.
Trust decides whether citizens see the government as legitimate and reliable.
Transparent, accountable institutions earn confidence.
Trust decides whether citizens see the government as legitimate and reliable.
August 19, 2025 at 2:08 PM
3/ Trust is the currency.
Transparent, accountable institutions earn confidence.
Trust decides whether citizens see the government as legitimate and reliable.
Transparent, accountable institutions earn confidence.
Trust decides whether citizens see the government as legitimate and reliable.
2/ Service is the engine.
From healthcare to infrastructure, services are where value is felt.
Improving efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness strengthens the chain.
From healthcare to infrastructure, services are where value is felt.
Improving efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness strengthens the chain.
August 19, 2025 at 2:07 PM
2/ Service is the engine.
From healthcare to infrastructure, services are where value is felt.
Improving efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness strengthens the chain.
From healthcare to infrastructure, services are where value is felt.
Improving efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness strengthens the chain.
1/ People are the foundation.
Public servants bring skills, knowledge, and motivation.
Citizens, when engaged, become co-creators of better outcomes.
Transformation starts with people.
Public servants bring skills, knowledge, and motivation.
Citizens, when engaged, become co-creators of better outcomes.
Transformation starts with people.
August 19, 2025 at 2:07 PM
1/ People are the foundation.
Public servants bring skills, knowledge, and motivation.
Citizens, when engaged, become co-creators of better outcomes.
Transformation starts with people.
Public servants bring skills, knowledge, and motivation.
Citizens, when engaged, become co-creators of better outcomes.
Transformation starts with people.
The public sector value chain holds the key to delivering better services and building trust.
Here’s how the 5 elements shape transformation in government
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#PublicSector #Leadership
Here’s how the 5 elements shape transformation in government
🧵👇
#PublicSector #Leadership
August 19, 2025 at 2:07 PM
The public sector value chain holds the key to delivering better services and building trust.
Here’s how the 5 elements shape transformation in government
🧵👇
#PublicSector #Leadership
Here’s how the 5 elements shape transformation in government
🧵👇
#PublicSector #Leadership
Waiting for the perfect moment can mean waiting forever.
Edmund Burke, a political thinker during the age of revolutions, captured the danger of delay:
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” 🧵👇
Edmund Burke, a political thinker during the age of revolutions, captured the danger of delay:
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” 🧵👇
August 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Waiting for the perfect moment can mean waiting forever.
Edmund Burke, a political thinker during the age of revolutions, captured the danger of delay:
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” 🧵👇
Edmund Burke, a political thinker during the age of revolutions, captured the danger of delay:
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” 🧵👇
🏀 "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty‑six times I've been trusted to take the game‑winning shot—and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." – Michael Jordan
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July 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
🏀 "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty‑six times I've been trusted to take the game‑winning shot—and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." – Michael Jordan
🧵 👇
🧵 👇
Are We Creating Planning Debt Without Realizing It?
Planning Debt = future rework caused by:
🔹 Over-planning
🔹 Under-planning
🔹 Misaligned planning
It's real. And it’s costly.
Read more: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/the-concep...
#PublicService #Leadership #Planning #BeyondtheStatusQuo
Planning Debt = future rework caused by:
🔹 Over-planning
🔹 Under-planning
🔹 Misaligned planning
It's real. And it’s costly.
Read more: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/the-concep...
#PublicService #Leadership #Planning #BeyondtheStatusQuo
July 1, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Are We Creating Planning Debt Without Realizing It?
Planning Debt = future rework caused by:
🔹 Over-planning
🔹 Under-planning
🔹 Misaligned planning
It's real. And it’s costly.
Read more: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/the-concep...
#PublicService #Leadership #Planning #BeyondtheStatusQuo
Planning Debt = future rework caused by:
🔹 Over-planning
🔹 Under-planning
🔹 Misaligned planning
It's real. And it’s costly.
Read more: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/the-concep...
#PublicService #Leadership #Planning #BeyondtheStatusQuo
7/
If we want to build trust, deliver impact, and make government work better, we need more than policies and plans.
We need purpose. And we need to live it.
🧭 Full piece here: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/rediscover...
#BeyondTheStatusQuo #Purpose #GovernmentTransformation
If we want to build trust, deliver impact, and make government work better, we need more than policies and plans.
We need purpose. And we need to live it.
🧭 Full piece here: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/rediscover...
#BeyondTheStatusQuo #Purpose #GovernmentTransformation
June 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
7/
If we want to build trust, deliver impact, and make government work better, we need more than policies and plans.
We need purpose. And we need to live it.
🧭 Full piece here: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/rediscover...
#BeyondTheStatusQuo #Purpose #GovernmentTransformation
If we want to build trust, deliver impact, and make government work better, we need more than policies and plans.
We need purpose. And we need to live it.
🧭 Full piece here: aaronpercival.substack.com/p/rediscover...
#BeyondTheStatusQuo #Purpose #GovernmentTransformation
Reading Speaking Truth to Canadians about Their Public Service by Donald J. Savoie this really stood out.
It raises big questions:
💬 Does regional representation help or hinder delivery?
💬 Are we balancing poets (policy) and plumbers (delivery) the right way?
#PublicService #RegionalRepresentation
It raises big questions:
💬 Does regional representation help or hinder delivery?
💬 Are we balancing poets (policy) and plumbers (delivery) the right way?
#PublicService #RegionalRepresentation
June 19, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Reading Speaking Truth to Canadians about Their Public Service by Donald J. Savoie this really stood out.
It raises big questions:
💬 Does regional representation help or hinder delivery?
💬 Are we balancing poets (policy) and plumbers (delivery) the right way?
#PublicService #RegionalRepresentation
It raises big questions:
💬 Does regional representation help or hinder delivery?
💬 Are we balancing poets (policy) and plumbers (delivery) the right way?
#PublicService #RegionalRepresentation
6/
📣 What’s your Ted Lasso leadership moment?
Drop it in the comments 👇
#TedLasso #Leadership #Transformation #Innovation #GrowthMindset #Empathy #PublicSector
📣 What’s your Ted Lasso leadership moment?
Drop it in the comments 👇
#TedLasso #Leadership #Transformation #Innovation #GrowthMindset #Empathy #PublicSector
June 10, 2025 at 12:07 PM
6/
📣 What’s your Ted Lasso leadership moment?
Drop it in the comments 👇
#TedLasso #Leadership #Transformation #Innovation #GrowthMindset #Empathy #PublicSector
📣 What’s your Ted Lasso leadership moment?
Drop it in the comments 👇
#TedLasso #Leadership #Transformation #Innovation #GrowthMindset #Empathy #PublicSector
5/
💬 So what can leaders take from Ted?
✅ Embrace failure as fuel
✅ Lead with empathy
✅ Communicate a vision worth following
You don’t have to know all the rules—you just need to bring people with you.
💬 So what can leaders take from Ted?
✅ Embrace failure as fuel
✅ Lead with empathy
✅ Communicate a vision worth following
You don’t have to know all the rules—you just need to bring people with you.
June 10, 2025 at 12:07 PM
5/
💬 So what can leaders take from Ted?
✅ Embrace failure as fuel
✅ Lead with empathy
✅ Communicate a vision worth following
You don’t have to know all the rules—you just need to bring people with you.
💬 So what can leaders take from Ted?
✅ Embrace failure as fuel
✅ Lead with empathy
✅ Communicate a vision worth following
You don’t have to know all the rules—you just need to bring people with you.