Work With Me
Implementation work normally starts with a focused Discovery & Governance Sprint. Before either side commits to a build, you receive an independent view of the problem, whether AI is proportionate, and what implementation would require.
The Sprint combines document review, workflow mapping, a leadership working session, use-case evaluation, data and risk analysis, governance design, and an AI Decision Brief and 90-Day Roadmap.
Start with a free 15-minute fit check
Send two sentences about the workflow or decision. I will confirm whether a Discovery & Governance Sprint, focused Expert Input, or no engagement is the proportionate next step. No substantive diagnosis is provided at this stage.
If you want more background first, see the guides for higher education and creative and digital agencies.
What the Discovery & Governance Sprint is
A short, paid diagnostic to map your workflows, identify high-value use cases, assess risk and readiness, and produce an AI Decision Brief and 90-Day Roadmap for the next step: Pilot Build, an Implementation Pilot, or a retainer.
Standard: £3,500. Extended: £5,500. All prices exclude VAT where applicable. Agreed travel and third-party costs are confirmed in writing before work starts.
Who it’s for
- Universities, Research Institutes, Funders and Sector Bodies making defensible AI decisions.
- Professional and Business Services improving high-value knowledge workflows.
- Funded Research-Led Organisations with a defined workflow and decision owner.
Not a fit if
- You want generic “AI transformation” messaging without concrete workflows.
- You want bulk content output or prompt “hacks” instead of workflow change.
- You need a large bespoke software team for long-term product engineering.
What you get
- Current-state workflow map and evidence review.
- Ranked use cases across value, feasibility and risk.
- Data, IP, quality and governance boundaries.
- Pilot specification, success measures and evaluation plan.
- AI Decision Brief and 90-Day Roadmap.
What happens next
- Pilot Build (working prototype).
- Implementation Pilot (4–6 weeks).
- Fractional CAIO support (retainer).
The Process
- 1.You complete the intake and provide the agreed evidence, such as relevant policies, process notes or existing evaluations.
- 2.I review the material and map the current workflow, including decision rights, data boundaries and failure risks.
- 3.I hold a focused leadership working session to test assumptions, priorities and practical constraints.
- 4.You receive the AI Decision Brief and 90-Day Roadmap within one week for Standard or two weeks for Extended, containing:
- an honest assessment of feasibility and risk
- recommended next step (Pilot Build, Implementation Pilot, or retainer)
- an implementation roadmap (priorities, owners, and governance cadence)
If the evidence supports proceeding, I recommend the proportionate next step. You are not obliged to commission it from Herbst Systems.
Apply for a Sprint
I review applications within two working days and will either propose a short call, recommend a smaller starting point, or explain why I am not the right fit.
Any engagement is considered subject to my outside-work, conflict and confidentiality obligations. I will decline work where those duties would be compromised.