Positive Deviance
Thriving Against the Odds
THRIVING AGAINST THE ODDS
We are a boutique knowledge, communications and advocacy consultancy on a mission to generate and communicate rigorous knowledge. Knowledge which has the power to drive meaningful change for young children, their families and the social sector more broadly.
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Positive Deviance means to thrive against the odds.
Uncovering and scaling the reasons that some individuals, organisations and systems thrive when the odds are stacked against them is what inspires us.
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Our approach is rooted in authenticity and creativity, defined by empathy.
Proteas embody positive deviance because they transform devastation into renewal, blooming most brilliantly after fire in landscapes where few plants endure.
WHAT WE DO
At Positive Deviance, we believe that knowledge generation, communication and advocacy go hand in hand.
We support our clients in generating actionable knowledge through rigorous research and ensuring that knowledge does not sit on a shelf but is communicated effectively to relevant audiences in ways that resonate with them.
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We transform complex insights into accessible, innovative, and beautifully crafted outputs—making knowledge engaging and actionable. Our mission is to honour the rigour of research while reimagining how it is communicated, so that ideas spark change, empower communities, and inspire lasting impact.
KNOWLEDGE &
INSIGHTS
We delve deep into data and human experiences to uncover hidden patterns and breakthrough opportunities through research.
ADVOCACY &
COMMUNICATIONS
We craft impactful, evidence-based messages and campaigns that drive engagement and action towards better child outcomes.
STRATEGY
CONSULTING
We support organisations in developing impactful strategies based on rigorous Theories of Change and multi-stakeholder engagment.
Mangroves embody positive deviance because they flourish in saltwater swamps where most plants cannot survive, transforming harsh, hostile environments into thriving ecosystems that protect and sustain life.
OUR APPROACH
Our approach is rooted in authenticity and creativity, defined by empathy.
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Empathy. We listen with the intent of deeply understanding our clients’ needs, their audiences’ points of view and our research participants’ experiences.
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Authenticity. We are true to ourselves and our values in all we do. We create authentically and ethically, ensuring maximum impact for our clients and society more broadly.
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Creativity. For us, knowledge generation, communications and advocacy are all creative pursuits. We combine rigour with imagination, ensuring that the knowledge we generate is not only accurate and reliable, but also engaging, beautiful, and actionable.