When Pitcher Partners Perth set out to clarify their organisational values, they knew the goal wasn’t to create a glossy, forgettable list. Instead, they aspired to make values a lived experience – expressed through behaviours, decisions, and the everyday moments of work life.
With the support of Oasis People and Culture, they embarked on a journey that not only reshaped how they spoke of their values but embedded them deeply into the firm’s DNA. The result? A “Values Playbook” that would see words cultivate a thriving, purpose-driven culture.
Sandra Ursino, HR Director at Pitcher Partners, recalls the pivotal workshop where it all began. “We had 15 directors and partners in the room, and it was one of the first times we’d gathered everyone to do something like this,” she says. The session wasn’t just about wordsmithing; it was about taking the best of who we were as individuals and as a group and bringing that to life in a form that could be embedded throughout the entire firm. Everyone contributed, from senior partners to new directors. The process was deliberate and, yes, a bit messy at times. “We got buy-in from everybody,” Sandra reflects. “And that inclusivity made all the difference.”
Getting the values right was only the beginning. The real magic happened when Pitcher Partners brought them to life through an intentional, phased rollout.
Instead of flooding employees with abstract principles, they broke down each value into weekly behaviours. For instance, the value “Genuine Engagement” translated into tangible actions like “Be positive, present, and respectful” and “Get to know our clients personally and professionally.” Each week focused on one behaviour, communicated through screens in the office, email reminders, and discussions. This method helped employees truly internalise each behaviour.
Sandra describes the impact as palpable. “Now, we make business decisions based on these behaviours. We call people out—kindly but directly—when they’re not living our values.” This approach fostered a culture of accountability and courage, where people didn’t just memorise values but embodied them. It’s the kind of environment where candour and compassion coexist, where feedback is a way to grow, not to tear down.
One of the most memorable moments came when a graduate named Bella embodied the value “Enjoying the Journey.” By naturally bringing people together, Bella created a sense of belonging, even organising card games at lunch that drew grads and junior staff together from various divisions who would have otherwise been unlikely to interact with one another. To celebrate this, Sandra recognised Bella with a simple but meaningful gesture: a $20 coffee card and a handwritten note. “She loved that she got recognised,” Sandra shares. “It was a small act, but it meant everything to her.”
What Oasis loves about moments like this is that they capture the essence of meaningful recognition - it’s not about big, performative rewards but sincere acknowledgment of someone’s impact.
Pitcher Partners report that the ripple effect of living these values extends beyond day-to-day interactions. It shapes recruitment, where candidates are told upfront: “These aren’t just words on a page. We live and breathe these values.” It influences decisions, where leaders now pause to consider if choices align with the firm’s core principles. “It’s had a big impact,” Sandra says. “People know what’s expected, and they know we hold each other accountable.”
Reflecting on the journey, Sandra emphasises the value of having Oasis as a partner. “We don’t have the expertise to run a session like that ourselves,” she admits. “It helped to have an external perspective—someone who guided us gently but effectively.” The Oasis team facilitated robust, honest conversations that strengthened the foundation for Pitcher Partners to make these values not just words but part of how they show up every day.
This Pitcher Partner story reminds us of what’s possible when values become more than statements. They become promises and an invitation to live more courageously, more connected, and more aligned.
If this is the kind of transformative work you’d like to champion in your organisation, start a conversation with one of our team today.
Pitcher Partners is a national association of independent firms across Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle and Hunter, Perth and Sydney. They help businesses, families and individuals intelligently frame their goals and make the most of their potential. If you’ve got ambition, they are the team you want on your side.
Oasis People and Culture is a specialist consultancy group helping people recognise how their ways of being subtly influence the quality of every interaction and decision. They help their clients develop relational intelligence, conversational competence, self-awareness and diverse communication styles across the business.