About 45black
The thinking that makes AI work
Teaching organisations the systemic mindset, knowledge structures, and process discipline that must come before successful automation.
After watching countless AI initiatives fail—not because the technology was wrong, but because organisations weren't ready—I developed the 45black methodology to teach the skills that come BEFORE automation.
Operating from Leeds, West Yorkshire, I work with organisations across the UK to build the systemic thinking capabilities, knowledge structures, and process discipline required for successful AI adoption.
The failures I witnessed shared common patterns: teams deploying AI tools without restructuring how they thought, knowledge trapped in people's heads or buried in document graveyards, processes documented for humans but unreadable by machines. Technology was being layered onto foundations that couldn't support it.
The 45black methodology addresses these root causes. It's not about moving slowly—it's about building in the right sequence. Systemic thinking first. Then knowledge organisation. Then process mapping. Then, and only then, targeted AI that amplifies human capability rather than replacing human judgment.
The Apex Governance Platform proved the approach works in one of the UK's most complex, regulated industries—pension trustee compliance. Now I teach this methodology to others.
Our Approach
How we work
Honesty Over Hype
We make conservative claims we can defend. If we don't know, we say so. No black boxes—every AI system should be explainable to the people it affects.
Methodology Over Magic
AI is just the tool that makes systems thinking visible. The value is in the thinking. Domain expertise matters—generic AI consulting won't work in regulated environments.
Capability Transfer, Not Dependency
We teach the methodology. It stays with the team when we leave. Everything we build should reduce cognitive load, not add to it.
Accessibility Is Non-Negotiable
Technology should work for everyone. Our commitment to accessibility stems from lived experience with ADHD, ASD, and visual impairment. We design for the margins because margins define the centre.
We believe AI should augment human capability, not replace human judgment. The best outcomes come from humans and machines working together—each contributing what they do best.
Let's work together
Whether you're exploring AI adoption, developing systemic thinking capabilities, or building human-centric automation—I'd welcome the conversation.
Get in Touch