Disclosure Policy

Purpose

This policy exists for one reason: trust.

My work is designed to help enterprise leaders make better workforce and HR technology decisions. That requires clarity on what constitutes independent research, what constitutes delivery work, and what constitutes commercial work.

If a reader cannot tell the difference, the work loses value.

What this policy covers

This policy applies to:

research notes, articles, and published perspectives
downloadable reports and frameworks
executive briefings and workshops
speaking engagements and moderated conversations
vendor briefings and market interactions
Any work delivered through the Elev8 Group where my research is referenced

Core principles

Clarity over ambiguity

I will not rely on implied independence. If a relationship exists that a reasonable reader would want to know, it should be disclosed.

Separation between research and delivery

Research may inform delivery work (diagnostics, market intelligence, briefings). Delivery work does not determine research conclusions.

No hidden pay-to-play

I do not produce rankings or comparative claims in exchange for payment without clear labelling. Promotional content should be labelled as such.

Criteria integrity

When I use structured criteria or evaluation logic, the standards remain consistent. Context can change conclusions. The method should not change to suit a narrative.

Decision relevance

The goal is decision clarity, not attention. I aim to reduce hype, not amplify it.

How disclosures will appear

Where a disclosure is relevant, it will be visible:

at the top or bottom of the piece
in plain language
without legal framing

Disclosures are designed for reader clarity, not compliance theatre.

Relationship types and how I handle them

Independent research (default)

When I publish commentary, frameworks, or market perspectives without compensation from vendors mentioned, it is independent.

Label example:
Independent analysis.

Commissioned work

When a piece is commissioned by a client (enterprise, partner, or vendor), it will be disclosed.

Label example:
Commissioned by [organisation].

Delivery engagements (Elev8 Group)

Work delivered through Elev8 may include diagnostics (Calibr8), research (Articul8), executive decision support, and leadership sessions. When I publicly reference that work, I will disclose the nature of the engagement without sharing confidential details.

Label example:
This work references frameworks delivered through Elev8 Group.

Speaking and events

Speaking engagements are often paid. Payment for speaking does not automatically imply endorsement of an organisation, vendor, or platform. Where a talk is sponsored or tied to a commercial relationship, it will be disclosed.

Label example:
Paid speaking engagement.
or
Event sponsored by [organisation].

Vendor briefings

Vendors may brief me on their products, roadmaps, and claims. These briefings are treated as inputs — not validation.

Vendor participation does not guarantee inclusion in research, and inclusion does not imply endorsement.

What I do not do

To reduce confusion and protect trust:

I do not publish undisclosed promotional comparisons.
I do not present sponsorship as independent analysis.
I do not accept payment to change evaluation outcomes.
I do not trade favourable positioning for commercial benefit.

Conflicts and how they are managed

Where a conflict could reasonably be perceived, I will:

disclose it, and/or
separate the workstreams, and/or
decline the engagement

Trust is the asset. If the asset is at risk, the work is not worth doing.

Limits and confidentiality

Some engagements involve confidentiality. I will not disclose confidential client details or proprietary information. This policy covers the existence and category of relationships, not the content of private work.

Questions

If you have a question about a published piece or a relationship, ask.