Our Values in Action  

Businesses aren’t just built on strategies and products – they’re built on the values that shape every decision, interaction, and innovation. The strongest brands are built from the inside out.  

At Open Water, our values aren’t just words on a wall - they shape how we think, work, and grow together. They fuel our collaboration, strengthen our impact, and define the way we support our clients and each other.

So, we’d like to share the core values that define us, brought to life by the voices of our team.  

We’re abundant

With our time

"At Christmas, Marika bought personalised gifts for each of us that really show she understands everyone. Not many MDs make time or think to do something like that. They show that they really care.”  

– Zoe, Program Manager

With our energy

Abundance sometimes exists in the form of smile lines, “We did laughter yoga at a Christmas party back in 2021, and it was the wildest thing I have ever witnessed. My smile lines have stuck to this day ... so thanks, I guess.”  

– Miran, Creative Lead  

With our enthusiasm to dance together

Both figuratively, “Whether it's the people behind the scenes in the studio, or the talented facilitators – they dance together to do their best for the team or participants in question."  

– Andy, Client Engagement Director  

And literally, “We did line dancing in Nashville, and Ben rewarded me with a cowboy hat afterwards that I have right by my desk.”  

– Mitchell, Studio Manager  

We’re interested

In people

"It’s one of those special places –  you can feel they care about your well-being and are genuinely interested in your day."  

– Lizzy, Program Manager

In their needs

“Whenever you reach out to people, you always find what you are looking for.”  

– Nailia, Director of Strategy & Client Solution

In how they relate to the world around them

“During our 'Powerful Leadership' program with an Indian cohort, it felt like a homecoming. Speaking Hindi and singing Bollywood songs with delegates brought back cherished memories of when I lived in Delhi back in 2012.”  

– Ivy, Senior Program Manager

And we make a difference

To our people

“Everyone here stays connected beyond business – it's part of the ethos here. Even when people move on, everyone stays in touch. When I left to have kids, Marika would still send me messages just to see how I was. She does that with everyone that's worked here.”  

– Zoe, Program Manager  

To our clients

“After experiencing the live deliveries, I’ve seen first-hand the impact we have on our clients.”  

– Fran, Graphic Designer

To the world

“When you walk into the office, or join a meeting, you've got people that genuinely want to make a difference. When these people come together, there are very magic moments.”  

– Andy, Client Engagement Director  

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