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Darwin Pivot

Modernizing Public Sector Workplaces and Strengthening Community Connections.

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Innovating for Public Good

We help organizations unlock what’s possible —within their teams and throughout the communities they support.

At Darwin Pivot, we turn insight into action. Whether it’s building trust through authentic stakeholder engagement, leveraging data science for smarter decision-making, or modernizing service delivery and employee experience—we equip mission-driven teams to lead change with confidence. Grounded in behavioural science, data expertise, and real-world experience, our work empowers organizations to create lasting impact.

A few organizations we've worked with

"One of Darwin Pivot’s standout qualities is their creative problem-solving approach. Thoughtful and pragmatic, they ensure that the tools and systems they develop are user-friendly and accessible."
Director Strategy and Operations - Community Foundations of Canada

Service Delivery Modernization

Designing smarter, more responsive services that reflect community needs and drive better outcomes.

We support organizations in three key areas:

  • Engagement: We strengthen community connections through inclusive, research-driven strategies.
  • Systems & Processes: We co-create programs and service models that are evidence-based and user-centered.
  • Enablement: We equip teams with the tools, skills, and systems to deliver lasting change.

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Workplace Modernization

Transforming how organizations engage, develop, and retain their workforce through a future-focused lens.

We support organizations in three key areas:

  • Strategy: We build people strategies rooted in equity, trust, and purpose.
  • Programs: We design and deliver initiatives that strengthen culture and drive results.
  • Technology: We align strategy with the right systems—designing, configuring, and optimizing tools so they support your people and scale with your organization.
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"Having spearheaded and released many complex and large-scale projects during my tenure, I have yet to meet a vendor partner that could rival the commitment, dependability, and resilience shown by Darwin Pivot."
HR Policy and Program Administrator - Toronto Zoo

People + Culture

We’re here to create workplaces that people want to be a part of. Our People & Culture services are all about helping you create the infrastructure for employees to feel valued, engaged, and inspired to grow. From engagement surveys to program development, we bring a science-backed approach that fuels meaningful, lasting change in your organization.

Core Service Areas
  • Employee Engagement + Surveys
  • Performance Management
  • Employee Programs Design + Implementation
  • Culture
  • People Operations
  • Internal Communications 
  • Change Management
  • HR Technology Strategy

Research + Data

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations must modernize their data strategies to remain competitive. Our Research + Data services are designed to transform your data into a strategic asset, enabling smarter decision-making processes. We offer service reviews and modernization expertise, digital strategy development, advanced analytics, and robust research services. By partnering with us, you can harness the power of modern data strategies to drive innovation and achieve your organizational goals.

Core Service Areas
  • Quantitative & Qualitative Methods
  • Custom Dashboards & Data Visualizations
  • Digital Strategy & Workflows
  • Service Reviews & Modernization
    GIS 

Social Impact

We help organizations make purpose a central part of their business strategy, creating impact for multiple stakeholders. Our Social Impact services connect your business goals with social good, offering everything from social impact reports to high-impact and engaging employee volunteer programs. Together, we’ll build strategies that engage your people, strengthen your brand, and make a lasting difference in the community. 

Core Service Areas
  • CSR /Social Impact Strategy
  • CSR & ESG Reporting  
  • Workplace Volunteering + Giving
  • Grants + Partnerships
  • CSR Technology  

Future-Proofing Public Work

In Service of Public Good

Strengthening communities starts from within.

Public and non-profit organizations carry an incredible responsibility—and often do so with limited resources, shifting mandates, and increasing expectations. But as the world changes, so do the demands on these sectors. Attracting and retaining top talent, engaging increasingly diverse communities, and modernizing how work gets done are no longer nice-to-haves—they're essential for long-term impact.

We believe the people behind this work deserve the same care and strategy as the communities they serve. That’s why we help mission-driven teams build on what’s working, adapt to what’s changing, and move confidently into the future—with workplaces and programs that are inclusive, responsive, and built to last.

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About

Led by Co-Founders Dr. Emily Hazell and Nicole McPhail, Darwin Pivot brings over 30 years of combined expertise in public and private sector workforce modernization, community planning, and stakeholder consultation. Together, they design forward-thinking strategies that help organizations modernize systems, build trust, and make data-informed decisions.

This depth of experience shapes our client portfolio, which includes federal, provincial, and municipal agencies, as well as other mission-driven organizations seeking solutions that deliver measurable impact.

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Emily Hazell, PhD

CoFounder & Managing Partner

Emily is a social scientist with over 15 years of experience in public sector research and consulting. She specializes in population insights, environmental planning, and evidence-informed strategies that help organizations understand and respond to the needs of diverse communities. Her work spans demographic and geographic analysis, stakeholder engagement, and market-aligned planning to guide inclusive, long-term decision-making.

Emily brings deep experience translating complex data into clear, actionable insights for Councils, advisory bodies, and executive leadership teams — supporting policy, program, and service design that reflects real-world conditions and community context.

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Nicole McPhail

CoFounder & Managing Partner

Nicole is a workforce strategist, social impact and engagement consultant with over 15 years of experience helping organizations modernize how they work. With a background in behavioural science, Design Thinking, and strategic communications, she supports clients in rethinking performance management, improving employee engagement, and implementing practical, people-focused solutions.

She brings extensive experience presenting at conferences, town halls, and on industry podcasts, as well as to C-Suite leaders and executive teams across public and private sectors.

 

 

About

Co-founders of Darwin Pivot, Dr. Emily Hazell and Nicole McPhail bring together over 30 years of combined expertise in employee engagement, behavioral science, data science and data-driven people programs.

Darwin Pivot was founded with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between automated insights and the human elements of organizational culture.

 

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Emily Hazell, PhD

Managing Partner, Data and Research

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Nicole McPhail

Managing Partner, People and Culture

"Working with Nicole and Emily was an absolute pleasure. Not only did they exceed all my expectations, they worked around time issues on our part, stayed flexible, reliable, and easy to work with. They went above and beyond by staying in touch, responding quickly when I had questions, and delivering excellence. It was a positive experience from start to finish."
Foundation Operations and Strategic Program Manager,  Fortune 50 Technology Company

Our Team of Experts

Darwin Pivot operates as a collaborative network of highly skilled professionals, each with a minimum of 10 years of expertise in their respective fields, including public administration, research, and technology. This model allows us to scale seamlessly, integrate specialized knowledge, and apply innovative strategies tailored to each project’s unique needs. By combining agility with excellence, we ensure that our work not only meets but exceeds client expectations.

At Darwin Pivot, we intentionally seek out experts from both within and outside the public sector. This approach fosters innovation by bringing fresh perspectives and diverse expertise to our projects. Collaborating with professionals from various industries enables us to challenge conventional approaches, introduce creative solutions, and ensure our strategies are adaptable and inclusive. At the same time, our team’s deep understanding of municipal operations ensures that our solutions are practical, actionable, and aligned with the specific needs of public sector clients.

Get in Touch!

Find a time that works for you to connect with one of our experts.

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