Client Spotlight: Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI)

Oct 21

3 min read

Summary

Insights Catalyst Advisory partnered with the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) to strengthen its growing scientific research team. Through an independent review, leadership workshops, and tailored coaching, we supported leaders and researchers to build clarity, improve communication, and create a practical roadmap for the future. The work has laid strong foundations for ongoing collaboration and lasting impact.

Engaging Insights Catalyst Advisory gave us both structure and clarity. The review highlighted where our leadership roles and processes needed sharper definition and provided us with a clear framework to build on. Kim Brislane, CEO, ADDRI

Background

The Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) is dedicated to advancing the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of asbestos-related and other dust diseases. As a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, ADDRI combines rigorous science with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for patients and families across Australia and beyond. In recent years, the institute has secured new funding, expanded its research programs, and created additional leadership capacity to support its growth.

The Problem

This growth created new opportunities but also brought greater complexity. With additional programs and evolving leadership roles, the scientific research team faced challenges around coordination, communication, and team dynamics. The institute recognised the value of independent support to ensure its research function could continue to operate effectively and deliver on its ambitious mission.

Our Approach

Insights Catalyst Advisory delivered a two-phase engagement over several months, through a tailored approach to meet ADDRI’s needs.

Phase 1: Independent Review

We listened through confidential interviews, observed the team in action, and analysed research outputs and funding data. The review provided a clear picture of strengths and highlighted opportunities to enhance leadership clarity, decision-making, and collaboration.

The interviews, small group discussions, and workshops created a safe and constructive space for our researchers and leaders to come together in new ways. We're already seeing more open communicaiton and a stronger sense of shared purpose across the team. Kim Brislane, CEO, ADDRI

Phase 2: Leadership Alignment & Team Development

Building on those findings, we facilitated leadership workshops to clarify responsibilities, supported leaders through individual coaching and monthly check-ins, and concluded with a full-team workshop on communication styles and collaborative ways of working.

One of the things we valued most was Janine’s flexibility in how she worked with us. She adapted her approach to the needs of our team, meeting us where we were and adjusting as our needs evolved. That responsiveness made the process feel supportive and ensured we could make real progress together. Kim Brislane, CEO, ADDRI

Results

The engagement:

Delivered an action roadmap with clear recommendations to guide next steps
Supported greater leadership clarity and more effective decision-making
Built stronger connections between the scientific research team and leadership priorities
Equipped staff with practical tools to enhance communication and collaboration

The combination of Insights Catalyst’s structured approach and Janine’s empathetic facilitation was invaluable. She guided us through challenging conversations with skill and care, and the recommendations we received are already positively shaping how we work and are influencing better outcomes. Kim Brislane, CEO, ADDRI

The process created greater transparency, stronger dialogue, and renewed momentum. ADDRI now has a resilient foundation to continue building the research culture it aspires to achieve.