Decisions - from uncertainty to confidence

Decades of decision research point to the same conclusion. Half the time, organisations get strategic decisions wrong - not because the analysis is poor, but because they're solving the wrong problem.


Diagnostic quality, in particular, is a stronger predictor of decision outcomes than how clever the analysis is.


We will be at WCUC26 in Sydney to explore this with leaders of mutual banking and credit unions from around the World. Our experience and others' research show that diagnosis precedes solutions, that mutual banks face their hardest strategic decisions where their mandates compete rather than align, and that the conversation worth having at the booth is about decisions that matter to your organisation.

Visit us at Booth 25 in the ICC Exhibition Hall

Booth 25 is right opposite the left-hand doors (of three) at the entrance of the exhibition hall, near the catering area on the far left near the entrance.


Walk up at any time during exhibition hours - we'll be ready to talk about what we've seen work well when high-stakes decisions need to be made - from defining a new market value proposition to prioritising investment in lending process improvements.


If you're facing high-stakes decisions (and, in an under-pressure sector, who isn't), come talk to us. 

Listen to what leaders in the sector have said about decisions and success

We talked to sector leaders about the decisions that mattered and how they think about measuring success. This short explores snippets from Polaris' "From The Helm" podcast series, where Stephen Capello, John Yardley, Marnie Kerr, and Kevin Dupe relay their experience and insights when asked about decision making and measuring success for the mutual banking sector.


Click through to watch the video you'll also see in our booth, or visit the "From The Helm" podcast to hear the detail.

The joined-up proposition for the sector

Polaris and NMC are working together at WCUC26 to bring the diagnostic discipline that gets decisions right before commitment, and the operational discipline that underpins sustainable mutual banking performance, into one joint conversation.

The Decision Diagnostic is the format we use to demonstrate both, working from your situation and your ambition for the mutual to the decisions that are key to unlocking it.


Come to the booth for a conversation and we'll walk you through the thinking and a light version of the diagnosis.

The team

John Critchley (Polaris)

John leads Polaris's work with mutual banking leaders on the strategic decisions that define what their organisations become - starting with getting the diagnosis right before direction is set and resources are committed.


His background spans over twenty years in strategy, transformation, and the governance dynamics of member-owned organisations, both in industry and as an advisor, with a top-tier pedigree on his CV.

Scott Dargan (NMC)

Forty years in banking and finance gives Scott Dargan one thing most consultants don't have: he's lived what he advises.


A business transformation specialist with hands-on experience across a wide range of organisational disciplines, Scott works with organisations to turn strategy into measurable performance — partnering closely with mutual banks and credit unions on lending optimisation and digital transformation.