Question 1

What's the difference between SP Optima and a traditional consultancy?

Accepted Answer

A consultancy delivers a report and exits. SP Optima stays. From first diagnostic through to AI maturity, SP Optima partners alongside the client's team. SP Optima holds no commercial arrangement with any AI tool or platform, so recommendations are based on what fits the business, not what earns a referral fee.

Question 2

Do you implement AI solutions, or just advise?

Accepted Answer

Both. SP Optima starts with strategy and situational clarity, but stays through implementation. When specialist contractors or AI tools are required, SP Optima manages selection and oversight independently. The output is operating performance, not a deck.

Question 3

What size businesses does SP Optima work with?

Accepted Answer

SP Optima partners with businesses across all sizes, from growth-stage through to large enterprise. Mid-market organisations face the sharpest AI scaling pressure: thinner moats than large enterprises, slower response capacity than small businesses. The engagement model adapts. Smaller organisations need speed and light touch. Larger ones need integration with existing functions and teams.

Question 4

How is agentic AI different from earlier AI tools?

Accepted Answer

Earlier AI tools predict and assist. Agentic AI executes and operates, running entire workflows autonomously, often at a fraction of traditional cost. Firms like Mercor, Cursor, and Midjourney scale to billion-dollar valuations with small teams. The relevant question is no longer whether to adopt AI, but whether a business model can survive someone else's AI-native version of it.

Question 5

How long does an engagement typically take?

Accepted Answer

Engagement length depends on what the business needs to figure out: situational clarity, competitor agent activity, and 12-month direction. Some engagements are short and decisive. Others extend across years as the partnership deepens. SP Optima matches the rhythm to the work.

Question 6

Are you AI specialists or business specialists who use AI?

Accepted Answer

Both. SP Optima is AI-native. Its own operations run on the combination of human judgement and machine automation it recommends to clients. Peter Sprogis held CFO and Director roles in billion-dollar businesses. Anthony Pepe led AI transformation across organisations from growth-stage to Australia's largest enterprise. SP Optima brings deep business expertise and lived experience operating an AI-native firm.

Question 7

What does an initial consultation involve?

Accepted Answer

A 45 to 60 minute conversation, typically with both founders, no obligation. SP Optima discusses where the business stands, where it wants to go, and the opportunities and risks AI introduces for the specific business model. The client leaves with a clearer view of the landscape regardless of whether they engage further. No deck, no proposal at this stage.

Question 8

Where does SP Optima operate?

Accepted Answer

SP Optima is based in Australia and partners with mid-market businesses across Asia-Pacific. Markets include Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Indonesia. Most engagements are delivered remotely at leadership level. On-site work happens when proximity adds material value.

Built on rare combinations of business and AI experience

Peter Sprogis

Career anchors

Credentials

Selected publications

Anthony Pepe, PhD

Career anchors

Credentials

Selected publications

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