Each and every week the Square Holes team are deep in the bowels of a number of projects, working to mine all of the insights that we can to help grow businesses and support thriving cities.

These insights are used by businesses and organisations to innovate their offerings, move into new markets, track their impact and hone their products and output. Each week we will be sharing a broad insight that we have learnt for you to use in your own work.

Let us know what you find valuable!

Jason: Staying the path in rocky waters

In uncertain times, knowing what to change—and what to retain—is a critical challenge for decision makers

Is something no longer working because the economy is soft, or have the times fundamentally changed? It’s tempting to make sweeping changes or start from scratch. But before throwing the baby out with the bathwater, it’s vital to dig deeper—to explore the root causes and resist the urge to fix what may not be broken.

Robust research and critical thinking are essential. While ongoing innovation and evolution are key to growth, starting fresh can sometimes be riskier than iterating on what already works. Success—or at least survival—comes from remaining calm in chaos. Stay steady through the crocodile-infested waters. Move forward with eyes and ears open. Don’t panic. Protect what makes your business strong, both now and into the future.

Dylan: Post covid gatherings

Rising living costs and post-Covid lifestyle shifts have made social outings for a wide section of the population more occasional and intentional. Rather than frequent casual outings, people now prioritise experiences that feel meaningful, offer emotional or social value, and align with personal interests or special occasions. Staying in or gathering at home with friends can often be seen as a more comfortable and affordable alternative.

Mahalia: Cultural ecosystem

We have recently been looking at the cultural ecosystem in Adelaide for theatre, and have found that while cities like Melbourne and Sydney still have robust first, second and independent tiers – covid-19 has nearly decimated this spread in SA. Which means that those companies that are still hanging in are tasked with the immense pressure of being a ‘catch-all’ for the states audiences, and theatre creatives. The best way to rebuild a healthy theatre ecosystem in the state? Is through consistent and dedicated government funding – that acknowledges the need for emerging and mid-tier companies and venues outside of the big hitters like Fringe.

Think your business or organisation could do with some insights? Contact us here.