Strategic Policy Advice & Problem-Solving
Methodology
The methodology adopted at GMA acknowledges fundamentally that politics, economics and security are entwined, enabling solutions along the spectrum of state activity, from failure at one end and diversification and sustainable growth at the other. This process of engagement has been subjected to continuous evolution, from embedded support with presidencies to the development of large and detailed reform plans sometimes involving public private forums.
This methodology has remained consistently demand-driven not supply-led. It has however evolved today from simply drawing up best practice plans and offering advice to a hands-on approach with governments in solving discrete and particular problems by mutual agreement.
These undertakings have necessarily been both public and private, as have been the inputs into these processes, combining a measure of personal as well as professional relationships, engagements and undertakings.
Major results of the last 20 years includes the birthing of the Rwanda Development Board, the Open Skies Process in Mozambique, advice to the Movement for Democratic Change in Zimbabwe during the period of unity government which brought about economic stability by ending hyperinflation, the stabilisation of the Malawi economy during the first year of Joyce Banda’s presidency in liberalising the exchange rate and opening the country to investment, conceptualising and detailing the ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ reforms of President Nana Akufo-Addo, more recently in assisting with the mining turnaround of the Zambian government led by Hakainde Hichilema which pivoted on finding common ground with the country’s major investor, and in helping to bring about a Government of National Unity in South Africa.
‘This is to thank you very much for your assistance, through the assignment of Dr Mills and his team, on the growth and diversification strategy project for Ghana … As you would have seen from my State of the Nation message, their hard work and thinking have already had a considerable and positive impact.’
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana, 7 March 2017
‘I would particularly point to the work done by yourself … in the formation of the Government of National Unity in South Africa. Few have been able to understand or acknowledge this yeoman work … to steer South Africa away from a potentially disastrous outcome. An outcome that would have done untold economic damage, weakened our institutions and shredded our constitutional democracy. The fact that we have a rational centre government in South Africa today, is in no small measure thanks to the work done by yourselves.’
John Steenhuisen, Democratic Alliance, 3 June 2025
‘When Greg Mills came into my office in March, 2022 with two scenarios by which to deal with the issues standing in the way of increased investment flows in the mining sector, I vividly recall saying to him that he had provided some light at the end of the tunnel for the first time in my second stint as Finance Minister.
Not only did he come up with a plan, however, he shepherded all of us - business and government - to its implementation and, with no small measure of dogged determination, its conclusion. But he was not finished. His next challenge was to find the means of solving our logistics problem, which had the added benefit of opening up our economy in the western part of the country. He did so in a completely novel way. Rather than a dry and report and high-altitude study, he rode the gravel road up and down three times, producing an exact route diagnostic, which has manifested in a public private partnership on the road. He promised me that he would get this done, and he did so. In my role we see a lot of consultants coming through. But Brenthurst is unique. It's a blend of high-energy pragmatism, stubbornness, humour, intense field-work and intellectual rigour, all of which is underpinned by relationships.
The mining turnaround in 2022, involving nine months of hard work, has been key in making this government a great success. And Zambia's success is Africa's success, not least in providing a role model for others, including in the nature of partnership. I enjoy working with Greg. He has never asked me for anything, and always delivers.’
Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance, Zambia, 25 May 2025
These direct engagements have been underpinned by a wealth of research and writing on international development and the relationship between political systems and choices on the one hand, and economic reform and growth on the other. Among the GMA’s teams many publications are the following volumes on the political economy of reform. The GMA team is available to deliver talks on the topic of success and excellence, whether this be in international sport or international affairs.
‘Making Africa Work’ was published in 2017:
Books authored by members of GMA include:
The most recent (2025) book-length publication The Essence of Success, which details the common threads to achieve excellence across difference disciplines.
How have people managed extraordinary things to escape the shackles of their circumstances? Can success be taught, or does it depend on talent alone? What role does luck play? Can excellence among individuals be translated into country success?
Through more than 250 interviews with leaders in sport, business, war and politics, the authors distil the ingredients of success and, conversely, the causes of failure. From rugby’s triumphant Springboks to winning Formula One drivers, presidents guiding negotiations and reforms, business people building empires in the boardroom and on the street, or generals on the battlefield, successful people trust their instincts, focus on the things that will make a difference to their performance, and leave nothing to chance.
The book’s overall message is one of empowerment. Just as the multiple Olympic gold-medallist Sir Chris Hoy told the authors, ‘The only person you have to beat is yourself, yesterday.’
The Essence of Success has been welcomed by many:
‘An outstanding volume authored by two of the best in the business. … The great strength of this book is that it identifies and explains the strands of success and failure, situating these within the realms of contemporary politics and society, and translating ideas and ambition into the art of the possible. Read it, and learn.’
Yulia Tymoshenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine, 2005, 2007-2010
‘This potent book illustrates how the very essence of success demands focusing your attention on making yourself better tomorrow than today’.
Sir Chris Hoy, 11-time World and six-time Olympic cycling champion
‘In the digital age, politics has become a contest between appearance and reality. This book shows how to successfully bridge this divide.’
Ehud Barak, General and Prime Minister of Israel, 1999-2001
‘Success isn’t luck but relentless preparation, resilience, and the will to push beyond limits. In The Essence of Success, Greg Mills and Emanuele Pirro reveal how true greatness transcends power; it’s built, not given, in every field of human endeavour.’
Luis Franceschi, The Commonwealth
‘Transitions from war to peace place a premium on political leadership which can fix short-term problems while keeping an eye on the vision for longer-term, strategic direction. Such lessons of leadership and organisation – Liberia’s essence of post-conflict success – reflect in this extraordinary contribution.’
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia (2006-18) and Nobel peace laureate (2011)
‘Nurture or nature, training or temperament, self or supporters? Written by two of the best in their own fields, greatness is the subject of this book and its outcome’.
Branko Brkic, Founder: Daily Maverick
‘This is a fabulous book combining the sharp analytical eye of the strategist with the grounded, human insight of the practitioner. Drawing lessons from war, politics, sport and business, Mills and Pirro explore what really lies behind success—not bombast or brilliance alone, but grit, planning, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others. The stories in this book reveal the quiet power of character, preparation and team-building. The Essence of Success is not just a book about winners, but about how they got there. It’s a timely, wise, and absolutely compelling read.’
James Holland, bestselling author of The Savage Storm
‘Integrity is a necessary but insufficient component of success. Emotional intelligence and a willingness to listen and turn complex problems into practical solutions are, time and time again, qualities which stand out in this tour de force, a book which in the process highlights the indivisibility of humanity.’
David Coltart, Mayor of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
‘Fine wines require good agriculture, patience, attention to detail, the right climate, sound technique, a dose of imagination and a little magic – the logic behind success elsewhere and everywhere, including this captivating book written by two of the best’.
Bruce Jack, wine-maker and publisher
‘The brilliance of this book is to distil complexity and personalities into a tool for productivity and a guide to action.’
Luis Ravina, University of Navarra
‘Successful strategic leadership requires the skill of an orchestra conductor, not of a soloist, no matter how talented. The qualities necessary are made clear in the remarkable sweep of examples covered in this volume, a handbook for self-improvement if ever there was one.’
General Richard Myers, former Chairman: Joint Chiefs of Staff, United States
‘Finding the sweet spot between team and talent is key to success, which echoes in these pages.’
Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR champion
‘Success as people and countries in politics as sport, business and war demands physical and moral courage, masterfully identified and explained in this groundbreaking book.’
Venancio Mondlane, Presidential Candidate, Mozambique
‘In the struggle against autocracy, leadership isn’t measured by titles or positions — it’s measured by the ability to endure, adapt, and inspire under fire. The Essence of Success perfectly captures what we’ve lived in Venezuela: that resilience, clarity of purpose, and moral courage are the foundations of transformational leadership on the front lines of freedom.’
Leopoldo Lopez, World Liberty Congress
‘Excellence is forged in action, in the drama of contest, not in the classroom. This book captures this magnificently.’
Daryl Impey, Stage Winner and Yellow Jersey Holder, Tour de France
‘Who dares might win or lose. As this fascinating and revealing book illustrates over and over again, the difference depends not only on the extent of derring-do and good luck, but rather assiduous preparation, respect for your enemy, first-rate intelligence, and team-work. And the military is only a tool for equally competent political leadership.’
Grahame Wilson, last commander of the Rhodesian SAS, and first commander of the Zimbabwean SAS.
‘Many books have made useful dual comparisons between successful strategies in business and war, politics and sport. None has combined all four fields to such valuable and entertaining effect’.
David Williams, Financial Mail
‘This book is about humanity’s quest to realise its potential and how individuals can make a difference through their choices. It is a judicious contribution to the fight for democratic values and for a world where people, and not power, come first.’
Siim Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia, 2002-2003
'In The Essence of Success, acclaimed strategist Dr. Greg Mills teams up with visionary coauthor Emmanuel Pirro to unveil a powerful, globally-informed blueprint for achievement. Drawing on decades of experience in leadership, development, and change-making across Africa and beyond, Mills brings his renowned analytical clarity to the table. Pirro complements this with dynamic insight into personal and societal transformation. Together, they argue that true success transcends wealth or fame—it’s about building resilience, purpose, and community. The book distils this core into actionable principles, offering a rare combination of macro-level wisdom and micro-level practices.
Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of Botswana, 2008-18