The Encephalitis Society, who have now undergone a strategic evolution to Encephalitis International, partnered with Stellafai to embark on a bold, outcome-focused transformation. This strategic shift aimed to eliminate death and disability from encephalitis through global awareness, education, research, and expansion.
Encephalitis International is a global non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals affected by encephalitis, their families, and healthcare professionals. This neurological condition, caused by brain inflammation, has life-altering consequences, making the non-profit's mission critical.In 2022, the organisation sought to redefine its mission and strategy to achieve a larger, more ambitious impact. Recognising the need for measurable outcomes and a clear roadmap, they partnered with Stellafai to craft and execute a transformative 3-year plan.
The Challenge
The non-profit needed a framework to align its long-term vision with day-to-day actions. Key challenges included:
- Defining outcome-driven goals that directly contributed to their mission.
- Creating a culture of accountability and measurable progress
- Expanding their global reach while maintaining high-quality support services
- Raising sustainable funding to support these ambitious goals.
The Stellafai Solution
1. Board Leadership Workshop
Stellafai launched the project with a 1-day workshop for the Board in September 2022. The session focused on identifying core challenges and setting bold priorities, laying the foundation for a strategic transformation.
2. Strategic OKR Framework
Through follow-up workshops, including an OKR session in May 2023, Stellafai worked with leadership to translate high-level goals into actionable OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). This ensured that every team’s work aligned with the overarching strategy.
3. Ongoing Coaching and Training
Stellafai provided:
- Video coaching sessions with Deputy CEO Phillippa Chapman to maintain momentum and address challenges.
- Staff training on OKR fundamentals, fostering a culture of goal-driven execution.
4. The Stellafai Platform
The Stellafai platform became the central hub for tracking OKRs, updating progress, and accessing resources. It allowed teams to focus on priority outcomes while adapting dynamically to emerging challenges.
5. A Bold Question
A pivotal moment came when Stellafai Co-founder Bella Bardswell asked: “Why aren’t you aiming to eliminate encephalitis entirely?”. This question led the non-profit to rethink its incremental goals and adopt a world-changing vision.
The Transformation
In December 2023, the non-profit rebranded as Encephalitis International, signaling a new era. With the Stellafai partnership, they developed a bold new vision and mission
- Vision: A world without death and disability from encephalitis.
- Mission:To rebuild futures globally by saving lives, accelerating awareness, and driving research.
Key Outcomes
Some of the Key Outcomes across the OKRs have been:
- Achieved an NPS score of 82, reflecting exceptional satisfaction and trust.
- Published 10 research papers in leading journals.
- Increased professional membership by 10%
- 80% of Encephalitis event attendees have increased confidence about their future
- Published 13 peer-reviewed resources to improve global understanding.
- Exceeded Campaign to raise £100k for research
The adoption of OKRs has transformed how Encephalitis International operates:
- Teams are aligned and focused on measurable progress rather than vague annual goals.
- Leadership uses real-time data to track performance and adapt strategies.
- A culture of accountability ensures every action contributes to their ambitious mission.
Deputy CEO Phillippa Chapman reflects: “It’s been an overhaul of the entire organisation. OKRs are now part of our daily culture, and we’re focused on measurable, ongoing progress.”
Looking Ahead
With their 3-year strategy underway, Encephalitis International is poised to make an even greater global impact. Next steps include:
- Executing the Strategy: Achieving key objectives in healthcare education, patient empowerment, research expansion, and international scaling.
- Continuing Stellafai Support: Leveraging coaching and platform insights to refine goals, track progress, and maximise impact.
As Phillippa explains: “Our partnership with Stellafai has given us the tools, focus, and confidence to achieve our mission of eliminating encephalitis.”
Learn More
To hear more about the transformation, Listen to The Encephalitis Podcast with Dr. Ava Easton, Phillippa Chapman, and Bella Bardswell. They discuss the strategic evolution and the impact of Stellafai on driving change.This revised version captures a compelling narrative of transformation, focusing on outcomes, key metrics, and the Stellafai partnership. Let me know if you’d like adjustments or additional visuals!
