Diagonal Thinking

Diagonal Thinking is a consultancy, training, and innovation partner specialising in the practical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business. Founded by Phil Birchenall, we bring over 20 years of experience advising organisations on strategy, growth, and operations, helping them integrate AI in ways that deliver measurable impact.

Our flagship programme, The AI Advantage, is a hands-on approach designed for business leaders and teams to deploy AI tools effectively, ethically, and securely…without getting lost in the hype. Over the past two years, we’ve delivered AI training and consultancy to hundreds of leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams across the UK.

Whether it’s upskilling a leadership team, equipping the wider workforce, fast-tracking a project, or providing ongoing strategic support, we offer a range of options:

Leadership AI Strategy Day – A full-day session for senior teams, covering the knowledge, risks, and roadmap to lead AI adoption with confidence.
Team AI Accelerator Day– Practical training for teams to use AI tools safely, creatively, and productively in daily work.
AI Action Day – A one-day sprint to solve a live business challenge, prototype tools, and create a 90-day deployment plan.
The AI Navigator– Ongoing tailored advice, regular updates, and on-demand support to keep AI adoption on track.

In early 2025, OpenAI featured the ‘AI Maths Tutor’ Phil created using ChatGPT as a global video case study, appearing on the company’s homepage alongside stories from Estée Lauder and Morgan Stanley.

Our clients include Discovery Education, Northumbrian Water Group, Port of Tyne, Manchester Metropolitan University, Innovate UK, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Creative UK.