21st July 2026

Follow the consumer

Michael Nyman on speed, collaboration and reinventing the traditional HoldCo model

Episode 82

Michael Nyman

Founder & CEO, Acceleration Community of Companies (ACC)

Today’s guest is Michael Nyman, Founder and CEO of the Acceleration Community of Companies (ACC), an agency group designed specifically in response to the traditional holding company model.

Having spent his prior career within that model, Michael explains that clients now demand speed, specialist expertise and a deeper consumer insight. So rather than accepting internal competition, ACC is optimised for collaboration and an advisory-first approach that solves client problems before deciding how to execute them.

The conversation explores why organisational design has become a competitive advantage, how integrated teams can move faster, and why specialisation is mission-critical. 

Michael also reflects on how his competitive set is evolving as ACC grows, offering a unique snapshot of a dynamic market and demonstrating why evolution is imperative for success.

HIGHLIGHTS:

[02:21] Building a ‘doing’ company

[04:38] Why stories matter 

[09:13] A circular organisation

[13:21] Leading with advice

[17:27] Measuring collaboration

[22:17] The bundling effect

[28:22] Following client demand

[33:53] Finding your purpose

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