The books written by Lead Consultant and Trainer: Nigel Schmalkuche published by Strategic Architects and are key resources in the fields of Strategic Architecture, Digital, Data and AI. Please purchase them on Amazon via the link.
The Strategic Architecture Playbook has just become a #1 Hot New Release on Amazon — across six business and technology categories, up from three categories in this first week of release. When I started writing this, my goal was simple: to take everything I’ve learned from 25+ years in strategy and transformation — and turn it into something practical that others could actually use. Not just theory but plays that work in the real world. It’s packed with over 200 pages of models, illustrations, and use cases — all designed to help bridge the gap between strategy and execution. If you're working in strategy, transformation, or architecture — I hope it helps make your job easier, and your impact stronger.
Please watch this video where Jackie introduces the book and what it’s all about.
Common questions I get asked are
'Why did you decide to write this book'? - (Strategic Architecture Playbook) and 'Why did you choose to self-publish on Amazon'?
This book has been years in the making — and I’ve poured everything into it.
After 25+ years leading strategy and architecture across government and industry — and building Strategic Architects as a consultancy and global training organisation — I felt it was time to give back.
With publishing I chose to self-publish on Amazon so I could include everything — over 50 illustrations and frameworks in full colour, no restrictions.
This video shares my journey in writing and publishing the book — and why I believe Strategic Architecture is not just a skillset, but a mindset we urgently need in the face of AI, data disruption, and constant change.
I’m excited to launch a series of five short videos — one for each chapter of the Strategic Architecture Playbook. These aren’t just summaries — they bring to life the real-world stories, frameworks, and insights behind the book. And we’re kicking off with Chapter 1: Strategy Zone – Think Like a Strategic Architect. The inspiration for the Strategy Zone wasn’t born in a boardroom. It started on a run through Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens.
While leading large-scale transformation programs, that moment of clarity — away from the noise — became the seed for what would become the Strategic Architecture mindset.
This chapter lays the foundation: it’s about learning to pause, gain altitude, and lead with purpose. It introduces the five transformation gaps — Strategy, Architecture, Delivery, Data & Technology, and Leadership — and shows how Strategic Architects bridge them. Whether you’re leading strategy, driving transformation, or just want to connect vision to delivery in a more structured way — this is where the journey begins.
Data is changing the way we do business and live in our daily lives. Artificial Intelligence is replacing jobs and creating new ones at an increasing rate. Understanding what big data is and how it can be used to predict what will happen in the future is a vital skill applicable to anyone who works in IT or business that wants to be able to capitalise on the knowledge required to prosper in the future.
Data to Insight is a comprehensive book to provide a high-level of understanding of the potential of data in the world.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are shaping the world and every business must adopt a strategy and change the culture of their organisation to be able to survive and prosper.
AI and Data Strategy book comes from research and workshops with professionals and a template with suggestions is provided to allow the design and implementation of an AI and data strategy and culture in your organisation.
Strategic Architecture
Strategic Architecture Training and Specialist Advice provided to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver, London, Paris, Germany.
