INCAS Anniversary: A conversation among founders

Back in 2003, in a small South London flat, four friends embarked on a journey that would redefine their professional lives and make important contributions to the peace and security sector. David Nyheim, Thomas Porteus, Anton Ivanov, and Samuel Doe founded the first (and now the oldest) peace and security consultancy of its kind; International Conflict and Security Consulting Ltd. (INCAS).

Their vision was simple yet powerful: A consultancy where friends could do impactful work together, which enabled different work-life choices, and empowered positive engagement in some of the toughest peace and security environments.

Today, while Thomas and Samuel have ventured into UNDP and Human Rights Watch, Anton and David continued building the INCAS legacy. Selected headlines from over 200 assignments implemented include:

• Trailblazing corporate-community dialogue and dispute resolution in Nigeria, Iraq, Russia, Honduras, Italy and Greece;

• Design and execution of the first structured national and subnational developmental dialogue processes for the United Nations Development Programme in Mauritania, Indonesia, Fiji and Kyrgyzstan;

• Behind the scenes stabilisation strategy and accompaniment to several governments and companies in Africa and the Middle East;

• Hands-on development and strategic support to early warning and response systems for community security and inter-governmental action across Africa and the Middle East;

• Deep field investigations and practical help to companies and organisations dealing with illicit economic activities in Afghanistan, Nigeria, Tanzania, DR Congo, Myanmar, Guatemala and Colombia;

• Among the first movers to practically support oil, gas, and mining companies on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights from HQ to business units.

And across all assignments in fragile and conflict-affected regions, a zero-accident/incident track-record. 20 years later, they reunited virtually (from Malta, France, Russia and South Sudan) to reflect on the journey so far. This short piece captures snippets of what was a heartfelt exchange among the founders on INCAS and the spirit that continues to drive the business forward.

On friendship and business motivations

Thomas: It's evident, looking back, that INCAS was unique because it built on friendship, which is often missing in professional settings. Those bonds, forged over two decades now with other colleagues as well, are the backbone of the company’s longevity.

Anton: At the time, INCAS for me represented freedom. I could express my personal beliefs in a company that embraced a value-driven approach. Working with likeminded friends, though unconventional, enabled that successfully. We managed to maintain our independence, and that collaborative spirit was our strength.

On making an impact

Samuel: For me, INCAS was very much about being prepared to get stuck into the toughest peace and security challenges. Our work for the private sector was key here. We have worked with very important companies to affect change in some of the most difficult environments. I've learned that true transformation occurs in both boardrooms and the field. When companies are led in ways that enable beneficial partnerships with communities, real impact can occur.

David: I vividly recall a conversation Anton and I had years ago when I was doubting the purpose of our work. His words stayed with me. He said, "David, if I can contribute in some way to saving or preserving just one life throughout my entire working life, then that makes it all worthwhile." That sentiment deeply resonated with me and continues to echo in my work today.

Thomas: As consultants, we move from one project to another, faced sometimes with unrealistic terms of reference, and in others with work that is potentially impactful. Real impact depends on how we shape these projects. It's a project-by-project endeavour, where we proactively define impact strategies time and time again and carry our clients along. This deliberate purpose is how our impact as a consultancy manifests.

On how to stay impactful

Anton: Recognising our own moral complexities as practitioners is crucial. We cannot ever claim moral superiority over others we work with and for. What truly matters is doing things ethically, regardless of potential financial loss or the loss of a client. It is this constant struggle for ethical integrity that keeps us grounded and humble – and impactful.

David: Ultimately it's about doing the right thing, right. That’s the core driver of impact. And it’s also about the words you use. When we named ourselves INCAS, where S stands for Security, it wasn't tokenism. It reflected our commitment to keep alive, through practice, the concept of human security. Our aim was to demonstrate that human and community security yields better and sustainable dividends that hard security, which dominated thinking post-9/11. This thinking has been infused in most of our projects where we help clients stabilise operating environments or regain their social license in conflict-area