SpecNav.Global · Annapolis, Maryland
AI Strategy, Governance & Training for Growing Businesses
Enabling organizations to navigate AI complexity with agility and confidence. We help leaders turn AI and operational change into clear plans, measurable results and safe adoption, on-site across Maryland, DC and Virginia, and online anywhere.
Not ready to talk? Take a free AI Readiness Assessment →
CHALLENGES WE SOLVE
Organizations Don’t Struggle from Lack of Effort—They Struggle from Lack of Alignment
Most organizations face the same core challenges:
- Growth outpacing systems and structure
- Teams working hard, but not fully aligned
- AI initiatives without clear direction or governance
- Unclear accountability across execution
- Leaders lacking visibility for confident decision-making
SpecNav helps organizations restore clarity, structure, and execution discipline.
How We Help
Practical services that take you from AI curiosity to a governed, working capability.
AI Strategy Planning
A seven-stage roadmap that takes you from purpose to execution, with owners, measures and dates.
AI Implementation & Governance
Readiness assessments, AI policies and ISO/IEC 42001-aligned controls that keep AI safe and accountable.
Business Process Improvement
SOPs, process mapping and KPIs that make operations consistent before you automate.
AI Training for Leaders & Teams
Executive primers, governance workshops, and practical Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT skills.
The SpecNav Framework
Built from maritime and military operating principles, our approach creates structure in complexity and discipline in execution.
Our approach is built around a simple operational philosophy:
FLOAT.
Leadership • Readiness • Resilience
Stabilize the organization before change begins.
MOVE.
Execution • Alignment • Accountability
Turn strategy into structured, measurable action.
SUSTAIN.
Governance • Innovation • Continuous Improvement
Maintain performance and improve over time.
“We found Mark’s assistance invaluable. His knowledge, and the clear and concise manner in which he guided us made everything so much easier and clearer. Wholeheartedly recommend him and his business.”
What Clients Say on Google
5.0 ★★★★★ from Google reviews
★★★★★
“I’ve been working with Mark at SpecNav and have been so impressed. He is incredibly organized, thorough, and always completes tasks on time. He goes above and beyond expectations and, on top of that, is affable and genuinely easy to work with. I highly recommend Mark!”
Heather Angelo
Google review
★★★★★
“Great experience with SpecNav Global! Professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. Mark is responsive, reliable, and truly cares about delivering great service. Highly recommend!”
Adam Siegelbaum
Google review
★★★★★
“Over 2 years Mark has helped us improve our processes and business efficiency while growing our client base and revenue…”
Virtuous Wellness Center
Google review
Who We Help
Operations Leaders
Improve execution, consistency, and accountability across teams.
Business Leaders
Navigate growth, transformation, and organizational complexity.
Owner-Operators
Running the business and everything behind it — from maritime and legal to healthcare and marketing — without a technology team to lean on.
AI & Transformation Leaders
Build practical AI adoption strategies with governance and structure.
Meet the Navigator
Experience built where plans have to hold.
Led by Mark Heward, a former Royal Navy Specialist Navigator with 22 years’ commissioned service, 20+ years in learning, transformation and global delivery, Associate Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation, and Graduate Teaching Assistant at Harvard Division of Continuing Education.
Not sure where to start? Take a free AI Readiness Assessment.
Three short assessments covering leadership, culture and AI use cases show where your business stands before you invest in AI.
Latest from the Nav Log
Practical insights for leaders navigating AI, strategy and change.
Building An AI Use Case: Where Does Your Idea Land?
Turn one AI idea into a decision. Score value, readiness and risk, then see if it lands as a Quick Win, Big Bet, Foundation or No-Go. Free workbook.
Who Is Holding the Helm? Accountability and Oversight for AI Agents
As AI tools start acting rather than answering, who gives the order? A practical guide to oversight and accountability for AI agents.
Problem First, Tool Second: An AI Strategy Framework for the Merchant Marine
A practical framework for AI strategy, governance and adoption at sea, with the BATHERS check and a free use case workbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an AI strategy consultant do?
An AI strategy consultant helps leaders decide where AI fits in the business, which problems to solve first, who owns each one, and how to govern and measure it, before money is spent on tools. At SpecNav.Global we do this through our seven-stage Business Strategy and Implementation Process (BSIP).
Do you work with small businesses?
Yes. Most of our clients are small and growing businesses and owner-operators without a technology team. Our sessions and governance are sized to fit, so you get structure without bureaucracy.
Where are you based?
In Annapolis, Maryland. We work in person across Anne Arundel County, Baltimore, Washington DC and Northern Virginia, and online with organizations anywhere.
How do I get started?
Book a free 30-minute Navigation Call to talk through your goals, or take one of our free AI Readiness Assessments first.
Ready to Navigate Your Next Challenge?
Whether you’re improving operations, strengthening leadership, or building AI readiness, SpecNav helps you move from complexity to clarity—and from planning to execution.