50. How to be a COO

In this episode we discuss: how to be a COO in today's complex world. We are joined by Jennifer Geary, Seasoned C-Suite executive across multiple industries and roles from fractional COO to Managing Director. Author of bestselling books How To Be a COO, CRO, CPO and CSO.

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We chat about the following with Jennifer Geary: 

• The role of a COO involves being the second-in-command and bridging the gap between strategy and operations.
• Can AI enhance the efficiency and creativity of the COO role, with human judgement and decision-making remaining essential?
• Should COOs prioritise efficiency and creativity when implementing AI, while also considering sustainability and ESG metrics?
• Why should we consider suppliers, supply chain, software suppliers, facilities, power consumption, and social context in sustainability efforts?
• How important are flexibility, choice, in-person collaboration, and open communication in creating a positive work environment?

References 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-geary-8419082a/
• www.coo-author.com
• https://gosupercritical.com/carbon-removal/biochar
• https://www.socraticarts.com/thought-leadership/exploring-ai-and-learning-with-ethan-mollicks-cointelligence

Biography 

Jennifer Geary is a former MD, COO and CRO with over 25 years of experience in finance, technology, risk and legal, across diverse industries from financial services to not-for-profit. 

She is also an author, speaker, board advisor and mentor to emerging businesses. She has attained qualification as a chartered accountant, PRINCE 2 practitioner, CISA and CISSP, with recent certifications in Sustainable Finance and ESG Investing and Ethical AI.

To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here. 

Summary

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:02 Defining the Role of a COO

07:28 Implementing AI: Efficiency and Creativity

12:25 Prioritising Sustainability and ESG Metrics

16:30 Considering Suppliers and Supply Chain

18:00 Creating a Positive Work Environment

20:50 Respecting Privacy in the Workplace

22:53 The Next Step: CEO or COO?

29:15 What CEOs are concerned about now

31:38 Post IPO resources

32:44 Wrap up

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