Let's talk Transformation : The business leaders podcast

"Digitalisation of industries and the digital enhancement of products and services means that businesses need to engage in ecosystems much more than before to manage their digital transformation."In this episode of let's talk Roland and I delve into the world of building and maintaining business ecosystems in today’s world. We discuss the shift from individual to collective, the changes from 20th century linear management models to more interconnected and collaborative approaches as well as boundary management in complex environments. Roland shares his insights, research and wealth of experience on this topic. The main insights from this episode :the imperative to engage in ecosystems is something that has been driven through digitalisation.business and digital transformation for complex organisations requires leaders to create non-hierarchical business ecosystems and think collectively 'outside the box'this move from individual to collective requires systems thinking and an understanding of network dynamics both inside and outside the organisation (partnerships, business models..)digitisation and technology offer the necessary tools but leaders must be open to embracing informal power dynamics, such as those seen at play on social mediacollaboration and co-creation are key to forming clusters within an organisation or even an industry sector that interact to provide a network of joined-up thinkingleaders must look beyond their organisation to manage boundaries and ecosystems effectively and remain open-minded and flexible along the wayfailures often happen during scaling : overcome barriers within and beyond the organisation to develop a bespoke ecosystem based on vision, purpose and sustainability that will learn from mistakes(even moreso post-COVID) it invites curiosity and agility as well as digital maturity and the restructuring of somewhat outdated codified governance models

In this week's episode of let's talk Gillian and I discuss the role of a coaching culture in times of crisis. We explore what a coaching culture is, what it brings and how you can support your people and organisation in the transformation towards a more collaborative learning culture. Gillian shares her insights and wealth of experience from organisations big and small across the globe.The main insights you will get from this episode :an effective coaching culture requires managers to embrace the mindset of coaching their employees rather than just learning skills / assigning training / conducting performance reviewscoaching contracts must have both structure and methodology yet abide by ethics and allow scope for coaching to be adaptable to individual journeysfocus on bringing people together to have courageous conversations, facilitate grass-roots change and ensure continuous improvement across the boardcreate an empowering workplace, not a blame culture, to foster innovation and engagementCOVID offers opportunities for companies to boost their productivity and efficiency by embedding a coaching culture: managers truly supporting their teams and opening up dialogue to include personal issues such as mental health, thereby demonstrating their empathy and genuine interest in their peoplethere is no one-size-fits-all approach but accountability, creativity, practical coaching tools and reflective listening should be used to include everyone in the organisation 

Have you ever wondered what happens when you have real - time data at your fingertips and how it impacts decision making, organisational culture and governance  ? In this episode of let's talk Matt and I discuss data driven ways of working and driving data through organisational culture. Matt shares his insights and expertise on supporting leaders to become more data savvy and using data to drive performance and improvement.The main insights you will get from this episode are :data-driven decision-making within an organisation requires the right technology and timing as well as trust - management must demonstrate willingness in all these areas(digital) employees must be empowered to make decisions away from central management and be given full access to all available datatransparency around data is vital and requires more in-depth understanding of the perceived risks, benefits and governance (i.e. ownership) of data companies should share data as opposed to hoarding it if they wish to push ahead with digital transformationpost-COVID, companies should use data differently to adapt quickly to rapid change and generate momentum by actively engaging employees in the data conversation

"Are you ready to rip up the rule book in the way you develop your culture ? " What is getting in the way of a great experience and how do we change that ? In this episode of Let's talk Ben and I discuss the employee experience and what it means moving forward, particularly in the post pandemic environment.Ben shares his insights, research and expertise on these fascinating questions.The main insights you'll get from this episode :Employee experience changes everything about the way we develop businessesThe employee experience is about human beings not technology, and is led from withincompany culture must be re-examined, not only in the wake of COVID but also for the benefit of all within an organisationimprovements require both technological and, most importantly, human input, as well as sponsorship from the topa human-centred, long-term approach is vital for future success as everyone seeks to improve their experience of working The power of a change of mindset, empathy and trust to foster adaptability and transparency and build solid foundations for positive outcomes in the future

In this episode of let's talk Christine and I discuss how to design inclusively with and for your customers.Customer centricity is key for all businesses, especially as the landscape evolves so quickly, but how can we make sure that we are designing what they really need ? How do we design for an inclusive customer experience ? Christine shares her expertise and insight on how to embark on this journey of inclusive customer design.The main insights you will get from this episode :Data insight is critical for knowing where to start Embracing new technology and new ways of working to foster inclusivityFocus on reducing exclusion, eliminating weak points and barriers in order to promote inclusion & innovationOrganisations must actively listen to customers, understand their differences and adapt to themCommitment to this cause must be demonstrated at the most senior levels and be seen as a constantly evolving priority of any inclusive organisationcapabilities must be built over time

In this episode of let's talk Evan and I discuss Business Agility research and practice, and the role of Agility in shaping organisations. Evan shares his insight from years of experience and research on Agile organisations and the role of leadership and strategy in navigating the constraints and opportunities of uncertainty.The main insights you will get from this episode :The importance of strategic agility and the ability to respond to change.The vital role of leaders in enabling agilityEnsuring that growth mindset is being developed at all levels of the organisation is pivotal to pushing through cultural resistanceYou don't need certainty if you have agilityAn organisation is only as agile as it's least agile partIdentifying constraints is key to understanding where you should be investing in transformation.

Do you ever wonder how to support your peers and team through these uncertain times ? In this episode of Let's talk Brain and I discuss the power of coaching in uncertain times and how it can help leaders remain grounded and future focused. Brian shares his insights and experience on coaching leaders, peers and employees through uncertainty to allow them to carry on driving behavioural change in their organisations.The main insights you will get from this episode :The importance of creating a safe space where people can resource themselves but also be challengedEnsuring a solid foundation for the 'here and now ' is key to providing a platform for future thinkingHow you interact and engage with the information you have is keyDemonstrating the value you get from the coaching process is key to creating a strengths-based learning cultureAllow people the time to take on board what's happening and go back to basics in a shifting reality

In this episode of "let’s talk", Aidan and I take an in-depth look at the role of purpose and vision in transforming organisations. We discuss the need to unlearn old biases (as individuals) and rethink structures (as organisations) so as not to be left behind in a very fast moving world. Also up for debate are the importance of having a long-term vision and “putting in the hard work” to make change a reality. The main insights you will get from this episode :The importance of a long-term vision with innovative experiments along the way helps to both foster exploration and build resilience for inevitable highs and lowsflexibility and an adaptable mindset are key to changing both individuals and organisationseducation must shift to include 'new' skills such as communication and collaboration so that there is both less resistance to/fear of change and less small-minded 'protectionism'risks are essential for change and changemakers must have support (from the top in organisations) for change to be successful visionaries must be rewarded, respected and empowered - the earlier this happens the better

Learn more about ideas on transformation and change in the Let's talk podcast series...