The Pulse - October Edition
Your monthly dose of digital and business innovation
This month in The Pulse, we explore the power of mission-based working, highlighting insights from our latest event on how this approach accelerates business transformation. We also dive into the evolving role of HR in driving change and share lessons in high performance from Olympian Amber Rutter.
Plus, meet our newest team member, Leila Callaghan, and catch up on the latest tech and business news, including Ryanair’s foray into package holidays and LinkedIn’s AI-driven hiring tools.
Enjoy!
Accelerating Transformation with Mission-Based Working
This month, we were delighted to welcome over 50 senior execs from various industries to explore how mission-based working is reshaping operating models and accelerating business transformation.
Some key takeaways…
🔶 Traditional models are falling short: Craig Strong from Amazon Web Services (AWS) highlighted how product-driven, customer-centric approaches drive better profitability and engagement. He shared compelling data showing product-centric organisations consistently outperform peers in these areas.
🔶 Mission-based working empowers innovation: Our Chief Change Officer Adrian Stalham shared how focusing on missions rather than projects breaks down silos, fostering cross-functional innovation and enables faster value delivery.
🔶 Real-world success stories: Leaders across industries gave candid insights into their transformation journeys, proving that mission-based working delivers results.
👉 Register
Unlocking value through mission-based working: A fresh approach to implementing a Product Operating Model
Our latest orange paper explores the challenges organisations face in today’s fast-paced business environment and presents the Product Operating Model as a game-changing solution.
The paper discusses the need for a modern, agile approach to delivering value and outlines the five foundational pillars necessary for successful implementation.
Lessons in High Performance from Olympian Amber Rutter
Continuing our Olympic theme, we at S&S had the privilege of hearing from Amber Rutter, Olympic silver medallist in Skeet Shooting at the 2024 Paris Games. She shared powerful lessons on resilience, managing pressure and the importance of persistence.
Our Head of Marketing, Ricky Wallace, shares his take on Amber’s inspiring words and how we can all apply her strategies to reach our own version of high performance.
Exploring the evolving role of HR as the demands from organisations to transform are unrelenting
This month we hosted the second event in our series for senior HR and People leaders, exploring the evolving role of HR in driving business transformation.
We had leaders from industries including technology, environmental services, Formula 1 racing/engineering, healthcare, finance, fashion, retail, customs services, and manufacturing come together to share their experiences and perspectives. Key takeaways:
🔶 Redefining HR’s role: Moving from traditional functions to strategic leadership in transformation
🔶 Balancing leadership and enablement: How HR can lead change while supporting day-to-day operations
🔶 Fostering adaptability: Building a culture that thrives on change
🔶 Overcoming the 'blocking' perception: Why sometimes ‘blocking’ is necessary for sustainable transformation
🔶 The role of technology: Enhancing, not replacing, the human touch in the workplace.
Tech Talk & Business Buzz: The Headlines ⚡️
In this section of The Pulse, we bring you some of the month’s biggest headlines and must-read stories from the worlds of technology and business.
AI Brings Sir Michael Parkinson's Voice Back for New Podcast Series
Sir Michael Parkinson's son has supported the use of AI to recreate his late father's voice for Virtually Parkinson, a new podcast series that brings the legendary interviewer back for conversations with new guests. While some question the ethics of AI recreations, Mike Parkinson assures listeners that the project is handled with respect, aiming to introduce his father's legacy to a younger audience.
LinkedIn’s New AI Hiring Assistant Aims to Streamline Job Matching
LinkedIn is introducing an AI Hiring Assistant to help recruiters quickly identify qualified candidates by generating tailored shortlists based on job descriptions and qualifications. This tool, currently being tested by select companies, also enables AI-drafted outreach messages and screening, promising a faster, more effective hiring process for both recruiters and job seekers.
Ryanair’s future success rests on more than a neat package
As Ryanair considers re-entering the package holiday business to boost profits, Sullivan & Stanley’s Adrian Stalham spoke to Travolution about the need for a unique selling proposition to differentiate from competitors. Stalham suggests that Ryanair focus on customer experience and adopt advanced technology like AI to maintain its edge in a competitive market.
Meet the newest member of Team Orange – Leila Callaghan
We’re delighted to introduce Leila Callaghan MCMI ChMC as our newest Consulting Client Director!
With over 15 years of experience driving transformative change, Leila brings exceptional leadership and strategic insight to our team. Her expertise in customer-centric operating models, organisational design and large-scale transformation aligns perfectly with our mission-based working approach and commitment to delivering sustainable value. Leila's passion for human-centred, tech-enabled transformation, combined with her integrity, energy and fresh perspectives, makes her an ideal fit for S&S. We're thrilled to have her join us on our journey of inspiring the future of work and helping our clients navigate complex strategic challenges.
Thanks for reading. Until next time!
S&S 🍊