The Pulse - April Edition
Your monthly dose of digital and business innovation
In this edition of the pulse, we're excited to present our latest Orange Paper, 'The COO's Guide to AI'. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricate world of AI planning and implementation from the perspective of a Chief Operating Officer.
We also look at into Disney Plus' recent decision to tighten its grip on password sharing, a move that shows they are embracing change and innovation. Additionally, we explore the biggest challenges facing transformation leaders today, from navigating team performance during significant changes to demystifying AI and blockchain technologies.
Enjoy!
The COO’S Guide to AI: Trust and Blame – Learnings from the Post Office/ Horizon Scandal
In this second instalment of our Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy series tailored for the C-suite, we delve into the intricate world of AI planning and implementation from the perspective of a Chief Operating Officer (COO).
In this orange paper, we invite you on a journey with Priya Gupta, our dynamic COO at the helm of a fictional retail business as she charts a course through the AI integration maze. Drawing inspiration from the lessons of the well-known Post Office software debacle, we uncover the essential steps for deploying AI in your business. Inside, you'll discover:
?? The key takeaways from the Post Office incident and why they're a must-know for AI application
?? The strategic and ethical must-dos for COOs diving into AI
?? How aligning AI with your business strategy and strong governance can transform challenges into opportunities
?? The secrets to enhancing operations with AI, focusing on talent and continuous learning.
This read isn't just about avoiding pitfalls; it's about embracing AI with open arms and a clear vision. Perfect for leaders ready to make informed, impactful decisions.
Disney Plus follows Netflix with password sharing crack down
Disney Plus is setting a new precedent in the streaming world by tightening its grip on password sharing, a bold move that shows the media giant is embracing change and innovation. As businesses navigate the evolving digital landscape, this highlights the importance of adaptability and the readiness to redefine industry norms.
Our Chief Change Officer, Adrian Stalham, sheds light on the strategic shift, likening it to swapping Mickey Mouse's white gloves for an iron fist.
Read the full article here .
CEO Community Leading Through Chaos Dinner
We had the pleasure of hosting an intimate dinner for our CEO Community at Kerridge's in London, bringing together visionary leaders across diverse industries. Our community thrives on sharing insights, challenging conventional wisdom and fostering innovation. Here are some of the key takeaways:
?? Leading with intention - Emphasising the importance of personal resilience and self-care, our leaders discussed how prioritising wellbeing is crucial to being effective and inspirational.
?? Navigating new roles - A resonant conversation highlighted that even with thorough due diligence, new CEOs should anticipate unexpected challenges related to the capabilities and capacities within their organisations.
?? Enhancing team capacity and resilience - We explored a powerful technique where each team member shares their current state in three words at the start or end of meetings and offsites. This practice not only helps in gauging individual workload and stress levels, but also fosters a resilient team culture by enhancing understanding and leveraging each member's positive energy.
?? Strategic thinking with "Now, Next, Later" - A memorable phrase from our discussion, encouraging leaders to plan with clarity and foresight.
?? Cultivating healthy conflict - Discussing strategies on how to effectively create and manage conflict within teams to spur growth and improvement.
If you're a CEO passionate about leading with intent and eager to connect with like-minded leaders, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with [email protected] .
The Future of Retail: Candid Conversations with Retail Leaders?
We recently gathered some of the retail industry's most innovative minds to discuss the current state and future directions of the retail landscape. The result? A treasure trove of insights and perspectives.
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We tackled some of the most pressing questions facing retailers today:?
Take a look at this video which highlights some of the key takeaways from the event, and be sure to check the links in the comments to download our orange paper packed with rich insights.
We’ve captured the key themes and perspectives from the event in an orange paper, which you can download here .
Navigating the Future of Work: From Team Optimisation to Tech Realism & Organisational Agility
Our recent blog by Robin Hobbs, Director of Client Solutions and Growth, summarises the takeaways from a recent discussion with our Leaders in Transformation community. The group focused on the biggest challenges facing industries today, from navigating team performance during significant changes to demystifying AI and blockchain technologies.
The blog provides a comprehensive analysis that highlights effective strategies and real-world applications essential for adaptive leadership and organisational growth.
Read the full blog here .?
AWS Summit
This month, Matt Bradley, MD-UK South, attended the AWS Summit for Exec Leaders. As a proud AWS partner, it's always great to attend these events and hear the success stories from business leaders and technology innovators. The theme of ‘A New Era for Leadership’ really resonates, and here's a few key takeaways:??
The Amos Bursary's Career Carousel
We're delighted to have participated in The Amos Bursary's Career Carousel. As one of their proud corporate partners, Sullivan & Stanley had the opportunity to meet over 50 talented students eager to learn and grow within their respective fields.
Our very own Sofia Mutafchieva and Christabell Wardally?joined this dynamic and interactive event where they engaged in meaningful conversations with students, offering insights and sharing experiences to help guide these future leaders.
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.??
British Airways Unveils ￡7 Billion Modernisation Plan for Future-Ready Flying
British Airways is launching a ￡7 billion transformation to enhance its operations and customer service. The plan includes a new website, mobile app, and the introduction of AI technology to improve flight punctuality. The airline is also expanding its lounge facilities, adding new cabins, and resuming routes to key Asian cities. With a focus on sustainability, British Airways aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, supported by a significant investment in sustainable aviation fuel. This comprehensive modernisation will improve customer experiences and reinforce British Airways’ commitment to leading the aviation industry into the future.
JD Sports Bolsters U.S. Presence with $1.1 Billion Acquisition of Hibbett
JD Sports Fashion is set to acquire Alabama-based sportswear retailer Hibbett for $1.1 billion, aiming to strengthen its U.S. market presence. The deal values Hibbett at $87.5 per share, a 21% premium, and will incorporate Hibbett’s 1,163 stores into JD Sports' global portfolio. This acquisition is poised to boost JD Sports' annual sales to ￡4.7 billion and enhance its U.S. sales contribution from 32% to 40%. Hibbett, established in 1945 and public since 1996, complements JD Sports' southeastern U.S. footprint. JD Sports, which first entered the U.S. in 2018, also plans to open up to 600 new stores across North America by 2028.?
Revamping Education: BBC Invests ￡6 Million in AI-Enhanced Bitesize Platform
The BBC is investing ￡6 million to enhance its BBC Bitesize platform, introducing artificial intelligence to create a more personalised and interactive learning experience. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the broadcaster's appeal among younger audiences, particularly as its viewership has waned among those under 34. The revamped Bitesize will feature personalised testing and content recommendations tailored to individual learning needs, akin to an educational version of YouTube. This investment aligns with the BBC's core mission to inform, educate, and entertain, and addresses its need to maintain relevance while managing significant budget cuts. The update builds on the platform’s proven impact during the pandemic, which saw significant user engagement.
Thanks for reading. Until next time!
S&S ??