The Pulse - March Edition

Your monthly dose of digital and business innovation

In the March edition of our newsletter, we welcome Kris Wadia to the team, who joins Sullivan & Stanley as CEO MEA!?

We also delve into insights on the strategic moves by John Lewis amidst their latest financial announcements. Additionally, we explore the transformative effects of AI and automation on business, demonstrating how these technologies are reshaping industries by boosting efficiency and fostering innovation.

Enjoy!

Sullivan & Stanley announces new CEO for MEA region

This month we welcomed Kris Wadia to the team. Kris joins us as our new CEO for the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region!

The demand for fresh, client-focused consulting approaches is evident in the Middle East, where businesses are on the lookout for innovative solutions beyond conventional consulting models. We’re excited to see the next phase of S&S in MEA, building on our solid foundation to deliver tailored, effective transformation strategies for our clients and helping them build sustainable capabilities.

Read the full announcement here.?

International Women's Day 2024

This International Women’s Day, we shared a special video that echoes the 2024 themes of ‘Inspiring Inclusion’ and the UN’s call to ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’.

The team delve into what an inclusive work environment truly means. From creating a sense of belonging and fostering collaboration to investing in female talent, our employees share their visions and hopes for a more inclusive future.

Our Client Director, Nataly Matic, also reflected on this year’s theme of ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress' in a candid blog. She shares personal experiences that underscore the need to 'Invest in Women' by redefining outdated systems and inspiring a future of work built on true inclusion and equality.?

Read the full blog here.?

John Lewis bets the house on a return to focusing on retail

Our Delivery Director, Codie James, recently shared her insights on the strategic moves by John Lewis amidst their latest financial announcements in The Times.

Her perspective highlights that while cost reductions have helped John Lewis return to profitability, the retailer must now concentrate efforts on regaining market share by better aligning with evolving customer needs and preferences across all customer segments.

Read the full article here.

AI & Creativity: Ctrl+Alt+Create

Our Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Corne, spoke to Business Reporter on the transformative impact of AI and automation in business.

Highlights include:

?? Redefining creativity: Understand how AI is reshaping the creative processes within organisations, fostering a new era of innovation and problem-solving.

?? Empowering the workforce: Explore the delicate balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and nurturing the irreplaceable human touch that drives unparalleled customer experiences.

?? Overcoming challenges: Gain insights into the common apprehensions surrounding AI, such as job security and the potential stifling of creativity, and how businesses can address these concerns head-on.

Read the full article here.

Harnessing Innovation and Collaboration for Sustainable Local Government Transformation

In a landscape marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving societal needs, local government leaders are confronted with a myriad of challenges that demand immediate attention and innovative solutions. From navigating ever increasing financial pressures to the pressing need for digital services, the stakes have never been higher.

We had the pleasure of hosting the London Office of Technology & Innovation (LOTI)'s All Members Away Day where we provided a dynamic platform for addressing these challenges. The session offered a unique opportunity for Digital and Innovation leaders from London Boroughs to come together under one roof and engage in meaningful discussions, share insights and explore practical strategies for overcoming the hurdles that stand in the way of transformative public service delivery.

Read our latest blog by Robin Hobbs that summarises the day here.?

Empowering Change: Insights from the Women in Transformation Breakfast

Our Client Engagement Lead, Ellie Jarvie, reflects on this month's Women in Transformation breakfast in Manchester. Ellie shares insights on the inspiring discussions around inclusion, the power of diverse leadership, and actionable steps for driving change.

Her blog explores the challenges women face in advancing their careers and how we can empower the next generation to break through gender disparities.

Read the full blog here.

Leading Through Change: Is Transformation even the right word to use?

Robin Hobbs, Director of Client Solutions and Growth, delves into the conversation that challenges the conventional narrative around transformation. With insights from a discussion with our Leaders in Transformation community, Robin explores critical questions: Is the term 'transformation' losing its impact? How can we reignite its meaning to drive genuine change?

The blog uncovers the pillars of successful transformation—Vision, Leadership, and Communication—and how a blend of strategic oversight and passionate leadership can make all the difference.

Check out the full blog here.

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.?

Apple’s cancelled ‘Titan’ presages rise of mass market EVs

Sullivan & Stanley's Chief Change Officer, Adrian Stalham shares his thoughts on Apple's recent discontinuation of its electric vehicle (EV) project 'Titan'. This highlights a strategic pivot in the automotive industry towards more accessible, mass market EVs. This decision aligns with wider industry trends of reevaluating EV ambitions amid challenges like slowing sales growth, technological and infrastructural hurdles, and consumer concerns over EV costs and functionality. The move away from premium, tech-focused EVs towards affordable, mid-sized models reflects both the difficulties traditional automakers and tech companies face in the EV space and the growing emphasis on creating vehicles that cater to broader consumer needs and expectations. Apple's exit from EV development signals a critical reassessment of market strategies, emphasising the need for adaptability and consumer-focused innovation in the evolving EV landscape.

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M&S co-CEO to exit

Katie Bickerstaffe, co-chief executive of Marks and Spencer, is stepping down after two years to pursue a board career, including a role at Kingfisher. Her tenure, alongside Stuart Machin, saw pivotal improvements in M&S's leadership, team strength, and business performance, particularly in digital, data, and international domains. Bickerstaffe's exit marks a leadership consolidation, with Machin becoming the sole CEO post-July's AGM. This move reflects a strategic evolution at M&S, following a period of significant transformation and recovery post-pandemic. Bickerstaffe leaves behind a legacy of contribution to M&S's turnaround, ready for new challenges ahead.

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EU Launches Probe into Tech Giants for Digital Market Violations

The European Union is investigating Meta, Apple, and Alphabet for possible violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), focusing on ensuring competitive digital markets. These tech giants are under scrutiny for practices that might hinder competition, with potential fines up to 10% of their annual global turnover. The investigations cover five main areas, including app communication restrictions, user choice limitations, data usage for adverts, and search result biases. This action follows a significant fine against Apple for anti-competitive behaviour in music streaming. The EU's proactive stance, ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections, reflects its commitment to regulating the digital economy and protecting consumer rights. The involved companies have pledged cooperation, emphasising their compliance efforts and the importance of user privacy and choice.

Thanks for reading. Until next time!

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S&S ??