You don't build on broken sh*t

You don’t build on broken sh*t.?

I went for a cuppa with Caroline Fowler recently and we got talking tech, I still can’t believe how simple setting up all the software I needed to start a new company was, Microsoft 365 has been a dream to use - now that I have access to all its tools!??

For years I’ve felt the pain anyone in a large company knows relating to all things ‘IT’, often waiting months for simple requests. One that sticks in my mind was a Microsoft form, such a powerful and simple solution to surveying, but only accessible through lengthy process, and when IT resource is available. Last month I knocked one up for myself, along with a snazzy QR code and a bit of design, in less than 5 minutes…?

It turns out that the problem has not actually been my personal technological incompetence, general impatience, and unrealistic expectations (ok maybe that was fair feedback some of the time, but not all), it was the broken services landscape.?

We debated what is it that holds businesses back from ripping it up and starting again when it comes to technology; perceived cost, short-term financial impact, fear of change, too many CEO’s drinking the IT ‘cool aid’ on all the arguments for sticking with the as-is (despite the astronomical costs wrapped up in IT Ops and Tech functions) ???

Before I lose everyone thinking I am waaaay out of my ‘people’ lane with this one – the quote at the top came from one of many brilliant conversations I had with Alex Hunte , a dynamic tech leader (and all-round great human!) I had the pleasure of hiring into Stream AMG. It got me thinking - isn’t the same completely true of people and culture within businesses???

You don’t build on broken sh*t.?

DEI initiatives, leadership development programmes, wellbeing sessions, new talent acquisition strategies and employer brand work – are all these things well intentioned, but entirely misplaced, attempts to paper over the cracks of fundamentally broken corporate cultures? A bit like shiny apps integrated with dinosaur software platforms, they create the feeling of change and progression, and look good on executive updates, but that is about it.??

At Tilt I want us to work with executives in companies struggling to close the widening gap between them and their more modern and progressive competitors. Companies with leadership teams who are ready for wholesale change, are aware they might be a part of the problem (and have the humility to admit it), and who understand that the business, it’s growth, health and success comes first.?If this is you, click here.