Underscore Transformation
40 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingThe podcast that provides practical guidance for successful business transformation.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Bonus - The Future of Work: Finding the people to lead your digital transformation part two
September 03, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MB“I think one thing to consider is experience, because I think when someone has gone through a whole transformation experience once, they're quite well equipped to help an organisation to know what to look out for, where we can accelerate, where we can focus, where we can simplify, what are the traps, what are the things to to avoid?” Key takeaways: As businesses look to develop resourcing plans that align with their business strategy, working out what those required skills are is a...
Bonus - The Future of Work: Finding the people to lead your digital transformation
August 27, 2020 05:00 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MB"Rather than putting job roles out if a piece of work needs to be done, in the future, could we allow employees to bid on a piece of work based on the skills that either they have or they want to develop? " Key takeaways: Now that individuals are working much more flexibly, the employee touch points, whether it's people processes, finance processes, procurement processes, need to provide a really positive experience. As such, the user experience will be much more important than ev...
Bonus - The Future of Work: Reflecting on the Discussions So Far
August 20, 2020 05:00 - 18 minutes - 26.3 MB"If we compare the consumer world to the enterprise world, the consumer world is far more sophisticated. The enterprise world has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years to try and catch up in the user experience we have in everyday life, but there's more to do." Key Takeaways: It's more important than ever for organisations to invest in technology to provide the user experience that customers - internal and external - have come to expect as a result of modern life. But in ord...
Bonus - Building Capability to Thrive in a Digital World: Part 2
August 13, 2020 05:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MB"There are too many people in HR still who don't think commercially, and I think that's a mistake." Key takeaways: As organisation continue to adjust to a post-COVID digital world, HR is going to be a driving force behind building the new world of work. As such, HR professionals need to be equipped with the skillset, mindset, and toolset to respond appropriately and support organisations and employees in rising to the challenge of confidently navigating change. To achieve this, H...
Bonus - The Future of Work: Building the Capability to Thrive in a Digital World
August 06, 2020 05:00 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MB"The skills that are going to be really important to organisations that are successful in digital transformation are actually some of what we would have historically called 'soft skills', but there's nothing 'soft' about them. In fact, they are the skills that help organisations perform better." Key takeaways: As organisation continue to adjust to a post-COVID digital world, they need to equip employees, leaders and HR functions with key skills, competencies, and behaviours, with a...
The Future of Work and the Pandemic - Part Two
July 16, 2020 05:00 - 41 minutes - 58 MBIn this second episode on the Future of Work and the impact of the pandemic, Jason and Joe are once again joined by special guests Richard Phelps, Steve Hunt, and Marc Weedon, this time to discuss the medium to long-term implications of the recent changes that many businesses have been forced to implement. They explore the potential pitfalls and opportunities organisations will have to face and question whether organisations will simply return to 'business as normal' once they're able, or has...
Bonus - The Future of Work and the Pandemic - Part Two
July 16, 2020 05:00 - 41 minutes - 58 MBOne of the major challenges for HR and leadership is to question 'How digital are we? Do we need to become more digital? Have we got everyone skilled up?' Key takeaways: Areas such as the digitalization of work, and ensuring that employees are adequately trained to work in a digital way, along with HR's role in supporting employee wellbeing and mental health have long been ares of focus for progressive HR functions. COVID-19 has forced the pace of change, organisations have to addre...
Bonus - The Future of Work and the Pandemic - HR Expert Panel Debate
July 09, 2020 07:19 - 37 minutes - 52.5 MBThere's been more change in the world of work in the last three months than, say, over the past three decades, I'd suggest. Key takeaways: Conversations around the future of work show that there are exciting opportunities for the workforce to evolve, but also challenges in how to make that happen. The impact of Covid-19 has had a tangible impact on how many of us work and the ways in which organisations will operate in the future. There is still great uncertainty, but in a time of f...
The Future of Work and the Pandemic - HR Expert Panel Debate
July 09, 2020 07:19 - 37 minutes - 52.5 MBIn this episode, Joe and Jason are joined by a panel of senior HR experts to discuss the Future of Work and the impact of the global pandemic. The future of work has been a hot topic for some time, with challenges and opportunities around automation and A.I., through to flexible project based working and the gig economy, along with visions of a potentially new social contract that includes universal basic income. But has the coronavirus pandemic simply accelerated an inevitable change in the ...
Mental Toughness
April 30, 2020 05:00 - 26 minutes - 36.2 MBJoining Jason West again this week is Lucy Finney MBE, former Major in the British Army and now Head of Leadership Development at Underscore. This week we’re going to going to get a bit more personal and talk about the psychological and emotional impact a crisis has on us as individuals. Specifically, we’re going to delve into the fascinating area of mental toughness and how we can apply learning from this field of academic study to better manage a crisis.
Bonus - Mental Toughness
April 30, 2020 05:00 - 26 minutes - 36.2 MBCovid-19 has raised some stark questions about technology, supply chains, staffing, leadership, sustainability, skills and resilience. These questions won’t go away when the virus abates, and many need to be addressed right now. You can learn more about Mental Toughness on one of our virtual training courses, please visit https://www.underscore-group.com/virtual-training/ To learn more about Crisis Management, please visit https://www.underscore-group.com/cmr_ad/ For more infor...
Bonus - Crisis Management & Recovery
April 23, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MBTo find out more about the Crisis Management & Recovery Toolkit please visit https://www.underscore-group.com/cmrtoolkit/ Follow us on social media: @UnderscoreComms, find us on LinkedIn, or get in touch via email at [email protected] Visit our website to find more content on crisis management, virtual training, transformation and project resourcing. This episode was recorded and produced by Matt Gore of icon business media.
Crisis Management & Recovery
April 23, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MBIn the space of a few short weeks, life across the globe has changed beyond recognition. Over a quarter of the planet’s population is in lockdown and over a hundred thousand people have already tragically lost their lives. The pressures put on businesses and governments have raised stark questions about technology, supply chains, staffing, leadership, sustainability, skills and resilience. Now, more than ever, business leaders need to solve complex, novel problems at pace in a highly volatile...
Governance and Control
April 16, 2020 05:00 - 41 minutes - 56.6 MBKey takeaway: It’s essential that your executive steering committee, operational steering committee and design authority draw their members from across different functions and areas of the business. In this episode, Jason refers to two articles on puzzles and mysteries. The first written by Gregory Treverton in 2007 in the Smithsonian Magazine and describes the differences between puzzles and mysteries, and how to tackle them. Here’s a quote from that article: “Puzzles can be ...
Target Operating Model Design
April 09, 2020 05:00 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MBTransformation is, at its core, the process of turning one operating model into another. Key takeaway: An operating model is the collection of capabilities (people, process and technology) that an organisation deploys to turn its vision and strategy into products and services that deliver value to its customers. Welcome to season two of the Underscore Transformation Podcast. We hope you enjoy our episode discussing the need for a clear and robust Target Operating Model during yo...
Testing, Testing, Testing - Pt. 2
April 02, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBDeciding who will test and in which phase of testing is something that requires careful consideration. Key takeaway: There’s a lot of activity involved in testing a system, and programme leads need to figure out how to to co-ordinate all this testing activity, to ensure it's done effectively. Welcome to season two of the Underscore Transformation Podcast. We hope you enjoy the second of our episode exploring the importance of comprehensive testing when rolling out a new system dur...
Testing, Testing, Testing - Part 2
April 02, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBIn last week's episode, we discussed how testing covers a lot more than just systems, the need for an experienced test manager as well as a clear strategy and testing plan, and we covered some of the different phases of testing. This week we consider what steps a programme sponsor or transformation lead needs to take in order to co-ordinate all of this activity, and help you develop a plan to keep a track of all this activity when you’ve got Process Owners demanding changes, test teams identi...
Testing, Testing, Testing - Pt. 1
March 26, 2020 06:30 - 1 hour - 84.3 MBAs a minimum, you need testers who understand the testing process and how to navigate their way around your new system. But the best testers are people who take delight in breaking things and can articulate precisely how they broke them. Key Takeaway: Even the most well developed SAAS solutions need extensive testing to avoid process errors, data breaches, failed integrations and operational issues when they go live. Welcome to season two of the Underscore Transformation Podcast. W...
Data
March 19, 2020 06:00 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MBKey Takeaway: Successful digital transformation requires a firm grasp on Data Architecture, Master Data Management and Data Extract Transformation & Load (ETL). This episode provides an introduction to these concepts and vital Information you need to avoid the common pitfalls when implementing new technology. Welcome to season two of the Underscore Transformation Podcast. We hope you enjoy this episode exploring the importance of robust data management in business transformation. ...
Intergrations & Reporting
March 12, 2020 06:30 - 42 minutes - 58.6 MB'Both integrations and reporting are ways of transmitting data. Integration is point to point - it's data transmitted from one system to another. Reporting is data transmitted to a human'. Key Takeaway: The role that reporting and analytics play in the delivery of your business transformation. Welcome to season two of the Underscore Transformation Podcast. We hope you enjoy this episode exploring the importance of reporting and analytics in business transformation. This season foc...
Getting the best out of Suppliers
March 05, 2020 06:30 - 47 minutes - 65.7 MBAs a customer of that technology vendor, engage with whatever there product development process is. Even though we're talking about implementation right now get involved early; influence the roadmap. Welcome to season two of the Underscore Transformation Podcast. We hope you enjoy this episode exploring the importance of selecting the right technology vendors, management consultants and integration partners for your business transformation. This season focuses on the Build phase of...
Design the Future
February 27, 2020 06:30 - 44 minutes - 61.2 MBWelcome to season two of the Underscore Transformation Podcast. This season focuses on the Build phase of transformation, and follows on directly from season one (Scoping). If you haven't already, we recommend you listen to episodes 2-11 of season one as we will refer back to these topics, and they are vital in building the foundation knowledge required to move into the next phase of transformation. Season two will cover the following points: 1. Resource your programme team 2. ...
Manage Business Change
February 20, 2020 06:00 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MBWelcome to season two of the Underscore Transformation Podcast. This season focuses on the Build phase of transformation, and follows on directly from season one (Scoping). If you haven't already, we recommend you listen to episodes 2-11 of season one as we will refer back to these topics, and they are vital in building the foundation knowledge required to move into the next phase of transformation. Season two will cover the following points: 1. Resource your programme team 2. ...
Build Your Support Model: Don't Wait, Do It Now
February 13, 2020 06:00 - 37 minutes - 52.6 MBWelcome to season two of the Underscore Transformation Podcast. This season focuses on the Build phase of transformation, and follows on directly from season one (Scoping). If you haven't already, we recommend you listen to episodes 2-11 of season one as we will refer back to these topics, and they are vital in building the foundation knowledge required to move into the next phase of transformation. Season two will cover the following points: 1. Resource your programme team 2. ...
Resourcing Your Programme - Maybe You Should Hire The A-Team?
February 06, 2020 07:00 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MB“We identify 37 roles that are required to execute the change well” Joe Ales Welcome to season two of the Underscore Transformation Podcast. This season focuses on the Build phase of transformation, and follows on directly from season one (Scoping). If you haven't already, we recommend you listen to episodes 2-11 of season one as we will refer back to these topics, and they are vital in building the foundation knowledge required to move into the next phase of transformation. Seas...
Implementing Transformation - Maybe You Should Hire The A-Team?
February 06, 2020 07:00 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MB“You would assume that securing the best team to work on the transformation would be top of the to-do list. But frankly, on too many occasions, we see that resourcing the programme team is really rushed through." Jason West To kick off season two, which focuses on the Build phase of transformation, Jason and Joe discuss the absolutely critical step of properly resourcing your programme team. We delve into the need to balance internal knowledge of your organisation with external programme exp...
Business Transformation, a view from the top - Interview With Nick Ranier
January 09, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 113 MBThank you to Nick Ranier for joining us to talk about his career in transformation with a particular focus on the scoping phase. Nick is a senior transformation leader with 25 years' transformation experience in a variety of sectors, including energy, defence, engineering and distribution. His career has been spent at the coalface of the digital revolution, leading transformation portfolio offices, introducing new technologies and solving challenging business problems. He was part o...
Finance Transformation - interview with Shafique Barabhuiya
December 12, 2019 07:00 - 53 minutes - 74.1 MBThank you to Shafique Barabhuiya for joining us to talk about transformation in finance. If you'd like to learn more about Shafique and the work he does in supporting finance functions through change, you can connect with him on LinkedIn. This season of the Underscore Transformation Podcast is based on our recent white paper covering the first stage of transformation: Scoping. The 10 Points covered in the Scoping Checklist are: 1. Programme sponsorship 2. Problem definition 3. Pr...
The Business Case for Transformation
December 05, 2019 07:00 - 23 minutes - 32.3 MBThis season of the Underscore Transformation Podcast is based on our recent white paper covering the first stage of transformation: Scoping. The 10 Points covered in the Scoping Checklist are: 1. Programme sponsorship 2. Problem definition 3. Preparing for change 4. Requirements gathering 5. Vision, objectives and design principles 6. Governance and decision making 7. Methodology and approach 8. Programme management capability 9. Solution design capability 10. Business case We’re ...
Solution Design
November 28, 2019 07:00 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBThis season of the Underscore Transformation Podcast is based on our recent white paper covering the first stage of transformation: Scoping. The 10 Points covered in the Scoping Checklist are: 1. Programme sponsorship 2. Problem definition 3. Preparing for change 4. Requirements gathering 5. Vision, objectives and design principles 6. Governance and decision making 7. Methodology and approach 8. Programme management capability 9. Solution design capability 10. Business case We’re ...
Building capability for successful Business Transformation
November 21, 2019 07:00 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MBDuring this episode we reference the competency model of Programme Managers, Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) by Axelos. For more information on the products and services provided by Axelos, please visit their website. Underscore is an accredited training provider for MSP and Prince2 (project management training), along with other capabilities mentioned in the episode, such as Emotional Intelligence, Mental Toughness, and Stakeholder Engagement. This season of the Underscor...
Business Transformation Methodology and Approach
November 14, 2019 07:00 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MBDuring this episode we include definitions of Project, Programme and Portfolio Management based on those given by Axelos (the custodians of Prince2, MSP, ITIL, P3M3 and more). Underscore is an accredited training provider for Prince2, and MSP. For more information on the products and services provided by Axelos, please visit their website. This season of the Underscore Transformation Podcast is based on our recent white paper covering the first stage of transformation: Scoping. Th...
Governing Business Transformation
November 07, 2019 07:00 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MBThis season of the Underscore Transformation Podcast is based on our recent white paper covering the first stage of transformation: Scoping. The 10 Points covered in the Scoping Checklist are: 1. Programme sponsorship 2. Problem definition 3. Preparing for change 4. Requirements gathering 5. Vision, objectives and design principles 6. Governance and decision making 7. Methodology and approach 8. Programme management capability 9. Solution design capability 10. Business case We’re ...
Vision, Objectives and Design Principles
October 31, 2019 07:00 - 17 minutes - 28 MBThis season of the Underscore Transformation Podcast is based on our recent white paper covering the first stage of transformation: Scoping. The 10 Points covered in the Scoping Checklist are: 1. Programme sponsorship 2. Problem definition 3. Preparing for change 4. Requirements gathering 5. Vision, objectives and design principles 6. Governance and decision making 7. Methodology and approach 8. Programme management capability 9. Solution design capability 10. Business case We’re ...
Preparing your Business for Transformational Change
October 24, 2019 06:00 - 16 minutes - 27.4 MBThis season of the Underscore Transformation Podcast is based on our recent white paper covering the first stage of transformation: Scoping. The 10 Points covered in the Scoping Checklist are: 1. Programme sponsorship 2. Problem definition 3. Preparing for change 4. Requirements gathering 5. Vision, objectives and design principles 6. Governance and decision making 7. Methodology and approach 8. Programme management capability 9. Solution design capability 10. Business case We’re ...
Aligning People, Processes and Technology to achieve successful Business Change
October 17, 2019 06:00 - 21 minutes - 35.2 MB"What should be driving your program is the real needs of the business. The customer of your function is central to what it is you're trying to deliver. Link the requirements with a clear line of sight through to the ultimate business benefits that you're going to deliver." This season of the Underscore Transformation Podcast is based on our recent white paper covering the first stage of transformation: Scoping. The 10 Points covered in the Scoping Checklist are: 1. Programme sponso...
The Problem with Business Transformation
October 10, 2019 06:00 - 23 minutes - 37.8 MBSeason One of the Underscore Transformation Podcast is based on our recent white paper covering the first stage of transformation: Scoping. The 10 Points covered in the Scoping Checklist are: 1. Programme sponsorship 2. Problem definition 3. Preparing for change 4. Requirements gathering 5. Vision, objectives and design principles 6. Governance and decision making 7. Methodology and approach 8. Programme management capability 9. Solution design capability 10. Business case We’re a...
Programme Sponsorship
October 03, 2019 06:00 - 14 minutes - 23.5 MBThis season of the Underscore Transformation Podcast is based on our recent white paper covering the first stage of transformation: Scoping. The 10 Points covered in the Scoping Checklist are: 1. Programme sponsorship 2. Problem definition 3. Preparing for change 4. Requirements gathering 5. Vision, objectives and design principles 6. Governance and decision making 7. Methodology and approach 8. Programme management capability 9. Solution design capability 10. Business case We’re ...
10 steps to scoping a successful business transformation – the debate
September 26, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBThank you to our guests in this episode: Andy Welch, Portfolio Director – LinkedIn Kathryn Marshall, Chief HR Officer – LinkedIn Mark Harrison, Change and Delivery Director – LinkedIn Richard Phelps, Management Consultant – LinkedIn Sharon Bridgland-Gough, Chief HR Officer Mark Chillingworth kindly hosted the discussion - LinkedIn The 10 Points covered in the Scoping Checklist are: 1. Programme sponsorship 2. Problem definition 3. Preparing for change 4. Requirements gath...
Underscore Transformation Season One - Trailer
September 09, 2019 16:00 - 3 minutes - 6.06 MBUnderscore Transformation is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the mystery and mystique that surrounds business transformation. Each week, Underscore's co-founders, Jason West and Joe Ales, will discuss the common challenges and pitfalls you can expect to find if you are leading, managing or simply experiencing business transformation. More importantly, we will be joined by some of the greatest minds in business transformation to find out what can be done to avoid them. Each season ...