Modern Business Operations: Recent Episodes
Tonkean
On Modern Business Operations, we’ll bring you weekly interviews with leaders from some of today’s largest and fastest growing companies. We discuss the future of business operations and how enterprises are learning to adapt to our rapidly-changing world.
Innovating within the public sector is not only possible but essential for progress. Kevin Floyd, Deputy Chief Procurement Officer at City of Atlanta Department of Procurement, shares with host Sagi Eliyahu how he's transforming public procurement to match the agility and innovation seen in the private sector. From crisis management to strategic planning, Kevin shares actionable insights that challenge the status quo.
Key Takeaways:
(02:04) Public sector procurement doesn't have to lag behind the private sector.
(05:23) Shifting the employee mindset is critical to innovation in public procurement.
(08:43) Incentive-based contracting can drive efficiency and faster project completion.
(12:03) Procurement plays a strategic role in crisis management, such as during water main breaks.
(15:23) Emergency preparedness in procurement is essential, especially for major events like the World Cup.
(18:43) Technology, including AI, is key to driving procurement innovation.
(22:03) Building strong partnerships with other departments enhances procurement’s role in public sector operations.
(25:23) Kevin shares career advice on learning from both positive and negative experiences.
Resources Mentioned:
Kevin Floyd -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-floyd-21583b88/
City of Atlanta Department of Procurement -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlprocurement/
ATL Suppliers -
https://www.atlsuppliers.com/
- Since the recording of this episode, Kevin Floyd has moved on from his role as Deputy Chief Procurement Officer at the City of Atlanta Department of Procurement.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
Transforming procurement in a time of disruption requires both innovation and leadership. On this episode, Dwight Jacobs, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain and Chief Procurement Officer of Duke Energy, joins host Sagi Eliyahu. Dwight shares valuable insights into navigating the evolving world of procurement and supply chain management, emphasizing the importance of long-term strategies, partnerships and resilient systems.
Key Takeaways:
(02:57) Duke Energy’s clean energy transition is heavily dependent on long-term supply chain partnerships.
(05:00) The importance of building resilient supply chains by adding more suppliers and increasing competition.
(08:21) Leadership is portable, and servant leadership plays a crucial role in team success.
(10:00) The "Crew, Mission, Me" philosophy emphasizes putting the team first to achieve organizational goals.
(12:30) How Duke Energy’s in-house technology, Scout, optimizes supply chain material tracking and labor efficiency.
(14:35) The importance of data analytics for predictive decision-making in supply chain operations.
(16:50) The need to embrace generative AI while maintaining the human aspect in procurement.
(18:23) The best career advice Dwight received: helping peers succeed ultimately leads to personal success.
Resources Mentioned:
Dwight Jacobs - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-jacobs-/
Duke Energy | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/duke-energy-corporation/
Duke Energy | Website - https://www.duke-energy.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Nico Bac, Founder of Digital Procurement Now, shares his journey from driving procurement innovations at Procter & Gamble to establishing his own advisory firm. Gain valuable insights on effective leadership, the critical role of user-friendly technology and AI’s growing influence in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
(02:10) Nico’s transition from corporate procurement at Procter & Gamble to founding his own firm.
(04:45) Early adoption of digital procurement tools like Cooper and Ariba.
(07:55) Emphasizing user experience as a top priority in procurement technology.
(11:20) Cautionary approach to AI’s growing influence in procurement.
(15:35) Risks associated with relying on outdated procurement technologies.
(18:50) Migrating procurement systems to cloud-based platforms is essential.
(22:30) Big data will drive future procurement decisions and enhance strategy.
Resources Mentioned:
Nico Bac - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-bac-dpnow/
Digital Procurement Now - https://dpnow.ai/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, Sagi Eliyahu sits down with Mary Beth Blair, Director and Associate General Counsel of Legal Operations and Procurement at Coursera. Mary Beth shares her journey from in-house counsel at Panera Bread to her current dual role. She discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing legal operations and procurement, the evolution of legal ops and the impact of AI in the legal field.
The views expressed are those of the guest and do not represent those of her current or former organizations.
Key Takeaways:
(03:13) Evolution and definition of legal operations over the past 10 years.
(05:27) Running a legal department like a business and assessing its foundations.
(08:49) Encouragement of innovation and permission to fail within legal operations.
(10:43) The impact of AI and technology on legal processes and time-saving.
(12:17) Focusing on quick wins and leveraging existing tech stacks.
(15:39) The importance of managing relationships and understanding GC's objectives.
(19:16) Leading people through change and optimizing processes.
(21:06) Developing strategic thinking within legal teams and balancing tactical work.
(23:28) The struggle with knowing when to pivot and adapt strategies.
Resources Mentioned:
Mary Beth Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-blair-99268516/
Coursera - https://www.linkedin.com/company/coursera/
Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) - https://cloc.org
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Dr. Ron Glickman, Author of “Lead for a Change” and Adjunct Professor at Cal State in Los Angeles. Dr. Glickman discusses his extensive experience in IT, the importance of understanding change dynamics, and provides insights from his book “Lead for a Change.”
Key Takeaways:
(01:00) The importance of being effective rather than just being right.
(05:51) Starting with retail operations and transitioning to IT leadership roles.
(10:42) Overview of the book “Lead for a Change,” which offers practical leadership lessons.
(15:33) The concept and inspiration behind the title “Lead for a Change.”
(20:24) The significance of aligning change initiatives with customer centricity and clear vision.
(25:15) The necessity of setting clear expectations and understanding different roles in change management.
(30:06) Techniques for managing and leading through transformational changes while balancing strategy and comfort levels.
(34:57) Reflections on effective leadership and the importance of continuous learning.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Ron Glickman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronglickman/
Cal State - https://www.linkedin.com/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/
“Lead for a Change” by Dr. Ron Glickman - https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Change-Strategies-Expectations-Breakthroughs/dp/1632996391
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Nathan Haydn-Myer, Senior Director and Chief Procurement Officer at VSP Vision. Nathan discusses his journey into procurement, the importance of adding value and the impact of AI on procurement.
Key Takeaways:
(01:02) Accidental entry into procurement from marketing.
(03:07) Strategic shift in VSP’s procurement.
(09:10) Importance of research in understanding stakeholders.
(10:16) Achieving small wins with pro- and anti-procurement groups.
(12:17) Aligning procurement activities with business needs.
(18:04) AI’s impact on automating routine tasks.
(19:00) Identifying and focusing on value-add tasks.
(24:05) Adapting procurement strategy based on company size.
(26:00) Leadership through asking questions to foster critical thinking.
Resources Mentioned:
Nathan Haydn-Myer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhm/
VSP Vision | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vsp-vision/
VSP Vision | Website - https://www.vsp.com/
CEB Business Alignment Survey - https://www.gartner.com/
Lean Six Sigma - https://www.sixsigmaonline.org/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Akshay Verma, Chief Operating Officer of SpotDraft. Akshay shares his journey from Head of Legal Operations at Coinbase to COO, discussing his career transitions, the impact of AI in legal tech, and the importance of scarcity in driving value.
Key Takeaways:
(02:36) Career evolution credited to seizing opportunities.
(05:42) Transformation from manual to digital processes in law.
(07:17) Impact of AI tools on contract review speed.
(12:10) Proliferation of legal technology and its benefits.
(18:46) Importance of balancing technology and human judgment in legal work.
(24:32) Increased intensity and demands of the current role at SpotDraft.
(28:10) Belief in the value of scarcity and discipline in driving business success.
Resources Mentioned:
Akshay Verma - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-verma-esq/
SpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraft/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Michael Van Keulen, Chief Procurement Officer of Coupa Software. Michael discusses the transformative power of technology in procurement and how it can drive efficiency and innovation.
Key Takeaways:
(1:05) Leveraging automation can significantly increase procurement efficiency.
(3:45) Data analytics are critical in making smarter procurement decisions.
(7:20) Building resilient supply chains helps withstand disruptions.
(11:30) Enhancing supplier relationships through innovative technologies.
(15:10) Strategic procurement is vital for driving business value.
(18:40) Advanced technologies empower procurement teams to achieve more.
(22:05) Sustainable procurement practices impact overall business strategy.
Resources Mentioned:
Michael Van Keulen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvankeulen/
Coupa Software | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/coupa-software/
Coupa Software | Website - https://www.coupa.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Joaquin Rivamonte, Director of Procurement at AlphaSense. Joaquin shares his insights on procurement strategies and operational processes, discussing the importance of scalable processes, effective planning and the need to build trust through actionable support. He emphasizes the value of listening tours and understanding key stakeholders within an organization.
Key Takeaways:
(02:30) Joaquin’s background in procurement and key influences.
(05:00) The differences in operational focus between large and small companies.
(07:50) Scalable processes are vital for rapid growth.
(09:30) Procurement success is highly dependent on proper planning.
(12:45) Listening tours play a significant role in new companies.
(15:20) Identifying and engaging with key stakeholders is crucial.
(18:00) Collaboration and communication are necessary components in building trust.
Resources Mentioned:
Joaquin Rivamonte - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquin-rivamonte-21384/
AlphaSense | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alphasense/
AlphaSense | Website - https://www.alpha-sense.com/
Microsoft - https://www.microsoft.com/en-ph
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
In this week’s episode, Sagi Eliyahu welcomes James Meads, Founder of Procurement Software. James shares insights on the evolution of procurement technology, the challenges of bureaucracy and the future of AI in procurement.
Key Takeaways:
(03:10) The evolution of procurement tech: from email and Excel to advanced tools.
(03:49) Increased focus on sustainability and compliance over the years.
(04:54) Challenges of bureaucracy in procurement and its impact on efficiency.
(06:10) Effective use of AI and automation to streamline procurement processes.
(07:38) Balancing necessary compliance with operational efficiency.
(11:10) The future of procurement: integrating AI and automation effectively.
(12:20) The impact of tech on recruitment and retention in procurement roles.
(13:45) Addressing the gap between necessary processes and overcomplication.
(17:02) The importance of eliminating unnecessary administrative tasks.
(18:30) Simplifying processes to enhance team productivity.
(19:54) Addressing budget concerns and optimizing resource allocation.
Resources mentioned:
James Meads - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-meads/?originalSubdomain=uk
Procurement Software | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/procsoft/
Procurement Software - https://procurementsoftware.site/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Shanti Ariker, Chief Legal Officer of JFrog. Shanti discusses the evolution of legal departments, the impact of AI on legal work and the importance of breaking down silos within organizations.
Key Takeaways:
(03:47) The evolution of legal departments over the years.
(06:00) Aligning legal work with company objectives.
(08:08) Balancing in-house and outsourced legal work.
(09:27) The impact of remote work, financial slowdowns and AI.
(12:08) AI limitations due to regulatory requirements.
(14:51) Involving the team in change management.
(17:10) Legal’s role in breaking down departmental silos.
(23:43) Involving legal early in project planning.
(27:07) Listening and using crises for positive change.
Resources Mentioned:
Shanti Ariker - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanti-ariker/
JFrog - https://jfrog.com/platform/schedule-a-demo/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Daniel Barnes, Founder and Host of World of Procurement and Community Manager of Gatekeeper, to discuss the transformative role of technology in procurement. Daniel shares his journey from studying law to becoming a procurement influencer and content creator. He emphasizes the importance of embracing digital tools to innovate and improve procurement processes.
Key Takeaways:
(03:01) The potential for creativity and innovation in procurement processes.
(04:10) The stagnant nature of procurement and the transformative potential of technology.
(05:06) The broader impacts of procurement and operational improvements on lives.
(06:35) Importance of initial interactions in consulting to understand client needs.
(08:18) Listening and understanding client pain points before proposing solutions.
(09:28) The necessity of being open to restructuring projects to improve outcomes.
(10:57) The importance of clear communication and ongoing dialogue within organizations.
(11:31) The role of influencers within organizations to drive change.
(14:11) The importance of continuous improvement and reassessment of processes.
(15:38) Proactive influence in one's field to effectively manage change.
(17:57) Taking risks with new ideas and processes for career advancement.
(20:36) The future of procurement with reduced traditional roles due to tech.
(22:07) The shift towards minimal procurement teams supported by tech.
(23:09) Potential for AI to automate routine procurement tasks like contracts.
(28:19) Unconventional career advice about focusing on impactful work.
Resources Mentioned:
Daniel Barnes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbarnesgsd/?originalSubdomain=uk
World of Procurement - https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldofprocurement/
Gatekeeper - https://www.linkedin.com/company/gatekeeper-vclm/
World of Procurement YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@WorldofProcurement
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Cherie Chelst, Senior Director of Procurement of Broadridge. Cherie talks about the evolution of procurement from tactical to strategic and the importance of being an authentic and inclusive leader.
Key Takeaways:
(1:00) Procurement allows for a broad range of skills, from creativity to data analysis.
(5:30) COVID clarified the importance of flexible procurement strategies that can adapt to market disruptions.
(9:55) To drive procurement centralization, gather data, build a strong business case and secure executive buy-in.
(13:00) Technology alone can’t solve problems; you must first understand requirements, processes and user needs.
(15:45) For compliance, make the desired action the easiest path for users to take.
(20:56) Authenticity and inclusivity are vital for effective leadership.
(21:25) Proactively communicate career aspirations rather than relying on work alone.
Resources Mentioned:
Cherie Chelst - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-chelst-11537143/
Broadridge - https://www.broadridge.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Jason Winmill, Chair of Buying Legal Council and Managing Partner of Argopoint, to discuss the transformative power of aligning legal operations with business strategies and the significance of innovation in legal procurement.
Key Takeaways:
(03:40) Aligning legal operations with business strategies.
(06:17) Recombination as a fundamental concept in innovation.
(10:16) Collaboration versus isolation in competitive business environments.
(13:15) Initiating small collaborative projects between legal and procurement.
(16:43) Overcoming change resistance in legal departments.
(17:30) Cost management through alternative fee arrangements.
(18:14) Long-term learning commitments in legal departments.
(19:06) Adaptive changes in procurement due to global disruptions.
(20:09) Potential impact of AI on legal departments.
(22:17) Viewing businesses as adaptive organisms in ecosystems.
(25:14) The importance of networking and information gathering.
(26:12) The crucial role of delivering value for departmental survival.
(27:08) The impact of consistent presence on professional success.
Resources Mentioned:
Jason Winmill - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-winmill/
Buying Legal Council - https://www.buyinglegal.com/
Argopoint LLC - https://www.argopoint.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Joël Collin-Demers, Consulting Principal of Pure Procurement.
Joël discusses strategies for embracing digital transformation in procurement operations. He emphasizes extracting institutional knowledge from experienced employees before they retire, automating processes through technology and fostering a culture of continuous learning within teams.
Key Takeaways:
(03:23) Businesses are demanding more from procurement, including risk mitigation, innovation, diversity and sustainability objectives.
(07:30) Implementing continuous improvement and learning mindsets takes 5-10 years for enterprises.
(10:40) Break transformation into manageable pieces by listing objectives, required capabilities and assigning ownership to team members for capability development.
(13:00) Democratize improvement by enabling employees to optimize processes, brainstorm solutions and incorporate technology recommendations.
(17:47) Demographic shifts and shrinking workforces make technology imperative for automating routine tasks and elevating employees to strategic roles.
(21:34) Preserving integrity by staying true to values and principles should be the top priority, even if it risks losing contracts.
(21:58) Continual learning through reading, meeting new people and exploring new experiences is vital to avoid career stagnation.
Resources Mentioned:
Joël Collin-Demers -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelcollindemers/
Pure Procurement | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pureprocurement/
Pure Procurement | Website -
https://newsletter.pureprocurement.ca/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Nicole Tineo, Legal Technology Advisory Services Manager US of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP. Nicole talks about how automation in the legal industry has evolved from the early days of using custom code and basic platforms like SharePoint to today's no-code tools that make automation more accessible.
Key Takeaways:
(02:23) The process of requirements gathering and understanding workflow logic remains unchanged; what’s new is the tools and technology.
(03:11) New low-code tools make automation more accessible without coding skills.
(07:37) Jobs change but they don't disappear; people can grow into new, more strategic roles.
(09:38) AI lacks human creativity; it augments but doesn't replace roles.
(13:24) Overcoming resistance to change with empathy, patience and understanding.
(18:45) Ask questions even if you know the answer.
Resources Mentioned:
Nicole Tineo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-tineo-ceds-rca-55936a101/
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP - https://www.linkedin.com/company/quinn-emanuel/
Quinn Emanuel Homepage - https://www.quinnemanuel.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Founder and Host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain. Sarah discusses strategies for leading supply chain teams through disruption and implementing new technologies.
Key Takeaways:
(07:04) Supply chain leaders balance innovation with limited time and budgets.
(10:15) Leaders collaborate across organizations to understand supply chain impact.
(12:12) Supply chain professionals feel overwhelmed by the pace of change.
(13:33) Effective communication bridges supply chain jargon gaps.
(16:15) Younger workers provide reverse mentoring on new tech.
(18:12) Diverse perspectives spark innovation and drive results.
(20:08) Moving outside your comfort zone builds confidence.
Resources Mentioned:
Sarah Barnes-Humphrey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbarneshumphrey/
Let's Talk Supply Chain - http://letstalksupplychain.com
Blended - http://blendedpledge.org
Women in Supply Chain - https://letstalksupplychain.com/women-in-supply-chain/
Secret Society of Supply Chain - https://secretsocietyofsupplychain.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Dr. Muddassir Ahmed, Founder and CEO of SCMDOJO. Dr. Muddassir discusses his experience with supply chain collaboration and visibility.
Key Takeaways:
02:03) People must align on how to help each other before agreeing on goals.
(04:32) Visibility into suppliers’ operations is key for good customer service.
(05:09) Lack of supply chain visibility causes customers to get upset and leave.
(06:45) Advanced supply chain integration enables visibility into suppliers.
(09:55) Change management frameworks help drive supplier adoption.
(13:37) Pitch benefits like reduced work to convince suppliers to adopt tech.
(15:39) Go in with empathy to understand suppliers’ processes before judging.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Muddassir Ahmed - https://www.linkedin.com/in/muddassirism/?originalSubdomain=uk
SCMDOJO - https://www.scmdojo.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Elizabeth Rancourt-Smith, Director of Legal Operations at Tilson. Elizabeth talks about how her winding career path gave her a broad skillset to excel in legal ops.
Key Takeaways:
(03:43) Worked way up at Starbucks from barista to store manager.
(05:33) Taught dance classes throughout early career.
(07:13) Went back to school to become a paralegal.
(12:05) First legal ops role grew out of a paralegal position at Tilson.
(18:30) Millennials gained tech skills on the fly.
(23:24) Supportive mentors helped guide her journey.
Resources mentioned:
Elizabeth Rancourt-Smith - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-rancourt-smith/
Tilson - https://tilsontech.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Lutz Schirrmeister, Source-to-Pay Innovations and Offerings Leader (IBM Procurement BPO) of IBM.
Lutz discusses major trends in procurement, such as the industry's rapid changes in recent years, the growing strategic value of procurement and the importance of upskilling professionals and adopting new technologies.
Key Takeaways:
(03:17) Procurement has gone through major changes in the past two to three years, with many new startups entering the industry.
(06:24) Beyond just cutting costs, procurement now has strategic value in influencing business areas.
(08:11) The pandemic rapidly changed procurement by making companies depend on it for success.
(13:22) IBM helps other companies transform procurement through consult-to-operate services.
(15:34) Companies want to connect procurement and supply chain as one function.
(16:45) Technology like AI can enhance the procurement journey.
(17:00) Upskilling procurement professionals is key for the future.
Resources Mentioned:
Lutz Schirrmeister - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutz-schirrmeister-20aa6a3a/
IBM - https://www.ibm.com/us-en
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Philip Ideson, Founder and Managing Director of Art of Procurement. Philip discusses ways of bringing value as a procurement professional.
Key Takeaways:
(02:28) Know procurement’s purpose and bring value fitting the company’s maturity.
(04:45) Measure cycle times to remove friction.
(06:13) Use technology to supplement people and processes, not replace them.
(08:08) Solve the longstanding data problem with AI.
(10:27) Change is a journey. Take incremental steps.
(13:41) Don't try to control all spend in the initial stages.
(15:28) Focus technology on data analytics, it’s not a silver bullet.
Resources Mentioned:
Philip Ideson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipideson/
Art of Procurement - https://artofprocurement.com/
Art of Supply - https://artofprocurement.com/supply/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Tom Stephenson, VP of Community and Legal Operations at Legal.io, and Tommie Tavares-Ferreira, Head of Legal Operations at Cedar. Tommie is also Cedar’s LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group Lead. Tommie and Tom co-host the podcast “Dear Legal Ops.”
Key Takeaways:
(02:59) Legal ops professionals can level up their careers by taking on strategic, high-visibility projects.
(05:19) Aligning careers with company goals transforms jobs into vital successes.
(06:12) Take on work to prove abilities to carry out initiatives. Ask for guidance when needed.
(08:42) True legal ops leaders streamline complexity to reveal the human core.
(10:32) Executive coaching helps identify areas to improve faster.
(18:32) Prioritize objectives, analyze data gaps and tailor pitches to audience needs.
(29:10) Model honest, kind feedback to normalize hard conversations and avoid conflict.
Resources Mentioned:
Tom Stephenson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tstephenson1/
Tommie Tavares-Ferreira - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommie/
Cedar - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cedar-inc./
Dear Legal Ops Podcast - https://www.dearlegalops.com/
There’s So Much I Need to Say to You - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1525575023/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZV12TE30RDTN2Y0CQ6JP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Legal.io - https://www.legal.io/
Cedar - http://www.cedar.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Otto Hanson, Founder of TermScout. Otto discusses using large language models like GPT-4 and Anthropic to review contracts.
Key Takeaways:
(01:20) Contracting can present challenges as people struggle to understand agreements.
(02:33) Many businesses create aggressive contracts, exploiting the fact people won’t read them.
(05:10) The future of simplifying contracts was 5-10 years away, but it’s now nearly here with AI.
(07:21) Start with the problem, then find tools to solve it.
(08:23) Use validation sets to scientifically test different AI models on specific tasks.
(13:42) Craft clear, concise prompts with context for the best AI results.
(17:53) Otto values “give first” in relationships by giving without expecting anything in return.
Resources Mentioned:
Otto Hanson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/otto-miguel-hanson-7b265716/
TermScout - https://www.linkedin.com/company/termscout/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Kathy Zhu, Co-Founder, CEO and GC of Streamline AI. Kathy shares insights on building an in-house legal function from scratch. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing critical work, maximizing time spent on high-impact tasks and automating processes to increase efficiency.
Key Takeaways:
(00:52) Kathy spent over a decade practicing law before becoming head of commercial legal and legal ops at DoorDash.
(02:26) On her first day at DoorDash, Kathy already had a line out the door of requests.
(03:10) Prioritize the most critical work.
(04:03) Focus time on high-impact work — minimize unnecessary meetings.
(07:08) Kathy automated intake processes to eliminate back-and-forth and manual work.
(15:25) Managing a growing, multi-layered team presented challenges around engagement and promotions.
(16:58) Not controlling the budget for critical tools can impact their future.
(18:31) Embrace the mindset of over-preparing for any scenario.
Resources Mentioned:
Kathy Zhu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathymzhu88/
Streamline AI - http://www.streamline.ai/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Ashlyn Donohue, Director of Legal at LinkSquares. Ashlyn discusses how she leverages data to scale legal operations and support in-house teams.
Key Takeaways:
(02:09) Ops roles provide scalable support through data.
(03:54) Ask teams for data to quantify problems.
(06:29) Analyze types of legal work to inform resourcing.
(08:34) Look for contract standardization opportunities in data.
(10:19) Create enablement materials to reduce legal queries.
(15:10) Tailor onboarding to the company's current chapter.
(19:24) Assume best intent when disagreements arise.
Resources Mentioned:
Ashlyn Donohue - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlyn-donohue-098aa31b/
LinkSquares - https://linksquares.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Philip Lakin, Co-Founder and CEO of NoCodeOps. Philip outlines his journey into no-code operations and speaks on helping ops professionals adopt no-code tools.
Key Takeaways:
(02:23) Philip standardized regional onboarding for Compass real estate using Zapier and Airtable.
(04:16) After discovering “no-code,” Philip started a newsletter and community.
(10:26) Don’t get caught up in tools; start with user problems.
(15:05) People want to know “the why” behind workflow changes.
(19:07) Highlight success stories and share ROI metrics to scale no-code ops.
(24:56) Walk through a real lead intake workflow using Zapier and Airtable.
(31:58) Sell pain points, not benefits, to get resources for automation.
Resources Mentioned:
Philip Lakin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-lakin/
NoCodeOps - https://www.nocodeops.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Stephanie Corey, CEO and Co-Founder of UpLevel Ops. Stephanie discusses change management tactics as well as generative AI and its potential to revolutionize legal work through large language models.
Key Takeaways:
(05:04) Stephanie transitioned from in-house roles to consulting for legal departments.
(11:15) Self-service tools free up lawyers to focus on high-value strategic tasks.
(16:40) Start exploring AI tools now, rather than outright banning them.
(20:47) Focus on user needs instead of predetermined solutions.
(23:07) Serve as an "honest broker" to build trust and consensus across teams.
(25:29) Bring "work joy" by reducing friction points to make people happier.
Resources Mentioned:
Stephanie Corey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcorey-ulo/
UpLevel Ops - http://www.uplevelops.com/
Legal Innovators Network (LINK) - https://linkforlegal.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Jeff Kruse, Founder and Legal Operations Consultant of Key Legal Operations Consulting LLC. Jeff shares his insights on evolving legal departments to align with business goals.
Key Takeaways:
(03:43) Legal professionals should view themselves as enhancing business operations rather than restricting them.
(05:18) Saving time before automation tools were invented.
(07:20) Technological advancements have rapidly changed expectations for legal departments.
(09:33) Lawyers should focus on accomplishing company missions rather than solely mitigating risks.
(13:29) Improving legal department processes indirectly speeds up business functions that rely on legal review.
(20:12) Frame changes as improvements rather than substitutions to ease adoption.
Resources Mentioned:
Jeff Kruse - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-kruse/
Key Legal Operations Consulting LLC - https://keylegalops.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Anna McGovern, Founder and Managing Director of Pondview Consulting, LLC. Anna discusses the importance of procurement teams partnering with suppliers, and speaking the language of business to create value.
Key Takeaways:
(02:37) Being a "customer of choice" means ensuring suppliers want to partner with you and bring innovative ideas.
(03:18) Involving suppliers as key team members who enable decreased time to market.
(9:18) The importance of gaining insights from adjacent industries.
(14:11) Framing a problem as one that impacts everyone motivates teams to set aside differences and find a solution.
(18:23) Procurement professionals now need skills in finance, legal, coaching and technology to create business value.
(19:57) Strategic influencing becomes important when you're not the budget holder but need to show value.
(21:17) Keep learning and embrace new technology.
Resources Mentioned:
Anna McGovern - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamcgovern/
Pondview Consulting, LLC - https://www.pondviewconsulting.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Brendan Raybuck, Chief Revenue Officer of Clearlaw, to discuss the use of AI to extract data from contracts and make it accessible across organizations.
Key Takeaways:
(02:00) The legal tech space is still wide open, with many companies taking different approaches to enhancing the legal experience.
(05:53) Legal professionals could become orchestrators of legal operations across an organization with the right data and automation.
(08:43) Legal tech has the potential to transform legal teams from being an expense into being strategic partners and thought leaders.
(13:41) There will likely be clear winners and losers in the legal tech space within two to five years.
(17:00) AI has created opportunities to transform contract language into standardized data for automation.
(25:34) It’s important for young professionals to politely challenge assumptions, as it builds confidence and creates innovation.
Resources Mentioned:
Brendan Raybuck -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanraybuck/
Clearlaw | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearlaw/
Clearlaw | Website -
https://www.clearlaw.ai/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Heather Fotch, Founder and CEO of Quality Imaging Solutions. Heather talks about evolving sales strategies, cultivating authentic client relationships and providing value through transparent engagement.
Key Takeaways:
(1:09) Bring personality into sales to build connections.
(2:39) Find a niche beyond transactional sales.
(4:48) Relationships require more than transactions.
(10:46) Vet supply chains for transparency and diversity.
(13:57) Diversify suppliers to mitigate risk.
(24:27) Engage authentically without constant asks.
Resources mentioned:
Heather Fotch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherfotch/
Quality Imaging Solutions - https://www.linkedin.com/company/quality-imaging-solutions-llc/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Mark Raffan, Head of Training at Negotiations Ninja. Mark shares insights on procurement negotiations and discusses the importance of aligning negotiation strategy to overall business goals.
Key Takeaways:
(01:11) Tools should facilitate improved processes, not dictate them.
(02:11) Implement software after improving processes, not before.
(05:20) Negotiation is a procurement tool aligned to category strategies.
(08:15) Inflation makes negotiation skills more critical now.
(10:33) AI and ML are automating some negotiations.
(13:25) Identifying the differences between tactical versus strategic procurement.
(15:43) Focus on negotiation strategy, not just tactics.
Resources mentioned:
Mark Raffan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markraffan/?originalSubdomain=ca
Negotiations Ninja - https://www.linkedin.com/company/negotiations-ninja-training/
9 Secrets To Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders by Mark Raffan - https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Win-Deals-Influence-Stakeholders/dp/B0CGM8W5LS
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Susan Walsh, Founder and Managing Director of The Classification Guru Ltd. Susan delves deep into the world of data quality, the vast challenges within dirty data and the compelling need for experienced human insight.
Key Takeaways:
(02:29) Data quality is not prioritized until problems arise. Preventative data cleaning is undervalued.
(04:25) Clean data helps procurement analyze supplier spend and risk.
(08:45) AI tools still require extensive human checking of data.
(10:34) Start by identifying the client’s problems and end goals for the data.
(13:27] Decision-makers who don’t do the work may not see the value of data projects.
(15:03) Failed data project pitches waste time better spent working on the business.
(21:12) Managing people has proven to be the biggest stress to business.
Resources Mentioned:
Susan Walsh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanewalsh/?originalSubdomain=uk
The Classification Guru Ltd. - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theclassificationguru/
Between the Spreadsheets: Classifying and Fixing Dirty Data - https://www.amazon.com/Between-Spreadsheets-Classifying-Fixing-Dirty/dp/1783305037
Fixing Dirty Data - https://www.theclassificationguru.com/tcgtraininghub/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Trisha Wright, Legal Project Manager with 10 years in law firms and ALSPs. Trisha dives deep into the intricacies of data collection in the professional space. She discusses the pitfalls and benefits of data collection methods and highlights the importance of collecting relevant and actionable information.
Key Takeaways:
(03:35) Involve legal early to avoid delays and issues down the line.
(06:23) Document interactions to avoid problems later.
(10:44) Following process ensures fairness while circumvention causes problems.
(14:53) True leaders uphold processes equally for everyone.
(19:00) People make time for what they prioritize as important.
(24:52) Always be curious and open to new experiences and ideas.
Resources Mentioned:
Trisha Wright - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisha-wright/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions and any associated media are my own, have not been reviewed by the Company, and do not represent the views and opinions of any Company or employer, past, present, or future.
Operations #BusinessOperations
In this episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Farheen Kaka, Director of Global Change Management at Gilead Sciences. Farheen delves into the significance of change management in today's dynamic business environment.
Key Takeaways:(04:02) The importance of asking people first before implementing change, so the transition is smoother.
(08:03) Ease people through change by customizing tools and processes to match what they are used to.
(10:18) Organizations can minimize change while still achieving goals by understanding end users and designing solutions they find valuable.
(14:36) With more flexible workforces, organizations should put in the effort to understand end users rather than dictating changes.
(19:25) Top-down vision and priorities are important, but employees are better placed to execute changes since they do the work daily — simple solutions can emerge.
(25:39) Employees often find ways to streamline processes that executives would not have thought of — listening to their ideas is key.
(28:39) Farheen advises documenting everything; lifelong learning; thinking outside the box; and advocating for yourself.
Farheen Kaka - https://www.linkedin.com/in/farheenkaka/
Gilead Sciences - https://www.linkedin.com/company/gilead-sciences/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Josh Langley, Chief Information Officer of Iron Mountain, to discuss leading digital transformation and building a culture of trust and transparency. Josh also shares advice on saying “yes” to challenges and avoiding overly bespoke processes.
Key Takeaways:
(09:33) Adopting governance and security best practices has enabled safe experimentation with AI.
(15:14) Focusing on efficiency and optimizing costs is central to the IT organization’s DNA.
(19:39) Establishing an AI Center of Excellence will harness innovation across the company.
(26:07) Valuing people and data is crucial for any corporation.
(28:05) Saying “yes” to new challenges leads to tremendous learning opportunities.
Resources Mentioned:
Josh Langley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlangley/
Iron Mountain - https://www.ironmountain.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, David Lat, Lawyer, Founder and Sole Writer of Original Jurisdiction, joins host Seth Colaner to share his expertise on the convergence of artificial intelligence and the legal profession. With a discerning eye on both the potential and pitfalls of technological adoption in legal practices, David draws from his varied experiences and delivers vital insights into the current and future implications of AI in law.
Key Takeaways:(01:38) Revenue for big law firms is steady, though performance varies widely between firms.
(03:00) Law firms are slowly adopting new technologies, though resistance remains.
(08:42) Document automation rises as billable hours decline.
(13:03) AI generates excitement but faces skepticism and ethical concerns.
(18:17) Lawyers should match AI to the level of risk.
(22:09) Take chances on new ventures — you can always go back.
Resources Mentioned:David Lat - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlat/
Original Jurisdiction - https://davidlat.substack.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week’s episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Stephany Lapierre, Founder and CEO of TealBook. Stephany delves deep into the world of procurement, the vast potential within unoptimized spending, and the compelling intersection of large enterprises and startup innovation.
Key Takeaways:
(02:08) Stephany gives an overview of her work history and discusses the evolution of procurement functions and the importance of engaging the right suppliers in achieving competitive advantages.
(06:10) The manual and fragmented process of supplier data management.
(13:38) The often-underestimated power and possibilities in procurement, and how lack of visibility and optimization of spending can affect companies.
(18:39) The hidden risks and opportunities in uncategorized spend and the substantial impact of optimizing such spends on the company's bottom line.
(26:10) The advantages of blending large enterprise environments with the vibrancy of startups, encouraging operations personnel to interact with entrepreneurs and their contagious energy and passion.
Stephany Lapierre - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tealbook/?originalSubdomain=ca
TealBook - https://www.linkedin.com/company/tealbook/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Laura Close, Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer of Included. The focus of the conversation is the digital transformation that is taking place in HR ops.
Topics discussed include:
-
The current state of digital transformation in HR Ops.
-
The need for HR to become data-driven.
-
The historical background of HR technology and its transformation from transactional to data-driven.
-
The challenges HR faces in getting closer to the C-suite and making data-driven decisions.
-
The role of AI and technology in HR analytics, its potential to provide insights and the importance of human judgment in decision-making.
-
The challenges HR faces in data extraction, reporting and creating actionable insights.
-
The need for HR to undergo a digital transformation and allocate budgets for technology.
-
Supporting other women in the workplace and promoting female leadership.
Resources mentioned:
Laura Close - https://www.linkedin.com/in/closelaura/
Included - https://www.included.ai/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Thomas Barothy, NED and Senior Advisor at UnitedLex, Persuit, Catylex and Interim Legal. The conversation focuses on navigating the changes in today’s legal tech environment.
Topics discussed include:
-
The importance of aligning legal tech strategy with the overall business strategy.
-
Execution of a long-term strategy for building the tech stack, emphasizing breaking it down into manageable steps.
-
The impact of AI on the legal tech space and the need to embrace rather than avoid it.
-
The significance of understanding both the risks and benefits of AI and actively participating in discussions about its regulation.
-
Viewing one’s career as a marathon, not a sprint, and finding ways to recharge along the way.
Resources mentioned:
Thomas Barothy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasbarothy/?originalSubdomain=ch
Catylex - https://www.catylex.com/
Persuit - https://www.persuit.com/
Interim Legal - https://interimlegal.ch/
UnitedLex - https://unitedlex.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Amanda Prochaska, Founder and Chief Wonder Officer at Wonder Services. The focus of the conversation is successfully navigating the changes happening in procurement services.
Topics discussed include:
-
The dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of supply chains.
-
Shifting from a focus on cost savings to a more strategic and externally focused approach.
-
The evolution of procurement from a cost-saving center to a strategic and innovative function.
-
The mismatch between existing knowledge and new demands causing burnout.
-
The potential of technology as both a solution and a challenge in procurement transformations.
-
The importance of starting projects with clear success metrics.
-
Treating everyone as a person, regardless of their rank or title.
Resources mentioned:
Amanda Prochaska - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-prochaska/
Wonder Services - https://wonderservices.net/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Steven Ward, Director of Strategy and Hospitality at Lightspeed Commerce. The conversation focuses on how organizations can become more financially and data-driven.
Topics discussed include:
– The importance of fostering a data-centric culture.
– Data maturity and accessibility.
– Using tools like Looker for data visualization.
– A business operations team’s role in creating a data-driven culture.
– Communicating data effectively to stakeholders.
– Challenges in becoming financially and data-driven (overreliance on opinions, data accuracy, accessibility).
– Allowing for mindset shifts and adaptability over specific frameworks.
– Applying principles rather than strict frameworks.
Resources mentioned:
Steven Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevendavidward/
Lightspeed Commerce - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightspeedcommerce/
Lightspeed Commerce | Website - https://www.lightspeedhq.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required.
Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Electra Japonas, CEO and Founder at TLB and Co-Founder at oneNDA. The focus of the conversation is getting more out of legal ops teams through a human-centric approach.
Topics discussed include:
-
The idea that work is more than just tasks.
-
The emergence and evolution of Legal Ops over the past few years, its mainstream adoption and the focus on cost savings and efficiency.
-
Shifting from cost savings to a more strategic approach.
-
Focusing on engaging people and creating user-centric processes that allow legal functions to thrive.
-
The relationship between technology and change and how technology follows demand.
-
The focus on efficiency and cost savings as a primary objective, resulting in reduced routine work for people.
-
The value of a purpose-led approach in the workforce, the need for meaningful contributions and the impact of technology on job fulfillment.
-
The shift from all-in-one solutions to tech stacks and the prominence of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) tools and generative AI.
Resources mentioned:
Electra Japonas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/electra-japonas/?originalSubdomain=uk
TLB | Website - https://www.tlb.law/
TLB - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelawboutiqueuk/
oneNDA - https://onenda.org/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Meg Bear, President and Chief Product Officer at SAP SuccessFactors. The focus of the conversation is human experience management and the whole-self approach to business.
Topics discussed include:
-
Meg's background and journey into SAP SuccessFactors.
-
SAP SuccessFactors and its suite of products for HR business needs.
-
Human experience management and its importance in modern business operations.
-
The impact of the pandemic on workforce management and the recognition of individual adaptability and unique strengths.
-
Leveraging AI and data to understand workforce capabilities and support individual growth.
-
The significance of a “whole-self” approach in understanding and maximizing individual potential.
-
The importance of being adaptive and proactive in a constantly changing future.
-
Meg’s advice on understanding one's unique strengths and using them to help others for personal and professional growth.
Resources mentioned:
Meg Bear - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megbear/
SAP SuccessFactors | LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/sapsuccessfactors/
SAP | Website - https://www.sap.com/index.html
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Tim Parilla, Chief Legal Officer at LinkSquares and Former General Counsel at DraftKings Inc. The conversation focused on ways you can champion legal innovation within your organization.
Topics discussed include:
-
Getting the legal team to embrace innovative approaches.
-
Making data-driven decisions in the legal department.
-
Avoiding chaos in legal operations.
-
Making data that is tracked in legal operations useful.
-
The pain points that are solved with the legal tech stack.
-
Setting up essential processes for the legal team.
-
Understanding your influence as a lawyer in an organization.
-
Being a literate business person in addition to being a lawyer.
Resources mentioned:
DraftKings Inc. - https://www.linkedin.com/company/draftkings-inc-/
Tim Parilla - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-parilla-64a4b36/
LinkSquares - https://www.linkedin.com/company/linksquares/
LinkSquares | Website - https://linksquares.com/
DraftKings - https://www.draftkings.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Andries Feikema, Global Director Procurement Digitalization and Transformation at DSM-Firmenich. The focus of the conversation is the digital transformation of procurement.
Topics discussed include:
-
The parts of procurement that are ripe for digital transformation.
-
Developing a clear strategy for digital transformation.
-
The way a digital transformation touches the entire organization.
-
Having clarity on measuring ROI
-
Selling the benefits of digital transformation to the C-suite.
-
Making sure change management is human-focused.
-
The ways organizations can use AI moving forward.
-
The increasing speed of the adoption of new technologies.
Resources mentioned:
Andries Feikema - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andriesfeikema/?originalSubdomain=nl
DSM-Firmenich - https://www.linkedin.com/company/dsm/
DSM-Firmenich | Website - https://www.dsm-firmenich.com/corporate/home.html
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Mark Stelzner, Founder and Managing Principal at IA, and Kimberly Carroll, Managing Principal at IA, to talk about taking the digital out of digital transformation.
Topics discussed include:
-
Process improvement and optimization.
-
Reasons for removing the word digital from digital transformation.
-
Having a common understanding and alignment with the goal of a transformation.
-
The barriers to success that HR departments face.
-
The importance of budget and resources to achieving a successful transformation.
-
The differences between being tech-enabled and tech-led.
-
The different facets of tech debt.
Resources mentioned:
Mark Stelzner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstelzner/
IA - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ia-hr/
Kimberly Carroll - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlycarroll1/
IA HR - https://ia-hr.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required.
Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Alex Dussurgey, Head of Procurement at Sastrify, to talk about the ever-changing world of SaaS tools in procurement.
Topics discussed include:
-
Moving from the huge automotive industry to a startup.
-
The chaos of SaaS tools in procurement.
-
Digital transformation and trust in leadership.
-
Common sense and trust in SaaS purchases.
-
How the procurement function is about much more than lowering costs.
-
The impending demise of RFPs.
-
Leading with empathy.
Resources mentioned:
Alex Dussurgey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandredussurgey/?originalSubdomain=de
Sastrify - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sastrify/
Sastrify | Website - https://www.sastrify.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required.
Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Washington Farrington is joined by Tim Sackett, President at HRU Technical Resources. The focus is on the future of work and talent acquisition with the emergence of generative AI.
Topics discussed include:
-
The power of going viral on LinkedIn.
-
The boom in AI that grew out of machine learning.
-
How AI is going to help recruiters in the hiring process.
-
The different ways generative AI will improve the employee experience.
-
The human traits that computers will never be able to replicate.
Resources mentioned:
Tim Sackett - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsackett/
HRU Technical Resources | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hru-technical-resources/
HRU Technical Resources | Website - https://hrutech.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required.
Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Briana Okyere is joined by Ravin Jesuthasan, Senior Partner and Global Leader for Transformation Services at Mercer and Best-Selling Author. The focus of the conversation is on rebooting your organization’s work operating system.
Topics discussed include:
-
The subjects of the three previous books and the current fourth book written by Ravin.
-
The four principles of work without jobs.
-
Deconstructing jobs to take advantage of emerging automation technology.
-
The role of generative AI in the workplace.
-
The implications of work without jobs on individuals and society as a whole.
-
Building a safety net to help workers upskill and reskill in the future.
Resources mentioned:
Ravin Jesuthasan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravinjesuthasan/
Ravin Jesuthasan |Website - https://www.ravinjesuthasan.com/
Mercer - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mercer/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required.
Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, host Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Dawn Tiura, CEO and President at SIG (Sourcing Industry Group), a global association that provides networking opportunities to executives in sourcing, procurement and outsourcing from Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies.
Topics discussed include:
-
How procurement professionals see all the waste and redundancy in an organization.
-
The shift in procurement from tactical buying to strategic sourcing and managing third-party risk.
-
The impact of technology, including AI, on cognitive sourcing.
-
Understanding when computing stops and AI takes over.
-
The importance of a worldview and insatiable curiosity.
Resources mentioned:
Dawn Tiura - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawntiura/
SIG (Sourcing Industry Group) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sourcing-industry-group/
SIG |Website - https://sig.org/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required.
Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, host Briana Okyere is joined by Sarah Scudder, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at SourceDay, a company that automates communication between buyers and suppliers and integrates with any ERP system, in order to provide accurate, real-time data about supplier pricing, quantity, lead times, and delivery dates.
Topics discussed include:
-
The challenges companies in the direct materials space and manufacturing have faced recently over securing supply.
-
Diversifying suppliers on a global basis.
-
Building out a list of suppliers to prioritize them.
-
Common challenges organizations face when implementing supply chain automation.
-
The most important factors to consider when selecting automation solutions.
-
Protecting automation systems from potential cyber threats.
Resources mentioned:
Sarah Scudder - https://www.linkedin.com/in/manufacturingmaven/
SourceDay - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sourceday-com/
Source Day | Website - https://sourceday.com/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode of Modern Business Operations, host Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Dr. Elouise Epstein, Partner at Kearney, a leading global management consulting firm with more than 5,300 people working in more than 40 countries. She is the author of the book Trade wars, pandemics, and chaos: How digital procurement enables business success in a disordered world, and she has a new book coming out in October.
Topics discussed include:
-
The impact the US vs. China trade wars had on businesses at the enterprise level.
-
The importance of digital literacy in the wake of new generative AI technology.
-
ChatGPT and the ways it may transform procurement that leaders aren’t thinking about.
-
How the value of in-person meetings has been elevated post-pandemic.
-
Using AI to create much more efficient processes in procurement in the future.
-
The importance of taking care of your people in business.
Resources mentioned:
Dr. Elouise Epstein - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drelouise/
Kearney - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kearney/
Kearney | Website - https://www.kearney.com/
Trade wars, pandemics, and chaos - https://www.kearney.com/service/procurement/trade-wars-pandemics-and-chaos
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Briana Okyere is joined by Omid Ghamami, CEO at the Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSCM) Institute. The focus of the conversation is on transforming procurement into a profit center.
Topics discussed include:
-
The way the pandemic put the procurement industry into an inflection point.
-
How procurement savings get valued inside a corporation.
-
Making procurement a profit center and not a cost center.
-
Funding and allocating resources to procurement as done for sales.
-
Learning to negotiate without involving money.
-
The importance of attitude in the procurement profession.
Omid Ghamami - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omidghamami/
Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSCM) Institute - https://www.linkedin.com/company/pscminstitute/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
Some critical decisions that have to be made when you’re looking at a software implementation on a company-wide scale, says Bonnie Tinder, Founder and CEO at Raven Intelligence.
She joins host Briana Okyere to discuss:
-
The genesis of Raven Intelligence and how it is like a Yelp for software implementation for businesses.
-
The importance of knowing what business problem you’re trying to solve before going through a digital transformation.
-
Choosing the right software and the right implementation path and partner for your business.
-
The way to look at the approach and methodology to use for a successful software solution.
-
The potential problems companies often run into when choosing a DIY approach to implementation.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Gianna Driver, Chief Human Resources Officer at Exabeam. The focus of the conversation is on empathy and transparency with the people in an organization.
Topics discussed include:
-
The amount of change and destabilization humans have gone through in the past few years.
-
The role of empathy in attracting and retaining talent in the workplace.
-
The importance of being empathic while still holding people accountable.
-
Tools and technology that allow people to anonymously express their opinions or feelings.
-
Transparency and openness in an organization.
Gianna Driver - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-driver-6183391/
Exabeam - https://www.linkedin.com/company/exabeam/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
Having a healthy culture is important to attract the best talent and be a successful company. Unfortunately, most companies that try to change the culture fail, notes Kevin Oakes, CEO at the Institute for Corporate Productivity.
Host Sagi Eliyahu and Kevin discuss:
-
The importance of listening to get buy-in for a culture change.
-
Finding true influencers within an organization without simply relying on the company hierarchy.
-
The common triggers for implementing a change of culture.
-
Focusing on culture fitness, which is based on a healthy culture versus a toxic culture.
Kevin Oakes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinoakes/
Institute for Corporate Productivity - https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-corporate-productivity-i4cp-/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean. Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, Briana Okyere is joined by Steve Hufford, Managing Director and COO at Raymond James Investment Banking. Briana and Steve talk about Steve’s journey of becoming a COO, the importance of having mentors and the potential of AI replacing managerial roles.
Briana and Steve discuss:
-
Steve’s indirect path to becoming the COO.
-
One of the earliest Internet Service Providers, Earthlink.
-
How to make good decisions.
-
The importance of having patience and persistence as a young company.
-
What the role of a CEO signifies in this day and age.
-
How AI can be incorporated into managerial roles.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Michael Bouchet, Chief Information Officer at Newfold Digital, to talk about his experiences in the tech industry, facing volatility and the importance of the human touch.
Sagi and Michael discuss:
-
The art of bringing order to chaos.
-
Lessons learned through Newfold Digital’s 90 acquisitions in 15 years.
-
The challenge of transitioning the organization to remote work when Covid started.
-
Trust as the main virtue in communication.
-
The importance of cultivating a human connection and being transparent.
-
The value of humanity over data.
-
Not approaching interactions only through a tech perspective.
-
The challenge of embracing change in the IT industry.
-
What ”making it” in business is all about.
Michael Bouchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbouchet/
Newfold Digital - https://www.linkedin.com/company/newfold/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Ian Smith, Head of Operations - Insurance Division at LendingTree. The key focus of their conversation is Cunningham's Law and its implementation.
Sagi and Ian discuss:
-
How Ian became the Head of Operations in the insurance division.
-
How the key to success is to always keep moving.
-
The practical way of managing your time.
-
The need for leaders to implement Cunningham's Law.
-
Advice that was helpful throughout Ian’s career — smiling and making eye contact.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Briana Okyere is joined by Joe Friedrichsen, Managing Director Infrastructure and Operations at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. The key focus of their conversation is the lean management philosophy and the agile methodology and how to apply both to one’s personal and professional life.
Briana and Joe discuss:
-
The agile methodology and its importance in completing projects efficiently.
-
How to implement the lean philosophy: mainly by removing preconceptions about company products.
-
The relevance of continuously growing and learning.
-
How people can implement lean management in their lives.
-
The best advice Joe received from his mentor, which was to apply for a job outside of his company every year—not to take it but, rather, to determine his skill sets and market worth.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean. Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
As team members begin to fragment away from central locations due to the spread of remote work, managing their knowledge becomes more important, notes Carol Patel, Head of Knowledge, Customer Success Strategy & Operations at Confluent.
Carol and host Briana Okyere discuss:
-
What knowledge management is and why it’s important.
-
The different ways knowledge can be organized.
-
How the departures of key employees should underline the importance of knowledge management — the departure of that knowledge is a point of failure.
Carol Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolbpatel/
Confluent - https://www.linkedin.com/company/confluent/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Briana Okyere is joined by George Essilfie Jr., Director of Product Operations at Veeva Systems. Veeva Systems is the primary cloud service provider for the global life sciences sector.
Briana and George discuss:
-
How Veeva Systems is dedicated to making the clinical trial process faster, more efficient and less costly.
-
The importance of enabling execution for teams, which leads to more speed and agility.
-
Surrendering to the things that interest you, which will organically build you a skillset to prepare you for an opportunity that only you are qualified for.
George Essilfie Jr. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-essilfie/
Veeva Systems - https://www.linkedin.com/company/veeva-systems/
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us attonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Briana Okyere is joined by Justin Kinchen, Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives at Tyler Technologies - Arkansas Division. The main focus of the conversation is Tyler Technologies' recent acquisition, which necessitated an overhaul of the company's go-to-market function.
Briana and Justin discuss:
-
Justin’s entrepreneurial background and how it has helped him excel in his current role.
-
Some of the operational challenges involved in managing an acquisition.
-
How the acquisition involved a strong change in mindset, as there was a fundamental need to rebuild the go-to-market strategy and tactics.
-
The importance of having a strong go-to-market strategy.
-
How the team was able to maintain a 100% retention rate throughout their acquisition journey, a rather uncommon feat.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean. Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
As a company grows and develops, sometimes it has to create an entire department to satisfy the needs of its stakeholders. Elizabeth Duke, VP of PreSales Operations at Informatica, knows all about this, as she had to help develop Demo Ops for her own organization.
Elizabeth and host Briana Okyere discuss:
-
What Demo Ops is: making demo files available during certain timeframes to stakeholders, then securing them when they are no longer needed.
-
Why Demo Ops is just as concerned with cybersecurity as IT is.
-
The advantages Informatica has seen from Demo Ops, including allowing team members to use self-service tools to do their work faster.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
Having a coherent culture is a key ingredient in helping new employees jump in beside seasoned veterans, says Jaclyn Berger, VP, Operations - Global Support at Adyen.
Jaclyn and host Sagi Eliyahu discuss:
-
Why you should always be hiring for cultural fit.
-
The need for employees to grow from generalists to specialists as the company scales.
-
The value of anecdotal information, but the superiority of metrics and data to those anecdotes.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
It’s easier to bridge two organizations when you find cultural points of connection, notes Sheldon Cummings, Chief Operating Officer at Mailchimp. Sheldon witnessed this kind of merger firsthand during the acquisition of Mailchimp by Intuit.
Sheldon and host Sagi Eliyahu discuss:
-
Why you can never say enough of what matters — put another way, “repetition never ruins a prayer.”
-
How Intuit views stakeholders as elemental, as their “air, water and food.”
-
The importance of knowing what you value and what gives you energy as vectors to building your career.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
Being customer-obsessed is contagious. When leaders are customer-obsessed, everyone follows, argues Anna Greenwald, Chief Operating Officer at MoneyGram International.
Anna and host Sagi Eliyahu discuss:
-
How being obsessed with customers and their perspectives helps lead to innovation and pre-emptive problem-solving.
-
Why chatbots and other similar technologies are smart ways to surprise and delight customers.
-
What the operations department has to orient towards: problem-solving.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
Breaking down silos is necessary for great communication in any company, says Greg Adelson, President and Chief Operating Officer at Jack Henry.
Greg and host Briana Okyere discuss:
-
Why transparency is the foundation of trust — transparency sometimes means telling people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.
-
The importance of communicating frequently and consistently — team members hear and learn at different paces.
-
The need to strike a balance between in-office and remote teams in the newly developing world of work.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
Making a process simple offers agility as a byproduct argues Gaurav Sabharwal, Head of Business Operations and Technology at Pitney Bowes.
Gaurav and host Briana Okyere discuss:
-
The importance of defining ROI — you don’t know what success looks like for a specific task or process if you don’t define it at the outset.
-
The importance of building a simple, repeatable process — this can sometimes take much longer than expected.
-
How a “why” culture — one which encourages asking why something is done a certain way and how it could be done better — primes a team for change management.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
It’s challenging enough taking your company into a fully remote work model during a pandemic, but it’s even more challenging when the company is taking on hundreds of new employees at the same time. OneStream Software has hired more than half of its staff since 2020. Their Chief Cloud Operations Officer, Mark Angle, joined host Sagi Eliyahu to share insights on how they succeeded through these challenges.
They discuss:
-
What it took to get the company up and running fully remotely.
-
Negotiating salary bands when not all employees are local.
-
Ways to optimize virtual meetings.
-
The importance of giving yourself time to think and process between those meetings.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, host Briana Okyere chatted with Yanilda Gonzalez, Director of Global Talent Acquisition Operations at Contentsquare.
Contentsquare is all about digital experience analytics, helping its clients understand the human emotions behind clicks. Yanilda says that looking at these emotions and motivations can make the digital world more human.
She and Briana discuss:
- Why it’s important to move slowly in order to move fast — be intentional about scaling.
- Tips for moving into management — Yanilda suggests being a “player-coach” and mentoring those around you.
- The importance of taking the initiative — you never know how a career path can be influenced by the little things you volunteer for.
Yanilda also discusses turning down a direct promotion in favor of a broader position that helped her progress in operations.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
As remote work makes the overall job market more competitive, it’s important to understand how to leverage your skills to help you stand out. Someone who has been advising and assisting people to do just that is Asha Aravindakshan, author of “Skills: The Common Denominator.”
Asha and host Briana Okyere discuss: - The importance of transferable skills — skills developed at work, school or volunteer activities — and how this applies to operators, an idea Asha discusses in her new book, “Skills: The Common Denominator.” - The change of a personal brand over time, and how rebranding is just as possible for a personal brand as for a corporate one. - Why you should have an elevator pitch as a way of articulating your personal brand. - The tactic of keeping your “network warm” to stay relevant in any job search.
Skills: The Common Denominator - book
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
Part of the journey from ops specialist to generalist is to be exceptional in a particular area, says Travis Ferber, VP of Strategy & Operations at Fivetran.
Travis and host Briana Okyere discuss:
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How strong team relationships lead to more transparency and feedback and can help organizations scale.
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Why showing strength in particular areas, results in leadership targeting you for broader responsibilities, therefore, putting ops professionals on a path to generalization.
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Why only being a “smart person in the room” can limit career opportunities.
As is so often the case in these conversations, this is yet another example of the unconventional path taken into ops.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
The customer experience matters, whether those customers are internal or external, says Geoff Hughes, Vice President of Cloud Operations at digital.ai.
Geoff and host Sagi Eliyahu discuss:
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Why successful operations are usually invisible — it’s only when something bad happens that they suddenly are visible!
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Why team members are so much more open to change when they are made to feel as if they have a choice — their choice makes it feel like they own the change.
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How a consistent set of values helps companies stay focused — they serve as a north star through acquisitions and pivots.
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How companies can fail to truly take risks — very rarely does something truly disastrous happen because of a failure.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations #BusinessOperations
Mike McCarthy, CIO at SAFE Credit Union, says that great operations professionals can move into executive positions but, in order to succeed there, they need to be willing to make some major mindset shifts.
Mike and guest host Seth Colaner discuss:
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The difference between the mindset of ops — problems in the near term — and the executive level — problems in the long term.
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How change management is a skill that needs to be consistently developed across every discipline.
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Why understanding how your colleagues learn can be a game changer.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
Operations can be particularly challenging in industries with red tape — something that Andrew Gibbons, Vice President, Practice Operations at Privia Health, experiences every day.
Andrew and host Briana Okyere discuss:
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The mindset necessary to deal with red tape.
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Why Andrew’s team values being out in the field with healthcare professionals.
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Why staying focused on your North Star as a business isn’t as easy as it sounds.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations #BusinessOperations
Agile at its essence is about delivering maximum value in the available time with the available people. Leila Pourhashemi, CIO and VP, Technology Business Operations at Blackhawk Network, joins us to share ways to deliver that maximum value.
Leila and host Briana Okyere discuss:
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Why influencing those outside your team might be more important than influencing those inside your team.
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The importance of moving from a project to a product mindset.
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The need to stop starting and start finishing work instead.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Strategic alignment can be used not just as a high-level visionary tool in an organization, but also as a way to develop everyday processes.
Aparna Narayanan, Head of IT Strategy, Operations & Portfolio (PMO), at Block, at the time of this interview and now Chief of Staff - R&D at Toast - is an advocate for strategic alignment. So much so, that she has five key questions she uses not only to obtain strategic alignment but also to help encourage solutions from below, rather than imposing them from above.
Aparna joins host Briana Okyere to discuss:
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how strategic alignment can prevent unintentional silos and conflicting requests for resources
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how Block has adjusted to remote onboarding to complement remote working
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what skills aspiring CIOs need to develop
You’ll also hear Aparna discuss Square and Cash Apps, both Block applications. She explains why Block doesn’t just offer payments, but an entire ecosystem to help small businesses grow.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Creating the “ultimate client experience” is something we should all aspire to, and it’s something that drives Chief Operating Officer Mike Miller and his team at Advisors Excel every day.
Mike and host Sagi Eliyahu discuss:
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Different ways to surprise and delight customers.
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The importance of considering the end user first when exploring changes or new programs.
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Offering team members the proper training and mindset to deliver great customer interactions.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
#Operations
#BusinessOperations
Reducing operations expenses while keeping all stakeholders happy? That’s just a typical day at the office for Tommy Yionoulis, Founder at OpsAnalitica.
Tommy and host Briana Okyere discuss:
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the true costs of team members not following processes and systems
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the danger of “pencil-whipping” through checklists
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not allowing team members to let their ego or experience trump processes
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
As companies grow through acquisitions mistakes will be made. When those mistakes happen both current and new team members should have the opportunity to see leadership shine.
That’s a belief of Michael Bratsafolis, Senior Director, Strategy and Operations & Head of M&A Integration at Twilio, and one that he shared with host Sagi Eliyahu on this episode of Modern Business Operations. Indeed, Michael goes so far as to make his errors visible so that new team members feel safe making mistakes and see that leadership doesn’t try to hide them.
Michael and Sagi also discuss:
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the importance of building extensibility as the company grows
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how to create an environment of inclusivity of thought
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How culture evolves in fast-growth situations
When Michael joined Twilio they had 300 people and now they are coming up on 8,000 so he’s had to learn everything he’s sharing through experience. Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
While it’s clear that operations has to interact with many different departments to accomplish its mission, the way those interactions happen varies.
Someone who has adapted her approach to optimize those interactions is Parisa Naseralavi, VP Operations at ServiceNow. On this episode of Modern Business Operations, she joins host Sagi Eliyahu to share her perspectives on how ops professionals can elevate their perspectives to create better outcomes for their companies.
Sagi and Parisa begin the discussion by reviewing Parisa’s path to operations, which had an early seed in her background as an engineer but grew into a love of problem-solving across many concepts and departments.
They also discuss:
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how Parisa learned to better view proposals and projects from the vantage point of the people she was pitching to
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why partial validation and iteration is a winning formula (and a future standard way of thinking)
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why execution won’t matter if you aren’t looking at completed tasks from the right perspective
You’ll also hear Parisa point out that even on the execution level, many operations teams still fall short (and why that’s low-hanging fruit to beat the competition).
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
While it’s clear that operations has to interact with many different departments to accomplish its mission, the way those interactions happen varies.
Someone who has adapted her approach to optimize those interactions is Parisa Naseralavi, VP Operations at ServiceNow. On this episode of Modern Business Operations, she joins host Sagi Eliyahu to share her perspectives on how ops professionals can elevate their perspectives to create better outcomes for their companies.
Sagi and Parisa begin the discussion by reviewing Parisa’s path to operations, which had an early seed in her background as an engineer but grew into a love of problem-solving across many concepts and departments.
They also discuss:
-
how Parisa learned to better view proposals and projects from the vantage point of the people she was pitching to
-
why partial validation and iteration is a winning formula (and a future standard way of thinking)
-
why execution won’t matter if you aren’t looking at completed tasks from the right perspective
You’ll also hear Parisa point out that even on the execution level, many operations teams still fall short (and why that’s low-hanging fruit to beat the competition).
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
One of the benefits of driving standardization is discovering the reasons different departments need information, and in that process learning what benefits might be missing from your value proposition.
That was an eye-opening experience for Cherry Liang, Senior Director, Global Sales Operations & Technical Solutions at TreviPay. TreviPay is a preferred B2B payment method for thousands of corporate buyers and sellers globally, processing $6B in transactions across 32 countries in 19 currencies with 90,000 active buyers.
Cherry and host Sagi Eliyahu also discuss:
- the importance of walking in the shoes of your team; “living their lives,” as Cherry calls it
- trying to make sure creatives don’t get bogged down in repetitive work
- overcoming resistance to change through explaining the value of the changes to internal stakeholders
This episode is brought to you by TonkeanTonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
One of the benefits of driving standardization is discovering the reasons different departments need information, and in that process learning what benefits might be missing from your value proposition.
That was an eye-opening experience for Cherry Liang, Senior Director, Global Sales Operations & Technical Solutions at TreviPay. TreviPay is a preferred B2B payment method for thousands of corporate buyers and sellers globally, processing $6B in transactions across 32 countries in 19 currencies with 90,000 active buyers.
Cherry and host Sagi Eliyahu also discuss:
- the importance of walking in the shoes of your team; “living their lives,” as Cherry calls it
- trying to make sure creatives don’t get bogged down in repetitive work
- overcoming resistance to change through explaining the value of the changes to internal stakeholders
This episode is brought to you by TonkeanTonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
All companies love to grow, but sometimes that growth can be too fast. When that happens, it’s important to have a competent ops team to make sure that a company doesn’t become a victim of its own success.
Someone who has firsthand experience helping her company navigate that fast growth is Camilla Morais, SVP of Operations at Brex. Brex is a financial service and technology company based in San Francisco that offers cash management accounts and business credit cards to technology companies.
On this episode, Camilla chats with host Sagi Eliyahu about:
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why you should think about scale in terms of 6-12 months, not the 5-10 years
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why she’s unafraid of hiring people more skilled than herself
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how to help your team navigate through periods of fast growth with the right processes
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
All companies love to grow, but sometimes that growth can be too fast. When that happens, it’s important to have a competent ops team to make sure that a company doesn’t become a victim of its own success.
Someone who has firsthand experience helping her company navigate that fast growth is Camilla Morais, SVP of Operations at Brex. Brex is a financial service and technology company based in San Francisco that offers cash management accounts and business credit cards to technology companies.
On this episode, Camilla chats with host Sagi Eliyahu about:
-
why you should think about scale in terms of 6-12 months, not the 5-10 years
-
why she’s unafraid of hiring people more skilled than herself
-
how to help your team navigate through periods of fast growth with the right processes
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
A system can be your best friend, but it can also be your worst enemy.
Someone who knows this well is our guest for this episode of Modern Business Operations, Susan Beaver, Senior Director, Global Partner Program, Success and Operations at TIBCO. Susan and her team believe that a system is only as good as the business process that built it.
Host Briana Okyere begins the discussion by having Susan share aspects of her nearly three decades of operations experience and how she ended up there after getting a chemistry degree.
They also discuss:
- The importance of consistently seeing things from your customer’s perspective
- Why systems are often “frenemies”
- Ideas and frameworks for fixing broken processes
You’ll also hear Susan share an operational mantra of hers, “seek to understand, then to be understood” and how it influences the way she manages.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
A system can be your best friend, but it can also be your worst enemy.
Someone who knows this well is our guest for this episode of Modern Business Operations, Susan Beaver, Senior Director, Global Partner Program, Success and Operations at TIBCO. Susan and her team believe that a system is only as good as the business process that built it.
Host Briana Okyere begins the discussion by having Susan share aspects of her nearly three decades of operations experience and how she ended up there after getting a chemistry degree.
They also discuss:
- The importance of consistently seeing things from your customer’s perspective
- Why systems are often “frenemies”
- Ideas and frameworks for fixing broken processes
You’ll also hear Susan share an operational mantra of hers, “seek to understand, then to be understood” and how it influences the way she manages.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
‘Big data’ is a concept, and practice, that will only continue to grow as we receive more vectors to enlarge and complicate the data we aggregate.
That’s why it’s helpful to have some guidelines for understanding what big data is and how to use it. Dr. Ken Knapton, Senior Vice President and CIO at Progrexion, did his doctoral thesis on issues around big data and joins host Seth Colaner on this episode of Modern Business Operations. Progrexion has a portfolio of companies that helps people understand what’s in a credit report and what to do about incorrectly reported data.
Ken starts the episode by giving us his background. He started in software development and then progressed when he realized that he didn’t just like solving problems on his own, he also enjoyed showing others how to do the same. This led him to CTO and CIO roles across the tech, health care, nonprofit, and finance sectors.
Ken and Seth go on to discuss:
- Why more data isn’t necessarily better
- How short the shelf life of data can be
- Why Agile has to be implemented as a mindset from the top down: if it gets promoted by IT it can be seen as just a tool, not as a change in thinking
You’ll also hear about Dr. Knapton’s work on the Forbes Technology Council, as well as some of the work he and his peers are doing in that forum.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Open source is such a prevalent way of thinking across multiple industries these days. It makes it easy to forget that, not too long ago, it was an island of doing business in an ocean of proprietary-enterprise-only ways of thinking.
William Cordis, Senior Director of Global Desk Deal & Buying Programs at Red Hat, is someone who has been “thinking open source” professionally for 15 years now. He joins host Briana Okyere to share his insights on this episode of Modern Business Operations. William started when there were only 1,600 team members at Red Hat. Today there are more than 20,000, so he has had a chance to observe open source thinking at work across the board; not only for his team members but also for Red Hat’s clients.
Briana and William discuss different ways to use open source thinking for business, including:
- having a governance and decision-making framework; a free-for-all doesn't work
- how being engaged will consistently lead to opportunities
- how the merger with IBM didn’t change the way they worked with Red Hat
You’ll also hear why William thinks that even bad ideas can have positive results.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
The pandemic may have been a recent agent of change, but it’s only one part of a major shift in all our lives in the last twenty years, since the Internet rose from a small project to a major axis on which the world turns.
Twenty-two years ago was when Kevin Fraczek, now Chief of Staff and Operations Director, first started at Intel Corporation. He brings insights and experience from two decades in Ops and HR to the latest episode of Modern Business Operations. During that time Kevin has seen the company grow from 70,000 to 120,000 employees and from $30B in revenue to $80B.
Host Sagi Eliyahu kicks off the larger conversation by asking Kevin about some of the biggest changes he’s seen in business during his time at Intel. They go on to discuss:
- evolving attitudes to in-office work post pandemic
- characteristics of A-players in operations
- the competitive advantages of a global talent pool
You’ll also hear Kevin’s insight that the workforce he will employ in the coming years will have different demands and expectations from the workforce he currently has, and that keeping both segments happy will take thoughtfulness and planning.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Keeping track of data is challenging. That’s why no-code tools can be so helpful for those in operations who don’t have a coding language or two under their belts.
On this episode of Modern Business Operations, host Briana Okyere chats with one of our team members, Senior Manager of Revenue Operations Morgan Leech. Morgan shares how much no-code has helped her, saying that before she leveraged a no-code tool like Tonkean, she didn’t trust her data.
Briana and Morgan also discuss:
- A day in the life of someone in ops
- Different approaches to organizing data
- A framework for managing operations requests
You’ll also hear Morgan’s advice to go for a quick win in automation by going after a repetitive task that you feel is taking longer than it should. Every moment gained back from such unnecessary repetition can be spent in career growth and items that will be more impactful for the business.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
As the Great Resignation continues in the shadow of a possible future recession, it’s important for operations teams to actively adapt to changing conditions and ensure that their companies navigate uncertain circumstances.
Zahra Bukhari, Director of Sales Operations at Klaviyo, is finding ways to ensure her company can actively confront a possible recession. She joins Briana Okyere to share her thoughts on this episode of Modern Business Operations. Klaviyo is a unified customer platform that gives online brands direct ownership of their consumer data and interactions, empowering them to turn transactions with customers into long-term relationships at scale.
Briana and Zahra discuss:
- Why Gen Z may be shaping the Great Resignation
- Ways that Ops can communicate with stakeholders, particularly in uncovering dormant opportunities and accelerating revenue growth
- Why automation is great but can sometimes create unreasonable expectations
You’ll also hear Zahra share the importance of communicating with your team members, sharing appreciation with them, and acknowledging the value of their work.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
While silos may in some cases be the best choice, in most cases they are bad for organizations.
Lindsay Selbak, Head of Strategic Operations at Airtable, is someone interested in breaking down those silos, and she joins host Sagi Eliyahu on this episode of Modern Business Operations. Lindsay loves knowing why she’s building what she’s building. That’s one of the reasons she’s now in operations after a career in entertainment technology, where she had to bring together disconnected teams to work on large projects.
Lindsay and Sagi discuss:
- how and why Agile should be used within communication paths
- decentralized and centralized communication (pros and cons)
- understanding how an organization fits together through purposeful points of connection
You’ll also hear Lindsay discuss the shutdown of Quibi, which she helped with, and how such a challenging situation was still a great opportunity to grow professionally.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
While the overall goal of operations is often to establish regularity and order, those who work in operations have to be comfortable with ambiguity and consistently realigning, reassessing, and reallocating resources.
That’s one of the messages Sowmya Srinivasan, VP of Strategy and Operations, Customer Success, Support and Renewals at Informatica, shares with host Briana Okyere on this episode of Modern Business Operations. Sowmya has been at Informatica for 15 years, starting as a support engineer, so she has seen the company grow to become the market leader in enterprise-level data management.
Briana asks Sowmya to describe an average day; Sowmya says that there is no average day but that every day prioritization drives how that day is accomplished.
Briana and Sowmya also discuss:
- why teams need to understand their why before worrying about the how
- the importance of measuring what matters (and why you should read John Doerr’s book Measure What Matters if you haven't already)
- some key foundations to establish for successful teams
You’ll also hear Sowmya’s insistence on ensuring that her leaders have automated access to key data they need to make sure they are on track.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
If the quality of your data is suspect, your conclusions and reports will suffer too.
We invited Ana Herbst, Director of Partnership and Alliance Operations at Dataiku onto this episode of Modern Business Operations to talk about data quality and ways that those in operations can check the truthfulness of their data and can present it in a way that is compelling to different stakeholders.
Ana comes from a data management background and her passion for data comes through in her discussion with host Briana Okyere.
They go on to discuss:
- questions you can pose to better scrutinize data (and the way it’s being organized)
- why you should take care to make sure you’re following reality, not just impressions when it comes to your data
- what it’s like to work with operations teams across the entire organization
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
As IT continues to develop a greater role in business decisions and operations, leaders in IT have to continue to develop competencies and skills to match the greater demands that will be placed on them.
Someone who has lived that cross-disciplinary attitude in his career is Ravi Malick, Global CIO of Box. His experience with these issues makes him a perfect guest for this episode of Modern Business Operations. Ravi’s career includes investment banking, management consultancy, startups, financial services, and the energy market, to say nothing of IT, a role he values just as much for the technical aspects as for the opportunity to interact with customers.
Host Sagi Eliyahu begins the conversation by asking what changes Box saw in IT due to the pandemic.
Sagi and Ravi also discuss:
- The importance of studying customer interactions to improve automation
- Why CIOs need to have multiple business competencies to contribute in the C-suite
- Why shadow IT isn’t necessarily the worst thing ever
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
A recurring theme we see on episodes of Modern Business Operations is the unconventional path that many leaders take to end up in ops. Another aspect of that unconventional path is the move from technical expert to manager of those technical experts (and all the challenges that come with that shift).
Someone who can help us appreciate those challenges is Rob Meo, Director of Marketing Operations at Splunk. Rob has been at Splunk, an enterprise Saas platform, for seven years now and has been part of the company’s growth from $700M in topline revenue with a team of 1,800 to $3.5B in revenue and over 8,000 employees.
Host Briana Okyere starts the conversation by asking about how operations adapts to such rapid growth. Rob notes that it’s not so much about adapting as continually watching routines and systems get broken and rebuilding them.
Briana and Rob also discuss:
- The importance of allowing your team members to sometimes fail (while providing a safety net)
- How and why Rob strives to prevent talent from leaving Splunk
- The role that culture can play in decision-making
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
While technologies prior to the pandemic were already transforming the way we work, the pandemic itself accelerated the way we work and relate to each other.
Someone who has thought (and done) a lot about these issues is Wendy Pfeiffer, our guest for this episode of Modern Business Operations. Wendy is the CIO of Nutanix, which makes an OS that runs on any hardware in any public cloud. She’s responsible for all the technology of the business as well as employee productivity.
Host Sagi Eliyahu starts the conversation by asking Wendy how she sees her position, which she articulates as striving to marry technical competence with operational excellence.
Sagi and Wendy also discuss:
- The future of work as seen from a Millennial perspective
- How Nutanix shifted to a mostly-remote business over the last two years
- The opportunity to create a more diverse workforce as a result of moving to remote
You’ll also hear Wendy’s implementation of a James Clear concept from Atomic Habits: making big changes happen by focusing on smaller steps first.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Many companies make components and materials for our everyday lives. Sometimes we don’t even know the names of those companies that are helping us achieve our goals.
One of those empowering companies is MathWorks, which has software embedded in chips for phones, cars, planes, and even hearing aid implants, just to name a few applications. MathWorks’ Director of Creative Services and Web Operations, Ken Hyman, recently saw began an implementation of Agile thinking and processes with his team, and that’s why we wanted him to join us for this episode of Modern Business Operations.
Host Briana Okyere starts the conversation by asking Ken to define Agile and the reasons why MathWorks implemented it.
Briana and Ken also discuss:
- MathWorks’ move from being primarily office-based to being fully remote
- Why Agile leads to more customer-centricity
- How Agile allows Mathworks to focus on outcomes instead of output
You’ll also hear about Ken’s use of job satisfaction reports after the implementation of Agile to keep iterating on the best possible version of it for MathWorks.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
As automation becomes increasingly important in both business and personal, it becomes just as important to maintain boundaries and account for the human element in automation.
Someone who very much believes in that human element is Pablo Kenney, VP of Product Strategy and Operations at Zendesk. Pablo has worked in politics, in startups, and in corporate life, and brings that variety of experiences to how he thinks about the intersection of people and technology. He shares his perspectives on this episode of Modern Business Operations.
Host Sagi Eliyahu starts the conversation by asking about a pricing strategy and what information is necessary to make a thorough but rapid decision.
Sagi and Pablo also discuss:
- The challenge of working at a company that has answers to everything (Google)
- The power in being “purposely inefficient”
- How to use your CRM more intentionally to diagnose a churn problem
You’ll also hear Pablo’s advocacy for “letting humans do what they are best at.” Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Legal operations is still a growing and developing role. As such, many of the leaders in the field have taken an unexpected path to their current position.
One of those leaders, and our guest for this episode of Modern Business Operations, is Danielle Antill, Director of Legal Operations at Barings. Her path to legal operations ran through the Army National Guard, followed by a B.S. in legal and paralegal studies. Danielle’s love of working with the regulatory process at her last position with a broker-dealer led her in mid-2020 to her current position at Barings.
Host Briana Okyere starts the conversation by asking Danielle what helps break the ice with team members who are still trying to figure out what legal operations is and how it can work with other departments.
Briana and Danielle also discuss:
- What “need to know” really should mean
- The fact that sometimes change isn’t democratic
- How to create intentional relationship management
You’ll also hear Danielle remind listeners that great tech doesn’t matter if you don’t account for the human element.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
While IT is a department we take for granted in business these days, it continues to develop in how it helps tie different parts of a company together so that all can collaborate smoothly and efficiently.
One of the people helping make those connections is Patrick Danielewski, Director of Information Technology at Workrise. Patrick joins us for this episode of Modern Business Operations to share his vision for IT and where it fits among the greater trends in business and operations.
Host Sagi Eliyahu starts the conversation by having Patrick give a bit of his background and why he got into IT in the first place (he’s been into computers since the Commodore 64 days). He went to college at UT Austin, ended up liking the city and stayed, making a name for himself helping tech businesses with their IT.
Sagi and Patrick also get into:
- What it means to think “people first” in IT (and how it makes you more agile)
- The ongoing creep of shadow IT (and how to deal with it)
- The role that AI and machine learning are going to play in digital transformation (bigger than we can currently imagine)
You’ll also hear Patrick opine about the possible future non-coding functions of IT.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
While the accepted wisdom might be that “everything has changed” in digital marketing, our guest for this episode of Modern Business Operations, Deepak Narisety, would beg to differ. When we read one of his articles on LinkedIn, which led with the contention that “not much has changed in terms of digital marketing technology and tactics over the last two years,” we knew we needed to learn more.
Deepak has been the VP of Experience Technology at Merkle since 2017 and brings a wealth of experience to any discussion about digital marketing.
Host Briana Okyere started the conversation by asking about Deepak’s idea that “not much has changed” since 2020 and what led Deepak to conclude that.
Briana and Deepak also discuss:
- Why companies need to become more inclusive in their marketing
- Why the pandemic has accelerated companies’ need to become more digitally savvy
- The importance of segmenting customers
You’ll also hear Deepak’s thoughts on why content creation is undervalued. Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Legal operations is still a new enough field that many of those in high-level positions have fascinating stories about how they broke into a department that didn’t exist when they first arrived at a company.
One of those pioneers is Frances Pomposo, Senior Director of Legal Operations and Chief of Staff to General Counsel at Workday, who joins us for the latest episode of Modern Business Operations. Frances leveraged an IP specialist paralegal position at Adobe to make the leap into a legal operations position that she didn't have formal experience in but was enthusiastic about diving into.
Host Sagi Eliyahu starts the conversation by asking Frances about her educational background and where she saw her career going before she landed at Adobe.
Sagi and Frances also discuss:
- What it takes to start a legal operations department from scratch
- How some might consider a job in legal operations despite not having a legal background
- How legal operations teams can gain more visibility within companies
You’ll also hear what Frances did to transition into the legal operations field before having traditional experience. Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Revenue Operations is a new and growing field, with its managers often possessing cross-functional capacity from the start and a lot more technical knowledge, like the ability to write SQL and Python.
That’s why we invited Mark Znutas onto this episode of Modern Business Operations. Mark is the VP of Go-to-Market Strategy and Operations at HubSpot. He has been at HubSpot for seven years now, starting as a sales strategy and operations specialist; the concept of Revenue Operations didn’t even exist when he started.
Host Briana Okyere starts the conversation by having Mark talk a bit about the pros and cons of Denver (mountains = awesome, summertime smoke = not awesome) and his background before coming to HubSpot (which included playing minor league hockey for a year).
Briana and Mark also discuss:
- Launching the CRM product within HubSpot and how “adding a product is like adding a company”
- Why cross-functional connections between teams become really valuable in multi-product companies
- How it felt to grow with HubSpot from $100M to $1.5B in ARR
You’ll also hear Mark’s hopes for the future of Revenue Operations and that he and HubSpot might contribute to a playbook for the field.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
One of the best ways to understand the “machine that builds the machine” is by chatting with someone who has worked in different divisions of the company before coming to Operations.
That’s one of the reasons we invited Tim Jones formerly of Epic Games onto this episode of Modern Business Operations. Before he became VP of Business Operations at Epic, Tim was at Google, where he worked in Sourcing and Procurement. Taking that path to Operations gave Tim a chance to understand the perspective of those departments and gave him more tools to work with all departments when he moved into Ops.
Host Sagi Eliyahu starts the conversation by asking about Tim’s background and how he ended up in Operations.
Tim and Sagi go on to discuss:
- A proper understanding of agility
- Why “launch and iterate” works as a concept
- The problems that a poor customer experience and poor IT experience can create
You’ll also hear Tim’s advocacy for “eliminate, automate, and outsource.” Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Many people feel overwhelmed by all the changes happening in the crypto space in the last 18 months — not to mention in the years since the words “blockchain” and “Bitcoin” first started popping up in articles and conversations. That’s why we wanted to invite Jeff Wang onto this episode of Modern Business Operations. Jeff is a general partner at Lunatic Capital, which specializes in the cryptocurrency LUNA. He also writes a newsletter for Robert Kiyosaki called Rocket Fuel Crypto, and has two blockchain patents pending as well. So, suffice it to say, he’s got some interesting perspectives to offer. When Jeff isn’t doing all the things we already mentioned, he is VP of Product, Crypto at TomoCredit. He was once a Solutions Architect here at Tonkean, so it wasn’t hard to get him to sit down to chat about crypto and its effects on operations.
Host Sagi Eliyahu kicked off the conversation by asking Jeff about composability and why it’s such a driver of value and change in the software and crypto sectors. Composability is a system design principle that deals with the interrelationships of components. Something that is highly composable provides components that can be selected and assembled in various combinations to meet specific user requirements.
Jeff and Sagi also discussed:
- A brief history of crypto, its first big jump with Bitcoin, and its more recent jump in 2020
- Where crypto is heading
- The implication for digital organizations and operations in structures like DAOs
You’ll also hear Jeff’s tips for thinking “composability-first” in your business. Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
One of the fascinating aspects of business operations is how often those who thrive and excel in the field didn’t necessarily start there or even know about their talents in operations.
This was one aspect of our recent conversation with Venketesh Iyer, Head of Analytics, Business Planning, and Operations at Meta. Venketesh has seen both the sales and product sides of operations and has been part of scaling at more than one large company, which is precisely the sort of experience we love to see on Modern Business Operations.
Host Briana Okyere starts the episode by asking Venketesh about his background, including how he grew in his career at Salesforce before coming to Meta.
Briana and Venketesh also discuss:
- The importance of communication with stakeholders throughout any process
- How often you should revisit goals that were set earlier in a process
- The key investments that operations teams need to make
You’ll also hear Venketesh’s stakeholder-centric thinking through various strands of the conversation, driving home the importance of how this way of thinking can bring operational success. Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
It’s not often that someone can say they were hired by Google to create an entire department from scratch, but that’s precisely what Mary O’Carroll, Chief Community Officer of Ironclad, Inc., had to do back in 2008 for the legal operations department.
Host Sagi Eliyahu starts the conversation with her on this topic, learning how much that field has evolved over the years and how much change it has forced in a field (law) that is fairly resistant to change. At a basic level, legal operations is about having policies, procedures, and tracking tools in place. But those basics enable much more advanced functions—like strategic and financial planning, project management, and technical expertise.
In this episode, Mary and Sagi also discuss:
- How the growth of legal operations has begun to affect the legal educational process
- How change management in the legal field is much more about the people and processes than the technology
- Why “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” is a deadly attitude for legal teams at companies
- How the velocity of business continues to increase and legal operations has to match that speed
You’ll also find out a little about Mary’s current role at Ironclad, and her belief that you can’t excel in any field on your own; you need help from those around you.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
Operations is where Lindsay Crittendon currently works at Headspace, but that’s not where she started her career, and she thinks that’s a good thing. One of the themes she and host Briana Okyere discuss in the podcast is the importance of having a generalist and multi-disciplinary background. Lindsay still draws on her lessons from market research and consumer insights, which was where she began her career.
Lindsay points out that you can’t progress in operations by simply staying in your lane: you’ve got to put yourself in the shoes of the people you are working with and you can’t do that without having a cross-functional and multidisciplinary attitude.
She also emphasizes the importance of those in operations taking the time to share what it is that they are working on. Most ops people shy away from sharing, thinking that, “it’s not about me.” But without sharing that work, others in the company may not understand what it is that operations truly does day-to-day and week-to-week.
In this episode, Lindsay and Briana also talk about:
- How operations has changed in the last seven years
- How to improve skill sets in which you are weak
- Some of the challenges of mergers and acquisitions at the ops level
You’ll also hear one of the key ways that Lindsay thinks front-line contributors get energy: from hearing how leadership is improving the company.
This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.
Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses the building blocks to orchestrate any process with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.
On Modern Business Operations, we’ll bring you weekly interviews with leaders from some of today’s largest and fastest growing companies. We discuss the future of business operations and how enterprises are learning to adapt to our rapidly-changing world.