The Rise of the COO

Every COO is solving the same equation – whether they name it or not. Balancing outcome, people, money, risk, time and quality. Making decisions with imperfect information. Living with the consequences – often long after the decision itself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Firefighting feels productive because it’s loud and visible. But the real value? It’s often quiet: clear decisions, steady delivery, fewer surprises. In this episode of The Rise of the COO, we talk about how COOs can break the firefighting loop and design an operating system that makes calm the default. We cover the early signals your organisation is reward‑aligned to urgency, simple d...

What makes a great COO? It’s not just about processes and performance metrics – it’s about translation. In episode 11 of The Rise of the COO, we explore how COOs turn complexity into clarity, bridging the gap between strategy and execution, boardroom and frontline. Our guest shares candid stories about adapting language for different audiences, lessons learned when communication...

In episode 10 of The Rise of the COO, we explore what it really takes to be resilient at the top. Our guest, Katie Worgan, Group COO at Legal & General, reflects on how COOs can stay grounded under pressure, set healthy boundaries, and draw strength from the people around them. From building clarity and discipline in overwhelming situations, to sustaining energy and modelling resilience for th...

In episode 9, we explore what it really takes to succeed as a COO. From balancing the second-by-second running of the UK’s electricity system to planning the energy system out to 2050, our guest, Kayte O’Neill shares how she sets direction, prioritises what matters, and leads NESO through one of the most complex transitions in the UK.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

In episode 8, Chris Taylor, COO at Baringa, joins host Mansi Patel to explore the COO’s role in steering organisations through crisis and transformation. He shares real-life lessons from IT failures to recovery journeys, highlighting preparation, decisive action, and clear communication as cornerstones of resilient leadership. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 7 of our ‘Rise of the COO’ podcast, we look at how the COO role is rapidly evolving from operational manager to strategic orchestrator, helping to shape the future of the firm. Our guest, Tom Amies-Cull, Global COO at Kinesso, draws on his rich experience leading global teams through transformation and innovation, and shares his insights into building connected, agile organi...

In episode 6, we explore how COOs can unlock value through effective external partnerships. The conversation highlights the importance of company’s having a clear sense of their identity — third-party providers strategically to stay focused on what matters most. We unpack the key ingredients of successful partnerships: aligning on objectives and outcomes, involving partners in co-creat...

In episode 5 of our ‘The Rise of the COO podcast’, we delve into the pivotal role COOs play in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their organisations, From shaping inclusive cultures to embedding equity into operational models, this conversation explores how leaders can make DEI an integral part of their strategy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

In episode 4 of our ‘The Rise of the COO podcast’,  we explore how COOs can shape the future of operations in an increasingly dynamic world. From leveraging technology, digital innovation, and AI to rethinking operational models with agility and customer-centricity at their core. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 3 of our ‘The Rise of the COO podcast’ we have an honest conversation about the COO’s role in leading the charge toward net zero. We talk through real, practical strategies for how COOs can manage the energy transition while keeping their business running smoothly.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 2 of our ‘The Rise of the COO podcast’ we dive into some important topics including; How COOs can effectively manage Risk and Controls, unlock the potential of Data, Digital, and AI, and master the art of communication—all while exploring the qualities that make a COO truly successful in today’s world.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode one of our ‘The Rise of the COO podcast’ we talk about ‘Workforce of the future', exploring expert perspectives from our clients and Baringa leaders around how COOs can shape the future of work in response to disruption in the workplace, creating an environment to unlock more human potential and balancing the short term need for operational efficiency and cost reduction versus the long...