



The tyranny of the urgent: How COOs stop the firefighting loop
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 def…

COOs as translators: Bridging the boardroom and the business
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 a…

The resilient COO: Finding your inner edge beyond the boardroom
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 clarit…

The COO’s compass: Setting direction and driving impact
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 th…

Operational resilience: from crisis to comeback
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 cornerst…

Evolving from operator to orchestrator
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 tr…

Getting the most from external partnerships
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 suc…

Leading change: The COO's role in building inclusive workplaces
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 …

Shaping tomorrow: the future of operations
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.

Owning the net zero challenge as COO
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.