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. 

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

Baringa's COO Podcast 'The Rise of the COO', welcomes Chief Operating Officers, SMEs and industry experts from across our clients and Baringa, to engage and discuss topics that matter to COOs in today’s world. 

Baringa's COO Podcast 'The Rise of the COO', welcomes Chief Operating Officers, SMEs and industry experts from across our clients and Baringa, to engage and discuss topics that matter to COOs in today’s world.

The Rise of the COO

The COO’s compass: Setting direction and driving impact   

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 design moves you can roll out in a quarter, and the small set of metrics that shift behaviour from heroics to reliability. Practical, human, and zero jargon—perfect for anyone who wants to trade constant crisis for progress that compounds.

Firefighting feels productive because it&rsquo;s loud and visible. But the real value? It&rsquo;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 design moves you can roll out in a quarter, and the small set of metrics that shift behaviour from heroics to reliability. Practical, human, and zero jargon&mdash;perfect for anyone who wants to trade constant crisis for progress that compounds.

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

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 didn’t land, and the skills that make COOs the ultimate connectors. Expect practical insights, human stories, and advice for anyone aspiring to lead with impact.

What makes a great COO? It&rsquo;s not just about processes and performance metrics &ndash; it&rsquo;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 didn&rsquo;t land, and the skills that make COOs the ultimate connectors. Expect practical insights, human stories, and advice for anyone aspiring to lead with impact.

COOs as translators: Bridging the boardroom and the business

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 their teams, Katie shares practical lessons and personal experiences that will resonate with every leader looking to find their 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 &amp; 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 their teams, Katie shares practical lessons and&nbsp;personal experiences&nbsp;that will resonate with every leader looking to find their inner edge &mdash; beyond the boardroom.&nbsp;

The COO’s compass: Setting direction and driving impact

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The Rise of the COO

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