In this episode we discuss: the challenges of asynchronous communication in a remote-first organisation. We are joined by Jeremy Slater, COO at Bob W.

We chat about the following with Jeremy Slater:

• How to do asynchronous communication well
• Managing information overload
• Why you need to invest in robust knowledge management -- hint: impacts customer service, operations, and scalability

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jack-slater/
• www.bobw.co
• https://bit.ly/jeremyslater

After an extremely brief foray into finance in the US and the UK and a short stop in India to work for a solar energy social enterprise, Jereny spent the majority of his career in the heavily operational world of property management and hospitality. He’s helping Bob W become the most loved hospitality brand in Europe.

To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here.

The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of knowledge management, asynchronous communication, and the use of specific tools within a company. It highlights the importance of knowledge management and the impact it has on various aspects of the business, including customer service, internal operations, and scalability.

Chapters:

Chapter 1: Knowledge management systems (0:00-10:27)

Chapter 2: Using tools like Notion and Slack (10:27-16:19)

Chapter 3: Information overload on Slack (16:19-21:12)

Chapter 4: Tips for using Slack productively (21:12-25:10)

Chapter 5: Organising Slack channels (25:10-28:41)

Chapter 6: Challenges with instant messaging (28:41-32:56)

Chapter 7: Setting up asynchronous work (32:56-35:34)

Chapter 8: Implementing knowledge management (35:34-43:34)

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48. How to present and not suck

In this episode we discuss presentation skills and storytelling. We are joined by Jonathan Zatland, Operating Partner at Forme Partners.

We chat about the following with Jonathan Zatland:

• Secrets to crafting narratives that captivate.
• How authenticity can transform your leadership narratives
• Why your presentations are falling flat

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-zatland-992a1b12/

A creative and commercial leader with an extensive career in high growth technology companies, e-commerce and marketplaces across UK and Europe. I started out my career as a screenwriter, living and working in Los Angeles. This was the foundation of my learning to connect stories with an audience. After a decade, I took that experience and returned to the UK to start a retail brand, Mungo & Maud. The first of its kind high end dog and cat accessory store with a physical shop in London and other major outlets around the world. Opened the online store in 2006 in the very early days of e-commerce. Following my exit, I continued my narrative thread into my role as International Multichannel Director at Etsy, helping to build and scale all International markets outside of North America. Following the IPO, I went back into startup as Chief Commercial Officer for eve Sleep, a disruptor in the sleep wellness space which I helped build and scale through to IPO. I now work as an Operating Partner for Forme Partners working with founders and CEO's across the European tech landscape, aiding them with their commercial hires at all stages of growth.

To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here.

• Career goals, creativity, and personal growth. 0:05
• Brandon and Bethany discuss their career goals and personal growth.
• Bethany realizes she needs to take advantage of not working and prioritize personal development.
• Bethany expresses frustration with lack of passion and purpose in her life, feeling unfulfilled despite various projects and hobbies.
• She longs for a major project that consumes her and stirs her imagination, but nothing has yet emerged.
• Effective storytelling and pacing in business presentations. 6:09
• Brandon and Bethany discuss narrative structure in business context, focusing on conflict and pacing.
• They emphasize the importance of actively listening to the audience and adjusting the narrative in real-time based on their reactions.
• Bethany scripts an opening for high-stakes meetings to set the tone and manage nerves.
• She tailors her approach based on the meeting's purpose and audience energy levels.
• Public speaking, authenticity, and vulnerability. 11:21
• Bethany uses narrative techniques to engage and motivate her team, including owning her energy and projecting enthusiasm.
• She also practices or rehearses her delivery beforehand to ensure authenticity and effectiveness.
• Bethany shares her approach to authenticity, vulnerability, and relatability in presentations, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and confidence-building through therapy.
• Brandon...

In this episode we discuss: The Future COO in Tech Companies. We are joined by Tony Olvet and Andrea Siviero from IDC.

We chat about the following:

• How do COOs navigate the evolving landscape of digital transformation while ensuring organisational stability?
• What are the key priorities for COOs in 2024, and how do they drive strategic thinking beyond technology?
• What role do COOs play as the connective tissue of organisations, orchestrating digital initiatives and driving innovation?
• How can COOs transition from being protectors of the organisation to digital disruptors, driving new revenue models and ESG initiatives?
• What skills are essential for CEOs and COOs to thrive in today's digital age, and how do they communicate the future state of the organisation effectively?

References:

• https://ca.linkedin.com/in/tonyolvet
• https://it.linkedin.com/in/sivieroand

Biography:

Tony Olvet, Group Vice President at IDC, leads global research on the intersection of business transformation and digital investments. With extensive experience advising organizations worldwide, Tony provides fact-based insights to inform technology strategy and digital business decisions. A sought-after speaker, he delivers keynote presentations at conferences and virtual events. Based in Toronto, Canada, Tony holds degrees from the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto.

Andrea Siviero leads IDC's European Digital Business and Future of Work Research group, providing insights to drive purposeful technology adoption. He also co-leads IDC's Worldwide MacroTech Research program, analyzing the impact of key macroeconomic factors on the digital landscape. With extensive experience in strategy and go-to-market projects, Andrea advises IT players on building forward-looking digital strategies. He holds a joint PhD in mathematics and is fluent in English, French, and Italian.

To learn more about Beth and Brandon or to find out about sponsorship opportunities click here.

Summary:

• Cricket and personal life, including death and ex-fiance. 0:00
• Bethany shares her struggles with grief after an unexpected death of a teenager, while Brandon listens and offers support.
• Bethany and Brandon discuss their past relationship and reasons for reconnecting.
• Career changes, life lessons, and tech CEO priorities. 3:08
• Bethany and Brandon M discuss their experiences working with Tony Elvet at IDC.
• Brandon M reflects on his decision to leave London and return to Toronto, and how it impacted his career.
• Brandon M shared his experiences as a tech CEO with a research report, discussing new priorities and future orientation.
• Bethany asked Brandon about his insights on CEO priorities, which were included in the report, with little fundamental change observed.
• CEO role, digital transformation, and AI adoption in businesses. 7:13
• Brandon M: CEO role in 2024: partnering with finance leaders, making investment bets.
• Bethany: High performance culture: how to make it happen, translate into business.
• Brandon M: Digital transformation is not always transformative, but AI is a real transformation for all companies.
• Bethany: AI is the top priority...