2025 Agenda: Day One

In recent years, the pendulum has certainly swung toward technology. From Process Simulation and Digital Twins to the transformative potential of AI, the pace of technological advancement is both exciting and overwhelming. But here is the reality: even the most cutting-edge tools will not drive meaningful progress without the right guidance.

Strong leadership is not just an enabler of transformation, it is the driving force behind it. This session will provide leaders with the strategies needed to navigate change, tackle resistance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, as we answer the following questions:

1. How do I get and retain buy-in for transformation projects?
2. How can I accelerate change when faced with constraints/ limited resources?
3. What leadership traits are required for a culture of continuous improvement?
4. How can I remain relevant within the age of AI?

Whether you are navigating resource challenges or integrating AI, this discussion will equip you to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Tom Sterling

Vice President, Peoples Solutions Operations
Cox Automotive

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According to the Global State of OPEX & Business Transformation Industry Report 2024/25, 58% of organizations are looking to potential AI projects to drive operational excellence. While AI offers unparalleled opportunities to revolutionize business processes, its adoption demands widespread organizational transformation. The journey to becoming AI-ready is challenging, with many businesses facing complex hurdles that create friction- despite significant investments in the technology.

So, how do you ensure your organization thrives in the age of AI? Join us as we tackle five key challenges to AI implementation and provide actionable strategies to overcome them:

1. Preparing Your Workforce for AI: Upskilling employees, managing change, and defining emerging roles.
2. Getting Your Data AI-Ready: Ensuring data quality, addressing data security concerns, and structuring robust data channels.
3. Demonstrating AI’s Value: Identifying impactful use cases, securing stakeholder buy-in, and aligning with strategic targets.
4. Integrating AI Seamlessly: Building solutions that fit within existing ecosystems and ensure scalability.
5. Ethical and Responsible AI Use: Addressing bias, ensuring transparency, and aligning with evolving regulatory standards.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights to help your organization confidently navigate the complexities of AI and unlock its transformative potential.

In the evolving landscape of shared services, the focus has shifted from mere cost-cutting and standardization to delivering innovation and strategic value. According to SSON’s 2024 State of the Industry Survey, effectiveness as a strategic target has risen by 31%, reflecting the growing recognition of shared services as a key driver of enterprise success.

As the role of shared services continues to evolve, so must the approach to process improvement. The familiar advice to "tackle the low-hanging fruit first" can be a double-edged sword. While addressing quick wins may encourage initial buy-in for transformation projects, over-reliance can inadvertently brand your organization as a ‘low-end, transactional process shop.’ This makes it far more difficult to tackle high-value, complex processes, turning what should be transformative progress into an uphill battle.

To overcome this challenge and establish a foundation for sustained improvement, equip yourself with industry leaders’ expert insights, as we discuss:

1. The Power of a Transformation Center of Excellence (CoE)
2. Balancing Centralized Governance & Decentralized Ownership
3. How to Implement a Scalable Operating Model
4. Prioritizing Metrics that Highlight Value, Not Just Efficiency

With these strategies, your organization can tackle transformative opportunities, positioning the SSC as a critical enabler of enterprise growth.