Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Access the PDF version of the 2025 agenda here.

Pre-Conference Workshops

8:30 am - 9:00 am Breakfast & Registration

Shared Services Fundamentals Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP A: Shared Services 101: The Essentials for a Leading Practice Organization

Unlock the full potential of shared services with our must-have essentials for leading practice organizations. From crafting a clear strategy and compelling business case to implementing with finesse and mastering change management, we'll guide you to success. Stay ahead of the curve and navigate uncertainties with confidence.   

 

  • Align shared services with organizational objectives, outlining scope, goals, and expected outcomes.  
  • Justify shared services with a comprehensive case, highlighting benefits and cost savings.  
  • Carefully plan and execute the transition, defining roles and creating a detailed roadmap.  
  • Manage change effectively, gaining stakeholder buy-in and ensuring a smooth transition. 


Shared Services Fundamentals Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Shared Services Fundamentals Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP G: Shared Services 501: Taking Your Shared Services Operations to the Next Level

Stagnation is the enemy of shared services value creation. You’ve been operating in your shared services model for some time and are now wondering what you should do next. How do you ensure your shared services continue to add value to the organization in the face of new services, disruptions, and changes in the environment? Attend this workshop and learn tactics for improving what you have and leveraging what is new. This session will review ways to advance your current model and incorporate next-gen concepts to take your SSO to the next level. Learn about: 

 

  • Continuing to optimize service delivery to yield additional cost benefits 
  • Addressing challenges that may remain from multiple ERPs or disparate systems 
  • Evaluating and addressing skillset gaps to meet evolving needs 
  • Assessing and optimizing your sourcing models 


Human Resources Shared Services Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP B: Building HR Shared Services Versatility: Balancing Depth and Breadth in a Fast-Paced Environment

HR Shared Services agents often require a deep understanding of specific areas like benefits or payroll. However, relying solely on specialization can create bottlenecks and limit the team's overall agility. By strategically implementing cross-training, you can cultivate a versatile and adaptable HRSS team that can effectively address workforce needs, navigate changing demands, and contribute to a future-proof HR function. Equip yourself with the necessary insight to develop a cross-trained HRSS team that balances depth of expertise with the flexibility to adapt to ever-evolving needs. 

Action Items:  

  • Analyze your current workflow and identify areas where cross-training can create the most significant impact in terms of efficiency and service delivery.  
  • Develop a flexible training approach through innovative training methods like microlearning, mentoring programs, and job shadowing to effectively upskill agents without disrupting daily operations.  
  • Foster a learning environment where knowledge sharing and collaboration are encouraged, empowering agents to continually grow their skillsets.  
  • Track the effectiveness of your cross-training initiatives and demonstrate the positive impact on team versatility and organizational agility. 

Human Resources Shared Services Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Human Resources Shared Services Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP H: Fostering Leadership Skills in HR Shared Services

Effective leadership within HR Shared Services is crucial for organizational success. Get equipped with essential soft skills to lead and motivate their teams effectively. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. 

Action Items: 

  • Identify key leadership competencies required for success in HR Shared Services and assess your own strengths and development areas. 
  • Develop a personal development plan to enhance leadership skills, focusing on areas such as communication, delegation, and team building. 
  • Implement at least one new leadership strategy or behavior within your team to foster a positive and productive work environment. 

Process Excellence Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP C: Facilitate Enhanced Value with “End-to-End” Process Behaviors

Sharing Best Practices from the “End to End” Process & GPO Playbook with interactive discussions and exercises, this workshop will challenge and inform GBS leadership, current or aspiring Global Process Owners (GPOs) and Service Delivery leaders with practical models and tools to elevate end-to-end process alignment and innovation across the organization. 

  

The workshop will cover: 

  

  • “End to End” Process Context  
  • “Shift Left” Thinking & Behaviors 
  • Process Ownership vs Process Enablement 
  • Expectations, Barriers to Success 
  • “What Does GOOD Look Like” 
  • End to End Processes, WIIFM, Defects and Customer Experience (CX) 
  • The Stakeholder “Coalition” 
  • Stakeholder Segmentation, Communication, Cadence 
  • The “End to End” Process and GPO Playbook 


Process Excellence Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Process Excellence Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP I: From Chaos to Control: Data Integrity as the Backbone of Operational Efficiency

Explore the intersection of data management and process excellence within shared services. Dive into the critical relationship between IT and analytics teams and how to address challenges when strategy is lacking. Discussions will cover effective models for integrating Master Data Management (MDM) and data governance as foundational elements for success. Examine power dynamics in data creation, inherent biases, and their impact on analytical accuracy. While AI tools draw attention, this conversation emphasizes that robust data practices remain the backbone of successful automation and operational efficiency, ensuring reliable, bias-free analysis. 


Key Takeaways: 


  • Strategies for balancing IT and business roles in shared services to drive aligned data practices. 
  • Practical frameworks for establishing data governance that integrates smoothly across departments. 
  • Methods to identify and mitigate biases in your data sources before they influence key decisions. 
  • How to design operational processes that leverage strong MDM for faster, more consistent outcomes. 
  • Best practices for assigning data ownership to prevent the "garbage in, garbage out" problem. 

Finance Transformation Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP D: Elevate your Intercompany game: Shared Services Playbook

Intercompany is a team sport, and it takes a solid gameplan to effectively manage it. Processes can only take you so far – you need a key technology play to win. 


Join us for this engaging workshop, where we will focus on intercompany and the impact it has across Shared Services, which are often underestimated but impact efficiency and KPI. We'll show how obstacles in intercompany go beyond what traditional ERPs can handle and discuss a winning strategy, supported by technology, that can break down silos, streamline operations, and give your team the edge it needs to stay competitive. 


Learning Objectives 


  • Learn why intercompany is a “team sport” that goes beyond just balancing to zero 
  • Discover how a solid playbook will help your team tackle intercompany challenges 
  • Go for gold and keep your company on top with dedicated technology 


Finance Transformation Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Finance Transformation Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP J: GBS Evolution: Navigating Digital Transformation in Invoice-to-Cash

Explore the role of Global Business Services (GBS) in Invoice-to-Cash (I2C) digital transformation. Uncover trends, strategies, and practical insights to navigate the complexities of this evolution. Industry experts will share best practices, case studies, and actionable techniques, providing participants with the tools to optimize finance processes for sustained success. 



Digital Transformation Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP E: Ensuring AI Readiness in your Next Transformation

This workshop provides strategy and tactics needed to ensure your company is building the core capabilities necessary to be successful with AI into the future.  


Transformation that includes AI readiness requirements is broader than even the “typical” transformations. It creates new departments, new jobs, new roles, new functions, and new processes. Functional leaders, GBS leaders, Global Process Owners, IT and Risk all have a part to play in this brave new AI enabled world. 


Workshop Objectives 


  • Review the “field” of AI – it is far more than ChatGPT 
  • Understand where AI is most likely going to start in large enterprise 
  • Detail a whole new set of requirements that must be built 
  • Bring clarity on the role of GBS in this brave new world 
  • Look for existing enterprise transformations that can be adapted to significantly advance your AI readiness 
  • Go into detail on the big five must haves: 
  • GPO vision 
  • Cross functional coalitions 
  • Partnership with audit and control 
  • New IT for AI 
  • Job, roles, and processes 
  • And much more 

This workshop will arm you with real world advice that you can bring back to either start the conversation about AI readiness, begin to map your own journey or accelerate your existing plans! 



Digital Transformation Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Digital Transformation Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP K: GenAI: From Buzzword to Business Advantage in Shared Services

As the boundaries between human and machine intelligence blur, the potential of generative AI (GenAI) to revolutionize shared services is becoming increasingly evident. From automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making and fostering innovation, GenAI is reshaping the landscape of shared services organizations. However, the successful integration of GenAI requires a strategic approach that addresses both its opportunities and challenges. This workshop will explore practical applications of GenAI within shared services, providing attendees with actionable insights and strategies to harness its power and drive transformation. 


Actionable Takeaways: 


  • Identify GenAI Use Cases: Discover specific applications of GenAI that can deliver tangible benefits within your shared services organization, such as automating document generation, improving customer service, and optimizing processes. 
  • Overcome Challenges: Learn to address common challenges associated with GenAI implementation, including data quality, ethical considerations, and workforce integration. 
  • Develop a GenAI Strategy: Create a roadmap for integrating GenAI into your shared services operations, outlining key steps, resource allocation, and expected outcomes. 
  • Measure and Optimize: Understand how to measure the impact of GenAI initiatives and continuously optimize your approach to maximize value. 
  • Foster a Culture of Innovation: Explore strategies for cultivating a culture of innovation and experimentation within your shared services team, encouraging the adoption of new technologies like GenAI. 


This workshop will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to leverage GenAI as a strategic asset, driving efficiency, improving customer satisfaction, and positioning their shared services organizations for long-term success. 



Problem Solving Clinic Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP F: R2R Revolution: Unlocking the Touchless Close

Join us at Redwood’s premier workshop to discover how the Touchless Close can transform your Record-to-Report (R2R) process. 

This event will help you reimagine your approach to financial reporting by showcasing solutions optimized for SAP environments, leading to significant cost savings, enhanced accuracy, and faster financial reporting. 

  

Why Attend: 

  • Tackle Key Challenges: Address common R2R pain points such as manual errors, time to close, efficiency and compliance risks and learn how to overcome them effectively. 
  • Expert-Led Insights: Gain knowledge from industry veterans with proven track records in implementing successful R2R automation strategies in large enterprises. 
  • Maximize SAP Potential: Explore how to better leverage SAP to enhance automation, streamline processes, and ensure compliance in your financial reporting. 
  • Actionable Takeaways: Walk away with practical steps and methodologies to transform your financial close into a competitive advantage. 


Problem Solving Clinic Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Problem Solving Clinic Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP L: Working With Your Outsourcing Provider: How to Get the Most Value from Vendor Relationships

TBD

SSOW Grand Opening

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Grand Opening of the Innovation Hub


12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Networking Luncheon and Grand Opening of Innovation Hub

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm SSOW Opening Remarks

2:00 pm - 2:20 pm Shared Services & GBS State of the Industry Presented by SSON Research & Analytics

2:20 pm - 3:00 pm Case Study - Transform Shared Services into a Global Business Services Powerhouse

This session will guide you through a transformative journey from a single-function shared services model into a high-performing GBS organization. Our practitioner will impart practical steps that helped them expand their service portfolio, enhance operational efficiency, and drive strategic value to their business. Steps they took include: 

  • Expand the service horizon by diversifying service offerings beyond traditional functions to include strategic, valued-added services that directly impact the business 
  • Foster a global mindset to optimize talent, resources and technology across borders 
  • Embrace digital transformation with automation, AI and advanced analytics to improve decision-making and enhance customer experience 

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm KEYNOTE SESSION: From Shared Services to CEO: A Leadership Journey with Steve Bandrowczak, CEO, Xerox

Steve Bandrowczak - CEO, Xerox

Have you ever dreamt of leading a multi-billion-dollar company? Many exceptional leaders begin their careers in the core engine of a business – the shared services organization. In this inspiring keynote, Steve Bandrowczak, current CEO of Xerox ana champion for the power of Shared Services and Global Business Services, will share his remarkable journey and how Shared Servies has played a key role in his executive strategies. He’ll address: 

  • SSOs/GBSOs: The Unsung Heroes of Business: Shared Services professionals are the backbone of any successful organization, ensuring smooth operations and financial efficiency. Steve will explore through a CEO lens why a strong SSO is essential for CEOs seeking to drive sustainable growth and profitability. 
  • Develop the Skills for the Top: Learn how the unique skillset he honed in Shared Services – process excellence, analytical thinking and a focus on results – can propel you to the C-Suite. Steve will offer other insights into the leadership qualities and experiences that prepared him for the CEO role. 
  • From Costs to Competitive Advantage: Hear how Steve has set Xerox’s own GBS organization in motion and the successes they’re already seeing across the enterprise. 

 

Don’t miss this empowering session that will challenge your perspective on Shared Services and ignite your leadership potential. Learn the secrets to take your career from the back office to the boardroom! 

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Steve Bandrowczak

CEO
Xerox

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Networking Break

Breakout Programs

Despite significant investments in transformation initiatives, studies show that 70-85% of these efforts fail to deliver their intended results and could cost the organization millions. Leaders from F500 SSOs and GBSOs will explore the common reasons why transformation initiatives so often fall short and provide practical guidance on how shared services leaders can help their organizations avoid these costly pitfalls, including: 

 

  • The most prevalent barriers to successful transformation, from internal resistance to only making superficial changes that don’t inspire 
  • How SSOs and GBSOs can leverage their unique position to drive adoption and alignment across the organization 
  • Strategies for establishing high-quality partnerships and engagement models 
  • Practical steps to define a clear narrative for transformation, measure the right KPIs and deliver sustainable business impact 


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AJ Wijesinghe

SVP, Global Business Services
Ecolab

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Isaac Knoot

VP, Global Business Services
Boston Scientific

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Olga Thelliyankal

Senior Vice President, GBS, Finance Operations
Mastercard

Big Idea Stage

4:40 pm - 4:45 pm Transition


Big Idea Stage

4:45 pm - 5:15 pm Keynote Case Study: Nokia’s Value Re-invention & GBS Transformation Beyond Technology Deployment
Rod Lindsay - President, Nokia Business Services, Nokia

Few companies have experienced rise, fall and business transformation quite like Nokia. How is the spirit of value reinvention and resilience reflected in their GBS transformation? With all the focus on technology, AI, ML and Digitalization, what is needed for fundamental value creation? Join this inspirational and insightful keynote session to learn about the remarkable GBS transformation journey from Nokia:  

• Nokia’s journey of business reinvention and GBS transformation  

• Why is GBS/SSO in a pivotal position with the current market and corporate dynamics?  

• How is technology development and implementation speed impacting our environments and our mindsets on new skillsets?  

• Sharing good examples of value creation using technology-leading projects and mindset paradigm changes  

• How do you know you are still in the right job? Sharing the conclusions from three decades of transformation 

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Rod Lindsay

President, Nokia Business Services
Nokia

Big Idea Stage

5:15 pm - 5:20 pm Transition


Human Resources Shared Services Program

4:10 pm - 4:40 pm Simplify HR Transformation and Enhance the Employee Journey

Embark on a journey to streamline HR processes, redefine roles and handoffs, and turn challenges into opportunities for an improved end-to-end experience. 

  

  • Discover how overcoming common HR transformation hurdles leads to a better experience for employees and stakeholders. 
  • Hear lessons learned from HR leaders charged with moving mountains with employee experience as the ultimate measure of success. 
  • Learn actionable strategies for adapting to changes and driving success in evolving landscapes. 


Human Resources Shared Services Program

4:40 pm - 4:45 pm Transition


Human Resources Shared Services Program

4:45 pm - 5:15 pm Bosch's HR Shared Services: Automating for Productivity
Jason Paradowski - Head of HR Service and Talent Acquisition Bosch, Americas Region, Robert Bosch LLC

Bosch's HR shared services have successfully automated processes using RPA and low-code tools, leading to significant productivity gains, often 10-20% year-over-year, and in some cases doubling or tripling productivity. We'll discuss how they democratized automation and are exploring generative AI. Learn how Bosch balances tech with personalized HR service. 

Action Items: 

  • Assess your current HR processes for automation potential. 
  • Consider low-code/no-code tools to accelerate HR automation. 
  • Explore ways to democratize automation within your HR shared services. 
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Jason Paradowski

Head of HR Service and Talent Acquisition Bosch, Americas Region
Robert Bosch LLC

Human Resources Shared Services Program

5:15 pm - 5:20 pm Transition


Process Excellence Program

4:10 pm - 4:40 pm Expanding the GPO’s Impact: Transforming End-to-End Process to Prevent Cash Leakage
Richard Varga - Global Lead- Order To Cash, Mars Inc

Discover how Mars is evolving their GPO roles from operational oversight to strategic leadership, driving measurable savings across the organization. This session delves into a transformative program focused on preventing cash leakage within the Invoice to Cash cycle. Through hands-on initiatives within Global Business Services, dedicated project teams analyze end-to-end processes, uncovering front-end business issues and identifying policy and procedural gaps that impact cash flow. Leveraging insights from tools process mining tools, this team continuously feeds improvements back into the GPO framework. Join this session to gain insights from their journey and learn how a proactive, data-driven approach can enhance your company’s financial resilience.


Key Takeaways:

  • Approaches for empowering GPOs to drive strategic cost-saving initiatives with end-to-end visibility.
  • Insights into building cross-functional project teams to resolve front-end business issues.
  • Best practices for creating policy and process frameworks that support sustained cash flow improvements.
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Richard Varga

Global Lead- Order To Cash
Mars Inc

Process Excellence Program

4:40 pm - 4:45 pm Transition


Process Excellence Program

4:45 pm - 5:15 pm End-to-End Process Integration for Optimal Organizational Transformation
John Dery - VP, Shared Services, Presidio

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, achieving seamless integration across all facets of an organization is more critical than ever.  In fact, according to SSON R&A research, 83% of leading Global Business Services (GBS) organizations recognize that end-to-end (E2E) process integration is vital for driving significant organizational transformation. This session provides a comprehensive exploration of strategies designed to align and optimize end-to-end processes, enhancing overall efficiency, agility, and performance. Key takeaways include: 

  • Learning effective methods to dismantle organizational barriers and achieve seamless integration across departments. 
  • Leveraging cutting-edge tools and technologies to enhance end-to-end visibility and streamline workflows. 
  • Fostering techniques for building a collaborative culture that drives continuous improvement and innovation. 
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John Dery

VP, Shared Services
Presidio

Process Excellence Program

5:15 pm - 5:20 pm Transition


Future of Business Services Boardroom (Invitation Only)

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm What Can GBS Organizations Do Today to Ensure They Are Here Tomorrow?
Christof Fahr - Head of GBS Americas, Siemens

The GBS model has been a cornerstone of operational efficiency for decades. However, forces like new C-Suite leadership, talent retention challenges and lack of quantifiable sustainable ROI have caused some companies to opt to dismantle their GBS structures. Not to mention the bulldozer that is Generative AI convincing some in the C-Suite that it can replace a GBSO.  

 

Attendees will debate current marketing challenges causing the most stress and what they’re doing to survive and thrive in this dynamic environment such as:  

 

  • Outsourcing in a hybrid model 
  • What are the new locations to get the most bang for your buck? 
  • Utilizing technology to assist with any potential looming talent crisis 
  • Make sure to drive the GenAI strategy so the GBSO is not deemed obsolete to technology 
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Christof Fahr

Head of GBS Americas
Siemens

Future of Business Services Boardroom (Invitation Only)

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Driving Business Value with Service Experience Management: A New Paradigm for GBS
Christof Fahr - Head of GBS Americas, Siemens

Service Experience Management (SX Management) has emerged as a transformative approach to elevate GBS into a more strategic business partner. With only 57% of GBSOs having this capability according to SSON Research and Analytics, there is clearly room for more widespread adoption. What are the roadblocks? This discussion will delve into key contributions SX Management can make within a GBSO including: 

 

  • Stakeholder centricity to make sure services are aligned with key internal and external stakeholders 
  • Governance frameworks for existing and new services 
  • Agility and scalability depending on the changing needs of the organization 
  • Change management as SX Management works across aisles and must be sensitive to all stakeholders’ needs 
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Christof Fahr

Head of GBS Americas
Siemens

Closing Sessions

5:20 pm - 5:50 pm Generate Value and Create Measurable Impact through Smart AI

The potential of AI in transforming finance functions is undeniable. However, not all AI solutions are created equal. This session will demystify the concept of "smart AI" and highlight its critical role in driving value and measurable impact for shared services and GBS organizations. We will explore the key characteristics of smart AI, contrasting it with the limitations of "dumb AI" often found in the market. Attendees will gain insights into how to identify and select AI solutions that can effectively address the unique challenges faced by finance teams. 

Key takeaways: 

  • Understanding the difference between smart and dumb AI 
  • Identifying the critical features of a smart AI solution 
  • Assessing the potential impact of AI on finance processes 
  • Evaluating AI solutions based on measurable outcomes 
  • What does it take to enable AI in the first place? 


6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Break for Dinner & Dressing

8:30 pm - 10:00 pm SSOW PARTY!!