The Rise of the COO

Baringa
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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. 

Episodes

  1. COOs as translators: Bridging the boardroom and the business

    FEB 9

    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 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    20 min
  2. The resilient COO: Finding your inner edge beyond the boardroom  

    11/10/2025

    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 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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  3. The COO’s compass: Setting direction and driving impact

    10/16/2025

    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 the most complex transitions in the UK.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min
  4. Operational resilience: from crisis to comeback

    09/16/2025

    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 cornerstones of resilient leadership. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min
  5. Evolving from operator to orchestrator

    07/28/2025

    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 transformation and innovation, and shares his insights into building connected, agile organizations and navigating the integration of AI in the workplace. From breaking down silos in matrixed environments to maintaining human connection in a digital world, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how COOs are shaping the future of work, fostering collaboration, and becoming key architects of both business strategy and culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min
  6. Getting the most from external partnerships

    06/24/2025

    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 successful partnerships: aligning on objectives and outcomes, involving partners in co-creating solutions, and rewarding innovation. At the same time, we examine common pitfalls: from unrealistic expectations to a lack of transparency and agree on the need for mutual accountability. From navigating regulatory demands to embracing AI, this episode delves into the balancing act COOs must perform: transformation vs. risk, speed vs. stability, and personal discipline vs. professional ambition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min
  7. Leading change: The COO's role in building inclusive workplaces

    03/18/2025

    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 DEI an integral part of their strategy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  8. Shaping tomorrow: the future of operations

    02/10/2025

    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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min
  9. Owning the net zero challenge as COO

    11/07/2024

    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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 min
  10. Mastering the modern COO role: risk, data, communications and the power of AI

    10/11/2024

    Mastering the modern COO role: risk, data, communications and the power of AI

    In episode 2 of our ‘The Rise of the COO podcast’ we dive into some important topics including; How COOs can effectively manage Risk and Controls, unlock the potential of Data, Digital, and AI, and master the art of communication—all while exploring the qualities that make a COO truly successful in today’s world.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
  11. Workforce of the future: skills and capabilities that will make COOs and their teams successful in tomorrow’s world

    09/05/2024

    Workforce of the future: skills and capabilities that will make COOs and their teams successful in tomorrow’s world

    In episode one of our ‘The Rise of the COO podcast’ we talk about ‘Workforce of the future', exploring expert perspectives from our clients and Baringa leaders around how COOs can shape the future of work in response to disruption in the workplace, creating an environment to unlock more human potential and balancing the short term need for operational efficiency and cost reduction versus the long term need for talent development and attraction. Hosted by Mansi Patel, Capabilities Sector Leader and COO Network Sponsor at Baringa, we're joined by experts Havana Abid, SVP, Global Finance & Operations at Pearson Plc and Laura McKim, Partner, expert in People, Talent and Change at Baringa.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

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. 

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