SUGTalks

In this episode of SUGTalks, guest host Gerren Mayne (regular host of the SAPCHAT podcast) takes the chair with Craig Dale moving to the role of guest. Joining them is Simon Bacon, SAP Operations Manager at QD Group.Together, they provide a preview of UKISUG Connect 2025, exploring what attendees can expect. 

Simon also shares how Connect delivers value to QD Group year after year, including hands-on learning, networking, and how they use the event to stay on top of SAP’s product roadmap. Meanwhile Craig shares advice for first-time attendees, highlighting how AI and automation are shaping this year’s agenda, and teases the futuristic theme of SUGFest.

 Book your place at UKISUG Connect 2025 here: https://brightelm.eventsair.com/ukisug-connect-2025/homepage/Site/Register 

To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig welcomes back Simon Nichols, Founder and CEO of Thrive, to discuss negativity bias and the importance of taking a positive mindset to overcome it. 

They explore why our brains are wired to focus on the negative, how this shows up in our daily experiences, and what practical strategies we can use to reframe our thoughts in a more positive light. From mindfulness and memory recall to workplace communication and psychological safety, Simon shares actionable tools for building resilience and positivity.

To see upcoming UKISUG wellbeing sessions click here: https://www.sapusers.org/event-calendar.html?type=wellbeing-session&sort=date&order=asc

You can learn more about Thrive here: https://itstime2thrive.co.uk/

To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this second episode of a two-part series, Craig is joined by Steffen Schad (Head of Outbound Product Management, SAP BTP), Richard Henry (Commercial Director, Bluestonex), and Glenn van der Meijden (Senior Director, SAP Platform, AstraZeneca) to explore the key findings of UKISUG’s latest SAP BTP Research Paper.

In this episode, they delve into the evolving BTP skills landscape, the importance of internal capability, and how customers are balancing innovation with governance. They explore practical training paths, effective credit management, and how to build compelling business cases by linking BTP to real-world value. The discussion also highlights honest user perspectives and tips for getting the most from your BTP investment.

You can download the UKISUG BTP Research Paper here: https://www.sapusers.org/resource/sap-btp-research-paper.html

To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

SAP documents mentioned by Steffen:

• SAP Integration Suite Whitepaper
• SAP BTP Guidance Framework 

In this first of a two-part series, Craig is joined by Steffen Schad (Head of Outbound Product Management, SAP BTP), Richard Henry (Commercial Director, Bluestonex), and Glenn van der Meijden (Senior Director, SAP Platform, AstraZeneca) to explore the key findings of UKISUG’s latest SAP BTP Research Paper.

In this episode they discuss the road to SAP's Clean Core, evolving customer skillsets, and why reframing BTP around business value, not just technology, is essential. They also discuss SAP’s gamified approach to education, and share honest perspectives from both user and partner communities.

Stay tuned for Part 2, which will be published on 06/08.

You can download the UKISUG BTP Research Paper here: https://www.sapusers.org/resource/sap-btp-whitepaper.html

To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

SAP documents mentioned by Steffen:

• SAP Integration Suite Whitepaper
• SAP BTP Guidance Framework 

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Hagen Jander, Vice President, Product Management & Strategy – SAP Business Data Cloud & Insights. 

Together, they take a deep dive on SAP Business Data Cloud, exploring, what it is, how it builds on DataSphere, and why harmonised, contextualised data is key to powering AI, overcoming data silos, and unlocking real business value. Hagen also shares how customers can get started and what’s coming next on the Business Data Cloud roadmap. 

To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Steffen Schad, Head of Outbound Product Management for SAP BTP. 

Together, they discuss the latest innovations in SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) – from AI-powered automation and integration advances to the new Joule Studio and Business Data Cloud. Steffen explains how BTP is evolving to support organisations of all sizes, and why AI, data and security are more important than ever. 

To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode, Craig is joined by Jose Carvalho, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at the Value AI Institute and Global Head of Centre of Excellence at The Digital Economist.

Together they cut through the AI buzz and Jose shares a practical roadmap for turning AI into sustainable business value. Jose  also stresses why true success starts with people and data, how boards can lead responsibly, and where industries like healthcare, agriculture and finance are already reaping rewards. 

You'll also be able to see Jose live on stage at the UKISUG AI Symposium 2025 on 8 July in Manchester, where he’ll headline a day packed with AI strategy, data-governance deep dives and real-world SAP success stories. Sign-up here: https://www.sapusers.org/event-calendar/ai-symposium-2025.html

To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig Dale is joined by Stefan Kneis, Chief Customer Officer and Head of BTP Product Success at SAP. 

They explore the launch of SAP’s new Voice of the Customer programme for BTP, designed to gather meaningful user input at scale and shape future product direction. Stefan shares how feedback has already influenced BTP’s evolution and what the future might hold. 

To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig welcomes back Simon Nichols, Founder and CEO of Thrive, for a timely conversation on how to survive and thrive in times of change. 

Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, they explore why unpredictability affects us so deeply, how different people respond to it, and what role control, mindset, and even denialism play in our mental wellbeing. 

To see upcoming UKISUG wellbeing sessions click here: https://www.sapusers.org/event-calendar.html?type=wellbeing-session&sort=date&order=asc

You can learn more about Thrive here: https://itstime2thrive.co.uk/

To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Russell Smith, Vice President of ERP Transformation Technology at AstraZeneca. Russell shares his career journey from starting in the Royal Navy through to leading AstraZeneca’s ambitious SAP-driven Axial programme. 

To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme