The Rise of the COO

As organisations become more digital, interconnected and AI-enabled, many of the

challenges COOs face no longer belong to a single function.

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Every COO is solving the same equation – whether they name it or not. Balancing outcome, people, money, risk, time and quality. Making decisions with imperfect information. Living with the consequences – often long after the decision itself.

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Firefighting feels productive because it’s loud and visible. But the real value? It’s often quiet: clear decisions, steady delivery, fewer surprises. In this episode of The Rise of the COO, we talk about how COOs can break the firefighting loop and design an operating system that makes calm the default. We cover the early signals your organisation is reward‑aligned to urgency, simple design moves you can roll out in a quarter, and the small set of metrics that shift behaviour from heroics to reliability. Practical, human, and zero jargon—perfect for anyone who wants to trade constant crisis for progress that compounds.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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