Shradha and Rupert are joined by Brandon Curry, CEO of WorkArts and a practitioner who has led org design from the shop floor to the C-suite. Drawing on years of experience in manufacturing, performance improvement, and HR leadership, Brandon shares how real org impact comes from centering the customer, not the spreadsheet.They explore:Why designing around spans and layers often leads to “averageness”How founders—and founder-mindsets—drive better designHow talent insight compounds over timeThe dangers of blindly implementing best practices or benchmarksWhy modeling options and playing with org scenarios is underratedThe trap of designing for people vs. designing for purposeIf you want practical, grounded org design that starts with strategy, centers the customer, and scales with clarity—this is a must-listen.
In this episode, Shradha and Rupert are joined by Janet Sherlock, former Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Ralph Lauren and now founder and CEO of OrgWorks, to explore why clarity, structure, and leadership design are central to organizational performance in today’s complex world.Janet brings fresh insight into the human and business cost of org confusion, backed by her research and executive experience.They discuss:Why executive team structure (ELT/TMT) is often the missing link in org designThe hidden cost of role ambiguity—and why 20% of time is lost to navigating itThe trap of designing around people (yes, we’ve all done it!)Why the AI hype is leading CEOs to rush decisions without a solid foundationAnd how Drucker, structure, and storytelling still matter—perhaps now more than everA must-listen if you care about designing organizations with purpose, clarity, and long-term value.
In this episode, Shradha Prakash and Rupert Morrison sit down with Garth Andrus, author of The Technology Fallacy, and global leader in org and AI transformation at Andersen Consulting, to explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping the way we design and lead organizations.Together, they dive into:🔹 Why AI disrupts more than just workflows—it changes governance, talent, and decision rights🔹 What org leaders are getting wrong about “business as usual” in an AI-driven world🔹 How “minimum viable change” can be a powerful lever for building momentum🔹 What to do when PMOs, change functions, and leadership aren’t evolving fast enough🔹 And the one question every leader should ask: What happens if we don’t change?With practical tools, candid insights, and bold thinking, this episode is a masterclass in how to lead transformation with both clarity and humanity.
Shradha and Rupert are joined by Nathan Lavoie, Global Head of Organizational Change Management and Readiness at Sanofi. Drawing from his experience at Sanofi, CVS Health, Accenture, and Deloitte, Nate unpacks what it really takes to lead sustainable change—from strategy through to execution.The trio explores:How to create a compelling change narrative that cascades with consistencyWhy operating model change is more than boxes and lines—it’s a people journeyThe practical tools behind good change: fishbowls, espresso chats, start/stop/continueWhat it means to center psychological safety and trust in change deliveryAnd why "power skills" are the new must-haves for modern leadersWhether you're rethinking your structure, launching transformation, or just wrestling with organizational inertia, this episode is your blueprint for leading change that actually sticks.
Hosts Shradha Prakash and Rupert Morrison are joined by Chelsea Jennings, a seasoned leader in organizational effectiveness at a major global bank. With a background that spans engineering, consulting, and executive coaching, Chelsea shares her unconventional path into org design and her experience building internal org effectiveness capabilities from the ground up.The conversation covers:How to shift org design from “backroom decisions” to collaborative transformationThe critical role of executive sponsorship and internal partnershipsWhy internal consulting demands curiosity, influence, and systems thinkingWhat makes org design truly sustainable in complex, ever-evolving environmentsThey also touch on Chelsea’s passion project, UnSilenceHer, and what it means to create space for overlooked voices in leadership.
In this episode of Unpacking Organizations, Shradha Prakash and Rupert Morrison sit down with Paul Krasilnick, Global Lead of OD and People Analytics at Baringa, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of organization design. From breaking free of "boxes and lines" to embracing agile thinking, they discuss how leaders can use data, design guardrails, and strategic storytelling to shape more responsive, human-centered organizations. With AI and automation accelerating change, Paul shares how org models must evolve to stay relevant—and why the HR Business Partner of the future might be your next Talent Insight Partner. It’s an honest, optimistic take on transformation, critical thinking, and the importance of freedom within a framework.
What does it take to make organization design work in the real world? In this conversation, hosts Shradha and Rupert are joined by Jodie Goulden and Richard Lucas from Orgdesign Works to discuss what it takes for successful org transformation. They talk about when to say no to rushed structure changes, how to build internal capability, and why wide and deep engagement beats speed every time. This episode is a roadmap for leaders ready to think systemically and act courageously.
Shradha and Rupert sit down with Kent McMillan, Managing Director at Accenture and author of Rethinking Operating Models. Together, they dive into how organizations can evolve in the face of rapid technological change, especially with the rise of AI.Kent shares powerful insights from decades of experience in operating model design—highlighting the importance of systems thinking, adaptive strategy, and core capabilities that drive lasting success.From reimagining learning cultures to staying resilient through disruption, this conversation explores:The role of AI in reshaping the workplaceHow to foster a passion for learning and innovationWhy continuous reinvention is key to staying competitiveBalancing new technology with timeless business principlesWhether you're a leader navigating change or a strategist shaping the future of work, this episode offers actionable ideas and fresh perspective on building organizations that thrive.
Rupert and Shradha sit down with Michael Griffiths, Deloitte US Organization, Workforce & Change Consulting Leader, to examine the shifting dynamics of organizational change, with a particular emphasis on skills-based organizations. They explore the practical challenges of adopting skills-based frameworks, the cultural transformations required for effective performance management, and the critical role of job architecture in today’s workplaces. The discussion also covers the impact of technology, the importance of decision rights, and the evolving nature of job descriptions—highlighting the urgent need for organizations to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.
Rupert and Shradha are joined by Badr Ait Ahmed, a seasoned expert in workforce planning and people analytics. The conversation explores the critical differences between headcount planning and workforce planning, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach that includes finance, HR, and other departments. Badr shares insights on the importance of embedding workforce planning into business processes, the risks of neglecting non-direct workforce planning, and the challenges of quantifying the cost of attrition. He also discusses his journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the value of transformation and the necessity of iteration over perfection in the workforce planning process.
Cole Napper, VP at Lightcast, joins Rupert and Shradha to explore the intricacies of workforce planning and analytics. They discuss the importance of integrating internal and external data, the impact of demographic changes on talent availability, and the evolving landscape of AI skills. Cole shares insights on how to influence organizational mindsets with data, the significance of aligning workforce strategies with business objectives, and lessons learned from successful and unsuccessful location strategies. The conversation also highlights the value of effective data visualization tools, particularly box plots, in workforce planning.Lightcast’s Workforce Risk Index - https://lightcast.io/resources/research/workforce-risk-outlook
Shradha and Rupert delve into Mark McAleer’s journey into organizational design, unpacking the intricacies of change management. The discussion highlights the critical role of addressing the human aspects of organizational change, the significance of engaging stakeholders effectively, and the obstacles encountered in driving successful transformation. Mark offers valuable perspectives on the importance of adopting a holistic approach to organizational design and explores how tools like organizational network analysis can improve outcomes. The episode wraps up with actionable advice on steering clear of common pitfalls in change management.
Hosts Rupert and Shradha are joined by Sam Spurlin, a consultant at The Ready, to explore the evolving landscape of organizational design and the future of work. They discuss the importance of understanding work as a continuous process, the need for modern organizational operating systems, and the significance of embracing complexity over oversimplification. The conversation delves into practical strategies for transforming meetings, identifying organizational tensions, and fostering a culture of experimentation and iteration. Sam shares insights on tools and traps in organizational change, emphasizing the potential for small, impactful changes to create significant ripple effects within organizations.
In this episode, hosts Shradha and Rupert chat with Alan Susi, VP and Global Head of Organizational Planning and Analytics at S&P Global. Alan shares his journey from Fannie Mae to S&P, discussing the evolution of workforce planning and the importance of integrating various functions within organizations. The conversation delves into the challenges and successes of navigating mergers, the significance of empathy and collaboration in team dynamics, and the critical alignment between finance and people teams. Alan emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the face of changing business landscapes, while also outlining the future aspirations for his team and the tools and traps to avoid in organizational planning.
In this episode, hosts Shradha and Rupert engage with guest Jordan Pettman to explore the significance of Integrated Business Planning (IBP) in organizations. Jordan shares his extensive professional journey, emphasizing the need for a cohesive approach to organizational strategy that integrates finance, HR, and operational planning. The conversation delves into the cultural prerequisites for successful IBP implementation, the challenges of gaining organizational buy-in, and the importance of building collaborative relationships across departments. Jordan also discusses the essential skills for leaders in the OP&A function and offers practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls in process management and technology adoption.
Rupert and Shradha engage with Hardeep Kaur, who shares her extensive experience in organizational change and leadership. Hardeep discusses her journey from manufacturing to change management, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, effective communication, and the role of sponsors and stakeholders in driving successful transformations. The conversation highlights the nuances of change versus transformation and the need for passionate change advocates to ensure successful implementation. In this conversation, she also discusses the challenges of change fatigue and the importance of reframing change as a natural part of work. She differentiates between incremental changes and transformational shifts, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to leadership that incorporates both human-centric strategies and technological advancements. The discussion also highlights the significance of stakeholder engagement and the mindset required to foster progress over perfection.
In this engaging conversation, Rupert and Shradha welcome Julian Chender, an expert in organization design, to discuss his journey from corporate consulting to social impact work. Julian shares insights on the importance of culture in organizations, particularly how it relates to their products and services. He reflects on his experiences at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, where he learned valuable lessons about organizational culture and its impact on performance. The discussion also delves into the challenges of translating corporate concepts into the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for effective communication and understanding of organizational dynamics. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the unique challenges and strategies within the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding organizational culture, measuring impact, and navigating cost-cutting measures.
On this episode, Rupert and Shradha interview Don Miller from Deloitte about the concept of digital twin and its relevance in organizations. A digital twin is a replicated scenario or live model of certain elements in a system, allowing organizations to explore and make decisions without affecting the actual people and systems. Don emphasizes the importance of using digital twins to scenario model organizational moves and workforce planning, especially for global companies with labor regulations. Don cautions the practitioners on over-engineering of data and and offers practical guidance for organizations to define their strategy and make better decisions.00:00 Introduction and Background06:09 Exploring the Concept of Digital Twin28:06 Avoiding Over-Engineering and Using the Strategic Choice Cascade
In this episode, Jade Christie, Director of Workforce Planning at Lululemon, discusses the importance of workforce planning in a rapidly growing organization. She emphasizes the need for a strong partnership between workforce planning and financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to ensure accurate and actionable data. Jade also highlights the value of seeking to be approximately right rather than precisely wrong and the importance of asking the right questions to drive meaningful insights. The conversation emphasizes the art and science of workforce planning and the impact it has on employee engagement and decision-making.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:34 Introducing Jade Christie and Her Role at Lululemon08:18 The Importance of Workforce Planning in a Rapidly Growing Organization15:08 Partnerships and Stakeholders in Workforce Planning20:49 The Partnership Between Workforce Planning and FP&A25:10 The Art of Workforce Planning: Being Approximately Right28:36 Asking the Right Questions for Actionable Insights31:21 The Impact of Workforce Planning on Employee Engagement33:17 Summary and Closing Remarks
On this episode Rupert and Shradha interview Sharon Dye Yates, an org development and org design professional. Sharon shares her journey into the field of organizational development and discusses her three passions: culture, change integration, and organizational design. She emphasizes the importance of establishing tangible and measurable culture and for a robust change integration approach to ensure org changes are fully integrated and not abandoned after the initial implementation. She highlights why it is important to align org design to culture and change integration to adapt to a dynamic ecosystem.00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Sharon Dye Yates01:28 Sharon's Journey into Organizational Development09:17 Culture Eats Strategy24:36 Organizational Design26:17 Tools for Success28:25 Avoiding the Trap of Arrogance