On Modern Business Operations, we’ll bring you weekly interviews with leaders from some of today’s largest and fastest growing companies. We discuss the future of business operations and how enterprises are learning to adapt to our rapidly-changing world.
On this episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Ron Klain, Chief Legal Officer of Airbnb and former White House Chief of Staff under President Joe Biden. They discuss the operational parallels between the public and private sectors, how Airbnb sees itself as part of civic infrastructure and the role of AI in legal operations.Key Takeaways:(03:28) Both public and private operations demand strong crisis response and global coordination.(06:06) Airbnb provides surge housing for emergencies and large-scale cultural events.(08:36) Legal teams use AI to organize documents and improve institutional memory.(09:51) Lawyers remain essential for creativity, reasoning and strategic storytelling.(12:21) Global compliance requires local legal teams that are familiar with regional regulations.(15:29) A diverse society benefits from diffused power despite slower processes.(17:16) Peer networks often have a more lasting impact than traditional mentorships.Resources Mentioned:Ron Klainhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-klain-3016b71/Airbnb | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/airbnb/Airbnb | Websitehttps://www.airbnb.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Kevin Keller, Senior Vice President - General Counsel of Forward Networks, Inc. Kevin shares his career path from electrical engineering to law and tech, unpacking what it means to lead with curiosity, data and process in high-growth environments. With legal and operational leadership experience at Amazon, Instacart, Facebook and startups, Kevin offers insights into building adaptable teams, operationalizing AI and redefining efficiency for the modern workplace.Key Takeaways:(01:05) Kevin's background and his pivot from engineering to law.(09:36) Process-driven, analytical thinking is essential for continual improvement and efficiency.(10:33) Breaking down processes and identifying areas for automation or improvement is a critical leadership skill.(12:09) Root cause analysis and taking ownership of mistakes are vital for organizational health and growth.(23:42) Leveraging AI starts with breaking down team processes and empowering those closest to the work to identify opportunities.(24:36) Hiring for intelligence, emotional intelligence and curiosity is more valuable than focusing solely on credentials.(35:21) Mentoring and connecting with early-career professionals keeps leaders fresh and fosters a two-way learning environment.Resources Mentioned:Kevin Kellerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkeller/Forward Networks, Inc. | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/forward-networks/Forward Networks Inc. | Websitehttps://www.forwardnetworks.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Sagi Eliyahu sits down with Adam Sedlack, CEO of UFC GYM, to explore the intersection of fitness, community building and operational excellence. Adam shares his journey from starting in the fitness industry in 1994 to leading a global brand with over 150 locations across 42 countries. They discuss how UFC GYM combines mixed martial arts (MMA) training with traditional fitness to create a holistic wellness experience. The conversation also touches on leadership, franchise management and the importance of instilling confidence and resilience in both youth and adults.Key Takeaways:(02:27) Build community, not transactions, to deepen customer engagement.(06:03) Functional workouts like boxing deliver unmatched physical and mental results.(10:29) MMA training builds confidence and resilience in participants.(14:40) Passion and grit are essential traits for hiring staff.(19:51) Franchise management requires robust operational and legal support.(24:51) Youth programs emphasize fitness, discipline and personal growth.(30:18) Preparation for challenges is more important than competition itself.Resources Mentioned:Adam Sedlackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adamsedlack/UFC GYM | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ufc-gym/UFC GYM | Websitehttps://www.ufcgym.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Bradley Collins, CEO and Co-Founder of LegalTechTalk. Bradley shares insights from his career building large-scale industry events across fintech, advertising, insurance and now legal — an industry he believes is ripe for disruption. They discuss why AI won't replace the human need for connection, the power of in-person gatherings and how tech can enhance but never fully replicate trust-building experiences. As legal operations face increased pressure to adapt, Bradley explains what ops leaders can learn from other disrupted sectors and why fostering community is more important than ever.Key Takeaways:(05:12) In-person events remain crucial for partnerships and validation in a digital-first world.(07:01) Successful events combine compelling content, renowned speakers, and immersive experiences.(11:02) Recurring events foster strong professional communities and deeper connections.(13:30) AI-powered networking tools enhance attendee engagement and pre-event meeting scheduling.(15:24) Generative AI is emerging as a transformative force in legal tech despite slow industry adoption.(20:41) Law firms face disruption risks from clients bringing work in-house and AI-powered competitors.(21:18) Managing partners and CEOs increasingly embrace innovation in legal tech events.(22:26) Giving without expectation builds lasting connections and positively impacts careers.Resources Mentioned:Bradley Collinshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleycentaurcollins/LegalTechTalk | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/legaltechtalk/Legal TechTalk | Websitehttps://www.legaltech-talk.com/Cannes Lionshttps://www.canneslions.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, host Sagi Eliyahu is interviewed by Kelly Eliyahu, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Salesforce, to celebrate Tonkean's 10-year anniversary. In a rare role reversal, Co-Founder and CEO, Sagi, reflects on the vision that started it all, the obstacles overcome and the future Tonkean is building toward. From early product pivots to landing some of the world's biggest enterprise logos, the episode offers founders, operators and tech leaders a real look into scaling with conviction and evolving ahead of the curve.Key Takeaways:(04:12) Process orchestration bridges gaps between human collaboration and technology.(06:33) AI advancements enable better alignment between human needs and systems.(09:02) The market now values orchestration and automation more than ever.(12:15) Pivoting strategies is essential to meet market expectations effectively.(14:04) Operations teams play a critical role in modern business success.(18:45) Reframing ideas in familiar terms can unlock support and growth.(23:29) Personal resilience often parallels entrepreneurial challenges and milestones.(25:06) Entrepreneurs should focus on asking the right questions, not easy answers.(33:06) Trust from leading organizations reflects the value of innovative solutions.(37:01) The future of work lies in transforming how enterprises interact with software and AI.Resources Mentioned:Sagi Eliyahuhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/eliyahusagi/Tonkeanhttps://www.tonkean.comSalesforcehttps://www.salesforce.com/Gonghttps://www.gong.io/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Many companies overlook the untapped potential of veterans in the workforce. On this episode, host Sagi Eliyahu sits down with Lee Kirby, Co-Founder of Salute Mission Critical. Lee shares his journey from the military to the data center industry, highlighting the value of veterans in the workforce and how Salute Mission Critical helps bridge the gap between military service and technical careers.Key Takeaways:(03:56) Salute Mission Critical trains veterans for data center careers worldwide.(06:33) Both the military and data center industries demand continuous learning to keep up with rapid advancements.(09:57) AI is accelerating learning, achieving in minutes what once took centuries.(11:04) A culture that treats mistakes as learning opportunities unlocks workforce potential.(18:41) Military spouses also bring valuable skills in contingency planning and adaptability.(22:44) Great leadership comes from empowering teams, not just technical expertise.(26:38) Leadership in the military builds maturity, perspective and decision-making skills.(28:13) Hiring veterans offers a strong ROI due to their elite training and leadership skills.Resources Mentioned:Lee Kirby -https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekirby-datacenterservices-veteransprograms/Salute Mission Critical | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/inc-salute/Salute Mission Critical | Website -https://salutemissioncritical.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
AI is no longer just an emerging trend — it's fundamentally reshaping procurement, decision-making and business operations at an unprecedented pace. On this episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Jason Busch, Co-Founder of MetalMiner.Jason shares his perspective on the evolution of AI, how procurement technology has transformed over the years and what businesses need to prepare for as AI-driven automation takes center stage.Key Takeaways:(01:14) Jason's background and how he entered procurement technology and became an early industry expert through writing and research.(06:45) AI-driven productivity gains could reshape industries, with autonomous agents handling most procurement and supply-chain tasks.(13:06) Voice tech and automation are reshaping procurement and negotiation.(17:47) Procurement technology will become more intuitive as tools evolve and users adapt to new workflows.(20:03) Getting the best results from AI requires refining and adjusting inputs.(28:01) AI agents will work autonomously but still require human oversight.(34:10) Speaking up and challenging ideas drives innovation and meaningful progress.Resources Mentioned:Jason Busch -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-busch-96075/MetalMiner | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/metalminer/MetalMiner | Website -https://agmetalminer.com/Stealth Startup Spy -https://stealthstartupspy.substack.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Keeping up with the changes in legal operations takes strategy, flexibility and a willingness to embrace new technology. In this episode, host Sagi Eliyahu sits down with Micki Nute, Senior Director, Head of Legal Strategy and Operations at Pure Storage, to talk about how the field of legal operations is shifting, the role of AI in legal work and why process transformation matters. Micki shares lessons from her career, offering a candid look at the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating technology into legal teams.Key Takeaways:(02:49) Legal expertise can streamline procurement with technology.(06:18) Leading change isn't just about solutions — it's about team buy-in.(06:51) Implementing legal tools takes time and team alignment.(09:26) Generative AI automates tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on high-value work.(19:23) AI outputs are only as good as the questions asked — learning to query is key.(20:45) Understanding AI's data sources is key to ensuring accuracy.(21:39) AI-powered search tools help legal teams work smarter.(24:13) Clear communication prevents knee-jerk reactions.Resources Mentioned:Micki Nute -https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-nute-1645371/Pure Storage LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/purestorage/Pure Storage Website -https://www.purestorage.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Procurement is evolving, and those who embrace technology and adaptability will lead the way. Mathew Schulz, Founder of Matchat, talks to Sagi Eliyahu about his journey via the military and government to procurement, how he built a thriving media company and why AI is reshaping the profession. Mathew also explores the role of automation in driving efficiency and how procurement leaders can stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.Key Takeaways:(2:15) The power of consistent content creation in procurement and career growth.(4:43) Pivoting from public to private sector shaped a unique procurement perspective.(9:03) COVID's lasting impact on supply chains and procurement strategies.(14:03) Automation enables lean procurement teams to manage massive operations.(18:48) Tech literacy and strong relationships drive procurement success.(20:40) Understanding AI tools early drives better adoption and competitive advantage.(23:45) Curiosity and adaptability are key traits for modern procurement professionals.(26:03) Trust is essential for scaling relationships in procurement.(26:39) AI agents and automation are reshaping business operations.(29:45) Building networks and gaining diverse experiences are crucial for growth.Resources Mentioned:Mathew Schulz -https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewschulz/Matchat | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetmatchat/Matchat | Website -https://matchat.io/Forrester -https://www.forrester.com/Tonkean -https://www.tonkean.com/OpenAI -https://openai.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Healthcare innovation thrives at the intersection of technology and empathy. In this episode, Alistair Erskine, Board Member of Graphite Health and SVP and Chief Information and Digital Officer of Emory Healthcare, shares his journey from practicing medicine to leading healthcare innovation. He discusses the evolution of healthcare technology, the role of AI in patient care and the importance of integrating human connection with cutting-edge tools. Key Takeaways:(01:41) Fixing inefficiencies in electronic health records inspired Alistair's career shift.(02:00) The CMIO role bridges clinical workflows and technology.(10:05) Effective change management requires three lenses: technical, emotional and cultural.(12:43) Streaming rounds help leaders connect with frontline realities.(16:25) Trickle feedback provides timely, actionable insights.(22:14) Ambient listening improves patient interactions and saves physician time.(23:28) AI-powered tools prevent patient falls and enhance care quality.(34:26) Hospitals using Apple products improve efficiency and cybersecurity.Resources Mentioned:Alistair Erskine -https://www.linkedin.com/in/transformatics/Graphite Health -https://www.linkedin.com/company/graphite-health/Emory Healthcare | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/emory-healthcare/Emory Healthcare | Website -https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Mentorship and market trends are shaping the future of careers in ways we can't ignore. On this episode, Matt Schwartz, US Finance Practice Group Leader at DLA Piper, dives into the state of the current market, the evolution of mentorship and actionable career insights for young professionals. Matt also shares with host Sagi Eliyahu his journey as a transactional attorney and his leadership role in the Legal Mentor Network, the first formal mentoring hub for lawyers and law students. Key Takeaways:(04:11) The “fork in the road” creates opportunities for some, challenges for others.(04:58) Debt markets play a vital role in fluctuating equity cycles.(07:25) Delivering value and staying adaptable are essential for employees.(10:24) Passion and curiosity drive fulfilling careers.(13:12) The Legal Mentor Network supports future legal professionals.(18:58) Iteration and change are keys to staying relevant.(19:44) Being present, organized and engaged adds value at work.(24:51) Long-term relationships are crucial for career growth.(28:09) AI is shaping the workforce, but fundamentals still matter.Resources Mentioned:Matt Schwartz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-schwartz-15576617/DLA Piper | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/dla-piper/Legal Mentor Network -https://legalmentornetwork.orgDLA Piper | Website -https://www.dlapiper.comThis episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Procurement's time at the table is here to stay — if leaders embrace resilience and innovation. On this week's episode, Nina Bomberg, Director of Global Indirect Procurement at dormakaba, explores the evolving role of procurement and the growing influence of AI in streamlining operations. Nina shares insights from her 20-year journey with host Sagi Eliyahu, emphasizing the importance of resilience, strategy and adaptability in procurement.Key Takeaways:(02:30) Procurement's role is ever-changing but always vital to operations.(04:29) Indirect procurement is gaining attention for driving material availability and efficiency.(05:43) AI tools enhance efficiency by simplifying procurement processes.(08:15) Streamlining procurement interactions can lead to significant productivity gains.(09:04) Complex corporate software should be as user-friendly as consumer apps.(16:10) Fundamentals in procurement, like data quality and processes, must be mastered before advancing to newer technologies.(18:50) The Eisenhower Matrix helps focus on important goals over urgent tasks.(19:53) Building inventory and diversifying suppliers are essential strategies.(24:07) Fire drills in procurement teach muscle memory for better future responses.(25:14) Leaders must balance short-term priorities with long-term strategic goals.Resources Mentioned:Nina Bomberg -https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninabomberg/dormakaba | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/dormakaba/dormakaba | Website -https://www.dormakaba.com/us-enThis episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
The future of procurement belongs to those who master both cutting-edge technology and timeless human skills. In this episode, Andrew Daley, Managing Director of Digital Procurement and Supply Chain at Edbury Daley, explores the intersection of digital transformation and talent in procurement. He shares insights from his extensive career and recent research on the evolving skill sets necessary for success in a rapidly changing technological landscape.Key Takeaways:(02:55) Staying ahead requires understanding both current trends and the short- to medium-term future of your industry.(06:15) Digital literacy is the top skill for professionals, enabling better use of tools and technologies.(10:40) Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement are irreplaceable skills in the digital age.(14:20) Critical thinking and strategic thinking remain critical, as they cannot be automated by AI.(19:05) The evolution of procurement is driven by technology, creating new opportunities for professionals.(23:30) Effective digital strategies address specific problems, aligning with organizational goals.(25:45) Tools like ChatGPT demonstrate how curiosity and exploration can enhance professional capabilities.(28:36) Professionals must take personal accountability for their growth and adapt to technological advances.Resources Mentioned:Andrew Daley -https://www.linkedin.com/in/edburydaleyandrew/?originalSubdomain=ukEdbury Daley | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/edburydaleyandrew/?originalSubdomain=ukEdbury Daley | Website -https://www.edburydaley.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Procurement isn't just about contracts and purchase orders anymore — it's a strategic powerhouse that drives value across the business. In this episode, Rich Sains, Managing Consultant of Acada and Host of “The Procurement Conversation” podcast, talks to Sagi Eliyahu about transforming procurement from a tactical to a strategic function, touching on automation, AI and building stakeholder value.Key Takeaways:(01:20) Rich Sains recounts his career path from logistics to founding his own ProcureTech company.(06:07) Procurement roles vary from transactional to strategic, with top teams focused on delivering business value.(09:21) Procurement earns respect when seen as a strategic partner rather than a back-office function.(13:09) Effective procurement prioritizes value-added activities over mere process optimization.(18:03) Agile RFP processes, such as collaborative requirement gathering, better meet the needs of fast-paced businesses.(22:47) Adopting product management principles can help procurement become a true strategic asset.(24:48) AI's potential in procurement is overhyped; data systemization is needed for true impact.(29:05) Hard work and delivering stakeholder value are key to procurement's effectiveness.Resources Mentioned:Rich Sains -https://www.linkedin.com/in/rsains/?originalSubdomain=ukAcada | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/acadatech/Acada | Website -https://www.acadatech.comThe Procurement Conversation -https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-procurement-conversation/id1623211171?i=1000666949109This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Innovating within the public sector is not only possible but essential for progress. Kevin Floyd, Deputy Chief Procurement Officer at City of Atlanta Department of Procurement, shares with host Sagi Eliyahu how he's transforming public procurement to match the agility and innovation seen in the private sector. From crisis management to strategic planning, Kevin shares actionable insights that challenge the status quo.Key Takeaways:(02:04) Public sector procurement doesn't have to lag behind the private sector.(05:23) Shifting the employee mindset is critical to innovation in public procurement.(08:43) Incentive-based contracting can drive efficiency and faster project completion.(12:03) Procurement plays a strategic role in crisis management, such as during water main breaks.(15:23) Emergency preparedness in procurement is essential, especially for major events like the World Cup.(18:43) Technology, including AI, is key to driving procurement innovation.(22:03) Building strong partnerships with other departments enhances procurement's role in public sector operations.(25:23) Kevin shares career advice on learning from both positive and negative experiences.Resources Mentioned:Kevin Floyd - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-floyd-21583b88/City of Atlanta Department of Procurement - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlprocurement/ATL Suppliers - https://www.atlsuppliers.com/ This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
Transforming procurement in a time of disruption requires both innovation and leadership. On this episode, Dwight Jacobs, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain and Chief Procurement Officer of Duke Energy, joins host Sagi Eliyahu. Dwight shares valuable insights into navigating the evolving world of procurement and supply chain management, emphasizing the importance of long-term strategies, partnerships and resilient systems. Key Takeaways:(02:57) Duke Energy's clean energy transition is heavily dependent on long-term supply chain partnerships.(05:00) The importance of building resilient supply chains by adding more suppliers and increasing competition.(08:21) Leadership is portable, and servant leadership plays a crucial role in team success.(10:00) The "Crew, Mission, Me" philosophy emphasizes putting the team first to achieve organizational goals.(12:30) How Duke Energy's in-house technology, Scout, optimizes supply chain material tracking and labor efficiency.(14:35) The importance of data analytics for predictive decision-making in supply chain operations.(16:50) The need to embrace generative AI while maintaining the human aspect in procurement.(18:23) The best career advice Dwight received: helping peers succeed ultimately leads to personal success.Resources Mentioned:Dwight Jacobs - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-jacobs-/Duke Energy | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/duke-energy-corporation/Duke Energy | Website - https://www.duke-energy.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Nico Bac, Founder of Digital Procurement Now, shares his journey from driving procurement innovations at Procter & Gamble to establishing his own advisory firm. Gain valuable insights on effective leadership, the critical role of user-friendly technology and AI's growing influence in the industry.Key Takeaways:(02:10) Nico's transition from corporate procurement at Procter & Gamble to founding his own firm.(04:45) Early adoption of digital procurement tools like Cooper and Ariba.(07:55) Emphasizing user experience as a top priority in procurement technology.(11:20) Cautionary approach to AI's growing influence in procurement.(15:35) Risks associated with relying on outdated procurement technologies.(18:50) Migrating procurement systems to cloud-based platforms is essential.(22:30) Big data will drive future procurement decisions and enhance strategy.Resources Mentioned:Nico Bac - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-bac-dpnow/Digital Procurement Now - https://dpnow.ai/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, Sagi Eliyahu sits down with Mary Beth Blair, Director and Associate General Counsel of Legal Operations and Procurement at Coursera. Mary Beth shares her journey from in-house counsel at Panera Bread to her current dual role. She discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing legal operations and procurement, the evolution of legal ops and the impact of AI in the legal field.The views expressed are those of the guest and do not represent those of her current or former organizations.Key Takeaways:(03:13) Evolution and definition of legal operations over the past 10 years.(05:27) Running a legal department like a business and assessing its foundations.(08:49) Encouragement of innovation and permission to fail within legal operations.(10:43) The impact of AI and technology on legal processes and time-saving.(12:17) Focusing on quick wins and leveraging existing tech stacks.(15:39) The importance of managing relationships and understanding GC's objectives.(19:16) Leading people through change and optimizing processes.(21:06) Developing strategic thinking within legal teams and balancing tactical work.(23:28) The struggle with knowing when to pivot and adapt strategies.Resources Mentioned:Mary Beth Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-blair-99268516/Coursera - https://www.linkedin.com/company/coursera/Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) - https://cloc.orgThis episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Dr. Ron Glickman, Author of “Lead for a Change” and Adjunct Professor at Cal State in Los Angeles. Dr. Glickman discusses his extensive experience in IT, the importance of understanding change dynamics, and provides insights from his book “Lead for a Change.”Key Takeaways:(01:00) The importance of being effective rather than just being right.(05:51) Starting with retail operations and transitioning to IT leadership roles.(10:42) Overview of the book “Lead for a Change,” which offers practical leadership lessons.(15:33) The concept and inspiration behind the title “Lead for a Change.”(20:24) The significance of aligning change initiatives with customer centricity and clear vision.(25:15) The necessity of setting clear expectations and understanding different roles in change management.(30:06) Techniques for managing and leading through transformational changes while balancing strategy and comfort levels.(34:57) Reflections on effective leadership and the importance of continuous learning.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Ron Glickman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronglickman/Cal State - https://www.linkedin.com/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/“Lead for a Change” by Dr. Ron Glickman - https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Change-Strategies-Expectations-Breakthroughs/dp/1632996391This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Nathan Haydn-Myer, Senior Director and Chief Procurement Officer at VSP Vision. Nathan discusses his journey into procurement, the importance of adding value and the impact of AI on procurement.Key Takeaways:(01:02) Accidental entry into procurement from marketing.(03:07) Strategic shift in VSP's procurement.(09:10) Importance of research in understanding stakeholders.(10:16) Achieving small wins with pro- and anti-procurement groups.(12:17) Aligning procurement activities with business needs.(18:04) AI's impact on automating routine tasks.(19:00) Identifying and focusing on value-add tasks.(24:05) Adapting procurement strategy based on company size.(26:00) Leadership through asking questions to foster critical thinking.Resources Mentioned:Nathan Haydn-Myer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhm/VSP Vision | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vsp-vision/VSP Vision | Website - https://www.vsp.com/CEB Business Alignment Survey - https://www.gartner.com/Lean Six Sigma - https://www.sixsigmaonline.org/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Akshay Verma, Chief Operating Officer of SpotDraft. Akshay shares his journey from Head of Legal Operations at Coinbase to COO, discussing his career transitions, the impact of AI in legal tech, and the importance of scarcity in driving value.Key Takeaways:(02:36) Career evolution credited to seizing opportunities.(05:42) Transformation from manual to digital processes in law.(07:17) Impact of AI tools on contract review speed.(12:10) Proliferation of legal technology and its benefits.(18:46) Importance of balancing technology and human judgment in legal work.(24:32) Increased intensity and demands of the current role at SpotDraft.(28:10) Belief in the value of scarcity and discipline in driving business success.Resources Mentioned:Akshay Verma - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-verma-esq/SpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraft/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Michael Van Keulen, Chief Procurement Officer of Coupa Software. Michael discusses the transformative power of technology in procurement and how it can drive efficiency and innovation.Key Takeaways:(1:05) Leveraging automation can significantly increase procurement efficiency.(3:45) Data analytics are critical in making smarter procurement decisions.(7:20) Building resilient supply chains helps withstand disruptions.(11:30) Enhancing supplier relationships through innovative technologies.(15:10) Strategic procurement is vital for driving business value.(18:40) Advanced technologies empower procurement teams to achieve more.(22:05) Sustainable procurement practices impact overall business strategy.Resources Mentioned:Michael Van Keulen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvankeulen/Coupa Software | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/coupa-software/Coupa Software | Website - https://www.coupa.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Joaquin Rivamonte, Director of Procurement at AlphaSense. Joaquin shares his insights on procurement strategies and operational processes, discussing the importance of scalable processes, effective planning and the need to build trust through actionable support. He emphasizes the value of listening tours and understanding key stakeholders within an organization.Key Takeaways:(02:30) Joaquin's background in procurement and key influences.(05:00) The differences in operational focus between large and small companies.(07:50) Scalable processes are vital for rapid growth.(09:30) Procurement success is highly dependent on proper planning.(12:45) Listening tours play a significant role in new companies.(15:20) Identifying and engaging with key stakeholders is crucial.(18:00) Collaboration and communication are necessary components in building trust.Resources Mentioned:Joaquin Rivamonte - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquin-rivamonte-21384/AlphaSense | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alphasense/AlphaSense | Website - https://www.alpha-sense.com/Microsoft - https://www.microsoft.com/en-phThis episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
In this week's episode, Sagi Eliyahu welcomes James Meads, Founder of Procurement Software. James shares insights on the evolution of procurement technology, the challenges of bureaucracy and the future of AI in procurement.Key Takeaways:(03:10) The evolution of procurement tech: from email and Excel to advanced tools.(03:49) Increased focus on sustainability and compliance over the years.(04:54) Challenges of bureaucracy in procurement and its impact on efficiency.(06:10) Effective use of AI and automation to streamline procurement processes.(07:38) Balancing necessary compliance with operational efficiency.(11:10) The future of procurement: integrating AI and automation effectively.(12:20) The impact of tech on recruitment and retention in procurement roles.(13:45) Addressing the gap between necessary processes and overcomplication.(17:02) The importance of eliminating unnecessary administrative tasks.(18:30) Simplifying processes to enhance team productivity.(19:54) Addressing budget concerns and optimizing resource allocation.Resources mentioned:James Meads - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-meads/?originalSubdomain=ukProcurement Software | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/procsoft/Procurement Software - https://procurementsoftware.site/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Shanti Ariker, Chief Legal Officer of JFrog. Shanti discusses the evolution of legal departments, the impact of AI on legal work and the importance of breaking down silos within organizations.Key Takeaways:(03:47) The evolution of legal departments over the years.(06:00) Aligning legal work with company objectives.(08:08) Balancing in-house and outsourced legal work.(09:27) The impact of remote work, financial slowdowns and AI.(12:08) AI limitations due to regulatory requirements.(14:51) Involving the team in change management.(17:10) Legal's role in breaking down departmental silos.(23:43) Involving legal early in project planning.(27:07) Listening and using crises for positive change.Resources Mentioned:Shanti Ariker - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanti-ariker/JFrog - https://jfrog.com/platform/schedule-a-demo/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Daniel Barnes, Founder and Host of World of Procurement and Community Manager of Gatekeeper, to discuss the transformative role of technology in procurement. Daniel shares his journey from studying law to becoming a procurement influencer and content creator. He emphasizes the importance of embracing digital tools to innovate and improve procurement processes.Key Takeaways:(03:01) The potential for creativity and innovation in procurement processes.(04:10) The stagnant nature of procurement and the transformative potential of technology.(05:06) The broader impacts of procurement and operational improvements on lives.(06:35) Importance of initial interactions in consulting to understand client needs.(08:18) Listening and understanding client pain points before proposing solutions.(09:28) The necessity of being open to restructuring projects to improve outcomes.(10:57) The importance of clear communication and ongoing dialogue within organizations.(11:31) The role of influencers within organizations to drive change.(14:11) The importance of continuous improvement and reassessment of processes.(15:38) Proactive influence in one's field to effectively manage change.(17:57) Taking risks with new ideas and processes for career advancement.(20:36) The future of procurement with reduced traditional roles due to tech.(22:07) The shift towards minimal procurement teams supported by tech.(23:09) Potential for AI to automate routine procurement tasks like contracts.(28:19) Unconventional career advice about focusing on impactful work.Resources Mentioned:Daniel Barnes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbarnesgsd/?originalSubdomain=ukWorld of Procurement - https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldofprocurement/Gatekeeper - https://www.linkedin.com/company/gatekeeper-vclm/World of Procurement YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@WorldofProcurementThis episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Cherie Chelst, Senior Director of Procurement of Broadridge. Cherie talks about the evolution of procurement from tactical to strategic and the importance of being an authentic and inclusive leader.Key Takeaways:(1:00) Procurement allows for a broad range of skills, from creativity to data analysis.(5:30) COVID clarified the importance of flexible procurement strategies that can adapt to market disruptions.(9:55) To drive procurement centralization, gather data, build a strong business case and secure executive buy-in.(13:00) Technology alone can't solve problems; you must first understand requirements, processes and user needs.(15:45) For compliance, make the desired action the easiest path for users to take.(20:56) Authenticity and inclusivity are vital for effective leadership.(21:25) Proactively communicate career aspirations rather than relying on work alone.Resources Mentioned:Cherie Chelst - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-chelst-11537143/Broadridge - https://www.broadridge.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Jason Winmill, Chair of Buying Legal Council and Managing Partner of Argopoint, to discuss the transformative power of aligning legal operations with business strategies and the significance of innovation in legal procurement.Key Takeaways:(03:40) Aligning legal operations with business strategies.(06:17) Recombination as a fundamental concept in innovation.(10:16) Collaboration versus isolation in competitive business environments.(13:15) Initiating small collaborative projects between legal and procurement.(16:43) Overcoming change resistance in legal departments.(17:30) Cost management through alternative fee arrangements.(18:14) Long-term learning commitments in legal departments.(19:06) Adaptive changes in procurement due to global disruptions.(20:09) Potential impact of AI on legal departments.(22:17) Viewing businesses as adaptive organisms in ecosystems.(25:14) The importance of networking and information gathering.(26:12) The crucial role of delivering value for departmental survival.(27:08) The impact of consistent presence on professional success.Resources Mentioned:Jason Winmill - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-winmill/Buying Legal Council - https://www.buyinglegal.com/Argopoint LLC - https://www.argopoint.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Joël Collin-Demers, Consulting Principal of Pure Procurement.Joël discusses strategies for embracing digital transformation in procurement operations. He emphasizes extracting institutional knowledge from experienced employees before they retire, automating processes through technology and fostering a culture of continuous learning within teams.Key Takeaways:(03:23) Businesses are demanding more from procurement, including risk mitigation, innovation, diversity and sustainability objectives. (07:30) Implementing continuous improvement and learning mindsets takes 5-10 years for enterprises.(10:40) Break transformation into manageable pieces by listing objectives, required capabilities and assigning ownership to team members for capability development.(13:00) Democratize improvement by enabling employees to optimize processes, brainstorm solutions and incorporate technology recommendations.(17:47) Demographic shifts and shrinking workforces make technology imperative for automating routine tasks and elevating employees to strategic roles.(21:34) Preserving integrity by staying true to values and principles should be the top priority, even if it risks losing contracts.(21:58) Continual learning through reading, meeting new people and exploring new experiences is vital to avoid career stagnation.Resources Mentioned:Joël Collin-Demers -https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelcollindemers/Pure Procurement | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/pureprocurement/Pure Procurement | Website -https://newsletter.pureprocurement.ca/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Nicole Tineo, Legal Technology Advisory Services Manager US of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP. Nicole talks about how automation in the legal industry has evolved from the early days of using custom code and basic platforms like SharePoint to today's no-code tools that make automation more accessible.Key Takeaways:(02:23) The process of requirements gathering and understanding workflow logic remains unchanged; what's new is the tools and technology. (03:11) New low-code tools make automation more accessible without coding skills.(07:37) Jobs change but they don't disappear; people can grow into new, more strategic roles.(09:38) AI lacks human creativity; it augments but doesn't replace roles.(13:24) Overcoming resistance to change with empathy, patience and understanding.(18:45) Ask questions even if you know the answer.Resources Mentioned:Nicole Tineo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-tineo-ceds-rca-55936a101/Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP - https://www.linkedin.com/company/quinn-emanuel/Quinn Emanuel Homepage - https://www.quinnemanuel.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Founder and Host of Let's Talk Supply Chain. Sarah discusses strategies for leading supply chain teams through disruption and implementing new technologies.Key Takeaways:(07:04) Supply chain leaders balance innovation with limited time and budgets.(10:15) Leaders collaborate across organizations to understand supply chain impact.(12:12) Supply chain professionals feel overwhelmed by the pace of change.(13:33) Effective communication bridges supply chain jargon gaps.(16:15) Younger workers provide reverse mentoring on new tech.(18:12) Diverse perspectives spark innovation and drive results.(20:08) Moving outside your comfort zone builds confidence.Resources Mentioned:Sarah Barnes-Humphrey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbarneshumphrey/Let's Talk Supply Chain - http://letstalksupplychain.comBlended - http://blendedpledge.orgWomen in Supply Chain - https://letstalksupplychain.com/women-in-supply-chain/Secret Society of Supply Chain - https://secretsocietyofsupplychain.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Dr. Muddassir Ahmed, Founder and CEO of SCMDOJO. Dr. Muddassir discusses his experience with supply chain collaboration and visibility.Key Takeaways:02:03) People must align on how to help each other before agreeing on goals.(04:32) Visibility into suppliers' operations is key for good customer service.(05:09) Lack of supply chain visibility causes customers to get upset and leave.(06:45) Advanced supply chain integration enables visibility into suppliers.(09:55) Change management frameworks help drive supplier adoption.(13:37) Pitch benefits like reduced work to convince suppliers to adopt tech.(15:39) Go in with empathy to understand suppliers' processes before judging.Resources Mentioned:Dr. Muddassir Ahmed - https://www.linkedin.com/in/muddassirism/?originalSubdomain=ukSCMDOJO - https://www.scmdojo.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Elizabeth Rancourt-Smith, Director of Legal Operations at Tilson. Elizabeth talks about how her winding career path gave her a broad skillset to excel in legal ops.Key Takeaways:(03:43) Worked way up at Starbucks from barista to store manager.(05:33) Taught dance classes throughout early career.(07:13) Went back to school to become a paralegal.(12:05) First legal ops role grew out of a paralegal position at Tilson.(18:30) Millennials gained tech skills on the fly.(23:24) Supportive mentors helped guide her journey.Resources mentioned:Elizabeth Rancourt-Smith - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-rancourt-smith/Tilson - https://tilsontech.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Lutz Schirrmeister, Source-to-Pay Innovations and Offerings Leader (IBM Procurement BPO) of IBM.Lutz discusses major trends in procurement, such as the industry's rapid changes in recent years, the growing strategic value of procurement and the importance of upskilling professionals and adopting new technologies.Key Takeaways:(03:17) Procurement has gone through major changes in the past two to three years, with many new startups entering the industry.(06:24) Beyond just cutting costs, procurement now has strategic value in influencing business areas.(08:11) The pandemic rapidly changed procurement by making companies depend on it for success.(13:22) IBM helps other companies transform procurement through consult-to-operate services.(15:34) Companies want to connect procurement and supply chain as one function.(16:45) Technology like AI can enhance the procurement journey.(17:00) Upskilling procurement professionals is key for the future.Resources Mentioned:Lutz Schirrmeister - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutz-schirrmeister-20aa6a3a/IBM - https://www.ibm.com/us-enThis episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Philip Ideson, Founder and Managing Director of Art of Procurement. Philip discusses ways of bringing value as a procurement professional.Key Takeaways:(02:28) Know procurement's purpose and bring value fitting the company's maturity. (04:45) Measure cycle times to remove friction. (06:13) Use technology to supplement people and processes, not replace them. (08:08) Solve the longstanding data problem with AI.(10:27) Change is a journey. Take incremental steps.(13:41) Don't try to control all spend in the initial stages. (15:28) Focus technology on data analytics, it's not a silver bullet.Resources Mentioned:Philip Ideson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipideson/Art of Procurement - https://artofprocurement.com/Art of Supply - https://artofprocurement.com/supply/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Tom Stephenson, VP of Community and Legal Operations at Legal.io, and Tommie Tavares-Ferreira, Head of Legal Operations at Cedar. Tommie is also Cedar's LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group Lead. Tommie and Tom co-host the podcast “Dear Legal Ops.”Key Takeaways:(02:59) Legal ops professionals can level up their careers by taking on strategic, high-visibility projects.(05:19) Aligning careers with company goals transforms jobs into vital successes.(06:12) Take on work to prove abilities to carry out initiatives. Ask for guidance when needed.(08:42) True legal ops leaders streamline complexity to reveal the human core.(10:32) Executive coaching helps identify areas to improve faster.(18:32) Prioritize objectives, analyze data gaps and tailor pitches to audience needs.(29:10) Model honest, kind feedback to normalize hard conversations and avoid conflict.Resources Mentioned:Tom Stephenson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tstephenson1/Tommie Tavares-Ferreira - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommie/Cedar - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cedar-inc./Dear Legal Ops Podcast - https://www.dearlegalops.com/There's So Much I Need to Say to You - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1525575023/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZV12TE30RDTN2Y0CQ6JP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1Legal.io - https://www.legal.io/Cedar - http://www.cedar.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Otto Hanson, Founder of TermScout. Otto discusses using large language models like GPT-4 and Anthropic to review contracts.Key Takeaways:(01:20) Contracting can present challenges as people struggle to understand agreements.(02:33) Many businesses create aggressive contracts, exploiting the fact people won't read them.(05:10) The future of simplifying contracts was 5-10 years away, but it's now nearly here with AI.(07:21) Start with the problem, then find tools to solve it. (08:23) Use validation sets to scientifically test different AI models on specific tasks.(13:42) Craft clear, concise prompts with context for the best AI results.(17:53) Otto values “give first” in relationships by giving without expecting anything in return.Resources Mentioned: Otto Hanson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/otto-miguel-hanson-7b265716/TermScout - https://www.linkedin.com/company/termscout/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Kathy Zhu, Co-Founder, CEO and GC of Streamline AI. Kathy shares insights on building an in-house legal function from scratch. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing critical work, maximizing time spent on high-impact tasks and automating processes to increase efficiency. Key Takeaways:(00:52) Kathy spent over a decade practicing law before becoming head of commercial legal and legal ops at DoorDash.(02:26) On her first day at DoorDash, Kathy already had a line out the door of requests.(03:10) Prioritize the most critical work.(04:03) Focus time on high-impact work — minimize unnecessary meetings.(07:08) Kathy automated intake processes to eliminate back-and-forth and manual work.(15:25) Managing a growing, multi-layered team presented challenges around engagement and promotions.(16:58) Not controlling the budget for critical tools can impact their future.(18:31) Embrace the mindset of over-preparing for any scenario.Resources Mentioned:Kathy Zhu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathymzhu88/Streamline AI - http://www.streamline.ai/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Ashlyn Donohue, Director of Legal at LinkSquares. Ashlyn discusses how she leverages data to scale legal operations and support in-house teams.Key Takeaways:(02:09) Ops roles provide scalable support through data.(03:54) Ask teams for data to quantify problems.(06:29) Analyze types of legal work to inform resourcing.(08:34) Look for contract standardization opportunities in data.(10:19) Create enablement materials to reduce legal queries.(15:10) Tailor onboarding to the company's current chapter.(19:24) Assume best intent when disagreements arise.Resources Mentioned:Ashlyn Donohue - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlyn-donohue-098aa31b/LinkSquares - https://linksquares.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Philip Lakin, Co-Founder and CEO of NoCodeOps. Philip outlines his journey into no-code operations and speaks on helping ops professionals adopt no-code tools.Key Takeaways:(02:23) Philip standardized regional onboarding for Compass real estate using Zapier and Airtable.(04:16) After discovering “no-code,” Philip started a newsletter and community.(10:26) Don't get caught up in tools; start with user problems.(15:05) People want to know “the why” behind workflow changes.(19:07) Highlight success stories and share ROI metrics to scale no-code ops.(24:56) Walk through a real lead intake workflow using Zapier and Airtable.(31:58) Sell pain points, not benefits, to get resources for automation.Resources Mentioned:Philip Lakin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-lakin/NoCodeOps - https://www.nocodeops.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Stephanie Corey, CEO and Co-Founder of UpLevel Ops. Stephanie discusses change management tactics as well as generative AI and its potential to revolutionize legal work through large language models.Key Takeaways:(05:04) Stephanie transitioned from in-house roles to consulting for legal departments.(11:15) Self-service tools free up lawyers to focus on high-value strategic tasks.(16:40) Start exploring AI tools now, rather than outright banning them.(20:47) Focus on user needs instead of predetermined solutions.(23:07) Serve as an "honest broker" to build trust and consensus across teams.(25:29) Bring "work joy" by reducing friction points to make people happier.Resources Mentioned:Stephanie Corey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcorey-ulo/UpLevel Ops - http://www.uplevelops.com/Legal Innovators Network (LINK) - https://linkforlegal.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Jeff Kruse, Founder and Legal Operations Consultant of Key Legal Operations Consulting LLC. Jeff shares his insights on evolving legal departments to align with business goals.Key Takeaways:(03:43) Legal professionals should view themselves as enhancing business operations rather than restricting them.(05:18) Saving time before automation tools were invented.(07:20) Technological advancements have rapidly changed expectations for legal departments.(09:33) Lawyers should focus on accomplishing company missions rather than solely mitigating risks.(13:29) Improving legal department processes indirectly speeds up business functions that rely on legal review.(20:12) Frame changes as improvements rather than substitutions to ease adoption.Resources Mentioned:Jeff Kruse - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-kruse/Key Legal Operations Consulting LLC - https://keylegalops.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Anna McGovern, Founder and Managing Director of Pondview Consulting, LLC. Anna discusses the importance of procurement teams partnering with suppliers, and speaking the language of business to create value.Key Takeaways:(02:37) Being a "customer of choice" means ensuring suppliers want to partner with you and bring innovative ideas.(03:18) Involving suppliers as key team members who enable decreased time to market.(9:18) The importance of gaining insights from adjacent industries.(14:11) Framing a problem as one that impacts everyone motivates teams to set aside differences and find a solution.(18:23) Procurement professionals now need skills in finance, legal, coaching and technology to create business value.(19:57) Strategic influencing becomes important when you're not the budget holder but need to show value.(21:17) Keep learning and embrace new technology.Resources Mentioned:Anna McGovern - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamcgovern/Pondview Consulting, LLC - https://www.pondviewconsulting.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Brendan Raybuck, Chief Revenue Officer of Clearlaw, to discuss the use of AI to extract data from contracts and make it accessible across organizations.Key Takeaways:(02:00) The legal tech space is still wide open, with many companies taking different approaches to enhancing the legal experience.(05:53) Legal professionals could become orchestrators of legal operations across an organization with the right data and automation.(08:43) Legal tech has the potential to transform legal teams from being an expense into being strategic partners and thought leaders.(13:41) There will likely be clear winners and losers in the legal tech space within two to five years.(17:00) AI has created opportunities to transform contract language into standardized data for automation.(25:34) It's important for young professionals to politely challenge assumptions, as it builds confidence and creates innovation.Resources Mentioned:Brendan Raybuck -https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanraybuck/Clearlaw | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearlaw/Clearlaw | Website -https://www.clearlaw.ai/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Heather Fotch, Founder and CEO of Quality Imaging Solutions. Heather talks about evolving sales strategies, cultivating authentic client relationships and providing value through transparent engagement.Key Takeaways:(1:09) Bring personality into sales to build connections.(2:39) Find a niche beyond transactional sales.(4:48) Relationships require more than transactions.(10:46) Vet supply chains for transparency and diversity.(13:57) Diversify suppliers to mitigate risk.(24:27) Engage authentically without constant asks.Resources mentioned:Heather Fotch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherfotch/Quality Imaging Solutions - https://www.linkedin.com/company/quality-imaging-solutions-llc/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Mark Raffan, Head of Training at Negotiations Ninja. Mark shares insights on procurement negotiations and discusses the importance of aligning negotiation strategy to overall business goals.Key Takeaways:(01:11) Tools should facilitate improved processes, not dictate them.(02:11) Implement software after improving processes, not before.(05:20) Negotiation is a procurement tool aligned to category strategies.(08:15) Inflation makes negotiation skills more critical now.(10:33) AI and ML are automating some negotiations.(13:25) Identifying the differences between tactical versus strategic procurement.(15:43) Focus on negotiation strategy, not just tactics.Resources mentioned:Mark Raffan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markraffan/?originalSubdomain=caNegotiations Ninja - https://www.linkedin.com/company/negotiations-ninja-training/9 Secrets To Win Deals and Influence Stakeholders by Mark Raffan - https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Win-Deals-Influence-Stakeholders/dp/B0CGM8W5LSThis episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, host Seth Colaner welcomes Susan Walsh, Founder and Managing Director of The Classification Guru Ltd. Susan delves deep into the world of data quality, the vast challenges within dirty data and the compelling need for experienced human insight.Key Takeaways:(02:29) Data quality is not prioritized until problems arise. Preventative data cleaning is undervalued.(04:25) Clean data helps procurement analyze supplier spend and risk.(08:45) AI tools still require extensive human checking of data.(10:34) Start by identifying the client's problems and end goals for the data.(13:27] Decision-makers who don't do the work may not see the value of data projects.(15:03) Failed data project pitches waste time better spent working on the business.(21:12) Managing people has proven to be the biggest stress to business.Resources Mentioned:Susan Walsh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanewalsh/?originalSubdomain=ukThe Classification Guru Ltd. - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theclassificationguru/Between the Spreadsheets: Classifying and Fixing Dirty Data - https://www.amazon.com/Between-Spreadsheets-Classifying-Fixing-Dirty/dp/1783305037Fixing Dirty Data - https://www.theclassificationguru.com/tcgtraininghub/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Seth Colaner is joined by Trisha Wright, Litigation Project Coordinator of DecisionQuest. Trisha dives deep into the intricacies of data collection in the professional space. She discusses the pitfalls and benefits of data collection methods and highlights the importance of collecting relevant and actionable information.Key Takeaways:(03:35) Involve legal early to avoid delays and issues down the line.(06:23) Document interactions to avoid problems later.(10:44) Following process ensures fairness while circumvention causes problems.(14:53) True leaders uphold processes equally for everyone.(19:00) People make time for what they prioritize as important.(24:52) Always be curious and open to new experiences and ideas.Resources Mentioned:Trisha Wright - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisha-wright/DecisionQuest - https://www.decisionquest.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
In this episode, host Sagi Eliyahu welcomes Farheen Kaka, Director of Global Change Management at Gilead Sciences. Farheen delves into the significance of change management in today's dynamic business environment.Key Takeaways:(04:02) The importance of asking people first before implementing change, so the transition is smoother. (08:03) Ease people through change by customizing tools and processes to match what they are used to.(10:18) Organizations can minimize change while still achieving goals by understanding end users and designing solutions they find valuable.(14:36) With more flexible workforces, organizations should put in the effort to understand end users rather than dictating changes.(19:25) Top-down vision and priorities are important, but employees are better placed to execute changes since they do the work daily — simple solutions can emerge.(25:39) Employees often find ways to streamline processes that executives would not have thought of — listening to their ideas is key.(28:39) Farheen advises documenting everything; lifelong learning; thinking outside the box; and advocating for yourself.Farheen Kaka - https://www.linkedin.com/in/farheenkaka/Gilead Sciences - https://www.linkedin.com/company/gilead-sciences/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
This week, host Sagi Eliyahu is joined by Josh Langley, Chief Information Officer of Iron Mountain, to discuss leading digital transformation and building a culture of trust and transparency. Josh also shares advice on saying “yes” to challenges and avoiding overly bespoke processes. Key Takeaways:(09:33) Adopting governance and security best practices has enabled safe experimentation with AI.(15:14) Focusing on efficiency and optimizing costs is central to the IT organization's DNA.(19:39) Establishing an AI Center of Excellence will harness innovation across the company.(26:07) Valuing people and data is crucial for any corporation.(28:05) Saying “yes” to new challenges leads to tremendous learning opportunities.Resources Mentioned:Josh Langley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlangley/Iron Mountain - https://www.ironmountain.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations
On this week's episode, David Lat, Lawyer, Founder and Sole Writer of Original Jurisdiction, joins host Seth Colaner to share his expertise on the convergence of artificial intelligence and the legal profession. With a discerning eye on both the potential and pitfalls of technological adoption in legal practices, David draws from his varied experiences and delivers vital insights into the current and future implications of AI in law.Key Takeaways:(01:38) Revenue for big law firms is steady, though performance varies widely between firms.(03:00) Law firms are slowly adopting new technologies, though resistance remains.(08:42) Document automation rises as billable hours decline.(13:03) AI generates excitement but faces skepticism and ethical concerns.(18:17) Lawyers should match AI to the level of risk.(22:09) Take chances on new ventures — you can always go back.Resources Mentioned:David Lat - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlat/Original Jurisdiction - https://davidlat.substack.com/This episode is brought to you by Tonkean.Tonkean is the operating system for business operations and is the enterprise standard for process orchestration. It provides businesses with the building blocks to orchestrate any process, with no code or change management required. Contact us at tonkean.com to learn how you can build complex business processes. Fast.#Operations #BusinessOperations