Podcasts about org design

  • 72PODCASTS
  • 129EPISODES
  • 36mAVG DURATION
  • 1WEEKLY EPISODE
  • Jun 10, 2026LATEST

POPULARITY

20192020202120222023202420252026


Best podcasts about org design

Latest podcast episodes about org design

The Product Podcast
Linear COO on Rebuilding the Product Development Lifecycle for Teams and Agents — From Issue Tracker to Shared Operating System | Cristina Cordova | E299

The Product Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 51:14 Transcription Available


In this episode of The Product Podcast by Product School, Carlos González de Villaumbrosia sits down with Cristina Cordova, Chief Operating Officer at Linear, the product development system built for teams and agents. Linear raised $82 million in a Series C round in June 2025 at a $1.25 billion valuation. The company has been profitable since 2021, and serves over 20,000 paid business customers, from seed-stage startups to Fortune 100 enterprises, with a team of just 140 people. Before Linear, Cristina joined Stripe as one of its first employees, and led Platform and Partnerships at Notion.What you'll learn:Why keeping headcount intentionally lean is a strategic advantageReplacing traditional interviews with paid two to five-day projectsWhy PMs are the fastest-growing power users of agentic toolsKey takeaways:A small team is not a small business. Revenue, customers, and growth rate matter more than headcount.If you fully delegate your AI thinking, you lose your native understanding of how these products actually workAgentic workflows are now the default, not a feature. The companies that treat them that way will pull ahead.Credits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Cristina CordovaSocial Links:Find out more about Product School hereFollow our Podcast on TikTok hereFollow Product School on LinkedIn here

HR ungeschminkt – der ehrliche Personal-Podcast
S03E33: Staffelfinale: Org-Design, Delayering & HR mit Haltung

HR ungeschminkt – der ehrliche Personal-Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2026 37:23 Transcription Available


Org-Design ist mehr als nur Hierarchien abbauen oder Führungsspannen anpassen – es ist die DNA eurer Kultur, Prozesse und Führung. In der Abschlussfolge von Staffel 3 ziehen Anjuli und Annika Bilanz: Warum Trends wie Delayering oft scheitern, wenn sie ohne Ziel und System umgesetzt werden, und wie HR hier proaktiv beraten kann – ohne die Verantwortung der Line Manager*innen zu übernehmen. Eine Folge voller Praxiseinblicke, klare Meinungen und Handlungsimpulse für alle, die HR nicht nur verwalten, sondern gestalten wollen.

Org Design Podcast
Influence Without Authority: Org Design Lessons from Higher Ed Marketing with Rob Zinkan

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 30:48


Rob Zinkan shares how specializing in higher-ed marketing and communications led them into organization design, why “centralize vs decentralize” and “bust silos” are often unhelpful binaries, and how leaders can improve effectiveness by clarifying purpose, strategy, and ways of working. Key themes include influence without authority, integrating across silos, making trade-offs explicit, engaging people through co-creation (not just buy-in), and treating org design as an ongoing leadership discipline—especially amid hybrid work and AI. 00:00 Intro + Rob's path into org design via higher education 03:54 Why specialize (industry + function) and where it creates value 06:34 Marketing as an enterprise capability aligned to strategy 10:27 Universities, repeatable org units, and strategy tensions (research vs teaching) 11:59 Centralize vs decentralize; silos and horizontal integration mechanisms 15:30 Business model + operating model realities in universities 18:11 Moving from diagnosis to future-state operating reality; engaging people 20:49 When to apply org design principles (any size team; ongoing discipline) 23:11 One leadership skill: ask better questions (and listen) 24:25 Hybrid/AI shifts focus from org charts to operating models 26:17 Accountability, org charts, and codifying ways of working 30:21 Wrap-up The Org Design Podcast https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast/ Functionly https://www.functionly.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/

ai business marketing lessons moving accountability universities centralize org design influence without authority higher ed marketing
The Product Podcast
Anthropic Head of Design on Claude Code's Evolution from an Internal Feature into the Fastest-Growing Revenue Product in History | Meaghan Choi | E298

The Product Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 21:24 Transcription Available


Anthropic just closed a $65 billion Series H round at a valuation approaching one trillion dollars — and has crossed $30 billion in annualized revenue, driven largely by enterprise demand. Claude Code alone became generally available in May 2025 and reached $2.5 billion in annualized revenue in February 2026, with that figure more than doubling since the beginning of 2026. Meaghan Choi, Head of Design for Claude Code and Cowork at Anthropic, was in that room. This conversation goes inside the operating model behind that growth.What you'll learn:Claude Code's evolution from an internal feature into one of the fastest-growing revenue products in historyAnthropic's secret sauce to shipping products at an incredibly high cadence while ensuring qualityHow product teams get structured into small pods of 5 AI Builders and a fleet of agents, where non-engineers ship code into productionDriving enterprise adoption through PLG from technical teamsHow organizations can measure AI ROI beyond AI adoption and token usageDesigning user interfaces for agentic capabilities, including CLIKey takeaways:Titles and role boundaries matter less than contribution. At Anthropic, designers ship code and engineers design, and the pod owns the output collectively.Quality gates have moved downstream. The richest product learnings come from working software, not from reviewing mocks or PRDs.Managing a team now means managing both people and a fleet of AI agents. The skills are more similar than they appear.Credits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Meaghan ChoiSocial Links:Find out more about Product School hereFollow our Podcast on TikTok hereFollow Product School on LinkedIn here

Bigger. Stronger. Faster.
Human Capital as a Value Multiplier: Cynthia Hiskes on Building HR for Growth

Bigger. Stronger. Faster.

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 29:23 Transcription Available


In this episode, Anderson Williams talks with Cynthia Hiskes, Head of the Human Capital Center of Excellence at Shore Capital Partners. Cynthia brings deep experience building and scaling HR functions across companies of every size, and she shares why aligning your HR investment to the stage and scale of your business is one of the most important decisions a founder or CEO can make. They discuss what human capital looks like in microcap and highly acquisitive companies, why HR belongs at the strategy table from day one, and how the Center of Excellence facilitates learning across the portfolio so leaders don't have to figure it out alone. Cynthia also walks through how to think about talent assessment, organizational design, and culture during rapid growth and acquisition integration, and why the metrics that matter at exit need to be built into the planting phase.Key Takeaways:Match your HR investment to your stage because over-engineered systems early on waste resources, while under-investing later puts growth at riskBring HR in early as a strategic partner, not a downstream handoff, because the best integration and growth decisions happen when human capital is part of the original conversationTreat human capital as a value multiplier, not a cost center, especially in microcap businesses where every key role disproportionately drives the outcomeBuild the metrics that tell your exit story (turnover, engagement, time to fill, wage sustainability) during the planting and growing phases, not at the endChapters:00:00 – Introduction01:31 – Stage-Relevant HR06:36 – Org Design and Acquisitions11:37 – HR as a Strategic Partner18:14 – Talent and the Exit Story26:02 – HR MisconceptionsListen to our podcasts at:https://www.shorecp.university/podcastsYou'll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.Other ways to connect:Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blogShore University: https://www.shorecp.university/Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-universityThis podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

Microcap Moments
Human Capital as a Value Multiplier: Cynthia Hiskes on Building HR for Growth - Bigger. Stronger. Faster.

Microcap Moments

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 29:23 Transcription Available


In this episode, Anderson Williams talks with Cynthia Hiskes, Head of the Human Capital Center of Excellence at Shore Capital Partners. Cynthia brings deep experience building and scaling HR functions across companies of every size, and she shares why aligning your HR investment to the stage and scale of your business is one of the most important decisions a founder or CEO can make. They discuss what human capital looks like in microcap and highly acquisitive companies, why HR belongs at the strategy table from day one, and how the Center of Excellence facilitates learning across the portfolio so leaders don't have to figure it out alone. Cynthia also walks through how to think about talent assessment, organizational design, and culture during rapid growth and acquisition integration, and why the metrics that matter at exit need to be built into the planting phase.Key Takeaways:Match your HR investment to your stage because over-engineered systems early on waste resources, while under-investing later puts growth at riskBring HR in early as a strategic partner, not a downstream handoff, because the best integration and growth decisions happen when human capital is part of the original conversationTreat human capital as a value multiplier, not a cost center, especially in microcap businesses where every key role disproportionately drives the outcomeBuild the metrics that tell your exit story (turnover, engagement, time to fill, wage sustainability) during the planting and growing phases, not at the endChapters:00:00 – Introduction01:31 – Stage-Relevant HR06:36 – Org Design and Acquisitions11:37 – HR as a Strategic Partner18:14 – Talent and the Exit Story26:02 – HR MisconceptionsListen to our podcasts at:https://www.shorecp.university/podcastsYou'll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.Other ways to connect:Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blogShore University: https://www.shorecp.university/Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-universityThis podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

Design of AI: The AI podcast for product teams
Governance, Context, and the Org-Design Reckoning

Design of AI: The AI podcast for product teams

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 45:18


Atlassian connected its AI agents to a richer layer of company knowledge (documents, projects, goals, people) and measured a 44% improvement in answer accuracy using 48% fewer resources. Same models. Different information. Brian Armstrong restructured Coinbase the same week: 14% headcount cut, five management layers maximum. When AI can surface what previously required institutional memory and senior tenure, the organizational layers built around that knowledge become harder to justify.The visible shift gets covered in tech headlines. What gets lost in the announcement energy: none of this works if the company hasn't decided what it wants AI to do.The more widespread barrier is upstream of governance. Most executives approving AI budgets are working through the aftermath of pilots that underdelivered, first-generation deployments that didn't survive contact with their actual data, and early model results that left skepticism the current tools have since substantially outrun. That trust deficit — organizations evaluating new AI investment based on experiences two generations old — is where enterprise AI projects most commonly stall. Shadow AI governance and deployment intent are real risks, but they're downstream of that harder problem. There is no closing the capability gap inside an organization that is quietly waiting for the next deployment to fail too.John Willis co-wrote The DevOps Handbook because software teams were shipping code fast without feedback loops or governance. He sees the same pattern repeating with AI — and he spent five decades documenting what happens when the gap between vendor promises and operational reality gets this wide.* Why shadow AI is more dangerous than an outright ban* Why throughput without governance means instability at scale* Why governance creates flow instead of stopping it* Why most teams have ML evaluation tools when they need audit trails* Why even a five-person startup needs digitally signed records of agent decisions* What AI winters teach us about where we actually are nowListen: Spotify | Apple PodcastsRikki Singh leads product innovation at Twilio — what the company calls its biggest launch in 17 years. Before Twilio she was at McKinsey, where she co-authored the definitive research on what makes a great PM. The Qualtrics 2026 CX Trends Report found nearly 1 in 5 consumers who used AI customer service saw zero benefit. That number is the benchmark she is working against.* Why most AI CX is still FAQ automation with better packaging* Why the LLM wrapper creates false confidence — the model generates strings, it is not thinking* Vitamins vs painkillers: how to parse what customers don't say out loud* How to protect long-horizon bets inside a public company* Why the brand owns the accountability when AI gets a high-stakes interaction wrongListen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

The Modern People Leader
299 - AMA with Jessica Zwaan on Org Design & Metrics

The Modern People Leader

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 57:42


Jessica Zwaan, VP People Strategy & Operations at Leapsome and author of Built For People, joined us for another MPL Build AMA. This time we talked about how to redesign your People team if you're running your team like a product team, why metrics like internal promotion retention matter more than traditional HR KPIs, and more.----  Sponsor Links:

The Engineering Leadership Podcast
How the R&D Org at Twilio Drives Business Strategy and Transformation w/ Inbal Shani #257

The Engineering Leadership Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 47:19


Inbal Shani (CPO and Head of R&D @ Twilio) deconstructs the transformation of the R&D org at Twilio! We explore the shift from a GM-led model to a unified platform strategy and “why structure must always follow strategy.” Inbal shares her framework for moving from output-focused metrics to input goals, prioritizing “time-to-value,” and the nuances of measuring AI products. We discuss using "R&D roadshows" as a strategic company transformation tool and why engineering leaders must master product positioning. We also dive into mental models for future-proofing your business, from "working backwards" to solve customer problems, to embedding systems thinking into the DNA of your engineering team, and critical questions to identify and optimize decisions around your company's moat.    ABOUT INBAL SHANI As Chief Product Officer, Inbal leads Twilio's R&D organization, encompassing product, engineering, and R&D operations. She is dedicated to driving platform-wide innovation, empowering customers, and delivering transformative, customer-focused solutions.   Unblocked: The context engine your coding agents are missing. Give your coding agents the context your best engineers have. Your agents can read code, but they don't know how your team works. Rules and MCPs give access to information but not understanding. That's why you still have to tell them where to look and what to look for. Unblocked gives your agents the history, conventions, and decisions behind your code so they generate mergeable output without the back and forth. It automatically surfaces the right context for every task, so agents stay on track without the set up tax or the correction loops. getunblocked.com/elc   SHOW NOTES: Catalysts for Twilio's R&D transformation and the shift away from organizational silos (2:49) Strategy Drives Structure: The lightbulb moment at a strategy offsite that demanded structural change to execute vision (5:14) Why structure must follow strategy and creating a "change-constant" culture (7:23) Implementing the “working backwards” methodology and the internal power of the PRFAQ (13:52) Tactical ways to filter customer signals and find real unmet problems versus feature requests (16:35) Shifting from output-focused goals to input goals and prioritizing "Time to Value" (18:35) Using weekly product reviews to align metrics with qualitative customer feedback (21:34) Measuring AI Products: Why AI products require behavior-based measurement instead of traditional binary testing (23:24) Building security by design with layered protection for AI-generated code environments (26:09) Mental models for future-proofing your business by acting as a "fortune teller" for needs (28:45) The R&D Roadshow: Enabling the entire company on new ways of working through storytelling (32:28) Why engineering leaders must master product positioning to bridge the gap to market (38:33) Relatable storytelling: Explaining Twilio's value to your parents to sharpen your pitch (41:47) Rapid Fire Questions (43:14)   LINKS AND RESOURCES How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion - In this lively journey through human psychology, bestselling author and creator of the You Are Not So Smart podcast David McRaney investigates how minds change--and how to change minds.   This episode wouldn't have been possible without the help of our incredible production team: Patrick Gallagher - Producer & Co-Host Jerry Li - Co-Host Noah Olberding - Associate Producer, Audio & Video Editor https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-olberding/ Dan Overheim - Audio Engineer, Dan's also an avid 3D printer - https://www.bnd3d.com/ Ellie Coggins Angus - Copywriter, Check out her other work at https://elliecoggins.com/about/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Product Podcast
GoFundMe CPTO on Building Marketplaces Across StubHub, TheRealReal & GoFundMe | Arnie Katz | E294

The Product Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 40:39 Transcription Available


GoFundMe has facilitated over $40 billion in help since 2010, powering a community of more than 200 million people across 20 countries. Arnie Katz is the Chief Product and Technology Officer there — and a three-time CPTO, having previously led product and engineering at StubHub and TheRealReal. In this episode, he brings the rare perspective of someone who has built and scaled marketplaces at every stage, across multiple industries.What you'll learn:The three failure modes every marketplace must solve — cold start, imbalance failure, and false positive growth — and how to fix each oneHow GoFundMe is using AI agents to reduce friction for fundraisers, resulting in an expected $125 million in additional funds raisedWhy AI is driving revenue growth at GoFundMe, not just developer productivity — and how they sequenced that deliberatelyThe real trade-offs of the CPTO model: what you gain in speed, and what you have to mitigate through hiringHow GoFundMe is building demand-side and matching mechanisms to grow donation volume beyond viral sharingKey takeaways:Marketplace liquidity isn't just about having enough supply — it's about designing the right matching and demand mechanisms at every stage of scaleAI unlocks revenue opportunities that were previously uneconomical to pursue, especially when the customer is already in a vulnerable, high-friction stateThe CPTO structure enables faster decision-making, but requires consciously strong functional leaders underneath to offset the natural lean toward one sideCredits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Arnie KatzSocial Links:Find out more about Product School hereFollow our Podcast on TikTok hereFollow Product School on LinkedIn here

ARCLight Agile
Org Design for Agility: Guardrails, Flexible Funding, and Building for Adaptability

ARCLight Agile

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 23:23


Most organizations don't need more frameworks: they need fewer constraints.This episode continues the deep dive into the Manifesto for Enterprise Agility, this week tackling the three principles of organizational design.  From guardrails vs. gatekeepers to funding teams over projects, we unpack why the way most organizations are structured is quietly killing their agility.In this episode, we discuss:Why empowering teams starts with replacing gatekeepers with guardrailsThe case for funding outcomes and value streams, not projectsWhy efficiency is the enemy of adaptability and what to focus on insteadDelegation Poker and other practical tools for shifting decision-making cultureWhy your org design will stop your agility before your methodology ever will

Org Design Podcast
Designing Better Workshops: The Power of Visual Thinking in Org Design with Szilard Strenner

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 18:46


Most org design work disappears the moment the workshop ends. In this episode, Szilard Strenner explains how visual facilitation turns strategy into something people can actually see, engage with, and remember. Instead of flipping through forgotten slide decks or buried documents, visual facilitation uses large-scale, pre-designed templates and real-time visual recording to help teams think together, align faster, and retain decisions. The key idea:

The HR Room Podcast
Ep 264 - Org Design: From Strategy To Structure

The HR Room Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 55:08


Organisational strategy often looks clear on paper — but translating that strategy into a structure that actually works in practice is where many organisations struggle. In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave and Mary are joined by returning guest John Kennedy, Head of HR Organisational Development at Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), to explore how HR leaders can move from high-level strategy to effective, real-world organisational design. The conversation examines why structure is not just an operational detail, but a critical enabler of strategy. John highlights the importance of alignment — ensuring coordination, coherence and communication across the organisation — while Mary emphasises the risks of poorly thought-through changes, including unintended consequences and organisational friction. Together, they explore the realities of organisational change, from the need for continuous adaptation (rather than one-off transformation) to the human challenges that often derail even the most well-planned initiatives. The discussion blends practical insight with real-world experience, including examples from Irish Rail's large-scale transformation and investment programmes. A key theme throughout the episode is that successful organisational design is not just about structure — it's about people. From gaining buy-in and addressing resistance to understanding the psychology behind change, HR leaders play a central role in ensuring that strategy translates into meaningful outcomes. Guest John Kennedy — Head of HR Organisational Development, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) Topics include: Why organisational structure is critical to delivering strategy The shift from episodic change to continuous organisational evolution Common pitfalls in organisational design and unintended consequences How poor structure can restrict communication, innovation and decision-making Translating strategy into practical, actionable structural decisions Why change initiatives fail despite strong planning The importance of employee buy-in and bringing people along the journey Real-world insights from Irish Rail's transformation and people strategy Linking HR initiatives to measurable business outcomes The role of curiosity in navigating change and organisational design Key Takeaways for HR Leaders Organisational structure must be intentionally designed to support strategy — it won't happen by default. Alignment across teams and functions is essential for effective execution. Change is no longer a one-off event — organisations must be designed for continuous evolution. Poor design can create duplication, confusion and communication breakdowns. HR must focus on translating strategy into practical, people-focused actions. Resistance to change is natural and often rooted in fear, stability and habit. Leaders must address emotional and psychological barriers — not just operational ones. Curiosity varies across individuals — and must be nurtured, not assumed. Get in Touch If you're not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you'd like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at dcorkery@insighthr.ie or connect with him on LinkedIn. About The HR Room Podcast The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR — where we speak with HR leaders, experts and practitioners across Ireland about the issues shaping the world of work today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please share it with colleagues or friends and leave us a review. We love to hear your feedback, we take requests, and we're always here to support you with your HR challenges. Immediate HR support

HR ungeschminkt – der ehrliche Personal-Podcast
S03E22: Deep Dive: Orga Design bei Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co. KG

HR ungeschminkt – der ehrliche Personal-Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2026 51:22


Org-Design in der Praxis: Wie Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co. KG Wachstum strukturiert Wenn ein Unternehmen innerhalb von zehn Jahren seine Mitarbeiter*innenzahl verdoppelt, braucht es mehr als guten Willen – es braucht klare Strukturen. Wie das gelingen kann, zeigt Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co. KG: ein oberschwäbisches Familienunternehmen, das einst als Apotheke startete und heute zu den führenden Pharma-Dienstleistern weltweit zählt. In dieser Folge teilen Claudio Galbusera (VP HR Development & Systems) und Julia Haberbosch (Organisationsentwicklung) wie sie Org-Design bei Vetter von Grund auf neu gedacht haben – kriterienbasiert, beteiligungsorientiert und mit echtem Business-Impact.

Content Amplified
Marketing Org Design, Content Strategy, and AI's Impact on the Modern CMO

Content Amplified

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 18:28


In this episode of Content Amplified, host Ben Ard is joined by Justin Steinman, CMO of ModMed, for a masterclass on marketing organizational design and how it fuels a powerful content engine. Justin breaks down his philosophy of structuring marketing teams like a free market economy — aligning product marketers with product managers, specialty marketers with general managers, and demand gen managers with sales segments (even tying their bonuses to sales quota achievement). He explains the critical role of corporate marketing as the unifying brand voice and introduces his "steak and sizzle" framework: product marketing delivers the substance while the content team in corporate marketing adds the voice and consistency. Justin also dives into how AI is reshaping content demands, why press releases are back in vogue thanks to LLMs, and how he positions AI as an "intern" — an accelerant for his content team rather than a replacement.Guest Bio:Justin Steinman is the Chief Marketing Officer at ModMed, the leading provider of electronic medical records, practice management, and revenue cycle software for specialty physicians. A seasoned B2B marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in healthcare IT, Justin previously served as CMO of Insora Health and Definitive Healthcare (where he helped take the company public on NASDAQ). His earlier career includes roles at Aetna, GE Healthcare IT, and Novell. Justin holds an English degree and is passionate about organizational design, content strategy, and building marketing teams that make everyone around them better.Text us what you think about this episode!

Org Design Podcast
No Such Thing as Perfect Org Design — But There Is Really Bad Org Design with Ann Greene

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 16:59


In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, I sit down with Ann Greene from Alagi to explore the complexities of organizational design. We dive into the misconception that there is a perfect structure for every organization, discussing why that ideal doesn't exist and how some designs can be detrimental. Ann highlights common symptoms of poor org design, such as slow decision-making and ineffective collaboration, and emphasizes the importance of aligning design with strategy. Through engaging analogies, including one about wardrobe organization, we uncover the creative and structured approach necessary for effective org design. Join us for insights that can help leaders tackle their organizational challenges head-on.

Renegade Thinkers Unite: #2 Podcast for CMOs & B2B Marketers
507: When Org Design Shapes Strategy

Renegade Thinkers Unite: #2 Podcast for CMOs & B2B Marketers

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 52:17


Marketing org design isn't an HR exercise. It determines whether your team spends the year reacting… or actually executing.  In this episode of Renegade Marketers Unite, Drew sits down with Charles Groome (Insightful) and Heather Adkins (Trimble) to unpack what a 2026-ready marketing organization really looks like.  Spoiler: It's not built around functional silos.  Instead, they explore campaign-led team structures, mindset-driven hiring, and operating systems designed for speed, adaptability, and accountability.  You'll hear:  How Insightful uses an effort + outcomes framework to evaluate performance  Why Trimble reorganized around nine global initiatives instead of functional silos  The rise of integrated campaign units to tighten alignment  How to hire T-shaped marketers who blend storytelling and data  Ways to give teams more autonomy without sacrificing accountability  How better org design can reduce burnout and increase clarity  If your team structure hasn't changed in years, your team may struggle to adapt when the market shifts.  This conversation will challenge how you think about structure, talent, and what it takes to build a marketing team that can pivot with confidence.  For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/

Brave New Work
44. Forget ROI: The Ethical Case for Org Design

Brave New Work

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 52:13


Most org design conversations get forced through a narrow funnel: prove the ROI, justify the spend, make the numbers work. But if work is something most people can't opt out of—and where we spend a huge chunk of our attention and waking lives—then “it pays off” feels like a painfully small standard. This week, Rodney and Sam explore the ethical case for organizational design. They move beyond spreadsheets and profit metrics to ask bigger questions about leadership, power, transparency, compensation, and the human impact of broken systems. What do organizations owe the people who work inside them? Is better workplace design a moral responsibility — not just a financial strategy? -------------------------------- Ready to change your organization? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let's talk.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get our newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -------------------------------- Mentioned references: r/antiwork Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi and Flow Target CEO comp package (note: New CEO's comp package is roughly $16m, vs over $70m for the prior CEO in 2020) triple bottom line John Rawls and A Theory of Justice 00:00 Check-In: What's your energy like right now? 04:04 Divorcing doing what's “good work” from ROI 08:16 A “good” experience is the exception rather than the rule 10:06 Protecting yourself isn't “selling out” 15:41 Spending our attention on worthy things 21:35 Leadership vs. worker power disparity is broken 27:31 Ethically designed companies never are publicly traded 31:07 Principles and values of ethical orgs 40:35 Joy at work shouldn't be nickled and dimed 44:35 Idea 1: Don't accept performative change initiatives 47:17 Idea 2: Audit your existing principles and values 48:35 Idea 3: Don't let leadership gaslight you into conforming 50:33 Wrap up: Leave us a review and share the show with a friend Sound engineering and design by Taylor Marvin of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coupe Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Arguing Agile Podcast
AA246 - The Spotify Model: The Viral Org Design That NEVER Existed

Arguing Agile Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 54:33 Transcription Available


Spotify never used the Spotify Model - and neither should you. In this $2 billion episode, Product Manager Brian Orlando and Enterprise Business Agility Consultant Om Patel take a cutting torch to one of big-A-Agile's most beloved organizational myths - the Spotify Model! We're doing invasive surgery to see what's inside beyond the over-hyped squads, tribes, chapters, and guilds that have been copied by companies the world over. ...but what if we found out that the inside was hollow? What if we found out that the Spotify Model was never even live and tested by Spotify?

Org Design Podcast
Avoiding Chaos in Org Design – Strategy Before Structure with Shannon Horne

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 12:58


n this episode of the Org Design Podcast, recorded live at the Org Design Festival, hosts Tim Brewer and Amy Springer sit down with Shannon Horne, HR leader and transformation specialist, to explore the realities of organizational design inside a global company of 11,000 employees. Shannon shares her journey into org design, the challenges of turning strategy into structure, and why confusion, turnover, and missed ROI often come when org design is treated as an afterthought. She offers practical insights on creating healthier org design cultures—where employees feel secure, leaders are transparent, and talent is repurposed rather than lost. For leaders wondering if they have an org design problem on their hands, Shannon also gives her “friend-to-friend” advice: start with discovery before restructuring, and ask whether the issue is really structure—or something deeper. This episode is packed with real-world transformation lessons and practical tips for executives, HR professionals, and organizational designers who want to avoid chaos and build resilient, people-centered organizations. Shannon Horne https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonhorne/ Functionly https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly https://www.functionly.com/ Org Design Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast Organization Design Forum https://organizationdesignforum.org/

Brave New Work
AUA: How Do You Measure the ROI of Org Design?

Brave New Work

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 7:42


Leaders often ask for a clear, immediate ROI on org design and transformation work—but that question can derail the conversation before it even starts. When ROI is framed purely as short-term financial return, it misses how organizations actually change and improve over time. In this mini Ask Us Anything episode, Rodney and Sam unpack how to approach ROI conversations in org design more productively. They explore why separate “transformation metrics” usually miss the point, how to anchor ROI to what leaders already care about, and why leading indicators like decision speed, cycle time, and meeting effectiveness matter more than tidy quarterly savings. Mentioned references: W. Edwards Deming Got a work question like this one you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@theready.com -------------------------------- Ready to change your organization? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Let's talk!⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get our newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -------------------------------- Sound engineering and design by Taylor Marvin of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coupe Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Org Design Podcast
The Intelligence Resources Revolution: Rethinking Org Design with AI Agents with Liz Jamieson

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 27:32


Liz Jamieson, founder of LJ People and former Head of Talent Acquisition at Amazon APAC, joins the Org Design Podcast to explore the emerging field of workforce architecture that integrates AI agents alongside human employees. Drawing on her 15 years of recruitment experience across 7,000 hires, Liz shares how organizations can strategically plan for a hybrid workforce where AI agents are managed similarly to human employees—complete with onboarding, training, performance reviews, and optimization. The conversation covers practical steps for mapping workflows, identifying automation opportunities, and deploying AI agents while maintaining transparency with teams. Liz introduces the concept of "Intelligence Resources" (IR) as an evolution of Human Resources, discusses the risks of shadow AI usage, and explains why org design is becoming everyone's responsibility as employees become "agent bosses." She emphasizes that AI augments rather than replaces human work, shifting focus to validation, collaboration, and critical thinking while agents handle repetitive tasks. Key topics include: workflow mapping as the foundation for agentic deployment, the need for enterprise-level AI governance, the emergence of Chief AI Officer roles, and why frontier firms are already seeing gains from strategic AI integration in their workforce planning. The Org Design Podcast https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast/ Functionly https://www.functionly.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/

Org Design Podcast
Inside Virgin Media O2: Building Org Design for Mergers, Growth & the Future of Work with Dean Bonas and Adrian Clarke

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 40:35


In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Tim Brewer and Damian Bramanis sit down with Adrian Clarke and Dean Bonas from Virgin Media O2 to unpack how they built and scaled an internal Org Design capability from the ground up. From the accidental career paths that led them into OD, to the challenge of designing the joint venture between Virgin Media and O2, Adrian and Dean share powerful insights on solving cross-functional problems, building leadership capacity, and creating a culture of change. They reveal the tools, frameworks, and cheat sheets they rely on, why operating models are more than org charts, and what it takes to prepare an organization for constant transformation and the rise of AI. If you're a leader facing major transformation, M&A, or simply curious about how to embed org design in your company, this is a masterclass from two people who've lived it. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yHI3cbPyekA The Org Design Podcast https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast/ Functionly https://www.functionly.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/ Dean Bonas https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanbonas/ Adrian Clarke https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianclarke2/

ai growth future of work od mergers o2 virgin media org design virgin media o2 adrian clarke bonas tim brewer
InsideOut: Design Leadership Insights
Reimagining Org Design in the Age of AI

InsideOut: Design Leadership Insights

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 10:36


In this episode, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of organizational design and explore how leaders can adapt to the fast-paced changes brought by artificial intelligence. As traditional org charts struggle to keep up with the demands of an AI-driven world, how can businesses shift from rigid roles to flexible, skills-based teams that drive real value? We uncover the challenges of outdated structures, discuss the importance of aligning teams with business outcomes, and share actionable strategies for building agile, dynamic organizations. From embracing "Swiss Army knife" employees to mapping teams around customer journeys, this episode is packed with insights to help leaders reimagine their approach to org design. Key takeaways include: Flexibility: How to move away from rigid roles and embrace skills-based, adaptable teams. Alignment: Why mapping employees to business value fosters clarity and impact. Balance: The importance of combining AI expertise with the experience and insight of seasoned professionals. Join us as we share insights from our InsideOut community of creative operations leaders, who are navigating these challenges and pioneering innovative solutions. Whether you're a leader looking to future-proof your organization or a professional seeking to thrive in the AI era, this episode offers practical advice to help you succeed. Resources: Charting a Human-First Future in the New Age of AI Design The Resilient Team: Thrive in Our Radically Changing World What Every Creative Team Needs to Be Successful Learn more about Aquent's InsideOut Design Leadership Community: aquent.com/communities/inside-out

Marketing Trends
Two Executives Living Under One Roof: The System That Keeps Them Sane

Marketing Trends

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 82:34


The strongest marketing leaders are not the ones with perfect plans. They are the ones who know how to lead through real life.And few people understand that better than Niki Hall and Dayle Hall.Niki, former CMO of Five9, and Dayle, CMO of SnapLogic, join Marketing Trends to share how they balance two big careers, raise a family, and approach marketing from completely different angles.They break down how they support each other through major job shifts, navigate brand versus demand debates, and build teams that can adapt to rapid change. They also explain how AI is reshaping customer experience, what metrics actually matter, and why modern leaders need both operational rigor and creative courage. Key Moments:00:00 Meeting the CMO Couple02:23 How They Met at Cisco05:08 Early Career Moments That Shaped Them08:16 When Their Marketing Paths Split10:11 Growing Up as Marketers Inside Cisco12:00 Balancing Two Big Careers and a Family13:40 The Realities of Career Timing and Tradeoffs15:56 Parenting, Travel, and Real-Life Leadership18:15 Why Community Matters for Working Parents20:38 Helping the Next Generation of Leaders23:20 Marketing in 2026 and the Impact of AI24:43 Brand vs Demand and How They Debate It31:17 What They Learned From Each Other's Strengths32:00 Org Design and Building a Modern Marketing Team51:03 Career Pivots, Pressure, and Personal Growth1:12:54 Lightning Round and Final Takeaways  This episode is brought to you by Lightricks. LTX is the all-in-one creative suite for AI-driven video production; built by Lightricks to take you from idea to final 4K render in one streamlined workspace.Powered by LTX-2, our next-generation creative engine, LTX lets you move faster, collaborate seamlessly, and deliver studio-quality results without compromise. Try it today at ltx.studio Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Scratch
Roots before Reach: YETI's Playbook To Building an Iconic Brand

Scratch

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 34:58


In this episode, Bill Neff, Head of Marketing at YETI, breaks down how the legendary cooler company became a culture-defining outdoor brand without relying on massive media budgets. From his Under Armour “locker room” days to leading one of the world's most beloved challenger brands, Bill shares the operating system behind YETI's rise, which is one built on community intimacy, real relationships, and equipment designed to last forever.And this year, YETI made The Rival 50, our index of the world's top challenger brands redefining growth, a recognition that reflects the consistency, courage, and craft behind their approach.One key takeaway: Roots before reach. Bill explains why YETI invests four times more in community than brand, how third-party advocacy beats first-party hype, and why focusing on the micro-cultures around hunting, fishing, culinary, and outdoor craft fuels more growth than broad awareness ever could. If you're building a premium brand or trying to scale without outspending your category, this conversation is your blueprint.Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube ▶️: HERE          

HR Famous
From Spreadsheets to Smart Org Design: How AI & OrgChart Are Rewiring the Future of HR (with Tom McCarty)

HR Famous

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 35:31


In this episode of HR Famous, Tim Sackett sits down with Tom McCarty, CEO of OrgChart, to talk about something every HR and talent leader is wrestling with right now: how to design the org of the future in an AI-powered world—without losing your mind in spreadsheets. Tim and Tom kick things off by unpacking what OrgChart really is (spoiler: it's way more than boxes and lines). Tom explains how modern org charting gives HR three critical advantages: visibility into what your org actually looks like today, insights that layer in performance, skills, pay and potential, and vision to model what your organization should look like in 1–5 years. Whether you're at 100 employees growing 20% a year or a global enterprise, Tom shares why staying in Excel is quietly killing your workforce planning. They dive into the uncomfortable truth that technology and data remain two of HR's weakest muscles, and why that's not entirely HR's fault. Tom argues that HR tech vendors haven't always made it easy or intuitive—then walks through what “better” looks like when org design, data and decision-making actually work together. You'll hear them tackle big questions that every HR leader is feeling in Q4 2025: How will AI agents fit into your org chart and headcount strategy? Why you can't plan the future state of your organization if you don't clearly understand the current state. Why CEOs are freaking out about succession and what real org visibility can do about it. How the best leaders in an AI world won't be the ones with all the answers—but the ones who ask the best questions. Tom also shares a simple, no-software-required starting point: how HR can begin making better org and talent decisions just by aligning on the five or six things that should always be considered in pay planning, growth planning, or restructuring conversations. If you're an HR leader, TA leader, or C-suite exec planning for 2026 and beyond—and you're tired of pretending your “org design” is a tab in Excel—this conversation will give you a clearer vision of what's possible and what to do next.

MINDWORKS
AI Makes Context King: New Skills, Org Design, and Learning at Work

MINDWORKS

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 12:33 Transcription Available


Prompting is out, context is in. Host Daniel Serfaty and Prof. Joseph Fuller of the Harvard Business School explore why “context engineering”—combining domain knowledge and judgment—is the next essential skill for human-AI teaming. They also discuss how organizational design, retention, and learning must evolve as technology advances faster than traditional upskilling can keep pace.

The Product Podcast
Figma CEO on Design, Product, Engineering: Blurring the Lines in the AI Era | Dylan Field | E276

The Product Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 40:42


In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Dylan Field, Co-founder and CEO of Figma, the collaborative design platform powering the product development process at companies like Microsoft, Google, and Airbnb. Since launching in 2012, Figma has grown from a browser-based design tool into a multi-product ecosystem spanning design, whiteboarding, presentations, and AI workflows.Dylan shares the product and org strategy behind Figma's evolution—from a single design surface to a platform that now includes Figma Make, Slides, Dev Mode, Sites, Draw, and more. He explains how Figma is building toward a world where anyone—not just designers—can move from idea to execution faster, and why “good enough is no longer enough” when it comes to design in the AI era.In this conversation, Dylan goes deep on building communities around products, the value of product leaders embracing design as a strategic differentiator, and how Figma is thinking beyond prompts to redefine human-AI interaction. He also shares lessons from product expansion, building for non-designer users, and how he still carves out time to jailbreak LLMs and test prototypes hands-on.What you'll learn:- How Dylan shaped Figma into a multi-product platform that merges code, design, and collaboration.- Why FigJam's “fun” factor was a deliberate strategic decision—and how it saved the product.- How Figma is integrating with ChatGPT and third-party data tools to redefine surface area and workflow.- The case for design-led thinking across every function of a modern product team.Key Takeaways

Org Design Podcast
The Art & Science of Org Design: Solving Problems Leaders Can't See with Rhonda Frith-Lyons

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 10:44


In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, hosts Tim Brewer and Amy Springer engage in a compelling conversation with Rhonda Frith-Lyons, an experienced organizational designer, at the ODF conference in the Twin Cities. Architectural engineer turned organizational problem-solver, Rhonda Frith-Lyons, joins us from the ODF 2024 conference to share her journey into org design and the critical skills leaders need to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. Rhonda unpacks how the worlds of art, science, and behavioral insight intersect in organizational design, why leaders must resist the urge to “just move boxes,” and how AI is reshaping the way we think about transformation. With decades of experience across supply chain, IT, and global multinationals, she offers practical advice on diagnosing problems, framing the right questions, and leading with intentionality. Rhonda highlights the need for leaders to adopt a holistic view of their organizations, considering how changes in one area affect the entire system.  If you're a leader navigating growth, change, or disruption, this conversation will help you see your organization as a system—and your role as its architect. Org Design Podcast https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast/ Sassy Entreprenuership https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesassyentrepreneurllc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondalfrithlyons/ Functionly https://www.functionly.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/

Org Design Podcast
Org Design Is Not an Org Chart: Reframing Work in the AI Era with Josh Epperson (Amazon)

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 37:58


In this episode, Amy Springer and Tim Brewer are joined by Josh Epperson, Senior Manager of Organizational Development at Amazon. Josh shares a refreshingly honest, thought-provoking journey from play-based therapy with children to shaping strategy, structure, and systems at one of the world's largest companies. This conversation explores how org design is evolving in an AI-infused world—why the org chart is no longer enough, how agentic AI changes workforce strategy, and what leaders should be measuring (but often aren't). Josh reveals practical frameworks like Fit to Purpose and Fit to Deliver, explains why most org design efforts are reactive (and broken), and challenges us to design ourselves out of a job before AI does it for us. Whether you're an org design pro or a founder navigating scale, this is your blueprint for designing resilient, high-performing organizations. Josh Epperson https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshepperson/ Org Design Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast/ https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast Functionly https://www.functionly.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/

Org Design Podcast
Design Before You Scale: The Blueprint for High-Impact Organizations with Haris Ahmed

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 16:28


In this candid and compelling episode of the Org Design Podcast, recorded live at the Festival of Org Design 2024, hosts Tim Brewer and Damian Bramanis sit down with Haris Ahmed, founder of Pragmatium Consulting Group, to uncover three decades of wisdom in organizational transformation. Haris shares how he stumbled into org design during the Y2K era and evolved into a strategic advisor trusted by mid-market powerhouses and ambitious startups alike. From diagnosing dysfunction to architecting adaptive systems, Haris explains why getting the strategy-structure-capability triangle right is crucial—especially when the market moves faster than your 5-year plan. This episode is packed with practical advice for founders, leaders, and change agents—from identifying cultural silos to unlocking high-performance through clear leadership dynamics. Haris also reveals the surprising power of crucial conversations, the value of external perspectives, and why org design is no longer a luxury—it's a leadership imperative. Haris Ahmed https://www.linkedin.com/in/harisahmedusa/ https://pragmatiumconsulting.com/ The Org Design Podcast https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast/ Functionly www.functionly.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/

Org Design Podcast
The Three Dilemmas of Org Design — David Plink on Leadership, Strategy & Human-Centered Change

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 22:25


In this episode recorded live at EODF 2024 in Milan, we sit down with David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, for a raw and inspiring conversation on what it really takes to lead lasting organizational change. Hosted by Tim Brewer and Damian Bramanis, David reflects on his 16-year journey leading a global certification body across 30+ nationalities—from recovering after a life-changing illness to transforming a near-bankrupt company into a purpose-driven global movement. He shares candid stories and hard-won insights, including: ⚖️ Three essential dilemmas every leader faces in org design: 1. People follow strategy vs. People first 2. Big bang vs. Slow burn change 3. Soft approach vs. Ripping off the bandaid

The Modern People Leader
243 - Rethinking Org Design in the AI Era: Alex Buder Shapiro, Chief People Officer at Jasper

The Modern People Leader

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 58:35


Alex Buder Shapiro, Chief People Officer at Jasper, joined us on The Modern People Leader.We talked about how AI is reshaping organizational design, the shift from early-career jobs to early-career talent, and how HR teams can lead through experimentation and workflow innovation.---- Sponsor Links:

CRO Spotlight
Shopify Org Design and Why CROs Must Get Technical with Bobby Morrison

CRO Spotlight

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 61:54 Transcription Available


In this episode of CRO Spotlight, Warren Zenna sits down with Bobby Morrison, Chief Revenue Officer at Shopify, to explore how the CRO role has evolved beyond traditional sales leadership. Bobby shares his approach to unifying marketing, sales, customer success, and support under a single revenue organization focused on the complete customer journey rather than siloed handoffs.Bobby reveals his philosophy of building revenue flywheels through aligned incentives and systems-first thinking, explaining how he restructured Shopify's go-to-market approach to eliminate friction. He discusses the importance of creating pods that bring together account executives, solution engineers, and customer success managers with shared objectives and territories to deliver better customer outcomes.The conversation shifts to how AI is transforming revenue operations, with Bobby predicting that traditional CRMs will be replaced by AI-enabled systems within months. He emphasizes that tomorrow's successful CROs must become more technically proficient, understanding data structures and AI capabilities to build competitive advantages through technology while maintaining the human relationships that drive trust.Warren and Bobby conclude by discussing the future of customer engagement, with Bobby sharing his belief that despite automation, human interaction remains essential in building trust. He emphasizes Shopify's commitment to helping customers navigate uncertain times through an anti-fragile platform that enables businesses to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

Org Design Podcast
BONUS: TSP industry transformation and org design with James Davis of The TSP Advisory

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 35:51


In this **bonus** episode of the Org Design Podcast, host Amy Springer welcomes James Davis from The TSP Advisory to discuss the evolving roles and responsibilities within the Technology Services industry. James shares insights on the transformation of Managed Services Providers (MSPs), Systems Integrators (SIs), and Value Added Resellers (VARs) as they adapt to new business models and client needs. He emphasizes the importance of organizational design in navigating growth challenges and optimizing team structures. The conversation highlights the distinct characteristics of each model, the necessity for clear roles and responsibilities, and the financial metrics that guide successful operations. James also addresses common pain points that organizations face during periods of change and the value of a strategic, top-down approach to org design. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how to foster a healthy organizational culture by aligning team structures with business objectives, ultimately leading to improved performance and profitability. Tune in for practical advice and thought-provoking discussions on the future of organizational design in the TSP industry. The TSP Advisory https://thetspadvisory.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCnUB-fI2ePSlLCwpLaalNUg https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/the-tsp-advisory/ https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/tsp-advice/id1804239948 https://www.linkedin.com/company/thetspadvisory/ Functionly https://www.functionly.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/ Org Design Podcast https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/0Xw3bbEISDbSDO5WT8O7bu?si=1b35ee795fa84531 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/org-design-podcast/id1501527726

Org Design Podcast
The Time Trap in Org Design: A shared struggle for academics, consultants, and CEOs with Andreas Wenger

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 17:49


In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Tim Brewer and Amy Springer welcome Andreas Wenger, a partner at Transformer Consulting, to discuss the intricacies of organizational design. Andreas shares his journey into the field, highlighting how his academic background in organization science laid the foundation for his practical consulting experience. He emphasizes the critical importance of aligning organizational structures with the evolving needs of clients, particularly in complex environments. Andreas recounts a compelling case study involving a care institution that successfully transformed its organizational structure to better serve its changing demographic, navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He illustrates how effective organization design can empower teams at all levels, enabling them to make decisions closer to the operational front lines. The conversation also delves into the common pitfalls of poor organizational design, the need for leaders to develop conviction around change initiatives, and the vital role of time in implementing successful transformations. Andreas encourages leaders to view organization as more than just charts and structures, advocating for a holistic approach that fosters collaboration and innovation. Join us for this insightful discussion on how to build resilient organizations and navigate the complexities of change.

Org Design Podcast
“I Had No Idea Org Design Was Even a Thing!" — Liz Ferguson's Real-Talk Journey Through Org Change

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 22:22


In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, hosts Tim Brewer and Damian Bramanis welcome Liz Ferguson from Wiley's research publishing group. Liz shares her journey into organizational design, which began unexpectedly as she took on a new leadership role managing a large team. Faced with the challenge of restructuring to better align with industry changes, she sought external expertise to guide the process. Liz discusses the importance of understanding the unique needs of her organization and how collaborative workshops helped identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Throughout the conversation, Liz emphasizes the value of being open-minded as a leader and involving team members in the change process. She reflects on the challenges of balancing strategy with the human side of organizational change, advocating for gradual engagement over abrupt transitions. This episode highlights the continuous evolution of organizations and the need for leaders to adapt their structures to meet changing market demands.

Org Design Podcast
Strategy First, People Always: Balancing Tough Decisions and Empathy in Org Design with Nicole Gee

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 25:13


In this insightful episode of the Org Design Podcast, Amy Springer and Rory Mustan from Functionly are joined by Nicole Gee from Geenius Consulting to explore the nuanced journey of organizational design. Nicole candidly shares her early struggles in org design, emphasizing the pivotal role of confidence and clarity. She highlights that successful organizational change requires leaders to deeply understand the strategic 'why' behind decisions and thoughtfully manage the emotional impacts on their teams. Listeners will gain valuable insights on: How Nicole overcame initial setbacks by embracing continuous learning and feedback. The critical balance between strategy and empathy, ensuring that people are always central to org design. Practical steps for leaders to confidently and transparently guide their teams through complex changes. The importance of clearly articulating challenges, required capabilities, and roles early in the process. Why active listening and informal conversations can be powerful tools for leaders anticipating organizational shifts. This episode emphasizes that effective org design goes beyond structural changes—it's about building confidence, clarity, and genuine engagement throughout the process. Connect with Nicole Gee on LinkedIn or at geeniusconsulting.co.uk.

NN/g UX Podcast
49. Design Leadership & Org Design (feat. Peter Merholz, co-author of Org Design for Design Orgs)

NN/g UX Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 43:19


In this episode, Peter Merholz—co-founder of Adaptive Path and co-author of Org Design for Design Orgs—joins us to talk about what it really takes to build and scale effective design teams. We explore the systems, structures, and leadership mindsets that shape successful organizations, the relationships between product and design teams, and how design leaders can foster clarity, consistency, and impact as their teams grow. Whether you're managing a team or aspiring to, this conversation is packed with insights on navigating the evolving role of design in today's organizations.Learn More About Peter:Website: https://petermerholz.com/Newsletter: https://petermerholz.com/newsletter/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/petermerholzPodcast: https://findingourway.design/Book: https://orgdesignfordesignorgs.com/Full-Day Courses (also available in half-day formats):DesignOps: Scaling UX Design: https://www.nngroup.com/courses/scaling-ux-design-and-user-research/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ep50Product and UX: Building Partnerships for Better Outcomes: https://www.nngroup.com/courses/product-and-ux/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ep50Leading Highly Effective UX Teams: https://www.nngroup.com/courses/leading-ux-teams/?lm=pm-ux-different-views-of-responsibilities&pt=article&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ep50UX Leader: Essential Skills for Any UX Practitioner: https://www.nngroup.com/courses/ux-leadership-skills-for-all/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ep50New UX Managers: https://www.nngroup.com/courses/new-manager/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ep50Related Free NN/g Articles:DesignOps: Study Guide: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/design-ops-study-guide/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ep50Product & UX: Study Guide: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/product-and-ux-study-guide/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ep50PM and UX Have Markedly Different Views of Their Job Responsibilities: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/pm-ux-different-views-of-responsibilities/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ep50

Org Design Podcast
Honor the past while embracing the future in your org design with Ramona Elena-Cherciu

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 22:21


Join us on the Org Design Podcast as we dive into a captivating conversation with Ramona Elena Curciu, Head of Coherence, live from the EODF conference in Milan. In this episode, we explore the essence of org design, the journey from personal challenges to professional triumphs, and the importance of approaching organizational change with humility and respect. Ramona shares her unique insights on balancing the heart and tools in org design, emphasizing the need to honor the past while fostering growth. As hosts, we delve into the mindset required for effective org design, drawing parallels with design research principles. Tune in to discover how compassion and curiosity can transform organizational landscapes. If you're curious about org design or seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Ramona on LinkedIn and share your thoughts with us.

The Tech Trek
Startup Playbook: Building Product-First Teams with Engineers

The Tech Trek

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 23:18


On this episode of The Tech Trek, we're diving deep into the intersection of engineering, product, and business thinking with Vineet Goel — Co-Founder and Chief Product & Technology Officer at Parafin, a fast-growing fintech startup powering small businesses on platforms like DoorDash, Amazon, and Walmart.We unpack what it really means to build a company where engineers are product thinkers, why bringing in product managers too early can backfire, and how AI is reshaping what it means to write code — and who's best positioned to thrive in this new world.Vineet shares how Parafin scaled with just two PMs to 25 engineers, why every engineer shadows customer support calls, and how GenAI might collapse the wall between product and engineering entirely.Whether you're an engineer, product leader, founder, or just curious where the future of tech orgs is headed — this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Org Design Podcast
Inclusion in Org Design and creating conditions for EVERYBODY to thrive with Amri B. Johnson

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 29:35


In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, hosts Tim Brewer and Amy Springer welcome Amri B. Johnson from Inclusion Wins. Amri shares his journey into organizational design, revealing how his background as an epidemiologist shaped his understanding of leadership and management. He discusses the importance of creating organizational structures that foster emergent strategies, emphasizing that "structure creates behavior." Amri highlights the common pitfalls organizations face when trying to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, noting that many fail to align their strategies with their stated goals. He argues for a shift in perspective: DEI should not be seen as a separate initiative but as integral to the organization's fabric. Listeners will gain insights into the significance of including team members in the decision-making process and the need for leaders to develop robust listening skills to build adaptive organizations. This conversation aims to equip leaders with the tools to create inclusive environments that allow all individuals to thrive, ultimately driving better organizational outcomes. Tune in to learn how to design organizations that are not only effective but also resilient and inclusive, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

Arguing Agile Podcast
AA204 - Domain Expertise vs. PM Skills: Product Management Showdown

Arguing Agile Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 44:27 Transcription Available


Is it better to hire someone with deep domain expertise and teach them product management, or to bring in an experienced PM who can learn the domain? Today, we're debating the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches across critical areas like business impact, product discovery, stakeholder management, and leadership!Listen (or watch) as Product Manager Brian Orlando and Enterprise Business Agility Coach Om Patel discuss why domain experts excel at identifying immediate pain points but may struggle with deeper product methodologies... or listen/watch as we discuss how experienced PMs can bring fresh perspectives while also facing steeper learning curves in specialized industries. This podcast is all about exploring the real-world tradeoffs Product Leaders face when building product teams and providing insights for both hiring managers and product professionals!#ProductManagement #CareerDevelopment #AgileLeadershipReferences:Boiler Room (film), 2000Marty Cagan - Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love, 2008AA120 - Did AirBnB Fire Their Product Managers?AA199 - W. Edwards Deming's Profound Knowledge for Transforming OrganizationsAA201 - Mastering Stakeholder Communication & Management= = = = = = = = = = = =YouTubeSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8XUSoJPxGPI8EtuUAHOb6g?sub_confirmation=1Applehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agile-podcast/id1568557596Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/362QvYORmtZRKAeTAE57v3= = = = = = = = = = = =Toronto Is My Beat (Music Sample)By Whitewolf (Source: https://ccmixter.org/files/whitewolf225/60181)CC BY 4.0 DEED (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)

Org Design Podcast
From Science to Strategy: Effective Org Design with Beth Gunderson

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 28:28


Join us on the Org Design Podcast as we dive into the fascinating journey of Beth Gunderson in our episode, From Science to Strategy: Effective Org Design with Beth Gunderson. Beth, a key figure at the University of Southern California's Center for Effective Organizations, shares her unique path from material science to becoming an influential org design consultant. We explore her insights on the STAR framework, the importance of aligning org design with strategy, and the evolving role of operating models. Beth also discusses how leaders can effectively communicate change and foster collaboration across various organizational levels. With her extensive experience, Beth offers valuable advice for leaders and designers alike. Tune in as Amy, Damian, and I uncover the intricacies of effective org design and how it can transform organizations.

The Consumer Insights Podcast
Why Context Matters More Than Data with Will Osborn, Service and Org Design Director & Head of Service Design at frog

The Consumer Insights Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 29:14


Insights are only as powerful as the action they inspire. In this episode, we are joined by Will Osborn, Service and Org Design Director & Head of Service Design at frog, part of Capgemini Invent, as he discusses why insights fail and what the industry needs to do differently. Will shares candid takes on blind spots in insights, why context is more critical than data, and why waiting for the perfect tech solution is a mistake.We also discuss:The evergreen challenge of silo syndrome. How great storytelling makes data impossible to ignore.Why research on its own isn't enough.Join The Insighter's Club and get exclusive industry insights, expert analysis, and cutting-edge trends delivered straight to your inbox.

Revenue Builders
The CRO Mindset with Alex Varel

Revenue Builders

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 8:38


In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan and Alex Varel, CRO of Multiverse, discuss the mindset and responsibilities required to succeed in a CRO role. Alex shares firsthand insights on the challenges of executive leadership, the importance of accountability, and how customer success should be integrated into go-to-market strategies. He also emphasizes the significance of informed decision-making and fostering a culture of collaboration across sales and customer success.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:01:17] The CRO's Accountability Mindset – The deep responsibility that comes with the CRO role and the need to embrace it.[00:01:56] Executive Team and Board Alignment – Understanding the dynamics of working with senior leadership and the board.[00:03:06] The Power of Listening in Leadership – Why listening is a CRO's biggest advantage when making critical decisions.[00:04:42] Customer Success and the CRO Role – The importance of unifying pre-sale and post-sale efforts under a single vision.[00:05:28] Org Design for Customer-Centric Growth – Why aligning sales and customer success creates a seamless customer journey.[00:06:22] The Right Intent Behind Owning Customer Success – Why it's about customer outcomes, not just control over teams.QUOTES[00:01:17] "Having the accountability to the customers, individuals, and teams—and making all of them wildly successful—is what excites me about the CRO role."[00:03:06] "A huge advantage of being a CRO is that people want to meet with you—inside and outside the company. Use that to listen and make informed decisions."[00:07:23] "The best org design creates a natural mechanism for unified goals that benefit the customer and fuel growth."[00:06:45] "I wasn't concerned with building a fiefdom—I was focused on creating a structure that aligns sales and customer success for better customer outcomes."Listen to the full conversation through the link below.https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/the-reflective-journey-from-sales-leader-to-cro-with-alex-varelEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon's book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management's Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/Force Management is hiring for a Sales Director. Apply here: https://hubs.li/Q02Zb8WG0Read Force Management's eBook: https://www.forcemanagement.com/roi-of-sales-messaging

Org Design Podcast
Empathy Meets Strategy: How Leaders Transform Organizations with Pallavi Srivistava

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 25:55 Transcription Available


Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, host Amy Springer engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Pallavi Srivastava, an associate partner at The OrgSmith. They explore the often misunderstood concept of organizational design, emphasizing its importance beyond mere restructuring and cost-cutting measures. Pallavi shares insights on the need for leaders to adopt an agile and entrepreneurial mindset in today's rapidly changing business environment, particularly in light of recent global disruptions like COVID-19.The discussion covers the critical role of leaders in aligning organizational structures with dynamic strategies and the necessity for constant communication about these strategies. Pallavi highlights the significance of fostering a culture of innovation and psychological safety, enabling organizations to adapt quickly to change. She provides real-world examples of companies that successfully pivoted during the pandemic, demonstrating the qualities that empower resilient and agile organizations.Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of job design in the context of AI and digital transformation, and the essential leadership skills required to navigate these changes. Pallavi underscores the need for empathy in leadership while also advocating for the courage to make tough decisions as organizations adapt to new challenges.Join us for this enlightening episode as we uncover the complexities of organizational design and the pivotal role of leadership in fostering a responsive and resilient business environment.Support the show

Org Design Podcast
Leading change with curiosity, clarity and human-centricity with Elizabeth Venter and Ross Libby

Org Design Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 25:52 Transcription Available


Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, we're joined by Elizabeth Venter and Ross Libby to explore the human side of organizational change. Our guests share invaluable insights on how to implement structural changes while keeping people at the heart of the transformation process.Key discussion points include:The importance of involving team members in organizational change rather than imposing decisions from aboveWhy continuous communication is crucial throughout the entire change processHow seeking clarity rather than certainty leads to better organizational outcomesThe value of experimentation and learning through pilot programsElizabeth emphasizes that successful organizational change requires supporting each team individually through their transformation journey, while Ross shares the powerful perspective that "the future punishes certainty but rewards clarity." Together, they provide practical advice for leaders navigating organizational change, whether they're org design experts or just beginning their journey.This conversation offers essential insights for anyone interested in creating more effective, human-centered organizations that can adapt and thrive in today's rapidly changing business environment.Support the show

Three Cartoon Avatars
EP 118: Will Gaybrick (President, Stripe) on Capital Allocation, Org Design, AI, and Global Growth

Three Cartoon Avatars

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 102:18


Will Gaybrick joined Stripe as CFO after investing in the company at Thrive Capital. Over the past 9 years, now as President, he's helped grow Stripe's into one of the world's largest private startups. In this episode, we explore his impressive career journey—from Harvard Math to software engineering, Yale Law, venture capital, and now his leadership role at Stripe. Will shares key insights on capital allocation, crypto, AI, investing, leadership, and more. Some takeaways:(00:00) Intro(01:09) From Academia to Venture Capital(02:01) Joining Stripe: The Unexpected Journey(02:09) Career Philosophy and Decision Making(05:23) Building Hack Yale and Teaching(08:15) The Role of a Polymath at Stripe(09:31) Learning Techniques and AI Insights(16:15) Operational Shifts and Growth Strategies(20:36) Hiring and Leadership at Stripe(28:08) Organizational Systems and Processes(31:40) Migrating Users to New API Versions(32:07) Challenges in API Refactoring(33:57) The Rise of Stablecoins(34:07) Stripe's History with Crypto(35:51) Stablecoins: Use Cases and Adoption(41:30) AI and Machine Learning at Stripe(47:59) Risk Management and Compliance(53:21) Empowering Innovation with AI(57:14) Decision-Making Frameworks at Stripe(01:04:07) Stripe's Product Evolution(01:09:31) Exploring the Fun and Challenges of Product Space(01:10:20) Stripe's Organizational Structure and Strategy(01:12:12) The Importance of Technical Unification(01:13:13) User Demands and Capital Allocation(01:14:18) The Role of ROI in Early Projects(01:15:53) Stripe's Unique Approach to Titles and Levels(01:18:36) Insights on Organizational Design(01:21:36) Effective Leadership and Decision-Making(01:24:18) Reflections on Influential Leaders(01:33:25) The Value of Venture Capital(01:38:29) Future Prospects and Motivation at Stripe  Executive Producer: Rashad AssirProducer: Leah ClapperMixing and editing: Justin Hrabovsky Check out Unsupervised Learning, Redpoint's AI Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUl-s_Vp-Kkk_XVyDylNwLA