The Rise of the COO podcast
The COO role isn’t what it used to be.
Today’s COO isn’t just delivering the strategy – they’re shaping it, stress-testing it, and increasingly stepping up as the natural successor to the CEO. They sit at the centre of everything: growth and efficiency, transformation and stability, people and performance. And the pressure to get it right has never been higher. As more execution and capability move outside the organisation – into platforms, partners and AI – what remains at the core is something harder to define: judgement, accountability, trust and resilience.
This podcast is built for that reality.
Each episode brings you into candid conversations with COOs and senior leaders navigating these tensions in real time – what’s changing, what’s working, and what’s coming next.
No theory. No noise. Just real insight from those doing the role.
Because operating today – and preparing for what’s next – takes more than execution. It takes perspective.
Episode 12: The tyranny of the urgent: how COOs stop the firefighting loop
Here’s how COOs design calm – so reliability beats heroics, every time.
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Episode 11: COOs as translators: Bridging the boardroom and the business
What does it really take to be the ultimate connector in business, building relationships that drive influence, accelerate delivery and create lasting value?
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Episode 10: The resilient COO: Finding your inner edge beyond the boardroom
In episode 10, we delve into what it actually takes to be resilient at the top, exploring the habits and approaches that help leaders perform under pressure.
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Episode 9: The COO’s compass: Setting direction and driving impact
In episode 9, we explore what it really takes to succeed as a COO. From balancing the second-by-second running of the UK’s electricity system to planning the energy system out to 2050.
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Episode 8: Operational resilience: from crisis to comeback
In episode 8, we discuss the critical role of the Chief Operating Officer during times of crisis and transformation.
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Episode 7: Evolving from operator to orchestrator
In episode 7, we look at how the COO role is rapidly evolving from operational manager to strategic orchestrator, helping to shape the future of the firm.
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Episode 6: Getting the most from external partnerships
In episode 6, we explore how COOs can unlock greater value by building effective external partnerships that strengthen performance and support long‑term growth.
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Episode 5: Leading change: The COO's role in building inclusive workplaces
In episode 5, we delve into the pivotal role COOs play in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their organisations.
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Episode 4: Shaping tomorrow: the future of operations
In episode 4, we explore how COOs can shape the future of operations in an increasingly dynamic world.
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Episode 3: Owning the net zero challenge as COO
In episode 3, we have an honest conversation about the COO’s role in leading the charge toward net zero.
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Episode 1: Workforce of the future: skills and capabilities COOs need to succeed
In episode one, we explore expert perspectives from our clients and Baringa leaders around how COOs can shape the future of work.
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Episode 2: Mastering the modern COO role: risk, data, communications and the power of AI
In episode 2 of ‘The Rise of the COO,’ we explore managing risk, leveraging data and AI, mastering communication, and key qualities of successful COOs.
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Digital and AI can solve your toughest challenges and elevate your business performance. But success isn’t always straightforward. Where can you unlock opportunity? And what does it take to set the foundation for lasting success?