Transformation Leadership with Rob Thomas
What can leaders who have been through the process of radical organisational change teach us about the secrets of a successful transformation? What are the pitfalls to avoid? In episode 2 of this bonus miniseries of Leadership2050, Andrew White and co-host Adam Canwell of EY talk to Rob Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team. Rob led the transformation of the Mercedes team at a critical point in the company’s history, and in this podcast he talks frankly about what worked, and what he would do differently next time.
'I wish I’d been braver at the start.'
For this special deep dive into transformation leadership Andrew has teamed up with research partner Adam Canwell, from the EY organisation, to explore the journey global leaders and their workforce go through as they lead their organisations through significant change. The need to transform successfully – and to do so continuously – is an imperative for all organisations and as part of this project the research team surveyed 935 senior leaders and direct reports, as well as 1,127 workforce members from around the globe and across multiple industries. And yet, despite all the advances in technological capability, management theory, and huge investments of money, time and resources over the last 25 years, the failure rate of transformations remains stubbornly high. Andrew and Adam aim is to demystify the process of transformation and by studying the complex factors behind the high failure rate of transformations they explore how leaders can drive transformations that result in lasting change.
Andrew's research and teaching focuses on how leaders transcend 21st century challenges such as disruptive technology change and the climate crisis. Also, how they create cultures that are diverse, inclusive, resilient and high performing, alongside the ongoing challenge of delivering profitable growth. At Oxford he directs the Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme, and works with leaders from industry and governments across the world.
