Is the Right Risk Culture the Key to Effective Risk Management?

Risk management is at the core of any successful organisation’s ability to not only survive, but thrive, in uncertain times. Whilst traditional approaches focus on risk frameworks, risk processes and risk reporting, a well-developed organisational risk culture remains an often-overlooked yet important factor in shaping how well risks are handled, incl. identified, perceived, assessed, and […]

Unlock the Power of Thought Leadership

Like me, I trust you have been in a room at a conference waiting for the keynote speaker – waiting to be inspired by the insights and ideas, this knowledgeable person is known for.  But, this person may be more than just knowledgeable and experienced. You may find, that the keynote speech is presented by […]

What is true management excellence?

I don’t know about you, but I am captivated, when I experience excellence. In two areas in particular: in craftsmanship and in management. My neighbour is a violin builder.  He has some weird and wonderful tools, some very intricate. But, there is more to his excellent craftsmanship than just the tools. It is how he […]

Massproduction or Made to Order?

The days are long gone, when you could have your Ford in any colour you like, as long as it was black. After the second world war, the marketers used to say “There is a customer in every individual”, then late last century this was changed to “There is an individual in every customer”.  Now […]

The gem is in the data

I am yet to find a CEO, who excitedly will explain how much new data his company has accumulated – during today – during last week – during last year. I do hope, that I will meet him or her one day and hear about how this new data has been successfully mined, combined with […]

Operating in Dynamic Complexity

The speed of change makes it seems like AI, DNA technology, 3D printing, the IOT (Internet of Things), big data and digitalisation have been around for many years. Some have used their strengths – thought leadership – and have powered ahead –other organisations have continuously adapted well – both their strategy and organisational structure, whilst […]

AI – Model Fundamentals for Board Directors

Board directors need high-level knowledge about AI and machine learning models to effectively evaluate and decide upon AI strategies.    Therefore, the resourceful and pro-active chairman of my client invited me to run a workshop together with the rest of the board. It was an efficient way for them to gain some relevant knowledge – […]

Customer service is no longer enough

Now customers want an experience, but are companies sufficiently prepared for this?  Essenta has recently completed a Customer Process project for one of our customers. The company was facing various challenges.  The IT systems made it virtually impossible to get an overview of the relationship with the customers.  Within the organisation, the staff responsible for […]

Decision making: a cognitive process of choice

Imagine that you are presented with a young man who has short, brown hair. He is of average build, around 20 years old, and is dressed smartly in a grey suit, white shirt, and a tie. His shoes are dress shoes but are scuffed. If you were asked to describe what this person is like […]

Too complex for comfort?

For a long time one of the core beliefs of economists was that given all relevant information, a person would make a rational choice given different alternatives.  Hence, the explanation for all irrational decisions made was that not all information was available.  The research by Kahneman and Tversky, 2002 Nobel Prize winners in economics, showed […]