CYM Living’s Post

When is a co-CEO not a co-CEO? When one of them reports to the other! This is currently the situation at Marks and Spencer, though not for much longer, as ‘co-CEO’ Katie Bickerstaffe is leaving the retailer in July, as announced in March. Ms Bickerstaffe joined M&S in 2018 as a NED and went operational in 2020 as (part-time) Chief Transformation & Strategy Director. In 2021, Ms Bickerstaffe was appointed co-Chief Operating Officer alongside Stuart Machin who was at the time MD of M&S Food. Machin was elevated to Chief Executive Officer (note: no ‘co-‘) in May 2022 at which point Ms Bickerstaffe was retitled co-CEO though still reporting to Machin. I tell you this, not because I have developed a sudden interest in the M&S leadership team or in Ms Bickerstaffe’s career, but because it illustrates (to me at least) the inherent contradiction in the title ‘co-CEO’ – though in Ms Bickerstaffe’s case, at least the pecking order was clear. There are people whose opinion I greatly respect who not only see no contradiction in the title, but who actually make it work as true peers. There are exceptions to every rule – even mine. But I continue to hold the view that, in general, the interests of a business are best served when there is, so to speak, only one throat to choke. #management #ceo

If you know me, you know creating magical moments for my clients is one of my favorite parts of my job. Check out the recent article I contributed to!

I’ve learnt (and continue to learn) so much from Stuart. He’s one of the main reasons I joined the M&S transformation. There are many insights in this article that business leaders should follow, for example: “I don’t believe in criticising the competition, I believe in learning from them, looking what everyone is doing and looking for the good.” It’s so right. How else can you raise the bar and learn if your start point is to look down at others? Marks and Spencer | Stuart Machin | Moira Benigson

Do you know someone doing incredible work who deserves recognition? 🏆 Check out these upcoming award opportunities: Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company, due Aug 23 CEO of the Year, CoBiz Magazine, due Aug 22 100 People Transforming Business, Business Insider Magazine, due Sept. 2 40 Under 40, Denver Business Journal, due Oct. 1 CFO of the Year, Wichita Business Journal, due Oct. 6 With several prestigious awards just around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate those who are making a difference. But I know how time-consuming and challenging writing nominations can be—that’s where I come in. ✍️ Let me help you craft a compelling nomination that showcases their achievements and gives them the best chance to shine. Don’t wait—let’s work together to ensure the best candidates get the recognition they deserve! #Awards #Nominations #Recognition #Leadership

We are thrilled to feature our long-time friend & special guest - Jennifer Wines, JD, CPWA®, best-selling author of INVISIBLE WEALTH, this Thursday evening at our Young Leadership Council dinner of The Family Offices Global, To network and openly discuss some of these topics: * Redefining Wealth for the Future: The Power is in Your Hands * Preparing for the Great Wealth Transfer: Unlocking New Opportunities * Value Plus Values: A Transformative Approach to Wealth * The Power of Community and Collaboration: Shaping the Future Together

The role of a Chief of Staff is vital yet challenging, often determining the success of an organization. It's more than just coordination; it requires strategic foresight, empathy, and a deep understanding of team dynamics. In exploring what separates the good from the great, seasoned chiefs share invaluable insights on navigating this complex landscape. Let’s learn from their experiences to avoid common pitfalls and truly elevate our leadership capabilities. Discover more here: https://okt.to/3FAZbS

Demonstrating drive, persistance, and resilience, Jenna is making things happen personally and professionally! Achieving Success and Happiness.

“HR is still a misunderstood function in terms of the value and power it can bring to a firm’s CEO and leadership,” - Paige Ross, global head of human resources at Blackstone. Paige's comments really resonate with me especially this .." It’s incumbent upon HR leaders to have the courage to show what we can do, the ability to learn what we don't know and to always think like a businessperson. The best HR leaders are businesspeople first, with an expertise in HR.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eSDFg_a9

Join me and Ona Alston Dosunmu, Sharon Kneebone, IOM, FASAE, CAE, Cynthia Young, CAE. [she/her], and Grant Carpenter for an insightful discussion on March 14th. https://t.ly/JXg7g Are you stepping into the dynamic world of leading as a first-time CEO, Executive Director, or Secretary-General? The job of the chief staff executive (CSE) can be demanding under any circumstances. Navigating the uncharted waters as you take on the role for the first time in your career will be exhilarating and yet can also be particularly hard. Maybe you’re following in the footsteps of a long-term and beloved leader, or perhaps being brought in during times of crisis or downturn to “clean house” and turn things around? Maybe you're the pioneer, serving as an organization’s first paid chief staff executive as it transitions from being founder-led to founder-inspired? This panel of successful chief staff executives will share priceless lessons learned that are perfect for anyone newly appointed or aspiring to the top spot. Let's unpack the professional and personal challenges, rewards, and surprises they encountered—including some that are not often discussed. Find out what they wished they’d known before taking on their roles, what surprised them, and what sustains them in their work. #leadership #representationmatters #ceo #assnchat #asae