CLIENT RESULTS
The Sponsor Effect
Private equity-owned global company · Finance & IT
A global Chief Financial Officer took over the Information Technology group when the CIO exited this private equity-owned corporation, with a widely communicated urgency to improve the company’s financials.
100+
years part of the company has existed
5
CEO changes in several years
3
reasons ideas stayed hidden
1-on-1
business case conversations with the CFO
THE SITUATION
Leadership asked for financial-improvement ideas. A worn-down workforce had stopped offering them.
This global company, part of which has existed for over 100 years, was acquired by a private equity company. Morale was at an all-time low. People had endured five CEO changes in several years, severe cuts in personnel and benefits, a major project failure that impacted customers, and several global acquisitions in low-cost labor areas.
When the CIO left, IT began reporting to the CFO. The Board and C-level were focused on improving EBITDA and asked the organization for its financial improvement project ideas. The response was underwhelming.
The CFO made some inquiries and discovered, without surprise, that:
-
People did not feel comfortable bringing their ideas forward.
-
People did not feel confident leading projects.
-
With fewer people to do the day-to-day work, people expected any idea to be added to their already increased responsibilities.
The CFO took a bold step to change the climate: encourage employee engagement in business success while improving the firm’s financial position.
WHAT WE DID
Practical Steps, Applied to the Real Work
01
Delivered mini-courses to global Finance and IT leaders over several months.
02
Let leaders experience the full project lifecycle in a safe learning environment.
03
Had participants apply what they learned immediately to their own projects, with coaching to get those projects done.
04
Gave the CFO light coaching to respond in a positive way as people brought their project ideas forward.
05
Set up one-on-one Business Case walkthroughs between project leaders and the CFO.
WHAT WE DID
What Changed
Ideas came forward
Leaders brought their project ideas to the CFO as developed Business Cases.
Confidence to lead
Finance and IT leaders practiced the project lifecycle and applied it to live projects with coaching support.
An involved Sponsor
The CFO asked good questions and created an atmosphere that encouraged creativity.
Direct access
For some participants, the Business Case walkthrough was their first one-on-one meeting with the CFO.
IN THEIR WORDS
What Leaders Said
He is an involved Sponsor, asked good questions to make us think, and created a good atmosphere that led to creativity. It was a helpful, open conversation (didn’t feel like pitching for your life).
Program participant, Global Finance & IT
Which Gap Sounds Like Yours?
YOUR TURN
Build, Run & Elevate Your PMO
Turn ideas into financial results
For organizations that need business cases and a portfolio tied to financial goals.