Episode 2: Mastering the modern COO role: risk, data, communications and the power of AI

In episode 2 of our ‘The Rise of the COO podcast’ we dive into some important topics including; How COOs can effectively manage Risk and Controls, unlock the potential of Data, Digital, and AI, and master the art of communication—all while exploring the qualities that make a COO truly successful in today’s world. 

About our host

Mansi Patel, Global Lead, Capabilities, COO Network Sponsor, Baringa 

Throughout her 20+ year consulting career Mansi has engaged in a broad range of projects – with a common premise at their core – to help organisations create value and embed the required change. Her leadership style, skills and strengths combined with a natural curiosity have given her the privilege of working across the world with C-suite clients in flagship, innovative Consumer Product, Media and Telecoms organisations.

Mansi loves spending time with clients. She is a positive, disruptive change leader able to give energy into debates and discussions with the people around her. She is skilled in connecting the dots, bringing together different ideas, and asking the simple, insightful questions that allow her clients and teams to step back and see the big picture of 'what matters most'. Mansi is part of the Executive Leadership Team at Baringa and leads the Global Capabilities Practice. This includes teams of specialists in Digital and Technology, Customer and Operations, People, Talent and Change, Supply Chain, Sustainability and Procurement, and Data, Analytics and AI.

About our guests

Paul Rayson, Markets Chief Operating Officer, Citi

Paul is a Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer for Citi’s Markets business. He leads Markets Business Execution, Control, Non-Financial Risk Management and Transformation teams. He is also jointly responsible for Markets Planning.

Paul joined Citi in 1994 as part of the Technology Graduate Program and following his move into Finance in 1996 has held a number of roles most notably; EMEA Product Control and Valuation Head from 2008-12; EMEA Financial Planning, Analysis and Strategy Head from 2012-2016. 

Previously Paul was Global Head of Product Control in Finance from 2016 to 2019. During this time, he transformed the Product Control team into an integrated global organization, drove substantial improvement in the control environment, strengthened stakeholder relationships and championed digital transformation.

Paul is a Chartered Management Accountant and Economics Graduate from the University of Birmingham.

Pete Shannon, expert in Digital and AI, Baringa 

Pete has over 25 years digital and tech delivery experience, building and leading teams at corporates and scale-ups. He leads Artificial Intelligence for TMT at Baringa, delivering AI solutions for both front and back-office, aligned to strategic vision and driving value for Baringa clients. He co-founded and was CPO of an AI tech CX company, leading the product and engineering teams to achieve cost saving through AI-powered resolution of inbound enquiries (86%) across >20m customer contacts.