“Growth, operational efficiency, and competitiveness are really key themes this year.” Secondly, vendors contribute by introducing best practices gleaned from either their own development or their extensive experience collaborating with numerous organizations. This infusion of best practices is invaluable for organizational growth and efficiency. Thirdly, vendors offer substantial value by providing specialized skills and capabilities that might be lacking internally within the organization. This saves both time and money that would otherwise be spent on establishing these competencies internally. Additionally, vendors mitigate the risks associated with venturing into new areas by offering their expertise and support, thus enhancing the organization’s overall resilience.
management. Leaders can unlock the vast potential of AI, leveraging its power to revolutionize their operations, catalyze innovation, and secure a leading position in their respective industries. BUILDING YOUR NETWORK Networking and partnerships have become increasingly crucial in driving innovation. Ask yourself: What’s my plan for personal growth? Organizational growth? It’s essential to strategically build your network both inside and outside your organization. This is where you find fresh opportunities and gain new insights. Make it a goal to make 5-10 new contacts (or calls with new suppliers) a month. In a year, that’s 120 more entities that could help you develop your next growth idea or set you up for your next job. And if you have an established network, don’t forget to continue to cultivate it. Take two hours a week for networking calls. You would be surprised how many people do not do that. It can transform your perspective on what’s possible. I feel very positive about 2024. The pandemic is now in the rearview mirror. We’re starting to return to a more normal cadence of how we work and where we work. Now, supply chains are basically online, which is a great improvement from a year ago. A lot of organizations are experiencing changes and disruptions, but I think we will come out better by the end of 2024. Overall, we are moving in a positive direction. HOW VENDORS CAN HELP Vendors play a crucial role in helping organizations navigate new territories and enhance their operations. Firstly, vendors can leverage their expertise to expedite the organization’s learning curve in unfamiliar domains where the vendor holds superior experience. They assist in propelling the organization to its next developmental phase.
Gail Martino Former NA Lead, Strategy, Agile Transformation Unilever
FEI 2024 & Key Innovation Perspectives
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