Crafting Human Advantage: Mastering Commercial Skills With The Human Touch
Introduction: Unlocking Commercial Success with Expert Strategies
In the latest edition of HumanWise, I am thrilled to welcome Heather Orton, a dynamic leader renowned for her strategic capability in integrating commercial skills with people and planet-centred design. Together, we explore the transformative power of mastering commercial acumen coupled with curiosity to enhance personal and professional success.
Career Highlights: Heather Orton’s Path to Innovation and Leadership
In her exceptional career, Heather has combined experience within large global organisations such as KPMG, Accenture, and now EY, as well as running her own not-for-profit business and working with the Royal Household in the UK. Throughout her journey, she exemplifies how curiosity and creativity open doors to opportunities that challenge traditional career pathways, driving innovation and leadership.
Heather: "Blending unique professional experiences with commercial acumen is critical for sustainable growth. It’s curiosity and creativity that truly opens new avenues for leadership."
Helen: "In my extensive experience, Heather’s career exemplifies an innovative fusion of creativity and strategic insight, driving exploration beyond conventional boundaries and setting new benchmarks in leadership.
Empowering Workplace Authenticity: The Role of Human Skills
Our discussion underscores the vital importance of authenticity in modern workplaces. Heather advocates for creating environments where team members are encouraged to express their genuine selves, fostering creativity, performance, and a sense of belonging within the organisation.
Heather: "Being human at work is about cultivating spaces where authenticity can thrive. It fuels creativity, productivity, and overall performance."
Fostering this authenticity requires leadership commitment to intertwining human skills with business objectives, ensuring employees feel valued and engaged.
Commercial Awareness as a Catalyst for Organisational Transformation
Delving into the transformative impact of commercial awareness, we discuss how equipping teams with these essential skills aligns business intent with actionable insights. Heather reiterates the importance of nurturing these skills early on in your career and stepping out of your comfort zone to learn and grow.
Heather: "Empowering teams with commercial skills fosters proactive individuals who steer organisational success. It’s about effective pitching, proposing, and negotiating."
Helen: "By integrating commercial acumen with authenticity businesses can harness these insights to transform intentions into effective strategies, propelling growth and innovation."
Redefining Sales and Client Engagement Through Relationship Building
A significant takeaway from our conversation is the paradigm shift in sales from transactional interactions to an emphasis on building lasting relationships. Heather and I explore how understanding clients' true needs redefines the sales approach, enhancing client engagement and satisfaction. Even in today’s competitive world where relationships can be less sticky, relationships are important, probably more so than ever.
Helen: "Don’t try and be someone that you are not. Take time to know yourself, your value and own your seat at the table”
Heather: "Understanding and addressing clients' needs fosters trust, transforming the sales landscape into one rooted in genuine connection and value.
Practical Strategies for Integrating Commercial Skills in Organisations
Heather and I identify actionable strategies for seamlessly embedding commercial skills within organisations:
Cultivate Relationship Building: Encourage deeper engagement with both colleagues and clients to understand their unique needs.
Empowered Decision Making: Distribute commercial insights across teams, fostering informed decision-making and collaboration.
Openness to Feedback and Learning: Promote a culture where feedback is encouraged, and mentorship is accessible, enabling continuous adaptation and growth in dynamic work environments.
Heather: "Embedding these practices within organisational culture empowers teams, fostering a proactive mindset and driving sustainable growth through informed strategies."
Final Reflections: The Ongoing Journey of Mastering Commercial Skills
The journey of mastering commercial skills is a continuous combination of embracing self-awareness, adaptability, and the art of relationship-building. As Heather eloquently articulates, environments that empower these skills catalyse sustainable growth, ensuring organisational resilience and personal career satisfaction.
Helen: "Incorporating a coaching approach with commercial focus redefines impact, embedding values that guide businesses toward an inclusive and sustainable future."
For an in-depth exploration, tune into the full podcast episode with Heather Orton.
Connect with Heather on LinkedIn for further insights into leveraging commercial acumen for organisational excellence.
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