Back by Popular Demand! After its success at SSOW Autumn 2024, the Innovate-a-thon returns in 2025 - offering a unique and dynamic space for creative problem-solving, deep collaboration and fresh transformation insights.

In this interactive 3-hour session, you'll team up with like-minded peers, tackle a specific challenge and develop innovative solutions together. All while competing for the winning title and having fun together!

How It Works:

• Teams of six select one specific Challenge Statement, define their group ethos and develop a solution
• Craft your strategy and pitch your ideas, leveraging visualisation tools
• Top teams in each group will be awarded a prize to kick-start your SSOW Autumn in style!

Challenge Statement One: Defining, Measuring and Communicating the GBS Value

Leaders: Phil Priest, Head of GBS, Rolls-Royce

Leaders: Mira Viswanathan, GBS Programme Office Director, Imperial Brands (formerly Imperial Tobacco Group)

Challenge Statement Two: Identifying Agentic AI Application Use Cases

Leaders: Jacob Jensen, Strategy and Transformation Lead, Global Services & Solutions, Syngenta Group

Challenge Statement Three: The Challenge of Doing More with Less

As businesses push for seamless, end-to-end process ownership, the role of Global Process Owners (GPOs) remains under scrutiny. The challenge is that many GPOs sit within GBS, limiting their authority across business functions. Without direct influence over enterprise-wide processes, how can they truly drive transformation? This live debate will explore the barriers—siloed decision-making, misaligned incentives, and resistance from business units—and offer practical solutions to embed GPOs effectively.

·       Drive true process ownership by aligning GPOs with enterprise-wide objectives, not just GBS KPIs

·       Break down silos by establishing models that connect GPOs with business stakeholders

·       Gain executive buy-in by demonstrating how end-to-end ownership improves efficiency and outcomes

·       Enhance cross-functional collaboration by embedding GPOs into business decision-making forums