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

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

Challenge Statement Two: Identifying Agentic AI Application Use Cases

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

Challenge Statement Three: The Challenge of Doing More with Less

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

In this candid session, join Phil Priest, Head of GBS at Rolls-Royce, as he reflects on his experiences leading complex transformations and the challenges of starting and leading a GBS. Phil will share what worked, what didn’t, and the unexpected challenges that shaped his approach. Against a backdrop of global disruption and rising expectations, Phil offers honest advice to those just starting their GBS journey — helping you avoid missteps, focus on what matters early, and lay the right foundations for scalable, resilient success.

·       Clarify strategic intent by anchoring GBS to real business value

·       Avoid common missteps by learning from lived experience

·       Accelerate credibility by focusing on trust and delivery from day one

• ·       Build adaptability by designing for future change, not just current needs

The impact of AI is no longer just about the technology itself. Many GBS organisations are evaluating AI’s profound impact on their workforce strategies. Key discussion points also cover the contentious question of AI ownership: should AI leadership reside within the onshore organisation or GBS organisations? Join this engaging panel session and explore answers to the following questions:

·       How can we anticipate AI's impact on the workforce? Assessing how AI is transforming workforce dynamics, shifting tasks, roles, and workforce distribution.

·       How can GBS organisations effectively prepare their people for the AI future, and what are the different approaches?