To read a transcript of this interview, click here

What's a hostage negotiator doing at SSON's Australasian conference? Helping you understand how to negotiate your position better, of course!

The Intelligent Enterprise - that's what services delivery is all about, and it's all over SSON's Shared Services & Outsourcing Week in Australasia next year. Barbara Hodge asks producer Natalie Williams about the "four pillars" of the "intelligent enterprise" she's identified and which form the basis of the conference agenda. Natalie also talks about some of the innovations she's introducing: the effects of the digital environment on business (Donal Graham of Deloitte is chairing the event and will be introducing the findings of new agency, "Deloitte Digital"); strategic sourcing and procurement forums; and the impacts of disruptive technologies and new age thinking. As so many organisations are either roadmapping for the first time or revisiting their operational strategy, the 2013 show will cover a wider "business transformation" theme to ensure all variables are catered for.

And: Come prepared for the unexpected! Last year, delegates told Natalie they wanted to learn how to negotiate their position better; so she's brought in a hostage negotiator who'll be sharing his secrets!

[inlinead]