Leadership Signals - Explore The Archive
Leadership insight. Market evidence. What we're seeing.
Douglas Jackson Leadership Signals brings together our research, executive market data and observations from conversations with leaders across the markets we serve.
11 December 2024
Each day, CEOs and senior leaders face immense pressure to drive results, inspire their teams, and deliver on ambitious goals. The stakes are high, with every decision impacting employees, customers, and the bottom line.
The most successful leaders understand one simple truth: you can’t do it alone. Exceptional leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people and creating an environment where they can thrive.
27 June 2024
What is of importance to the Operational Support Director and the COO, whilst Operational Support functions now are doing much more in a modern business, AI, tools Tech, Analytics etc you might be surprised at what comes out top in this research
19 March 2024
One of the most significant contributions of a CCO is their ability to cultivate a customer-centric culture throughout the organization. By championing the importance of customer satisfaction, a CCO encourages every team, from marketing to product development, to prioritise the needs and preferences of customers.
19 March 2024
As artificial intelligence (AI) advances it's reach across our activities and lives, job applications and how job seekers apply for positions is coming clearly into view
19 March 2024
Chyrels career spans over two decades, marked by her transformative role as the Chief Operating Officer at One Housing and now as an Executive Leadership Consultant and Non-Executive Director for the NHS. Chyrel's dedication to fostering inclusive environments where every individual can thrive is not just commendable; it's a blueprint for how leadership can ignite systemic change.
19 March 2024
“ABI data shows the urgent need for action in order to increase diversity in the insurance and long-term savings sector. Ethnicity, age, gender, ability, socioeconomic backgrounds, there is a need to boost the attractiveness of the industry to people of all backgrounds. The Black, Asian and minority ethnic employees make up 10% of those holding entry level positions. At Executive and Board level this drops to just 2%. Improving diversity needs to be seen as a major long-term programme of cultural change that is properly resourced, planned, measured, monitored and supported by senior leadership.”
19 March 2024
AI : The future of Insurance Welcome to the future of the insurance industry, where the integration of cutting-edge technologies is poised to revolutionise the landscape. Join us on a journey into the possibilities that Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds for insurers and their customers.
19 March 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of the UK insurance industry, characterised by digital transformation, shifting customer expectations, and dynamic regulatory changes, the pivotal role of Chief Operating Officers (COOs) cannot be overstated. As stewards of operational efficiency, these executives are tasked with orchestrating processes that drive success to new heights.
19 March 2024
The landscape of the insurance sector in the United Kingdom is in a state of evolution. This article focuses on the profound impact of the Consumer Duty, exploring how insurers can align their operations to not only meet the Duty's standards but to drive Customer Experience/
19 March 2024
This was a great opportunity to learn more about both the current and future Hydrogen landscape and it's importance in the journey to Net Zero.
19 March 2024
Hiring Directors in the Utilities industry: are soft skills or technical skills King?
19 March 2024
9 June 2023
Is a Chief Customer Officer Right For Your Business?
9 June 2023
When about 40% of new CEOs fail within the first 18 months and the odds that a CEO will lead an average company to become a top-quintile performer are only 4 percent, what does separate the top performing CEOs?
25 September 2026
Organisations are investing heavily in transformation, but Executive sponsorship is often still passive. Transformation is being pushed by programmes and teams rather than pulled through the […]
17 September 2026
What does a Chief Customer Officer do, what should you pay them, where do the best CCOs come from and how do you appoint the right […]
14 September 2026
Executive roles are getting broader. But when accountability expands faster than authority, does a bigger job really create better organisational outcomes?
9 September 2026
Executive roles are getting broader. But when accountability expands faster than authority, does a bigger job really create better organisational outcomes?
3 September 2026
A bad leadership hire doesn’t always look like a bad hire. That’s part of the problem. The obvious failures are relatively easy to recognise: somebody leaves […]
10 August 2026
Executive roles are getting broader. But when accountability expands faster than authority, does a bigger job really create better organisational outcomes?
6 August 2026
Skills and experience still matter. But at senior level, they are increasingly not enough. What separates a credible candidate from the leader most likely to succeed may be the part of the requirement that never made it into the job description.
2 July 2026
A successful executive career doesn't automatically translate into a successful Board career. The shift from operator to NED requires a different proposition, one built around judgement, perspective, challenge and the value you bring to the Boardroom.
9 May 2026
As Executive Leaders are asked to do more, they are increasingly turning to a trusted advisor hence the rise of the appointments of a Chief of Staff
9 April 2026
Executive Career Services: How to Position Yourself for Senior Roles, NED Opportunities and C-Suite Progression
18 March 2026
Each day, CEOs and senior leaders face immense pressure to drive results, inspire their teams, and deliver on ambitious goals. The stakes are high, with every decision impacting employees, customers, and the bottom line.
The most successful leaders understand one simple truth: you can’t do it alone. Exceptional leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people and creating an environment where they can thrive.
25 February 2026
The ChallengeScaling business, regulated environment, system migration, data-led leadership. The Search StrategySalary benchmarking, role shaping, 80-person longlist, sector mapping. Assessment and SelectionBehavioural profiling, six-person shortlist, interview […]
6 February 2026
Thomas Moore, COO of Custom Connect, joins Michelle Ansell in The Impact Room to discuss what modern operational leadership really looks like in a fast-moving customer […]
29 January 2026
The Impact Room Leadership Podcast Carole Layzell joined Michelle Ansell in The Impact Room to discuss a career spanning more than three decades across banking, customer […]
17 December 2025
The Impact Room Leadership Podcast Technology is now central to almost every business, but that does not mean every organisation needs — or can justify — […]
18 August 2025
All the latest data and news on the Customer Movers and Shakers including Chief Customer Officer, Director of Customer Experience and Customer Service Director appointments
29 June 2025
Case Study A retained executive search for a Chief Financial Officer within a private, PE-backed Utilities organisation operating through market volatility, increased regulatory scrutiny and wider […]
1 June 2025
A retained search for a Customer Experience Director within a Housing Association, requiring a leader who could shape customer strategy, balance cost-to-serve with experience, drive digital […]
24 May 2025
Donna Scully, joint owner and director of Carpenters Group, joins Michelle Ansell in The Impact Room to talk about leadership, opportunity and building a successful business […]
21 May 2025
Vicki Joshi, former Chief Customer Officer and Chief Brand Officer at AXA UK & Ireland, joins John Montgomery in The Impact Room to explore why customer […]
30 April 2025
All the latest data and news on the Customer Movers and Shakers including Chief Customer Officer, Director of Customer Experience and Customer Service Director appointments