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Thank you to the 1,400 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 questions!
I hope reading
helps you in your leadership.
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Cheers,
Jonno White
7 Questions with Jos Creese
7 Questions with Jos Creese
Name: Jos Creese
Current title: Founder and CEO
Current organization: CCL
I have operated as a public sector CIO in multiple sectors. I have also been a non exec director for professionals associations (BCS president, Socitm president) and for health (HHFT) and government (DIT).
I run a digital consultancy service to help close the gap between the opportunity of technology from the private sector and the needs of the public sector - commissioned by over 250 clients.
I support digital transformation in many public service organisations as well as helping private sector businesses, large and small, to engage better with the public sector.
Lastly I undertake research and advocacy on a range of digital topics, and facilitate events.
1. What have you
found most challenging as a leader of a small or medium enterprise?
Managing a large portfolio of clients with minimal administrative support
2. How did you become a leader of an SME? Can you please briefly tell the story?
It was my choice of career after a long time in a corporate environment. It gives me much more flexibility and opportunity to offer constructive challenges.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
Generally I don't. But I am more productive in the early hours, so I tend to ensure I do the more complex and difficult jobs in the morning, and make sure I've got enough free time to think and plan.
4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?
Focus on outcomes, not inputs, and avoid being driven by marketing mantra.
5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?
Sun Tzu, The Art of War
6. How do you build leadership capacity in an SME?
Slowly! Don't be tempted to just buy an impressive CV. It's much more about potential, style, ethos and principles
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader of an SME so far?
How difficult it can be for corporate leaders to break out of the corporate mould and challenge without risking their credibility. SME partners can often do this and actually help larger businesses to transform and change.