A Centre of Excellence for an international publisher
From plan to results in nine months
A Centre of Excellence for an international publisher
In 2018, a global publisher wanted to streamline its sales operations through a Centre of Excellence: a place where processes come together, ideas can develop and continuous improvement is part of everyday work. Specialist external expertise was needed, so the publisher contacted Beste Mensen to engage a Wingman. When the publisher's Vice-President Sales Operations contacted Beste Mensen, a thorough intake and matching process began. Mike Philips at Beste Mensen explains: “When we receive a request for a Wingman, the fit has to be right in every respect: expertise, background and, importantly, personality. A good personal fit is a real success factor. The client must be able to trust their Wingman completely. We do not simply put forward a candidate who appears to have the right skills.” Mike continues: “A Wingman gives you a trusted partner beside you, with the right qualifications and track record. They also have ongoing support from other Wingmen. In our closed network, they share challenges, approaches and experiences. One Wingman therefore brings the expertise of a whole team: experienced interim professionals with a broad range of specialisms. They also stay in touch with us as the project develops. That is the additional value of a Wingman.”
Goal: greater efficiency and stronger margins
Project proposal
When the scientific publisher's request arrived, Beste Mensen developed a project proposal with input from Wingmen with the relevant expertise. The Centre of Excellence would be a central team initiating and delivering process improvements, training and system enhancements while supporting day-to-day business. The aim was greater efficiency and better margins with the same number of people. The concept stage also clarified the required Wingman profile. Publishing experience was not essential; expertise in establishing a Centre of Excellence and the right cultural fit were. Beste Mensen proposed a Wingman from banking and insurance, with extensive experience in customer focus and improving processes and systems. It proved an excellent match.
Making progress
Mike: “Our Wingman and the publisher's Vice-President Sales Operations understood each other immediately. Work moved quickly. The Wingman established a solid foundation, prepared and trained employees and created the required structure. When specialist IT expertise was needed, the Wingman network provided flexible support. Shortly before launch, Beste Mensen also brought in an additional Wingman to manage complex operational issues and give delivery extra momentum.”
Cost savings
The Centre of Excellence was established in nine months. Our Wingman then gradually handed over responsibilities to its newly appointed director. The centre is now fully operational, with several initiatives delivering cost savings and efficiency improvements.
A welcome compliment
Was the mission accomplished? “Absolutely,” says Mike Philips. “The best feedback was that nobody noticed a difference between our Wingman and the publisher's own employees. They genuinely worked as one team. We pay close attention to communication and relationships, building openness that helps projects move more effectively and quickly. Afterwards, our Wingman was invited to support another project at the same publisher, this time in Customer Satisfaction. I see that as a great compliment.”
Every organisation has projects that stall or never get started. A Wingman helps you move them forward by bringing a fresh perspective and senior experience. An equal co-pilot who accelerates change without needing to take centre stage, helping you succeed. The aim is tangible, lasting organisational improvement. Trust and an understanding of social dynamics are central. A Wingman builds relationships with the wider team to strengthen trust and move forward together. Beste Mensen · Zuiddijk 412, 1505 HE Zaandam · info@beste-mensen.nl · +31 20 662 6674
In 2018, a global publisher wanted to streamline its sales operations through a Centre of Excellence: a place where processes come together, ideas can develop and continuous improvement is part of everyday work. Specialist external expertise was needed, so the publisher contacted Beste Mensen to engage a Wingman. When the publisher's Vice-President Sales Operations contacted Beste Mensen, a thorough intake and matching process began. Mike Philips at Beste Mensen explains: “When we receive a request for a Wingman, the fit has to be right in every respect: expertise, background and, importantly, personality. A good personal fit is a real success factor. The client must be able to trust their Wingman completely. We do not simply put forward a candidate who appears to have the right skills.” Mike continues: “A Wingman gives you a trusted partner beside you, with the right qualifications and track record. They also have ongoing support from other Wingmen. In our closed network, they share challenges, approaches and experiences. One Wingman therefore brings the expertise of a whole team: experienced interim professionals with a broad range of specialisms. They also stay in touch with us as the project develops. That is the additional value of a Wingman.”