S4. E2. What I've learnt about transitions as a HR leader in transition with Diageo's Ednah Otieno

When her move to Diageo GB was announced, LinkedIn nearly collapsed with the volume of congratulatory messages.

So 6 months on, who better to talk to about leadership transitions and what can be done to improve them than Ednah.

A few highlights from our conversation which are relevant for any leader preparing to transition.

·      It is helpful to differentiate between 2 processes which often go together: onboarding (common to all new roles) and the additional challenge of changing company and/or country.

·      For her the ideal transition plan needs to be personalised.  It is up to the individual to “own” it, but support on “articulating the challenge ahead” has to come from their sponsors since the leaders often “don’t know what they don’t know” 

·      She is conscious that she is a role model, which is daunting and energising at the same time

·      Her personal learnings are 1.to take time for reflection, 2. that we are more ready than we might think, and 3. that the more committed you are, the more you will get from the experience.

·      In her view, a great HR leader needs to act as a “co-pilot” to their GM

Thanks for listening, and if you think this can help a colleague, please share.