Alex McDonnell

Management consultant · Author · Speaker · Educator

Insights · Articles, newsletter, podcasts and videos

Ideas for building organisations that work right first time.

Alex’s newsletter on designing, building and running the connected organisation. Sent by email, shared on LinkedIn and archived here.

Articles

Newsletter · Past editions

  • David Neal: Leadership Guide for the Reluctant Technology  Leader / Manager

    David Neal: Leadership Guide for the Reluctant Technology Leader / Manager

    David Neal’s insights serve as a reminder that leadership is a journey, not a title. By embracing humility, passion, and respect, anyone can become a leader in their own right. What steps will you take today to become the most…

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  • Microsoft’s Deployment Advice: Begin With Your Business Processes.

    Microsoft’s Deployment Advice: Begin With Your Business Processes.

    “Microsoft uses the term guidance for design patterns, reference architectures, deployment diagrams, and other recommended approaches to implement Microsoft services in an organization. Solution architects, administrators, functional consultants, and many more use the content to start conversations or implementations. For…

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  • The Perils of Building a “Can-Do” Organisation

    The Perils of Building a “Can-Do” Organisation

    A “can-do” culture is often seen as a badge of honour—one where teams embrace challenges, push boundaries, and never say no. It’s the fuel that powers startups, drives high-growth companies, and helps organisations tackle adversity head-on. But when a can-do…

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  • Beyond Keeping the Lights On: Why Execution is the Key to Competitive Advantage

    Beyond Keeping the Lights On: Why Execution is the Key to Competitive Advantage

    Many senior leaders fall into the trap of thinking that execution is simply about keeping the business running—ensuring operations function smoothly, processes are followed, and targets are met. But in today’s fast-changing world, execution is far more than just maintaining…

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  • The Hidden Costs of Unmanaged Processes

    The Hidden Costs of Unmanaged Processes

    We’ve all heard the complaints about “process”—bureaucracy, red tape, endless meetings. It’s easy to see why processes often get a bad reputation. But here’s the reality: every organization, regardless of size or industry, runs on processes. For good or for…

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  • Beware of Simple Solutions to Complex Problems

    Beware of Simple Solutions to Complex Problems

    In a world that demands speed and decisiveness, leaders are often drawn to simple solutions for complex organisational challenges. A new technology, a restructuring, or a cultural initiative might seem like the answer to inefficiency, low engagement, or declining performance.…

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  • Seamless Execution for a Complex World: Powered by Structured Collaboration

    Seamless Execution for a Complex World: Powered by Structured Collaboration

    Today’s 21st century organizations are facing the new challenge of growing complexity, driven by globalization, technological advancements, political unrest and the increasingly higher expectations from customers, governments, society and employees. Growing complexity challenges decision-making, operational efficiency, and leadership alignment, while…

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  • Structured Collaboration

    Structured Collaboration

    For all organizations, executing seamlessly is a key competence necessary for success and longevity. In complex business environments, effective communication and collaboration are critical for seamless execution. Structured collaboration is the key enabler of seamless execution. It reduces silos, enhances…

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  • Complexity Explodes When Ingenuity Runs Wild!

    Complexity Explodes When Ingenuity Runs Wild!

    Whether it be the delivery of economic growth and employment or the delivery of a just, moral, and cohesive society, the modern organisation is the main vehicle by which we manage our economies and societies. Ensuring they perform to the…

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  • Seamless Execution: The Path to Digital Success

    Seamless Execution: The Path to Digital Success

    “Seamless execution transform today’s organizations into the high-performing enterprises of tomorrow” In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, digital transformation is no longer a choice but a necessity. Companies envisioning digital strategies that incorporate omnichannel interfaces, connected ecosystems, and innovative customer…

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  • Designed for Digital: How to Architect Your Business for Sustained Success

    Designed for Digital: How to Architect Your Business for Sustained Success

    Digital transformation is a term widely used today as leaders across industries adopt strategies to stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace. Despite significant investment—about $2 trillion in 2019—many digital transformation projects fail, with over two-thirds not meeting their goals.…

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  • Complexity: The Next Management Frontier

    Complexity: The Next Management Frontier

    Since our transition from an industrial to a digital economy, complexity has increasingly emerged as a pivotal challenge and opportunity for organisations and like many things, Covid accelerated the need to address this challenge. As technological advancements, globalisation, and market…

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Listen and watch

Podcasts, interviews and talks.

Alex talking about operational excellence, SME recovery and the future of productivity.

Podcast cover: Operational excellence in the service sector

Podcast · October 2023

Operational excellence in the service sector

Alex on the Business Innovation podcast: what operational excellence means when the work is service and knowledge work, not manufacturing.

Radio cover: Tipp FM, Tipp Today

Radio · 2020

Tipp FM, Tipp Today

As an SME Recovery Ireland local leader, Alex explains the SME Recovery Plan and what it means for small businesses.

Radio cover: Community Radio Kilkenny City

Radio · October 2020

Community Radio Kilkenny City

Start Me Up Business: Alex on SME recovery and helping small firms get back on their feet. His interview starts at 27:30.

Webinar cover: The future of GBS productivity

Webinar · Video

The future of GBS productivity

Alex joins Mark Downey to discuss how Global Business Services organisations can raise productivity.

See all the videos on YouTube → · Invite Alex to speak →

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