About this Episode
In this HR in Review episode, Bill Banham talks with Doug Field OBE, Joint CEO at East of England Co-operative Society Ltd. They discuss how businesses can use data to inform people-focused decisions, the role of leadership in fostering company culture, and the ongoing challenges in talent acquisition and employee retention.
Guest: Doug Field OBE
Doug Field is the Joint CEO of the East of England Co-operative Society Ltd., the largest independent retail business in East Anglia. Doug has over 20 years of experience in business leadership and was awarded an OBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List for his work in supporting businesses across Suffolk and Norfolk.
Questions for Doug Include:
- You’re a Joint CEO – that’s an unusual structure at the top of a business. Tell me about the division of leadership responsibilities at the top of the Co-op East of England.
- Leading from the top down – what is your leadership style to ensure direction from the top gets shared with all employees?
- Have you had mentors who have shaped your leadership style?
- The East of England Co-operative Society is owned by over 260,000 members. Talk about Co-op’s unusual business model and how it’s controlled by its members, including employees.
- What are the problems you are experiencing recruiting people at the moment?
- Managing during turbulent times: How are you dealing with the economic uncertainty, cost of living crisis, etc., in terms of colleague retention?
- How do you use data to help inform your colleague journey processes?
- You’re presenting at the DisruptHR Cambridge relaunch meetup. Can you talk about your session and what attendees can expect to learn?
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Podcast Host and Guests for this Edition
Host: Bill Banham
Bill Banham is Editor at HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast, Associate Editorial Director with HRreview, and co-organizer of such HR, Talent, and leadership-focused events as InnovateWork, Hacking HR Toronto, and DisruptHR London. Bill has interviewed inspiring leaders across the globe from such brands as NASA, the US Government, Simon Sinek, UPS, ADP, SAP, Salesforce, and the United Nations. Bill has 15+ years of experience in editorial, events management, marketing, SEO, advertising, business development, data management, research, and professional development.
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Guest: Doug Field OBE, Joint CEO at East of England Co-operative Society Ltd.
Doug has been with East of England Co-op for over a decade and has significant experience in leadership. He is passionate about ensuring the sustainability of the business model and fostering employee engagement.
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Bill Banham is Editor at HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast, Associate Editorial Director with HRreview, and co-organizer of such HR, Talent, and leadership-focused events as InnovateWork, Hacking HR Toronto, and DisruptHR London. He has interviewed inspiring leaders across the globe from such brands as NASA, the US Government, Simon Sinek, UPS, ADP, SAP, Salesforce, and the United Nations. Bill has 15+ years of experience in editorial, events management, marketing, SEO, advertising, business development, data management, research, and professional development.
