"The optimizers are being optimized." — Laura O'Leary on how AI is supercharging resource managers

"The optimizers are being optimized." — Laura O'Leary on how AI is supercharging resource managers

Resource management has evolved from paper schedules and Post-it notes to AI-powered decision making. Laura O'Leary has experienced every stage of that journey. Having held resource management leadership roles across three of the Big Four and other leading international consulting firms, Laura is now Global Head of Resource Management at APCO Worldwide and Global Managing Director of Trilligent. In this episode, Laura shares why she believes the profession's biggest opportunity is still ahead, and why AI won't replace resource managers, it will make them even more valuable. You'll hear: - How "the optimizers are being optimized" - How AI will supercharge, not replace, resource managers - What leading resource management across multiple global firms taught her about driving change - Why understanding the business is the key to becoming truly strategic - How resource management can become a launchpad for senior leadership careers Thought-provoking and practical, this episode is for anyone who wants to understand where resource management is heading next.

"Change is never linear" — Russ Girling of S&W on resilience and the pursuit of excellence

Change is rarely a straight line. In this episode, Russ Girling of S&W shares lessons on authentic leadership, resilience, and leading through change. Drawing on experiences from both resource management and the military, he explores what it takes to build momentum, develop future leaders, and keep teams moving forward when the path ahead is uncertain. You'll hear: – why change is never linear – how resilience and momentum drive lasting progress – what authentic leadership looks like in practice – why future leaders need opportunities to grow outside their comfort zone – how to keep people pulling in the same direction through change "It's a marathon, not a sprint." A thoughtful conversation on leadership, resilience, and pursuing excellence through change.

“Build your own chair” — Kelli Waters of RSM US on why visibility is earned, not given

What does it really take to be seen as strategic in resource management? In this episode, Kelli Waters, who leads enterprise-wide resource management strategy at RSM US, shares practical advice on how resource managers can build credibility, grow their impact, and become more visible within the business. You’ll hear: – why visibility and influence are earned, not given – how to move beyond admin and demonstrate real value – why relationships matter more than tools or data alone – how understanding the business changes the conversation with leadership Straight-talking and full of practical insight, Kelli delivers advice that really lands: If you want to build stronger relationships with your leaders and teams, call them. If there’s no seat at the table, build your own chair.

Switching gears: Navigating data, dollars, and human dynamics

In this episode of Resource Revolution, Kelly Deignan, Associate Director, Global Executive Management at EY, shares what it really takes to succeed in the dynamic, demanding world of resource management. From career matchmaker to negotiator, Kelly explores how resource managers constantly switch gears — moving between data and dollars one moment, and complex human dynamics the next. Along the way, she shares why first impressions can make or break relationships with internal clients, and why you should never run up to a closed door without data. It’s a candid look at the human side of the role — where the big F word, feelings, is a powerful force.

The great accounting reckoning: Allan Koltin on what happens when tradition and transformation collide

“The accounting profession spent 137 years in a protected of shell of predictable growth, but not anymore.”  In this unmissable on-camera special of Resource Revolution, host Christine Robinson sits down face to face with industry legend Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, to explore what happens when protection falls away and firms are exposed to new pressures, players, and possibilities.  Drawing on 45 years advising the biggest names in the profession, Allan shares a rare inside view of what happens when tradition meets transformation, as firms cling to predictability even while AI, private equity, and new generations demand reinvention. He unpacks the psychology of the partnership model, the new accountability revolution, and why resource management has finally become a C-suite conversation for top-performing firms.   If firm strategy were a chessboard, Koltin’s already five moves ahead. With his trademark wit, storytelling, and hard truths, he delivers insight after insight, from the “three waves of AI” coming for the profession to the mindset shift defining the next era.   Think of it as coaching meets crystal ball: part Coach K, part Dr. Phil – all strategy. Packed with analogies, predictions, and perspective, this is the Allan Koltin. Miss it and miss the conversation the most strategic leaders in the profession are having behind closed boardroom doors.