Janet Sherlock, Founder & CEO at Org.Works, joins Mudassar Malik on Behind the Growth to challenge how most companies approach transformation, org design, AI strategy, and why their structures are often built to fail. Drawing from her executive experience and doctoral research, Janet breaks down what she calls “the hidden architecture” that shapes performance across every level of an enterprise.

The conversation starts with a critique of role bloat at the top, like Chief Digital Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, Chief AI Officer, and how overlapping mandates erode clarity and accountability. Janet outlines how these roles are often a symptom of structural misalignment, not a solution to it. Introducing the Org.Works philosophy, “less but better,” she explains why simplicity, not complexity, is what drives resilience and execution.

From there, the episode moves into the three most common org design pitfalls, using real-world examples like Unilever’s model shift and omnichannel challenges in retail and banking. Janet shares the telltale signs of structural dysfunction—misaligned KPIs, constant pre-meetings, unclear decision ownership—and why fixing these isn’t just about new titles or reorgs but about rethinking how teams are built to collaborate.

The second half of the conversation dives into AI: not tools or talent, but structure. Janet introduces her CFD model: Center of Enablement, Federated AI and Modeling, Democratized Data. She elaborates on why governance, flexibility, and accountability matter more than hype.

Finally, she breaks down how boards are shifting from AI education to execution, and why CEOs must stop chasing ROI and start investing in long-term capabilities.

Janet explores topics like:
- When org design creates friction
- Why bloated C-suite roles backfire
- The hidden cost of transformation layers
- How structure drives AI performance
- What boards now ask about AI

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