Pacesetters 2024: The findings

Technology investment is at an all-time high in the UK, but 20 per cent of tech investments fail to deliver results.

The experts agree that tools alone can’t produce magic. Human autonomy must sit at the heart of process design for the best performance.

Well-designed processes coupled with the right systems also unlock humans’ ability to operate at their peak regardless of the discipline or industry.

For its recent Pacesetters events – which explore the connection between systems, processes and human autonomy with the top performers in their fields – change consultants Pace invited TV magician Ben Hanlin, Pineapple Dance Studios’ Christina Andrea, and former Le Gavroche chef Michel Roux Jr. to share their recipes for best-in-class performance, as declining productivity becomes a growing trend in the workplace.

Whether mastering a performance or cooking the perfect soufflé, constant, subtle iteration is essential to improve your processes and allow your team to be more agile and creative, according to Roux.

“You don’t want to be so attached to your first vision that you can’t see that the final version is not working,” says Andrea.

Perfecting your processes to achieve consistent results frees your people up to focus on the things that matter, according to Hanlin. In his case, creating a human connection and astonishing audiences.

“The key is being clear with your goal and don’t stop adjusting the process until you get there,” he says. Every time the trick or process fails, you make an adjustment. This can take time and practice though – one million soufflés were served at Le Gavroche during its 56 years.

UK productivity has dropped 75 per cent since 2000, despite investments in collaboration and efficiency tools. Ultimately, it’s the understanding of your tools that enables the best use of them, according to Michel Roux Jr. He says: “You have to be master of that kit, not the kit be a master of you.” Whether that’s spoons, sneakers or software!

It’s also crucial to ensure that investments in technology are strategically aligned with your organisational goals. Pace conducts thorough analyses of your operational requirements to de-risk your IT spend while maximising ROI, and prevent unnecessary expenditure on new systems that may not serve your needs. Pace knows a process-led approach that prioritises human alignment with technology and empowers your team will drive industry transformation.

See how your business can transform with us.

Learn more about our Pacesetters events with Pineapple Studios, Ben Hanlin and Michel Roux Jnr.