Building a Compounding, Continuous Improvement Culture

In this episode of Strategic Thinkers, I speak with Jos Sclater, CEO of Avon Technologies plc. Jos has led multiple turnarounds across listed and private industrial businesses. His approach is direct: create accountability, move quickly, and build a system that keeps improving long after the initial transformation programme ends. We explored what it really takes to turn around a company at pace. When Jos arrived at Avon, profits were declining, cash was tight and accountability was blurred. Three years later, growth, returns and cash have materially improved. We explored Avon's Business Improvement System and how: ☑️ Strategy is direction plus choices, then the discipline and capability to deliver ☑️ Decentralisation is an enabling step to empower and create accountability within teams ☑️ Transformation helps you catch up, continuous improvement keeps you ahead ☑️ Ambitious targets work when they are part of your culture ☑️ Change only sticks when the top team leads from the floor, not from the office For senior leaders navigating performance pressure, high growth expectations or cultural inertia, this episode offers a very practical lens on disciplined execution.