In business, speed isn’t just an advantage, it’s survival. I’ve felt that urgency over 20+ years, from cutting $55M in costs at Kemper to driving a $54M restructure at AIG. At Consultgenix, we’ve boosted client efficiency by 12% by staying nimble. The key? Operational agility. It’s not about reacting—it’s about adapting fast and competent. Let’s explore how you can build agility for a competitive advantage—because in today’s whirlwind, the flexible thrive.
Why Agility Matters in a Fast-Moving World
Markets don’t wait. I learned that at Lehman Brothers—shifts hit hard, and rigidity sank firms. At AIG, managing $900M in premiums, we pivoted during volatility to hit 30% profitability. Agility’s your buffer—letting you dodge punches and seize openings.
It’s not chaos—it’s control. At Consultgenix, we’ve helped clients turn lumbering ops into lean machines—12% efficiency proves it. When you’re agile, you’re not just surviving but leading.
The Foundations of Operational Agility
Agility isn’t luck—it’s structure. At Kemper, I slashed $55M by streamlining processes—speed came from clarity. At AIG, outsourcing to Bogota saved $4M annually—flexibility followed focus.
Three pillars hold it up:
- Lean Processes: Cut fat—I’ve done this since PwC.
- Adaptable Teams: 30+ at AIG shifted gears fast.
- Smart Tech: Tools like Workday—Kemper’s $55M win relied on it.
Build these, and you’re ready for anything.
A Real-World Win: $55M Savings at Kemper
Let’s rewind to 2022 at Kemper Insurance. I was Director of Business Intelligence, and we were bogged down—siloed ops, slow reporting, cash tied up. Competition was eating our lunch.
I pushed for agility. We deployed Workday Adaptive Planning to sync budgets, used Power BI to spot bottlenecks, and retooled workflows across the Auto and Life divisions. The result? $55M in savings in one year—cash freed, decisions accelerated. It wasn’t an overhaul—it was a pivot. Agility turned us from laggards to leaders.
Tools to Stay Nimble
I’m a tools guy—because they sharpen your edge. At AIG, SAP kept $900M flowing—a $40M debt cut proved it. At Consultgenix, Tableau helps clients adapt—12% efficiency isn’t static.
Here’s my kit:
- Real-Time Data: Power BI or Looker—I’ve tracked trends with both.
- Automation: Workday or NetSuite—Kemper’s $55M relied on this.
- Collaboration: ClickUp or Teams—I’ve synced 30+ with these.
Pick what fits—small firms can go light, and big ones need muscle. Tools don’t make you agile—they make it possible.
Steps to Build Agility
Ready to move faster? Here’s my playbook, forged from Lehman to now:
- Simplify Processes: Strip waste—I’ve cut delays at Aetna for 100% compliance.
- Empower Teams: Clear roles, quick calls—30+ at AIG thrived on this.
- Leverage Data: See shifts—I’ve used Tableau at AIG to pivot.
- Test Flexibility: Small changes first—Kemper’s $55M started there.
- Stay Sharp: Regular reviews—Consultgenix’s 12% came from this.
This isn’t theory—it’s what I’ve done. Agility’s a muscle—build it, and you’re unstoppable.
The Human Side of Agility
Let’s get real: Agility’s about people, not just plans. I’ll never forget a Kemper rep who said, “Derrek, $55M means we can breathe—and think.” Or an AIG ops lead who grinned when we hit $20M EBITDA—“You made us fast,” she said.
That’s what drives me. I’ve led nine reps to 16% sales growth, and 30+ to a $54M turnaround—every time, agility lifted them. It’s not about rushing—it’s about giving your team room to shine.
Why This Matters Now
The game’s relentless—supply chains snag, competitors leap, customers shift. I’ve navigated recessions at Lehman and booms at AIG. Today, with tech racing and uncertainty high, rigidity is a death sentence. Agility’s your lifeline—and your lead.
Think about your business. Could you turn faster? Could ops give you an edge? That’s where business consulting shines—building flexibility that wins.
Let’s Make You Agile
Building operational agility isn’t a one-off—it’s a mindset. With decades in business consulting, I’ve helped companies adapt and excel. At Consultgenix, we’re all about staying nimble—for you and your future.
If you’re ready to build agility and gain a competitive edge, I’d love to talk. Reach out to derrek@consultgenix.com to discuss your strategy. Let’s keep you ahead—together.