Anne Williams
- Specialism: Strategic growth through operational excellence, International market expansion, Governance and Risk Management, Workflow and Process optimisation.
- Track Record: Dell Technologies, Hitachi Capital, KPN Telecom (Netherlands), Walbrook Asset Finance
- Offer: A complete business review covering all aspects of the working business and including feedback from employees provides a clear baseline for the status quo and the direction of travel for the business. Working with the wider business to optimise the internal workflows and ensuring accountability within the business to move the company forward and achieve clear set objectives.
- Anne says: “Practical approach to operational structures that supports business growth and the people in it. Built in flexibility to allow the business model to be unique.”
- Try me: awbsolutions.co.uk
Years of experience working on complex and varied projects alongside full-time roles made me want to focus more on project-based work and add value to businesses of different sizes. The ability to identify opportunities within internal systems and workflows is not always at the forefront of a business, but when done well it creates a strong foundation for growth and innovation. Being part of that transformation is what motivated me to become a Portfolio Executive.
I moved from a corporate career into supporting small businesses, while keeping the mindset of thinking big. The businesses that came to me wanted to grow but were being held back by process challenges. Through practical guidance and hands-on change implementation, I helped them overcome those barriers and move into their next stage of growth.
One of my first major successes was working with an engineering firm as it transitioned from the start-up phase into scale-up. The operational structure had not kept pace with the business, creating challenges for both the technical teams and the leadership. Twelve months later, the business had achieved ISO 9001 certification, established clear workflows, introduced delegated authority, and begun automating workstreams using AI.
Along the way, I’ve learned that everyone starts from a different place, which makes communication essential when working with business owners and senior leaders. While I may identify additional opportunities to optimise growth, I’ve also learned that businesses are not always ready for every change, and recognising that is just as important as identifying the opportunities themselves.
It’s working for me now because being a Portfolio Executive allows me to work with a wide variety of businesses and organisations. That means I can share my experience to help prevent costly mistakes and support businesses in achieving their goals, while also challenging myself to think differently and develop innovative solutions that fit each organisation’s specific needs.
Looking ahead, I want to help more businesses understand the value of strong operational models that are flexible enough to grow alongside the organisation. I also want to demonstrate the value a knowledgeable Portfolio Executive can bring by working alongside senior leadership teams to support sustainable growth and long-term success.