Juliet WestcottChief Human Resources Officer · Essays & perspective

From the study / A considered perspective

Succession3 min read

Succession planning must reach beyond the list

A succession list is a starting point, not an account of readiness.

[1]Read the complete essay ↗

On the reading table

  1. [2]

    Culture is experienced through operating decisions

    Culture · June 2026

  2. [3]

    Workforce strategy starts with capability demand

    Organisation design · March 2026

Senior roles filled internally
85%
Through a rebuilt succession pipeline
Engagement improvement
+31 pts
During a three-year transformation
Colleagues served
52,000
In 30 countries
Women in leadership
40%
Up from 18% in five years

Beyond the page

The record behind the perspective.

In the boardroom

  • Calder LogisticsIndependent Director · 2022 — Present
  • The Skills Forward FoundationTrustee · 2018 — Present

Recognition

  • CHRO of the YearThe People Leaders Awards · 2024
  • Best Workplace TransformationThe Boardroom Review · 2022

In conversation

  • “Building a succession bench the board can trust”The People Leaders Journal · 2025
  • “What remuneration committees miss about culture”The Boardroom Review · 2024
  • “Episode 117 — Culture on the night shift”The Leadership Ledger podcast · 2023
Our succession conversations became evidence-based and calm. That is a gift to any board.
Margaret OseiChair, Calder Logistics
The full record ↗

Continue the conversation

Ideas are tested in conversation.

For board, advisory and speaking invitations, and for readers who want to take an argument further.

  • Board appointments
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  • Speaking invitations

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