Delivering Change: Lessons from UPS and the Power of Analytics

Mining Your Own Business Podcast

Grab some coffee and tune in as Jack Levis, Chief Product Strategy Officer for ESP Logistics Technology, chats with Evan Wimpey on the Mining Your Own Business podcast.

Jack spent over 40 years at UPS, making significant contributions to their use of analytics and technology. In this episode he reflects how UPS evolved as a data-driven organization and how change management was a key part of that process.

You’ll also learn why leaders should look beyond buzzworthy technologies to reach organizational goals and empower their teams.

Key Takeaways
🔹 Why successfully implementing new technologies and strategies requires a focus on changing mindsets, processes, and communication throughout an organization.
🔹 The importance of investing in a team’s skill development to drive change and innovation.
🔹 Why leaders should have a general understanding of analytics to make informed decisions about technology and implementation.
🔹 The importance of starting with the end goal in mind when it comes to choosing effective data-driven tools.
Quotes
💬 “In today's world, a data-driven organization is one that can turn on a dime ... Everything isn’t just making decisions from data; the data is driving those decisions.”
💬 “If you're really data-driven, can you with a straight face say, ‘My data is as important to me as my product.’”
💬 “Leaders need to understand analytics. That doesn't mean that you need to be able to do it yourself … But you need to understand the different types of analytics that exist.”
Featured in This Episode
Jack Levis, Chief Product Strategy Officer, ESP Logistics Technology
During his 40-plus years at UPS, Jack was responsible for the development of operational technology solutions. These solutions required advanced analytics to reengineer processes, streamline the business, and maximize productivity. He currently serves as Chief Product Strategy Officer for ESP Logistics Technology.

Jack is a frequently requested speaker for business executives and organizations. He has been featured in many publications and media productions, including a TED Talk on Innovation.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacklevis
Evan Wimpey, Director of Analytics Strategy, Elder Research
Company website: elderresearch.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evan-wimpey
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:22 Jack's background and discussing what it means to be data-driven
04:20 UPS's journey to becoming a data-driven organization
09:02 The significance of innovation in execution rather than just the idea
11:20 Focus on change management as a crucial aspect of successful technology adoption
12:50 Four pillars to data-driven innovation at an organization
16:57 The importance of understanding analytics and the value of focusing on the decision, not just the tools
22:29 Why listening and communicating effectively is a crucial part of implementing change
24:28 How outcomes improve as a team takes ownership of data-driven change
25:50 Advice for how to approach implementing a new data or analytics initiative
27:02 Why leaders should understand analytics for better decision making
29:08 The importance of keeping the end goal in mind
31:05 Jack’s thoughts on ways to apply data and analytics to solve other challenges
35:40 Discussing ESP Logistics Technology and wrapping up the show

Find more show notes, transcripts, & more episodes at:
https://www.elderresearch.com/resource/podcasts/