In this episode of Resource Revolution, Kelly Deignan, Associate Director, Global Executive Management at EY, shares what it really takes to succeed in the dynamic, demanding world of resource management.
From career matchmaker to negotiator, Kelly explores how resource managers constantly switch gears — moving between data and dollars one moment, and complex human dynamics the next. Along the way, she shares why first impressions can make or break relationships with internal clients, and why you should never run up to a closed door without data.
It’s a candid look at the human side of the role — where the big F word, feelings, is a powerful force.
“The accounting profession spent 137 years in a protected of shell of predictable growth, but not anymore.”
In this unmissable on-camera special of Resource Revolution, host Christine Robinson sits down face to face with industry legend Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, to explore what happens when protection falls away and firms are exposed to new pressures, players, and possibilities.
Drawing on 45 years advising the biggest names in the profession, Allan shares a rare inside view of what happens when tradition meets transformation, as firms cling to predictability even while AI, private equity, and new generations demand reinvention. He unpacks the psychology of the partnership model, the new accountability revolution, and why resource management has finally become a C-suite conversation for top-performing firms.
If firm strategy were a chessboard, Koltin’s already five moves ahead. With his trademark wit, storytelling, and hard truths, he delivers insight after insight, from the “three waves of AI” coming for the profession to the mindset shift defining the next era.
Think of it as coaching meets crystal ball: part Coach K, part Dr. Phil – all strategy. Packed with analogies, predictions, and perspective, this is the Allan Koltin. Miss it and miss the conversation the most strategic leaders in the profession are having behind closed boardroom doors.
In this episode of Resource Revolution, Kristie Jinks, Director of Audit & Assurance Workforce & Resource Management at Deloitte Australia, offers a resource leader’s view on balancing margins and morale, managing today’s moving parts, and keeping an eye on the horizon.
Kristie shares why resource management sits in a unique “sweet spot,” supporting both people and profit, and how systemizing decisions at scale is vital when there’s so much to track and so much at stake. She also explores harnessing the power of resource management as an early warning system, because if there’s a cliff ahead, the business needs to know.
From navigating complexity to driving the most effective conversations, Kristie shares insights and strategies that every resource leader should hear.
In this episode of Resource Revolution, we’re joined by Sam Larkins, Head of Resource Management and Global Mobility, EMEA, at Norton Rose Fulbright.
Sam reflects on his journey from starting out as a resourcing officer at PwC to leading two interconnected functions at a global law firm. Along the way, he shares why staying open and spotting opportunities matter — and why a side hustle could be the game-changer you didn’t expect.
Expect a candid conversation on why wellbeing is non-negotiable, how to balance commercial demands with the needs of your people, and why the future of resource management will require a new kind of leader — the ultimate all-round athlete.
It’s a conversation about growth, connection, and the evolving role of resource management in a world where people and profit must go hand in hand.
In this episode of Resource Revolution, we’re joined by Lauren Davison, Senior Resource Manager at a UK law firm, to explore how resource management is taking shape in the legal sector—where wellbeing is driving the agenda.
Lauren reflects on moving from the structure of a well-oiled machine to a sector where resource management is still emerging—but where firms have already recognized the importance of people-first resourcing. She shares how to win hearts and minds, manage change one conversation at a time, and why showing teams you’re working with them—not for them—is key.
It’s a candid look at the learning curves and small victories that define resource management when no two days are ever the same.
In this episode of The Resource Revolution, we head into unfamiliar territory—exploring how resource management is taking shape in the world of architecture and design.
Adriana Neves, Resource Allocation Manager at Norris Design, brings a fresh perspective on what it means to build the function in a fast-paced, fluid, and highly creative environment. Driven by curiosity and a love of people and process, Adriana shares what it’s like to lay the foundations for resource management in an industry where it’s still being designed. From spaghetti diagrams to lightbulb moments, she unpacks what makes resource management work in her world—and why it’s ultimately about creating the right conditions for people to thrive.
Whether you’re in resource management or curious about how the function shows up beyond traditional sectors, this episode offers a window into a whole new landscape.
In this episode of The Resource Revolution, we dive deep into the perception and true power of resource management with Kate Brooke, Firmwide Resource Management Leader at Moss Adams.
Kate unpacks why resource management is “strategy wrapped in admin’s clothing”—in other words, a critical business function often hidden beneath tactical work—and how to shift the role from background player to business enabler.
Drawing on her extensive experience, Kate shares practical wisdom like: “Listen to the words behind the words,” and explains why questions like “What more could I do for you?” can open doors to greater influence. It’s not just about giving people what they ask for - it’s about giving them what they really need.
From scaling processes to surviving tech rollouts, she brings sharp insight into how resource management can drive a virtuous cycle of performance, people experience, and business stability.
Get ready to paint a new picture of what’s possible.
In this episode of The Resource Revolution, we get a CFO’s-eye view of resource management with Tom Quinn, CFO at Bennett Thrasher.
Tom shares hard truths about why it’s worth breaking things down to build something better—and why game-changing technology isn’t too good to be true. Expect sharp insights like: “Professionals solve problems with technology. Amateurs throw people at them.” and a true masterclass in building the business case for change. He also explains how the right technology investment pays for itself—and then some.
If you’re still relying on gut feel, tribal knowledge, and spreadsheets for resource management, this conversation is your wake-up call.
In this episode of The Resource Revolution, we ask the tough questions—and Wayne Kaplan brings the real answers. Wayne, former Office Managing Partner and Audit Practice Leader at Grant Thornton, takes us way back (like, Moby Dick was a guppy back) to the roots of “scheduling” and walks us through RM’s evolution—or lack thereof. He reveals the true superpower of resource managers—and why it’s hiding in plain sight.
Expect mic drop moments, t-shirt-worthy one-liners (“Let’s not confuse availability with suitability,” anyone?), and a rallying cry for leaders to do something about poor resource management instead of just complaining.
This one’s packed with wit, wisdom, and a few "Wayne-isms" you’ll want to steal.
Spoiler: Christine’s new tagline “It’s not about getting invited to the meeting—it’s about getting invited again.”
In this season 2 finale, Christine Robinson sits down with Matt Cockett, CEO at Dayshape, to explore the journey of building the brand of resource management — and why it's more than just a must-have function. Together, they unpack the idea of resource management as a function of the future and how firms can position it as a strategic engine for growth.
Matt shares insights on the current state of play for resource management across industries and how leading firms are making strategic investments to elevate its impact. From securing senior buy-in to gaining support across stakeholders, Matt provides practical, proven tactics to elevate the function’s impact.
You'll also hear practical advice for resource managers on building the right connections, starting impactful conversations, and maximizing their influence within the business. Plus, Matt explores the exciting intersection of AI and resource management, offering a glimpse into the innovations shaping the function's future.
Key insights:
- Building the brand of resource management
- Proven tactics to secure senior buy-in
- Industry trends driving resource management investment
- Tips to elevate your resource management career
- AI innovations on the horizon
In this episode, Christine Robinson speaks with Ryan Childers, Managing Director of the Resource Management Institute (RMI), about the rise of professionalized resource management and how organizations are increasingly recognizing and extracting its value.
They explore the expanding role of resource management and the power of community in advancing the discipline. Ryan also shares insights on the opportunities and challenges of linking resource management practices to project profitability—and what it takes to bridge the gap.
Looking ahead, they discuss how AI is set to reshape workforce optimization, with Ryan offering his perspective on how organizations can build strong foundations today to fully leverage AI tomorrow.
Key insights:
- The rise of a professionalized resource management community
- Extracting the value of resource management and why it matters more than ever
- The barriers to linking resource management to profitability
- Preparing for a future shaped by AI in resource management
In this episode, Christine Robinson speaks with Andrew Bone, Cofounder and Chair of Dayshape, about his journey from CPA to tech entrepreneur and how his experiences led to the creation of an AI-driven resource management platform—one built not just to enhance processes, but to improve people’s working lives.
They explore the potential of the partnership between humans and technology in resource management, the key to building trust in AI, and how technology should enhance, not replace, human conversations.
Andrew shares insights on the financial and human benefits of efficient resource management and why firms must elevate its profile to unlock its full strategic value.
The discussion also covers why true innovation goes beyond technology and how to sell the value of resource management. Looking ahead, Andrew offers his perspective on the future of AI in resource management and how those with an entrepreneurial mindset have a unique opportunity to drive change and elevate the profession.
Key insights from this episode:
The partnership between AI and humans in decision-making
How to build trust in AI through transparency and user experience
The financial and human benefits of elevated resource management
Why innovation requires more than just technology
How entrepreneurial thinking can drive industry change
In this episode, we explore the career journey of a BDO partner, uncovering key leadership lessons and insights into elevating the remit of resource management in advisory. We examine the concept of client-centric resource management and explore how resource management contributes to career growth.
From Sam's experiences at PwC to leading audit operations at RBS, and now as a partner, we explore how his understanding of resource management has evolved, its value, and its impact on business performance.
Aspiring professionals will gain a partner’s perspective into: Charting the path to partner Why resource management should be client centric The essential role of resource management in creating learning opportunities Understanding and leveraging the true value of skills Redefining success metrics for resource managers
In this episode, we explore the real-world challenges and nuances that define the resource management discipline. Our guest—a seasoned leader in advisory—shares insider insights on setting realistic expectations with stakeholders, adapting communication styles to build trust, and leveraging technology to elevate the role.
From navigating cultural differences in global teams to balancing the art and science of resource management, this conversation offers a candid look at the strategies that drive success. Whether you’re tackling complex demands or striving to grow in your career, this episode provides actionable takeaways to help you chart a clear path through the resource management maze.
Key takeaways
How to:
1. Set realistic stakeholder expectations
2. Tailor communication styles to build trust and resolve conflict
3. Blend the art and science of resource management with technology
In this episode, Christine is joined by Gary Ward, Director of Global Resource Staffing at Guidewire Software, and RMI advisory board member to discuss why evolving your RMO is crucial.
They discuss how to convince leadership of resource management’s value, and share practical strategies for earning executive engagement.
They explore how resource management impacts employee experience and discuss emerging trends, including the growing importance of resource management data and its role in shaping the talent supply chain.
In this episode of Resource Revolution, host Christine Robinson speaks with Ryann Edwards, Senior Director of Service Operations at Aquiva Labs, about her journey into resource management. They discuss the evolution of the field, the importance of problem-solving skills, and how resource management transcends various industries.
Ryann shares insights on the necessity of branching out in roles, the significance of data in making recommendations, and the impact of credibility in the profession.
In this episode, host Christine Robinson interviews Shelly O'Donovan, founder of Authentic Influence Group, about the skills and attributes needed to be successful in resource management.
They discuss the importance of having a thick skin, being open to challenges, and divorcing oneself from negative emotions in difficult conversations. They also explore the value of being energized by problem solving and the need for resource managers to be flexible and comfortable with the unknown.
In this episode of the Resource Revolution podcast, host Christine Robinson explores the multifaceted world of resource management with industry leaders from season one.
The conversation delves into the critical role of resource management in professional services, discussing everything from effective data analysis and the importance of relationship building.
With a career spanning 33 years, Matt Russell, Senior Resource Manager at Microsoft, outlines how he transitioned into the function 11 years ago and shares his key takeaways from the last decade.
In this episode, Christine and Matt discuss the disruptive nature of resource management, how to add value to resource management and the wider company, the importance of data and communicating findings, and the need for firm-wide collaboration to solve problems.
Utilizing transferable skills, Georgia Cockram, Resource Advisor at MHA, pivoted from a civil service background into the world of resource management. Drawn to the opportunity to mold MHA's evolving function, Georgia shares her experiences and learnings from the past two years as a resource management professional at the firm.
In this episode, Christine and Georgia highlight the importance of communication and building relationships, how senior leaders can support the function, when to use escalations, and the value of gaining an RMCP qualification.