James Maxfield's Linkedin Analytics

I am an organisational transformer, demonstrated by a strong track record of results across the capital markets industry. My strengths are being able to articulate a vision for excellence and translate that effectively into tangible outcomes. Am equally comfortable defining a strategic vision for the C-suite as I am converting it into action – two capabilities that rarely come together in one person. My background has taken me through various MD leadership roles within investment banks running large, diverse global teams and commanding significant budgets ($250m+). This has created a battle-hardened leader who has successfully led organisations through business restructuring, scaling for growth and cost optimisation programmes. All of which has been against a backdrop of significant regulatory change, demanding compliance alongside business outcomes. I also have start up experience, having successfully co-founded and led Ascendant Strategy Ltd as a disruptive consultancy within capital markets. Building this consulting product has been a great experience and it helped clients drive forward transformation in a space where legacy technology, organisational complexity and cost pressures make even small change difficult. This enhanced my skill set further, experiencing different business models and cultures where no one problem is the same for two organisations. My skills cover a range of transformation outcomes – strategic visioning, operating model redesign, programme leadership, digital transformation, enabling innovation – across front, middle and back office within financial services. I am a published author and respected thought leader on post-trade transformation within capital markets. And I have complimented all of these workplace experiences with an MBA from Henley Management College. But above all of this practical experience, successful transformation is all about people. Smart or experienced people don’t always make good leaders as the ability to connect, lead, motivate and coach are critical components of delivering successful outcomes. I am honest, trustworthy, ethical and care about people – which is why I form high performing teams, build strong relationships and value highly stakeholder opinions. It is this ability that differentiates me as a leader amongst the managers in my field. Currently, Chief Product Officer at Duco helping customers transform their operating models through adoption of innovation.