Beyond Boundaries: Inside Baker Ing's Prague Summit
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Inside Baker Ing's Prague Summit
At Baker Ing, our annual global meetups are a cherished tradition, bringing our decentralised team together to celebrate achievements and strategize the future. Our latest gathering in the historic and vibrant city of Prague was a testament to the commitment and teamwork which the team demonstrates every day. This event provided a vital opportunity for team members who usually connect remotely to meet in person, fostering stronger bonds and alignment.
We firmly believe that we stand at the forefront of a paradigm shift in managing high-value and sensitive accounts receivable. Our approach is underpinned by a commitment to precision, expertise, and most importantly, adaptability to the unique demands of each client. It’s a sophisticated service, delivered with an assurance of discretion and efficacy that only a dedicated innovator in the field can provide.
In doing so, we thrive on the vast opportunities presented by a world without walls, and it’s this philosophy which has helped to forge our very operational model—a deliberate and strategic embrace of remote working that harnesses the power of technology and the best minds in credit management, regardless of their physical location.
This is not a mere trend of the digital age; it is a thoughtful operationalisation of efficiency and expertise, ensuring we are always within reach, ready to serve our clients with speed and agility. It is this unique combination of global reach and personal touch that sets us apart, providing our clients with a service that is as reliable as it is revolutionary.
Prague in Focus: A Day of Insights and Innovation
Our latest event in Prague commenced with a relaxed gathering at the Don Giovanni Hotel, where the team enjoyed a light buffet and casual conversations, setting a collaborative tone for the day. Following the meal, we convened in the hotel’s conference suite for a series of workshops and brainstorming sessions, including an insightful session from our economist, Markus Kuger, bringing the wider team fully up to date with global developments. We also delved into current projects and explored innovative approaches to managing our clients’ accounts, interspersed with coffee breaks, enjoying the Prague skyline and a lot of conversation.
Post-workshop, the team moved on to the Vinohradsky Parliament for a well-deserved dinner, where the relaxed atmosphere encouraged deeper personal connections and shared reflections on the day’s learnings. The evening culminated at the Puerto Rico Cafe & Cocktail Bar, where we enjoyed the specially crafted “Baker Ing Cocktail,” celebrating the day’s successes and the strengthening bonds.
The ideas refined and developed in Prague are already enhancing our service delivery, with clients benefiting from the team’s alignment and invigorated approach. It was another great day which reaffirmed our commitment to operational excellence and client satisfaction but, also, celebrated the diverse and talented individuals who make our success possible.
Remote Power: Baker Ing’s Global Impact
By harnessing remote expertise, we position ourselves to offer clients a team that combines global reach with local insight. This model ensures that each project is handled by the most suitable experts, who bring both detailed regional knowledge and specialised skills to the table. This strategic deployment of resources is key in effectively managing the high-value and sensitive accounts that our clients entrust to us.
Recognising the geographic spread of our team, we carefully design meetups to reinforce strategic alignment, ensuring that despite the physical distances, our mission, goals, and tactics remain in perfect sync. The events facilitate face-to-face discussions, allowing for a rich exchange of ideas and fostering a shared understanding. Moreover, they are pivotal in reinforcing our culture of collaboration and transparency. It’s an opportunity for team members to connect on a personal level, which is essential for building trust and reinforcing the bond that ties our global operations together. This enhanced team cohesion helps us maintain the high standards of service that clients have come to expect from us.
The collaborative and diverse environment fostered by our model directly translates into tangible benefits for clients. The approach harnesses the collective intelligence of a globally distributed team, allowing us to quickly adapt to the changing dynamics of international markets and regulations. Such agility is vital in a commercial environment where understanding both global trends and local nuances can make a significant difference to outcomes.
For our clients, this means a service that is innovative and deeply informed by a broad spectrum of economic, cultural, and regulatory insight. Each account strategy is meticulously crafted to maximise recovery rates whilst adhering to the highest standards of compliance and ethical standards. The result is a service that not only meets but often surpasses client expectations, providing peace of mind and the assurance that receivables are managed effectively and with integrity.
Wrap-Up
As we reflect on an inspiring gathering in Prague, we extend a heartfelt thank you to every member of our team whose dedication makes these events so successful. Special appreciation goes to Claire Goode and also Alfredo Lopomo, whose local knowledge was invaluable in organising this memorable day. Prague, with its rich history and vibrant culture, provided the perfect backdrop for our strategic discussions and team bonding.
Our global meet-ups are not only enjoyable but pivotal, reinforcing strategy and amplifying our team’s potential. They are celebrations of our collective achievements and dynamic forums for innovation and forward-thinking.
The events underscore our commitment to ensuring that every member of our decentralised team is aligned and fully engaged in our mission to deliver unparalleled service.
We invite you to engage with our team and experience first-hand how Baker Ing’s unique approach to remote teamwork and client service can revolutionise your receivables.
Where should our next global meet-up be? Let us know in the comments! We’re excited to see your suggestions.
Industry-Changing Appointment
Baker Ing Welcomes Global Order to Cash Expert John Kelly to spearhead collections innovation.
Baker Ing announces the strategic appointment of John Kelly as Global Order to Cash Consultant. Kelly’s unparalleled expertise in operational efficiency and financial objectives introduces a transformative edge to Baker Ing’s already robust client offerings.
John Kelly, renowned for his multidisciplinary business acumen, has joined the Baker Ing team from Ireland. Formerly Global Process Lead and Senior Consultant, He brings to the table experience that ranges from establishing GBS green field operations for Fortune 500 companies to driving existing GBS systems to the next level, specifically within the key work streams of O2C, P2P, and S2P in both centralised and decentralised business models.
What sets Kelly apart is his unique capability to seamlessly integrate technology into operational processes. Specialising in ERP/AI/Robotics Design and implementation, he has mastered the art of fusing technology and human expertise for optimum cost control and efficiency. His robust approach to risk identification and mitigation fortifies Baker Ing’s commitment to data-driven performance and sets new benchmarks for quality and reliability in the sector.
Kelly’s strategic vision is poised to enrich Baker Ing’s current portfolio, propelling the firm further into its role as a market leader for complex and high-value collection solutions. His multidimensional skill set—from business development to financial planning—is perfectly aligned with Baker Ing’s culture of excellence and will be integral to the firm’s continued success.
“John’s appointment signifies more than a new team member; it represents the next evolutionary step in receivables management. We’re not only expanding our team but also redefining what efficiency and client-centric can mean in our industry,” says Lisa Baker-Reynolds MCICM, CEO, Baker Ing International.
Welcome to the team, John.
Meet Claire Goode, Director of Service and Operations.
1. What's your background?
I've worked in the credit management profession for almost 20 years now, in variety of operational support roles. Over the years, I have developed a well-rounded skillset focused on driving operational efficiency, for both clients and internally, through statistical analysis, process engineering, and ongoing performance management of internal teams. My work, although primarily internal, has always had a big client focus though, and throughout my career I have had responsibility for ensuring smooth client onboarding and customer service excellence.
2. What is your role at Baker Ing?
Director of Service and Operations. I will be responsible for ensuring client interactions with Baker ing continue to be efficient and exceed expectations by ensuring we are responsive to their needs, available when and how they need to communicate with us, and that our internal processes, systems and technologies are aligned to deliver outstanding client service.
3. What do you bring to the table?
I've spent my entire career in the credit management profession from office junior through to managing whole departments. This has given me the chance to learn every aspect of how the businesses operating within it function, their needs, expectations and their challenges. I think my focus on detail with a big-picture understanding is quite rare, and I hope to use this to help Baker Ing consistently exceed client expectations.
4. What made you want to work for Baker Ing?
Being part of a business from it’s inception was very appealing to me - I feel like I really have a stake in everything Baker Ing do, due to the personal pride I have in what we, as a team, have accomplished thus far. I also come to work each day with a genuine excitement about what we can continue to bring to the profession in the months and years ahead.
Having worked with Sarah, our COO, for the best part of 15 years, and with Lisa, our CEO, for almost 10, this was a prefect fit for me - an exciting and fulfilling venture with a team I believe in, and who believe in me.
5. What do you like about working in credit?
Credit was my first ‘real’ job at age 17. From the first day, I've always enjoyed learning new things about the credit profession and progressing my career within it. Working in credit has also given me an insight into a multitude of industries – it affects every business, all over the world, which I find fascinating. Finally, knowing that my work within our business will help our clients flourish gives me an ongoing sense of achievement.
6. What do you want for Christmas?
To spend time with my family and loved ones.....And maybe receive a new pair of shoes.....or two!
Meet Fabio, our international debt maestro.
1. What's your background?
My life has been filled with international experiences.
I've studied Business Economics in Italy, where I am from originally, and at the University of Malaga, Spain.
Before entering the credit profession, I worked in the tourism sector in Dublin, thanks to a European Commission funding program called Leonardo da Vinci. I lived there for two and half years, where I improved my English, business development and sales skills.
Upon my return to Italy, thanks to my language skills and economic knowledge, I entered the credit collection industry whilst working in an International legal office. As my career developed, I once again moved abroad in 2012, following the call of the wonderful multicultural city, London. Here I had the opportunity to further specialise in international debt recovery, and I met Liz Dotter, who is now Legal Director at Baker Ing. I'm thrilled to be working with her again.
2. What is your role at Baker Ing?
I am International Legal Manager. This means I am responsible for the performance management of our Global Legal Network of Partners. I ensure all international pre-legal and legal accounts are run smoothly, cost-effectively, and that our clients are kept fully informed and well-advised at all times.
3. What do you bring to the table?
I think my greatest contribution is going to be over a decade of focused experience in the field of legal action within debt collections. I have deep knowledge in this area, built over time dealing hands-on with debt collection in all scenarios. I understand the challenges that UK and international legal procedures can present to our clients and the concerns they may have, which can stop them from pursuing their rights and successfully collecting what they are owed.
I also would like to ensure my role contributes to Baker Ing's ethos of outstanding client care. I believe my personal capabilities and approach to work will add to our clients' favourable experience when dealing with the company. I hope to ensure that listening, understanding and tactful negotiation is central to our approach in all cases.
4. What made you want to work for Baker Ing?
I have full confidence in Baker Ing as a company because I know the management team are professional, dedicated people. I have observed Baker Ing deliver results and gain a well-warranted reputation within the profession. I wanted to be associated with a leading example of excellence within my profession.
5. What do you like about working in credit?
I enjoy being the point of contact for clients in helping them recover what they are owed!
6. What do you want for Christmas?
A new pair of sunglasses to wear when I ride my bike on the hills…Or perhaps a new pair of basketball shoes?...I’ll leave it to Santa to decide.
New around here? Talk to Gemma.
What is your role at Baker Ing?
I’m heading up new business and will be building a team that will help our new and prospective clients to understand, compare and more easily build business cases for our services.
My team will be focused on helping managers and directors quickly and accurately identify their order-to-cash challenges and how our services might help them achieve their goals.
We’ll be on hand to bring to bear all of Baker Ing’s resources, insight and data on behalf of new and prospective clients in order to help them make key decisions about their order-to-cash processes quicker and more easily.
What’s your background?
I’ve spent the past 15 years in credit management across several different areas. Over time, I came to specialise in working with data at the front end of the process, driving both collections and operational efficiencies.
Although my background is primarily front-end data analysis and efficiency gains, I still have a broad interest in the credit management profession generally and like to keep up to date with developments across the board.
It’s been rewarding to be involved in such a dynamic space which has evolved continually since I entered it, incorporating order-to-cash and, more recently, procure-to-pay…not to mention the huge leaps forward in technology we now leverage.
What do you bring to the table?
I believe I bring a good balance of drive and expertise. My passion, energy, and commitment will be key in driving high-levels of service for our new and prospective clients, as well as further growing the Baker Ing team whilst retaining the company culture.
I am passionate about Baker Ing’s mission to drive innovation within the space and I think I can play a key part in that through our offering new clients a more pleasant and beneficial experience than they might traditionally have experienced when first engaging with receivables management companies.
I have deep knowledge of the order-to-cash process and a talent for seeing past superficial indicators and uncovering real requirements quickly, so I think we can show new clients the best solutions to meet their objectives and do so in an objective, evidence-based way, giving due respect to their commercial and organisational circumstances.
What made you want to work for Baker Ing?
Baker Ing is focused on being the very best there is for high-value and highly-sensitive accounts receivable. This was a hugely attractive proposition – to know exactly what we want to achieve, for which kinds of companies, and how we can be the very best there is in doing so. So many spread themselves too thinly to the detriment of quality, whereas Baker Ing is the opposite – a focused high-quality service that delivers.
Furthermore, I’ve observed that the management team has backed up their ethos with investment in people, technology and data – delivering with huge growth and creating a buzz throughout the profession, both here and internationally.
What do you want for Christmas?
I am going to be asking for a book that I haven’t read, but I would like to; the Snowball Effect by Warren Buffett. I’ll be reading it during my time off in preparation for a great start to 2022!
Connect with Gemma on LinkedIn.