As the program developed we continued to adapt to internal and external challenges. Change requests numbered in to the thousands. A disciplined approach to managing change, the ability to innovate and a clear end goal allowed the program to stay on course and exceed its goals.

Examples of the changing environment were

• Competitor product launches
  
• Availability of key resources
  
• Dynamic regulatory environment
  
• Changing stakeholders
  
• Under-estimated costs
  
• The inevitable implementation hiccups!
  

A clear vision, set of values and an open culture ensured issues were raised and resolved. A disciplined program of dress rehearsals, planning and forecasting, ensured we launched on time, ahead of budget and delivered results in excess of target.

The process of adapting included market research to check propositions were still compelling and develop new ones, remodelling of financials, engaging new service providers and revising program timelines amongst many others.

We did not launch to our original strategy or specification. This is the key to adaptive execution. Our specification would have cost too much, taken too long, not been competitive and not met our targets. It was a good strategy as the results were achievable, and it set us in the right direction, but as we learnt we developed it. The analogy being if you wish to sail to a destination you should set off towards it, always keep it clearly in mind, but accept that you may need to take a different tack to arrive.