SUGTalks

Be Curious, Be Brave: How AstraZeneca and NATS Gain Value from UKISUG Membership

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Russell Smith, Vice President, ERX Transformation Technology at AstraZeneca, and Martin Taylor, ERP Implementation Lead at NATS, to discuss how organisations can get the most value from their UKISUG membership. Russell and Martin explain how their teams engage with the User Group, including its symposia, executive events and the annual Connect conference. They also highlight why access to a network of peers at other organisations is often the most lasting benefit. Martin describes how conversations with fellow members helped NATS when it came to on RISE with SAP. While Russell outlines why business functions, not just IT, need to be engaged as SAP moves towards the autonomous enterprise. The discussion also covers the challenge of keeping pace with SAP’s expanding portfolio, the importance of consumption observability for AI credits, and the role UKISUG plays in giving members a collective voice with SAP through SUGEN and the licensing charter. Listen to the full episode to learn how to maximise your UKISUG membership. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

ECC to Public Cloud in 9 Months: Inside Pitney Bowes' SAP Journey

In the latest episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined once again by Stuart Beadle, IT Director at Pitney Bowes. Together they take a closer look at Pitney Bowes' move to SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud.. He shares how public cloud acted as the driver for simplification and what the business chose to give up. Craig and Stuart also discuss governance, data migration and managing releases every six months. Stuart shares the lessons learned during the transition process of working with a systems integrator to running rollouts entirely in-house, offering advice for anyone starting their own move to public cloud. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

Senior Leader Interview: Stuart Beadle, IT Director at Pitney Bowes

In our latest senior leader interview, Craig is joined by Stuart Beadle, IT Director at Pitney Bowes. Stuart shares his 30-year journey in SAP. It started with an accidental foray in Johannesburg, consulting at IBM and independent contracting, before eventually led him to leading enterprise applications at Pitney Bowes. He reflects on what a varied career taught him about working with consultancies, contractors and end users. Craig and Stuart also discuss Pitney Bowes' move to SAP Public Cloud. Stuart explains why they chose public over private, how it acted as a forcing function for simplification and why staying standard has been their key to success. He also shares his views on the 2027 maintenance deadline, the role of AI in future implementations and his advice for those moving from delivery into leadership. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

Beyond Go-Live: Mental Health, Recovery and Recognition After a Project

In the latest episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined once again by Simon Nichols, Founder and CEO of Thrive. Together they discuss the mental health impact of delivering IT projects. Simon explains why the duration of a project matters less than the demand it places on people. He covers what happens when 18-month projects overrun to 24 or 36 months and how that shifts people from challenge to endurance to cynicism. Craig and Simon also explore the very different pressures of shorter cloud projects and the risks when one project rolls into the next. Simon closes with practical advice on project landing and what individuals can do to recover once the project is over. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

How SAP Runs SAP - In Conversation with Oliver Gutzeit

In this episode Craig is joined by Oliver Gutzeit, Vice President, Experience Technology at SAP, to explore how SAP runs its own business on SAP. Oliver explains what it means to be customer zero, testing new products internally before they reach customers. He shares how SAP tackled its own 50-year history of custom code on the journey to a clean core. The conversation moves on to experience and why boring software fails, the importance of closing the feedback loop, and why data is the real prerequisite for AI. Oliver also shares how SAP treats data as a product, where Joule is used internally alongside practical advice for organisations looking to start their own AI journey. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

An Update on SAP's Service and Support Portfolio, Plus a Guide to Success Plans

In our latest episode, Craig is joined once again by Uwe Grigoleit, Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Evolution and Portfolio at SAP, to discuss the recent changes to SAP's customer service and delivery portfolio. Uwe explains why the new Customer Value Group brings sales, support and services together, and what that means for customers. He covers the simplification of professional services, how sovereign cloud offerings are expanding, and how to choose between the Foundational, Advanced and Max Success Plans. He also explains the support now available for systems in transit, and why proactivity is built into the new plans rather than left to chance. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

Inside SAP Cloud ERP Private with Uma Rani

In our latest episode, Craig is joined by Uma Rani, President and Chief Product Officer for Cloud ERP Private at SAP. Uma sets out how SAP Cloud ERP Private has evolved since 2020 and the strategy shaping it today. She explains where Sovereign Cloud fits, and the differences between private and public cloud. Craig and Uma then turn to the autonomous enterprise. They discuss AI agents available across SAP’s environments, and how a clean core approach can help minimise customisations. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

AI In the Workplace and its Impact on Mental Health

In our latest episode, Craig is joined by Uma Rani, President and Chief Product Officer for Cloud ERP Private at SAP. Uma sets out how Cloud ERP Private has evolved since 2020 and the strategy shaping it today. She explains where Sovereign Cloud fits, and why private and public cloud will not reach feature parity. Craig and Uma then turn to the autonomous enterprise. They discuss the AI agents now live across SAP's domains, and how a clean core approach keeps customisations upgrade safe. Uma closes on why this is as much a people transformation as a technology one. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

Inside SUGEN: How Global User Groups Shape SAP's Roadmap

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Yasmin Awad, Senior Vice President and Head of SAP's Global User Group Organisation, and Philip Adams, UKISUG board member and member of the SUGEN Core Leadership Team. Together they discuss SUGEN, (SAP User Group Executive Network), exploring how the global network of more than 40 user groups helps to shape SAP's roadmap on behalf of customers. Yasmin shares why SAP invests so heavily in its user group community, while Philip offers the UKISUG perspective on how themes raised by UK and Ireland members feed into the global conversation. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

A Deep Dive on SAP Global Customer Support with Stefan Steinle

In our latest episode, Craig is joined by Stefan Steinle, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Customer Support at SAP. Stefan reflects on his 26 years at SAP and how customer support has evolved from a reactive, ticket-based model to a much more proactive, personalised and global approach. He explains the thinking behind SAP's three support pillars: invisible support, the work done quietly in the background to help customers hit critical milestones; empowered support, giving customers instant answers at their fingertips; and accelerated support, the agentic AI framework speeding up issue resolution. Craig and Stefan also discuss why SAP has chosen not to replace people with AI, and the measurable impact this approach is having on customer satisfaction. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

Inside Sapphire 2026: The Autonomous Enterprise Unpacked

In our latest episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Conor Riordan and Ian Mallinson to discuss the main announcements and their experiences at this year's Sapphire conferences in Orlando and Madrid. Conor and Ian reflect on SAP framing itself as a business AI company and its vision for the autonomous enterprise. They also share their honest opinion on SAP’s new suite of AI agents. In addition they share why process and knowledge graphs matter alongside data, and the cost and governance questions organisations need to ask before deploying agents. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

Licensing, AI and SUGEN: Your UKISUG Connect Questions Answered

In our latest episode, Craig is joined by Conor Riordan, Chair of UKISUG, and Philip Adams, UKISUG Board Member and SUGEN Core Leadership Team member. Together they address some of the questions from UKISUG Connect that we didn't get to on the keynote stage. Conor and Philip share an update on the SUGEN licensing charter, including progress being made on consumption-based licensing. They also explain how SUGEN works with SAP at both an executive and country level. The conversation also covers how organisations can balance agility with strong governance. Conor and Philip discuss the risk of cutting training and adoption budgets in a subscription world, and how UKISUG is supporting public sector members. They then move on to AI, including reskilling, dispelling fears around AI adoption, and whether AI could ever replace SAP ERP as we know it. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

SAP's David Yawalkar on the SUGEN Transformation Charter, S/4HANA and AI

In the latest episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by David Yawalkar, Head of Solution Management, RISE with SAP. David shares an update on SAP’s involvement with the SUGEN Transformation Charter, what SAP has learned from charter members and how customer feedback is shaping the company’s Cloud ERP messaging. He explains why SAP has committed to both private and public cloud as long-term strategic products. David also reflects on some of the themes he hears from user groups globally after taking part in transformation days around the world. Craig and David also explore the move from AI hype to real working use cases. They discuss the importance of clean core and the risks of waiting too long to move from ECC. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

An Interview with Sonia Nash, Head of Business AI, SAP UK&I: AI Adoption and an Unconventional Route into Tech

In our latest senior leader interview, Craig is joined by Sonia Nash, Head of Business AI at SAP UK and Ireland. Sonia shares her unconventional career journey - from accounts payable into automation, solution advisory and now leading SAP's Business AI focus. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, the importance of curiosity, and why you don't need to be a developer to build a rewarding career in tech. Craig and Sonia also discuss the shift from AI skepticism to genuine enthusiasm among SAP customers, how organisations can get started with Joule and SAP Business AI, and why agentic AI is the most exciting development across the community. They also explore what it will take to attract more women and diverse talent into STEM and SAP careers. You can access SAP's Discovery Center here: https://discovery-center.cloud.sap/ai-catalog/ To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

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Lessons from Twinings’ Transformation: Questions from UKISUG Connect keynote answered

In part two of the conversation, Craig is once again joined by Sandeep Seeripat, Global Business Transformation and Technology Officer at Twinings, to answer questions posed by the audience at his UKISUG Connect keynote. Together they explore the practical realities of Twinings’ transformation journey. This includes how to build a one-program mentality across teams and partners, and how to align around a shared vision that keeps transformation focused on business outcomes rather than technology. Along the way, Sandeep covers clean core, governance, delivery partner selection and scaling transformation across multiple business units and geographies. He also shares honest reflections on the challenges of leading large-scale change, from making difficult decisions to maintaining momentum beyond go-live. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

An Interview with Sandeep Seeripat from Twinings

In part one of this two-part SUGTalks conversation, Craig is joined by Sandeep Seeripat, Global Business Transformation and Technology Officer at Twinings. Together they discuss career growth, leadership and business transformation. Sandeep shares how he moved from engineering into technology, why he sees himself as a business problem solver first, and what senior leaders need to do to make transformation meaningful and sustainable. Along the way, Sandeep discusses authenticity, curiosity, feedback, collaboration and the importance of taking people with you through change. He also offers a clear-eyed view on AI, the pace of change facing digital leaders, and the need to keep learning - and unlearning. Part two will see Sandeep and Craig answering questions submitted by the audience at his UKISUG Connect keynote. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

Women in SAP 2026 Update: Give to Gain and Building a Stronger Community

In our latest SUGTalks episode, Craig is joined by UKISUG Women in SAP Community Leads Emma Chambers and Fiona Warburg. Together they discuss the progress made by the Women in SAP community over the past year and some of the equality challenges that still persist across the tech sector. In addition, they outline how practical initiatives such as mentoring, networking and allyship are helping to support career progression and representation. They also explore this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” and how contributing time, experience and support can help individuals, organisations and the wider SAP ecosystem thrive. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

An Interview with Emel Morris, CIO at Central Bedfordshire Council

In our latest senior leader interview, Craig is joined by Emel Morris, CIO at Central Bedfordshire Council. Emel shares her journey from corporate communications into IT leadership and the skills that helped her transition into the role. She also outlines why today’s CIO must focus on stakeholder engagement, change, and aligning technology to real service outcomes. Craig and Emel also discuss pressures on public sector services, cyber security, AI alongside the importance of inclusion and Women in SAP. To learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme, visit: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

Working With AI, Not Against It – Insights from Mark Raben

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Mark Raben, former SAP EMEA CTO, keynote speaker and leadership coach, to examine the role of trust, culture and leadership in the era of AI. Recorded at UKISUG Connect following Mark’s keynote, the conversation looks beyond technology to focus on human behaviour, trust and culture in transformation programmes. Mark explains how the brain works as a prediction machine, why structure alone isn’t enough for successful SAP projects, and how leaders can reduce anxiety by being transparent about intent. Learn more about Mark Raben here: https://www.markraben.com/ 🔗 Learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme

Getting More Value from SAP with a Customer Centre of Expertise

In this episode of SUGTalks, Craig is joined by Phil Creek, Intake Demand Lead at the SAP Centre of Expertise at Boots, and Rohan Parikh, SAP Platform Architect at Maersk, to explore the value of building an SAP Customer Centre of Expertise (COE). The conversation builds on the UKISUG SAP Customer Centre of Expertise Insights paper, covering why COEs matter, the importance of senior sponsorship, what effective governance looks like, and the skills a modern COE needs. Phil and Rohan share practical perspectives on balancing internal capability with partners, supporting a clean core, and how COEs need to evolve as SAP customers move further into the cloud. 📄 Click Here to download the UKISUG SAP Customer Centre of Expertise Insights paper 💬 Join the UKISUG ALM Community to continue the discussion with fellow SAP users 🔗 Learn more about the UKISUG referral scheme: https://www.sapusers.org/community-referral-scheme