Suggestions
Jessie de la Merced
Head of Group Strategy @ M&S, ex-Meta Strategy, Operations & Planning Director
Jessie de la Merced is a seasoned global operations leader with a diverse background in strategy, financial planning and analysis, core operations, organizational health, and DEI initiatives. With extensive experience in public relations, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and social content, she has held key roles in renowned organizations such as Marks and Spencer, Meta, Facebook, and Google.
Highlights
This week was the final stop on my year+ executive education journey with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and MIT Sloan School of Management. I’m proud to share that I have now gained my certificate for the MIT xPRO: Chief Operating Officer Programme.
We finished the course in-person on the MiT campus with a series of case studies, lectures, workshops and networking events. Highlights include: exploring (the robotics lab was awesome); learning from professors such as David Nino, Bruce Cameron, John Carrier, Alberto Rodriguez, and Bryan Moser; talking and laughing with coursemates like Mira, Clarence, Xanton, Alice, Wanderlei, Jacob, Scott, Julia and many more; the incomparable Ali O'Malley, who has played a big part in helping me succeed; and remembering how much I love learning.
The course has been hard - MiT doesn’t do easy. Balancing studying, a full time job and two children has been a joint effort between me and Michael - I couldn’t have done this without his support and him picking up so much else in our lives.
I’m taking away:
- A greater understanding of how companies get work done, how they are structured, and the roles leaders play in their success
- Technical knowledge in areas like AI, supply chains, change management, project management, systems thinking and much more.
- A network of peers and professionals across industries, countries and sectors
- Pride that I can still tackle complex academic content and succeed
But most importantly, I’m taking away confidence. I was one of the youngest in this group yet my voice was encouraged and heard. I felt that I could contribute at the same level as a group of mostly C-suite, experienced and talented professionals - and that in itself is the best gift.
WE'RE HIRING! Calling my consulting and ex-FAANG strategy friends - come join the wonderful Group Strategy Team at Marks and Spencer, working with my fab colleagues Dominic Maxwell, Jade Sharpe and Aaron So, or pass along to someone you think would be great. This team provides a unique opportunity to work across Food, Fashion, Property and more, learn a tonne and refine your in-house strategy chops. Ping me with any Qs, happy to chat. (London-based, 3 days min in office).
