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Jasna Sims

Group Head of Innovation - One of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for 2021

Professional Background

Jasna Sims is a highly accomplished professional with an impressive 25 years of experience in the property and construction industries. For the past 20 years, she has honed her skills and contributed significantly to the success of Lendlease—a globally recognized leader known for delivering iconic and innovative solutions in the building sector. Her career with Lendlease has seen her work across various countries, including the UK, the USA, and now, Australia, showcasing her adaptability and global perspective in an ever-evolving industry.

In her capacity as the Group Head of Innovation Culture at Lendlease, Jasna is at the forefront of promoting a culture of innovation within the organization. She plays a pivotal role in enabling teams to develop outstanding, innovative solutions that meet the diverse and changing needs of their clients. Her dedication to fostering an innovation-focused environment not only enhances Lendlease’s offerings but also aligns well with the company's strategic objectives.

Jasna's experience as the Acting Group Head of Transformation involved collaborating with global teams to define and implement a robust transformation agenda that aligns with Lendlease’s overarching strategies. Her leadership in this area is marked by her governance responsibility for numerous business improvement initiatives, particularly across vital operational functions such as Finance, Human Resources (HR), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Risk and Compliance.

In her earlier roles as a project manager and business project manager, Jasna has successfully led numerous projects focused on finance operations transformation, business integration planning following acquisitions, and strategy development. Her expertise in construction project management is complemented by her ability to manage client and stakeholder relationships, ensuring projects are not only financially viable but also aligned with client needs and endorsed by stakeholders.

Jasna’s commitment to the industry extends beyond her direct roles, as evidenced by her past engagement as an Elected Member of the Executive Committee for the Institute of Value Management (UK). Her contributions as a frequent presenter at various industry forums reflect her deep knowledge of value and risk management, enhancing her reputation as a thought leader in the construction sphere.

Education and Achievements

Jasna holds a wealth of educational qualifications that bolster her professional capabilities. She studied the General Manager Program at the prestigious Australian Graduate School of Management, where she focused on managerial expertise tailored for contemporary business environments. Additionally, she earned her Bachelor of Architecture with First Class Honours from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), a foundation that underpins her professional journey in architecture and construction.

Further enriching her academic portfolio, Jasna pursued studies in Customer Focused Innovation at Stanford University. This coursework highlighted her commitment to integrating customer insights into innovative processes and solutions, ensuring that her work is always aligned with market demands and expectations.

Jasna's specialization in innovation, business transformation, portfolio management, and risk management has led her to be recognized as a key player in the industry, with a proficiency in fostering collaboration among diverse teams to achieve shared goals. Her facilitation skills have allowed her to navigate complex project dynamics smoothly, ensuring cohesive project management and execution.

Achievements

Throughout her career, Jasna has achieved numerous milestones that showcase her expertise and commitment to excellence. As the Group Head of Innovation at Lendlease, her strategic vision has driven the company's innovation agenda, resulting in many successful initiatives that contribute to enhanced operational efficiency and client satisfaction.

As a former Group Head of Innovation Culture, her influence was marked by the establishment of an effective innovation framework within Lendlease, allowing teams to ideate, execute, and iterate valuable solutions rapidly. Her leadership in transformation also significantly contributed to aligning Lendlease's transformation initiatives with the overall business strategy, emphasizing her prowess in driving substantial organizational change.

Jasna's practical experience in managing large-scale business improvement initiatives highlights her ability to streamline operations and enhance performance across various departments. By bridging collaboration among departments such as Finance, HR, ICT, and Risk and Compliance, she has facilitated the effective implementation of innovative strategies and operational advancements.

Moreover, Jasna's earlier roles in project and design management have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the construction landscape, allowing her to address diverse project challenges with a solution-oriented approach. Her capability to effectively engage with clients and stakeholders ensures consistent project alignment with strategic objectives, optimizing outcomes for both the clients and the organization.

Jasna Sims continues to inspire those around her in the construction and property sectors, leveraging her extensive experience and passion for innovation to promote sustainable practices and drive positive change in the industry.

Related Questions

How did Jasna Sims cultivate her extensive experience in the property and construction industries over the past 25 years?
What innovative strategies has Jasna Sims implemented as the Group Head of Innovation Culture at Lendlease?
In what ways has Jasna Sims contributed to international projects across the UK, USA, and Australia during her career at Lendlease?
How has Jasna Sims leveraged her education from prestigious institutions like Stanford University and UNSW in her professional roles?
What key lessons has Jasna Sims learned from her years of managing business transformation initiatives across various functions at Lendlease?
Jasna Sims
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Location

Greater Sydney Area