Challenging Governance Structure – As a customer-owned cooperative, decision-making can be slower and more political than in a typical corporate environment.
Board-Customer Dual Role Can Create Tension – Balancing operational leadership with a board that also consumes services can lead to conflicts of interest.
Pace of Change is Demanding – Transforming legacy systems while maintaining daily operations requires intense focus and stamina.
Limited Growth Capital – Operating under a break-even model limits traditional reinvestment strategies, making innovation harder.
Inconsistent Customer Engagement – Varying levels of customer buy-in can slow adoption of new technologies and dilute transformation momentum.
Legacy Technology Debt – Starting with antiquated systems has made modernization more complex and resource-heavy.
High Accountability, High Pressure – The stakes are high, especially with transformation projects like PLANT — not for those seeking a passive work environment.
Cultural Resistance from Some Corners – Not everyone embraces change at the same speed, requiring strong change management.
Underappreciated Wins – Due to the long arc of transformation, short-term successes are sometimes overlooked or dismissed.
Heavy Emotional Load on Leadership – Navigating crises, customer dissatisfaction, and internal fatigue can be personally taxing.
Talent Turnover in Critical Roles – Despite engagement efforts, turnover in some key areas continues to be a risk and a distraction.
Need for Continued Maturity in Product Ownership – Transitioning to a product-based organization is still in progress; alignment isn’t yet consistent across all teams.