From Invoice Clerk to Program Director: Kerry Hughes Wright on Climbing the D365 Career Ladder

What does it take to lead a global Microsoft Dynamics 365 project across dozens of countries and legacy systems?

In this episode of The Catch Up Podcast, host Phillip Blackmore is joined by Kerry Hughes Wright, a seasoned delivery leader with decades of experience in ERP transformations. Together, they unpack the complexities of global rollouts, the nuances of team and process management, and the real-world challenges of implementing D365 Finance & Operations across a rapidly expanding enterprise.

"One of the reasons I was able to kind of progress into some of the roles I progressed into was I had that exposure to literally every single part of a business. That for me was my college, it was my university." - Kerry Hughes Wright

Kerry shares her fascinating journey from leaving school at 16 to leading enterprise-wide technology programmes, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how successful ERP delivery is shaped not by technology alone, but by people, process, and perseverance.

With honest reflections, strategic guidance, and practical examples, this episode is essential listening for CIOs, project leaders, and anyone navigating digital transformation in large organisations.

Click Here to Watch the Video Episode.

• (00:00) - From Invoice Clerk to Program Director: Kerry Hughes-Wright on Climbing the D365 Career Ladder
• (01:00) - Kerry's Early Career and First Job
• (05:13) - Transition to Technology and Consulting
• (06:35) - Project Management and Higher Education
• (07:31) - Career Progression and Industry Experience
• (11:15) - Leadership Roles and Methodologies
• (15:02) - Challenges in the Partner Channel
• (16:57) - Joining Lloyd's and Adapting to Change
• (22:45) - Moving to HCL and Expanding Expertise
• (29:03) - Current Role and Global Rollout
• (36:23) - Success Stories and Methodologies
• (40:42) - Final Advice and Conclusion

Kerry Hughes Wright: A global programme lead and ERP transformation expert, Kerry has over 40 years of experience in business operations and delivery leadership. She currently leads a complex global rollout of Microsoft D365 Finance & Operations and is known for her people-first, methodology-driven approach to programme success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to structure and lead a successful D365 Finance & Operations programme
• Why people and processes matter more than technology in ERP delivery
• Key considerations when integrating legacy systems and managing data quality
• The importance of methodology, project planning, and using Azure DevOps
• Career advice for professionals entering the Microsoft D365 ecosystem

Action Points:

1. Prioritise People in Your Programme: Ensure you dedicate knowledgeable internal staff to the project and backfill their roles. People who know the business processes are vital to success.
2. Clean Your Data Early: Start cleansing and standardising your data well before implementation begins. It simplifies migration and reduces downstream issues.
3. Define and Follow a Methodology: Use a clear and consistent delivery methodology to align teams, track progress, and avoid chaos. Kerry recommends structured tools like Azure DevOps.
4. Build a Super User Network: Develop a strong network of champions across your organisation. This fosters adoption, knowledge sharing, and local accountability.
5. Don’t Rush Career Progression: For those entering the D365 space, focus on learning deeply before jumping ahead. Solid experience builds credibility and long-term success.

The Catch Up Podcast brings you candid conversations with industry leaders, consultants, and change-makers from the Microsoft Dynamics and tech ecosystem. Hosted by Phillip Blackmore, Sales Director at Catch Resource Management, each episode dives into the real stories behind business transformation, career pivots, and scaling success. Expect thoughtful interviews, practical insights, and honest reflections.

Brought to you by Catch Resource Management, a leading UK recruitment specialist for Microsoft Dynamics and ERP talent, this podcast is your inside track to the people shaping the future of enterprise technology. Tune in for new episodes and stay ahead of the curve.

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.