by Bianca Gempesaw
Earlier this year, Super Ditch Year 3 launched with a renewed focus on removing complexity and driving continuous improvement across AEV processes. The kickoff reenergized teams to call out what’s not working and ditch it. (Read the full kickoff story here.)
As a natural next step, the Super Ditch Program launched a mid-year push to turn intention into action. The goal was clear: create a fun venue for individuals and teams to reflect on what could be made simpler, submit those ideas, and join in a shared journey of transformation.
Ideas in Motion
Over the course of one week from June 30 to July 4, the 32nd floor pantry of the AEV Office became a hotspot for simplification. A dynamic installation featuring both real and digital Ditch Drop Boxes and the Ditch Wall of Fame showcasing previous successful ideas that served both as a source of inspiration and as a celebration of progress. Participants were invited to submit ditch-worthy ideas either solo or as a CSU team, and earn GT Cup Points as well as other prizes.
For individuals, there was the Individual Quick Ditch, which encouraged simple, actionable improvements to straightforward issues. Meanwhile, CSUs were invited to contribute to the Inter-CSU Challenge, which called for solutions to more complex, recurring work challenges that could involve multiple teams. Both formats prioritized feasibility, alignment with transformation goals, and practical benefits to ways of working.
Ditch Champions and Winning Ideas
The campaign proved successful, yielding 15 total ditch submissions—11 from individuals and 4 from CSUs. Among the standout entries were ideas addressing digital clutter, accessibility of shared spaces, and equipment coordination. On the CSU front, top proposals tackled data centralization, compliance streamlining, and cross-functional visibility—proof that simplification, when crowd-sourced, unlocks both creativity and impact.
“It felt like a celebration, not just a call for ideas. It made our roles in AEV feel real and meaningful—like we were part of something bigger, not just ticking a box,” shared Jennalyn Tan, member of the Investments and Corporate Finance Team.
Winners earned crucial GT Cup points, special gift certificates, and exclusive GT gear—but more importantly, bragging rights and a stake in shaping better ways of working.
Sustaining Momentum
While idea quality remained strong in previous cycles, this year’s Super Ditch activation proved one thing: energy and collaboration increase when people are invited in. With thoughtful design, meaningful rewards, and a touch of gamification, the Big Ditch Drop brought renewed momentum—making transformation feel shared, tangible, and fun. As new ideas take root and engagement deepens, the Program continues to evolve, driven by a sense of collective ownership. Because when simplification becomes everyone’s business, progress gets personal.
