Plant the seeds of awareness and the change impacts in the senior leaders's mind. Then work through their behaviours to achieve the mindset. Ensure that the leaders are AWARE there are two paths leading to change results; the path of COMPLIANCE and the path of ACCEPTANCE. Then ensure that the leaders LEARN the impacts of those two paths. Adjust accordingly.

Based on my international experience, effective digital transformation relies on building resilience within senior leadership. This begins with fostering digital literacy, ensuring leaders are comfortable with new tools and concepts. Cultivating a growth mindset helps leaders adapt to change, while cross-functional collaboration unifies our approach, breaking down silos. When digital initiatives are closely aligned with strategic goals, leaders are more engaged in driving them forward. Recognizing achievements along the way further reinforces a positive, resilient approach to transformation.

One key factor is understanding your audience – what generations are represented around the table? Each may have different perspectives on digital transformation. It’s also essential to understand any underlying fears. Are some leaders concerned that digital tools might replace their roles or devalue their skills? It’s important to clarify why this transformation is happening. The purpose isn’t to judge their digital capabilities, but rather to focus on innovation, streamlining processes, and driving development. Framing it this way can help ease concerns and foster a more open mindset toward digital changes.