In the early 2000s, Nokia dominated mobile phones, Kodak led photography, and taxis were the go-to transport option. Fast forward to today, and these industries have been completely transformed. Technology played a role, but the real driving force behind these shifts was leadership.

The real catalyst for change is transformative leadership. Unlike traditional leadership, it goes beyond managing change. It inspires, fosters innovation and creates an environment where change is not only accepted but embraced. But what makes a leader truly transformative in the digital age?

Research on leadership competencies for digital transformation (Schiuma et al., 2024) highlights six key traits that define a transformative leader, someone who can navigate organisational digital transformation effectively:

✅ Pragmatic. Aligning digital tools with real-world business needs ensures meaningful impact.

✅ Sustainable. A long-term approach delivers lasting value, not just short-term wins.

✅ Facilitator. Breaking down silos to foster collaboration and seamless technology integration.

✅ Communicator. Translating complex digital goals into clear and actionable steps.

✅ Catalyst. Energising teams, driving momentum, and overcoming resistance.

✅ Informed. Staying ahead of digital trends to anticipate opportunities and risks.

While these competencies help leaders navigate digital transformation, success ultimately depends on people. In Southeast Asia, cultural diversity shapes how change is embraced. Leaders must navigate human dynamics, including behaviours, attitudes, and cultural backgrounds that influence how change is experienced. A system can be rolled out overnight, but its success depends on how well people adopt and adapt to it. This is where leadership makes the difference. Leaders play a crucial role in defining and communicating the vision of change and mobilising people to embrace it. They must model the change, convey the message in a simple yet compelling way, and inspire their teams to move forward while influencing the organisation as a whole.

Organisations that invest in both technology and their people see the most sustainable results. HumanCap has helped coach leaders through various types of change efforts, whether in organisational transformation or technology adoption. Results show a clear difference between leaders who drive change and those who simply participate in it.

Let’s work together to drive impactful change. Contact us to learn more.

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