In this podcast episode, we speak with Michel Claassens about the evolving nature of leadership in digital transformation. We explore how organizations must adapt their leadership approaches as AI redistributes knowledge and power throughout their hierarchies. Michel, a digital transformation veteran with experience across Phillips, Signify, and AkzoNobel, shares candid insights from decades of leading complex initiatives, revealing both the strategic frameworks and practical tactics that differentiate successful transformations from failed ones.
In this episode, we cover the following subjects:
- Why digital transformation always has "the component of transformation attached to it" requiring leaders to connect across all organizational layers.
- Michel's comprehensive transformation methodology that balances external customer-focused streams driving revenue growth with internal streams focused on efficiency.
- How different organizational cultures demand different leadership approaches to "challenge the status quo" without being labeled disruptive.
- The fundamental shift occurring as AI democratizes knowledge throughout organizations, dissolving traditional information hierarchies.
- Why transformation must be "owned altogether" by the organization rather than isolated within a single team or function.
- Michel's practical experience using AI tools like notebook alarm and perplexity in his daily work and how this shapes his view on organizational change.
- The critical importance of starting transformation "from a customer perspective outside in" before connecting to strategy.
- How transformation leaders must adapt their styles to match the maturity of initiatives throughout their lifecycle.
- Strategies for building effective "wolf pack" teams and managing complex stakeholder networks during transformation.
- Why organizations often fail to recognize the true urgency of digital transformation until external pressures force their hand.
Links:
LinkedIn Evolving Digital https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/evolving-digital-podcast
Instagram Evolving Digital
https://www.instagram.com/evolvingdigital.podcast/?hl=en
Facebook Evolving Digital
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566815356179
LinkedIn Michel Claassens
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michel-claassens-2265b66
