Whatever is happening in the exciting world of technological development, it is being done by, for and to humans, so I immediately loved the title of my guest Kamales Lardi’s book: The Human Side of Digital Business Transformation.
Kamales is a global thought leader in digital transformation who is passionate about shining a light on the human ecosystems at the heart of all things digital. We get into the overwhelming nature of digital transformation and the perennial question of ‘where to start’. With her positive and pragmatic outlook, Kamales highlights the transformative potential of blockchain technology beyond finance, such as providing transparency and traceability in the supply chain, creating identities for undocumented people, and free travel across regions. This is grounded in the importance of businesses embracing ethical practices and strategic thinking to transform their businesses and make a bigger impact. Technology can transform - but we must also transform our leadership.
See the opportunities through a leadership lens of abundance
Why you should listen: traditional leadership rules no longer apply
Leadership traits to help you stay ahead
We explore the leadership principles of digital transformation
Successful transformation starts with your leadership journey
Using technology to bring transparency to your corporate culture
Courage, conviction and connection are digital leadership superpowers
Take action
Lean into an abundance mindset - explore the opportunities out there
Look at your business and ask: Are you a fishing boat or could you become an aircraft carrier?
About Kamales Lardi
Kamales is a bold and strategic thinker in digital and business transformation. She combines over 23 years of deep cross-industry experience with the latest digital and technology solutions. Kamales is listed in the “Top 10 Global Thought Leaders in Digital Transformation” (Thinkers360). In 2022, Kamales was recognised in International 40 Over 40 - The World's Most Inspiring Women by CapGemini Invent and Female One Zero. She is the author of The Human Side Of Digital Business Transformation - a playbook for human-centered digital transformation and building an interconnected ecosystem.
Key moments
Business Transformation [00:05:30]
Why businesses need to transform due to the changing landscape brought about by technology, the new competitive landscape, and the changing marketplace.
The New Competitive Landscape [00:06:25]
Technology has obliterated industry boundaries, creating a whole new competitive landscape.
The Acceleration of Technology [00:09:07]
A great metaphor to explain how technology can accelerate businesses, and how companies that are digitally savvy can compete at a much larger scale.
AI-Based Platforms for Business [00:10:46]
How AI-based platforms can help businesses with lead generation, marketing, and even creating a virtual team of experts.
The Importance of Human Connection [00:16:28]
In the age of AI and digital transformation,human connection can help businesses stand out in a crowded marketplace.
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The Misconception of Digital Transformation [00:17:45]
Where we’re going wrong.
Breaking Down Digital Transformation [00:23:06]
A framework for digital transformation, which breaks down the process into smaller building blocks.
Understanding Blockchain Technology [00:25:38]
The history and potential use cases of blockchain technology, and how it differs from other types of ledgers.
Implementing Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain [00:32:29]
Kamales shares an example of how she implemented blockchain technology in supply chain management for palm oil, to ensure providence and sustainability.
Blockchain and Transparency [00:35:30]
Zoë and Kamales discuss the potential of blockchain to create transparency and transform society, but also acknowledge that not all stakeholders want that level of transparency.
Decentralisation and Empowerment [00:40:45]
AI and blockchain could lead to a huge rise in economic power and autonomy for people across the globe, potentially transforming the way countries and institutions are run.
Challenges of Blockchain Technology [00:43:15]
Including cybersecurity and data privacy.
The need for infrastructure [00:44:16-00:45:09]
What are the prerequisites needed for companies to implement emerging technologies?
Leadership in digital transformation [00:45:56-00:48:57]
Zoë and Kamales talk about the mindset, skills, and values that leaders need to have in order to embrace and deal with emerging technologies and opportunities for digital transformation.
Embracing radical transparency [00:52:13]
Zoë encourages leaders to embrace radical transparency as it is emerging and to reflect on how to capitalise on it.
Blockchain and Environmental Impact [00:53:05]
Zoë and Kamales discuss the potential of blockchain technology to track carbon footprint and environmental impact, and how it can be used to prove that businesses are doing the right thing.
Opportunity for a Better World [00:53:55]
There is an opportunity for businesses to build a better world by doing the right thing, and how it can benefit the earth and communities.
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About your host, Canberra leadership expert Zoë Routh:
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to navigate future horizons.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture sessions with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a near future science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast, dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing Big Ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.