Leading a Transformation

Leading a Transformation Enterprise | LAB Webinar Insights  | June 2025 

Transformation is no longer a choice - it’s a necessity. At our latest Leaders Advisory Board (LAB) webinar with Jane Smith, we explored what it truly means to lead a transformation enterprise in 2025. Featuring Claire Lock, a global HR transformation specialist, and Niresh Rajah, an award-winning CDO and AI executive, the session brought together powerful insights on people, technology, and organisational change. 

Transformation Is Everyone’s Business 

Claire opened with a bold statement: HR is no longer a support function. Whether in startups or global organisations, HR is now a core strategic partner - leading on scale, maturity, and talent strategy. The shift to people-first, globalised business models demand a fresh approach to HR: one that’s data-driven, technology-enabled, and obsessed with simplicity. 

Claire's five-pillar framework - Align, Design, Enable, Analyse, Measure - offers a pragmatic roadmap for HR leaders to lead enterprise change from within. At its heart: designing intelligent, scalable operating models and empowering teams with the right tech, insight, and support. 

The AI Disruption: Risk or Opportunity? 

A recurring theme was the impact of AI on talent models. Claire and Niresh both acknowledged the fear and fatigue surrounding automation -especially among those in entry-level or technical roles. But rather than replace people, AI should be used to elevate them. 

Niresh shared a compelling case study from Danske Bank: 500 operations staff were cross trained in data and AI skills, enabling a pivot into newly emerging roles. Structured mentoring and business-aligned learning were critical to this success. 

The message was clear: Upskilling isn’t just a moral responsibility - it’s a competitive advantage. 

The Human Side of Change 

The session underscored that transformation is personal. Claire spoke candidly about the emotional cycle of change and role displacement - from shock to acceptance - and the importance of leading with integrity. Whether redeploying talent or reshaping teams, it’s the how that people remember. 

“Change fatigue” - a reality many leaders are grappling with - requires organisations to slow down, listen deeply, and re-engage disengaged employees through honest conversation and practical action. 

Leading with Purpose 

As Niresh reminded us, success in transformation is not about having all the answers. It’s about building trust, crafting a clear vision, and being brave enough to say no when needed. Whether you’re launching a GenAI initiative or reimagining your operating model, the foundations remain the same: 

• Start with people. 
• Ground decisions in data. 
• Communicate consistently. 
• Lead with empathy. 
• And always, always keep learning. 

Join the conversation: If you're a senior leader driving change in your organisation, connect with like-minded peers in the Leaders Advisory Board LinkedIn Group. Let’s build the future, together.