Direct Procurement Leaders Event in Chicago This Fall

I’m speaking at the Direct Procurement Leadership Summit in Chicago this October on managing AI costs. If you’re a CFO, in procurement, or leading supply chain, I'm sure you are thinking about this already. AI spend grows fast. Most teams don’t have a clear way to control it yet. We'll discuss what actually works and where costs hide and how to stay ahead of them without slowing adoption. Hope to see you there

Recently, I joined the Digital Leadership Executive (DLE) programme by Huawei and MCMC. What stood out to me was how the session started — not with technology, but with a philosophical question: "What is digital leadership?" Different perspectives bounced across the room to kickstart the day of rich discussions. As the working week draws to a close, I wanted to share this to the wider community. For me personally, we must first ask: What does it mean to be a leader? A leader is not just someone who makes decisions or manages people. A true leader inspires, creates new leaders, and builds an organisation that continues to move forward even when the leader is no longer physically present. Henceforth, creating leadership. Technology has evolved through many eras — from mainframes, to the internet, to cloud, and now AI. Each era has expanded our understanding of what is possible. AI has challenged the definition of technology. The question is no longer: “What can technology do?” But: “What is now possible that was never possible before?” Digital leadership is where technology, people, and culture come together. Technology provides the capability. Leadership provides the direction. Culture provides the momentum. But digital leadership may mean different things to different leaders. What is your definition of digital leadership? Is it about adopting technology faster? Transforming the way we work? Or building a culture that continuously learns, adapts, and creates the future? I would love to hear your perspectives. Carolyn Wai thanks for the amazing session.

47% of tech leaders say high-performing human and AI agent teams will define the operating model of the future. Deloitte's 2026 Global Technology Leadership Study is direct about what that means: businesses must focus less on organizational structure and more on how leadership, capital, work, and risk are aligned around core business outcomes. Check out the full report here: https://lnkd.in/g_WRvJwN

The vertical ladder is being dismantled. In 2026, the traditional executive climb has been replaced by the Great Flattening. Recent DDI and Careerminds reports are clear: the leaders winning today aren't the ones hoarding titles in silos. They are the ones building networks across functions. Leadership is no longer about formal authority; it’s about agility and human-centric influence. We are seeing a shift where cross-functional experience is the new gold standard for promotion. If you can’t navigate the intersection of AI, strategy, and human connection, you’re standing still. Rene Carayol has championed this for years. He’s always understood that leadership is about the human element: the "soul" of the organization that no algorithm can replicate. In this era, the most valuable executive isn't the smartest person in the room. It’s the one who makes everyone else in the room better. We are moving from a world of "Command and Control" to "Collaborate and Create." The question is: are you still climbing a ladder, or are you building a foundation? Is your leadership style evolving as fast as your technology?

I have had the privilege to work with many different business leaders. Greg is one of the few who has something extra special! We have always spoken frankly about leadership and one of the trends we are seeing is how AI is fundamentally changing the conditions for career acceleration. Great piece Greg!

As AI adoption accelerates, leaders are increasingly focused on using technology to strengthen decision-making, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable outcomes across the enterprise. Deloitte’s Global Technology Leadership Study highlights a shift in how technology leaders measure success—from managing systems to driving business value. Click here to learn more: https://delo.tt/6041BD402R #DeloitteCBC #GenAI #TechnologyLeadership #Innovation

This October, Stravix Group brings back one of its most anticipated executive masterclasses. Following an outstanding first edition that welcomed senior leaders from leading organizations across Malaysia and beyond, Transforming Strategic Planning with AI returns for an enhanced 2nd Edition, together with the exclusive Strategy 2030 Executive Dinner. This year's programme has been expanded to reflect the latest developments in Generative AI, Agentic AI, and AI-enabled strategic leadership, giving executives practical frameworks for navigating an increasingly complex business landscape. Facilitated by internationally renowned AI strategist Kieran Gilmurray, this masterclass is designed for leaders who recognise that strategic planning is no longer simply about forecasting the future, but about shaping it. The experience extends beyond the classroom. On the evening of Day One, delegates will join the Strategy 2030 Executive Dinner, an exclusive gathering where business leaders exchange perspectives, challenge ideas, and build relationships with peers who are equally committed to shaping what's next. If you're looking to elevate your strategic thinking, strengthen your decision-making, and connect with leaders who are defining the future of business, we'd be delighted to welcome you. Transforming Strategic Planning with AI 20-21 October 2026 | Kuala Lumpur Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gKHiaJdW 📩 info@stravix-group.com Lead Beyond.

Who do you think usually decides whether an organisation brings in on-demand technology capability? Procurement? HR? Business leadership? According to our research, none of those were the primary answer. 54% of organisations said the decision sits with technology leadership, including CTOs, engineering leaders and product leaders. Technology leaders are increasingly responsible for balancing delivery speed, technical quality, AI adoption and workforce agility. The way skills are accessed has become part of that responsibility. It's one of several themes explored in the State of On-Demand Tech Skills 2026 report, which examines how organisations are accessing, deploying and scaling technology capability today. Download the full report here: 

Great to see our Managing Director, Chris Roe FCMA, CGMA, featured in The Guardian this week, talking about something that comes up surprisingly often in our own leadership discussions: people. Logistics is often associated with networks, technology and operational excellence. Those things matter, but they're only effective because of the people behind them. One point from the article particularly resonated with me. AI can help us make better decisions, improve visibility and remove manual work, but it doesn't replace trust, good judgement or strong customer relationships. Those are still built person to person. I'm fortunate to work with leaders who genuinely invest in developing people, creating opportunities to grow and building a culture where customers know there's always someone willing to help when it matters most. Congratulations, Chris, on a well-deserved feature. The full article can be read here too: https://lnkd.in/eeUuGiCx

Want to become the kind of leader who thrives in a digital‑first world? Our Leadership in the Digital Age MBA builds practical skills and insights to lead change and drive innovation across industries. We asked our Course Director, Dr Gloria Oliomogbe, who this course is perfect for and why. Here’s what she shared: “This course is designed for anyone who wants to confidently lead and influence change as digital technologies especially AI continue to reshape how organisations operate, create value, and contribute to society and the environment. "Whether you are building on existing digital knowledge, developing digital and AI fluency from another professional background, or progressing into leadership roles within your organisation, this course supports you to understand and shape responsible, sustainable digital transformation." Feeling inspired? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dD8Qykhd