Author: Jochen Werne . Firstly published in the Academy for Leadership column in German. Translation supported by DeepL. Photos: Pixabay
MANAGEMENT IN DISRUPTIVE TIMES
Author: Jochen Werne. Originally published in the Academy for Leadership column in German. Translation supported by DeepL.
“An analogy for business leaders compares today’s transformative technological era with the shift from sailing ships to steamships during the Industrial Revolution.”
In 1971, the BBC aired a series about James Onedin, a ship captain who navigated the turbulent waters of industrialization and the transition from sailing to steamships. Set in Victorian England in the late 19th century, the series illustrates the complexities of a shifting market, with new technologies and skill sets, rising conflicts between entrepreneurs and managers, and strategic changes amid shrinking margins—challenges that faced those determined to keep their traditional sailing ships afloat.
The captain’s role was to deliver his ship, crew, and cargo safely and efficiently to the destination. But what happens when the ship can’t compete, and rivals dominate the seas with new, innovative vessels? What if the shipowner lacks the resources or trust to adopt new technologies? And what of the crew—do they have the skills needed to operate the new ships?
This scenario is familiar to many business leaders across industries. Companies today are confronting a rapidly evolving market landscape where traditional business models are often strained by rising operational costs, increased competition, and rapidly changing customer expectations. In this environment, businesses must constantly adapt to remain competitive.
Outwaiting a Problem or Tackling It
Economic changes have always been complex, but today’s shifts are intensified by their speed. Companies that fail to respond swiftly may lose customers faster than ever. In disruptive times, there is a call for “efficient” change processes. However, “change” itself has become such a constant that it often leads to stress and overload. This results in management either delaying action for future leaders or rushing into multiple, sometimes ineffective, measures. What often goes missing is proactive, deliberate change management.
Embracing Entrepreneurial Thinking
Successful change processes require involvement from all levels, superiors and employees alike. If the current situation can’t improve, it must be re-evaluated. For everyone involved, this means reflecting on the current state and initiating corrective actions early.
Understanding Corporate Culture is Vital for Transformation
Unfortunately, many companies struggle to communicate the need for action, which can lead to conflict. There may be a lack of interest in employee concerns, limited tolerance for errors and conflicts, and minimal willingness to adapt. If companies overlook these issues, their transformation efforts are at risk of failure. Managers in a disruptive environment must be proactive, implementing new strategies and adapting early to changing markets. Former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s quote, “If you want to make enemies, try to change something,” is particularly relevant in today’s competitive environment.
Companies that embrace change will find their place alongside new market players, leveraging tools that did not exist in traditional business practices.
Much like James Onedin, who ultimately acquired a modern steamship, today’s leaders must consider adapting to new methods while valuing what they hold dear.
Experian: Leading Change in the Digital Age
In today’s AI-driven world, Experian stands at the forefront of digital transformation, serving as an “Euler” for its clients by helping them navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving market landscape. With advancements in artificial intelligence, data processing, and analytics, Experian enables businesses to harness the power of vast data resources in ways that drive real-time insights, enhance decision-making, and promote agility.
Experian’s expertise in data intelligence and innovation makes it an invaluable partner in adapting to change. By leveraging AI-driven tools and solutions, Experian equips its clients to better understand customer needs, assess risks, and implement strategies that are responsive to dynamic market demands. In this sense, Experian is more than just a data and technology provider—it is a strategic navigator, guiding companies through complex transformations and supporting them to stay competitive in an era where data is at the heart of growth and innovation.
Decision-Making in Complex Times
Effective leadership in disruptive environments is anchored in informed decision-making. It’s important to integrate diverse perspectives and to draw on deep expertise to make decisions that drive meaningful transformation. The approach involves connecting the dots between data insights and human understanding, ensuring that decisions are not only data-driven but also culturally and contextually aware. In an era of AI and rapid digitalization, decisions made without such contextual understanding risk alienating both employees and customers.
In fast-paced, technology-driven landscapes, decisions are increasingly about balancing immediate demands with long-term strategic vision. For Experian, this means constantly innovating to meet clients’ evolving needs while maintaining a commitment to responsible data stewardship. By prioritizing transparency and ethical data use, Experian helps clients navigate the digital age responsibly, enhancing both trust and competitive advantage.
Leadership, Transformation, and Cultural Integration
Transformation in today’s business world isn’t solely about adopting new technologies—it’s about fostering a culture that can adapt to and leverage these technologies effectively. Werne highlights that leaders must bridge diverse cultural perspectives and foster an inclusive environment where ideas and innovations can thrive. Cultural integration and alignment are critical for organizations that operate in global markets, as they allow teams to work effectively across borders and bring out the best of each unique perspective.
At Experian, leadership involves empowering employees to think entrepreneurially and collaborate across disciplines and geographies. This kind of integrated leadership helps ensure that transformation initiatives are not just top-down mandates but resonate throughout the organization, fostering engagement and ownership at all levels. By building a culture that values innovation, transparency, and inclusivity, Experian exemplifies how companies can successfully navigate transformation in a way that aligns with both business goals and employee values.
Experian as a Transformational Partner
Experian’s ongoing commitment to leveraging data and AI responsibly highlights its role as a transformational partner in the digital age. By continuously refining its AI and data solutions, Experian empowers organizations to tackle the challenges of disruption head-on, helping them optimize operations and create more meaningful, resilient connections with their customers.
Much like an Euler in mathematical theory, guiding through complexities and connecting diverse variables to arrive at clear, impactful outcomes, Experian helps businesses make sense of an increasingly complex digital world. This role as a strategic enabler underscores Experian’s dedication to guiding clients not just through technological change, but through cultural and organizational transformation as well.
For clients navigating the complexities of the digital age, Experian represents more than a technology provider; it’s a partner that illuminates the path forward, helping companies remain resilient, innovative, and purpose-driven in an era of unprecedented change.
