A Change in Conversation

16_4 things CIOs must get right to build influence

AI puts IT at the centre of business change – now CIOs must turn that moment into influence. Problem CIOs have long wanted IT to be seen as more than an operational provider. But influence is not earned through technical delivery alone. It depends on whether business stakeholders understand the direction, trust the guidance, adopt the technology, and see the value. Why it matters now AI and data have moved IT into the centre of business change. This creates a rare opportunity for CIOs to strengthen IT’s strategic role — or miss the moment. **What you’ll learn ** -Why technical delivery is no longer enough -How CIOs can create strategic clarity -Where stakeholder trust breaks down -Why adoption shapes IT’s reputation -How to tell a stronger value story -What IT must do differently now Executive takeaway CIO influence grows when IT becomes a trusted guide for business value, not just a provider of systems. **Listen now to learn how CIOs can turn the AI moment into greater visibility, stronger tech adoption, and more influence where decisions are made. **

15_Building trust with credibility:How to move IT from firefighting to trusted business partner/Linda Söderberg (Sysmex)

A practical CIO perspective on reducing operational noise, rebuilding IT confidence, and creating the conditions for tech adoption. Problem Many IT organisations are still trapped between operational firefighting and rising business expectations. When noise, unclear priorities, and constant demand dominate the agenda, IT struggles to create room for innovation, strategic partnership, and long-term credibility. Why it matters now CIOs are under pressure to keep the business running while preparing for AI, automation, and new digital demands. Without focus and trust, even strong IT teams risk being seen as reactive rather than value-adding. What you’ll learn -How to reduce operational noise -Why credibility starts with reliable basics -How to balance steady state and innovation -Why customer centricity matters in IT -How communication strengthens the IT brand -Why trusted partnership is a long game IT becomes a trusted business partner when it creates focus, communicates clearly, and consistently proves its value through credible delivery. **Listen now to learn how Linda Söderberg moved IT from firefighting mode toward stronger trust, clearer priorities, and a more strategic role in the business. **

#14_Stakeholder buy-in at scale:How to mobilize 80 countries behind one SAP transformation |Jorge Lopez (Syngenta Group)

A reverse, customer-led approach that turns early stakeholder engagement into stronger ownership, faster adoption and less resistance. Problem Most SAP programs still treat rollout as a deployment problem. The result is familiar: late stakeholder pushback, weak local ownership, uneven adoption and endless Hypercare phases. In this episode, Jorge Lopez explains why large-scale transformation only works when program leaders build business commitment, strong team alignment and clear governance long before go-live. Why it matters now Global programs are under pressure to standardise faster while proving value earlier. If adoption lags, the business case weakens quickly. What you’ll learn -How to build buy-in across 80 countries -Why early regional involvement changes adoption -How to balance standards with local realities -What strong program teams do differently -Why data readiness shapes rollout credibility -How partners can strengthen execution Executive takeaway Technical delivery is not enough; adoption improves when leaders align stakeholders, team, governance and business value from the start. Listen now to learn how to reduce resistance, strengthen ownership and improve adoption in a complex global SAP transformation.

#13- When to start your stakeholder engagement

Early engagement protects adoption, program credibility, and ROI. Most ERP programs start stakeholder engagement too late. By the time questions, frustration, and local pushback become visible, the program has already lost time, goodwill, and part of its adoption potential. What looks like a communication issue is often a business risk: weaker adoption, slower stabilization, and an ROI story that starts to crack. Why it matters now This matters now because large tech programs are under more scrutiny than ever. CIOs and program leads are expected not just to go live, but to prove usage, value, and control across the full journey.  What you’ll learn -What leaders can influence early -When stakeholder engagement really needs to start -Why technical readiness does not equal adoption -How hidden concerns form in each phase -Where passive resistance starts building -How to protect credibility beyond go-live Early stakeholder engagement is not support work around the program; it is part of how you protect adoption, reputation, and ROI from the start. Listen now to learn how to engage earlier, reduce resistance triggers, and lead your ERP change with more control. https://open.spotify.com/show/1iJW0dI3XFcG4kehBMf8J4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/1iJW0dI3XFcG4kehBMf8J4]

#12- The 4 forces behind tech adoption

Why users resist, where adoption breaks down, and what leaders can do early to protect ROI. Most tech programs do not lose value at go-live. They lose value in the weeks and months after, when usage drops, workarounds appear, and local teams quietly disengage. The issue is rarely the system alone. Adoption is shaped by four forces that either reinforce behaviour change or weaken it before the rollout has a real chance. Why it matters now This matters now because CIOs and program leads are under pressure to show ROI faster, reduce disruption, and move programs into business as usual without extended support costs or reputation damage. What you’ll learn * Why go-live does not guarantee adoption -The four forces shaping user adoption -Where hidden concerns start to build -Why workarounds spread after launch -How stakeholder response affects ROI -What leaders can influence early Adoption is not a communication afterthought but a leadership variable that can be managed early to protect value. Listen now to build your program’s immune system. https://open.spotify.com/show/1iJW0dI3XFcG4kehBMf8J4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/1iJW0dI3XFcG4kehBMf8J4]