How to Lead Human-Centered Technology Transformation

Our ‘Leading Through Uncertainty’ series explores how senior leaders manage continual complexity and ambiguity. In a world where change is the only constant, we spotlight inspirational stories of leadership in uncertain times. 

Mikael joined PwC as a Partner and Head of Technology Transformation in June 2023, introduced by Odgers’ Jacob Præst. After more than two years in his role, Mikael explored the impact of geopolitics and technology adoption, how executives can adapt to uncertainty, and his live-by motto for successful leadership.

What Does ‘Leading Through Uncertainty’ Mean To You Personally? 

You can't really think of a leader during any time that wasn't leading through uncertainty, because of course the future is always uncertain. But sometimes that uncertainty is based on more unstable conditions and means more than in other times. You as a strategic leader need to think, plan and act from a more scenario-based position to be really prepared for what is around the corner. For your company, your employees and yourself. 

Today, I think you still need to be able to put yourself in a position where you can act in the short term, but always plan for the long term.

What Are The Biggest Challenges Or Disruptions Currently Shaping Your Sector? 

When it comes to technology transformation, we need to consider the broader regulatory landscape, the geopolitical dynamics shaping how technology is developing around the world, the opportunities emerging from AI and how we can proactively embrace them.

I deeply believe in the power of human interaction and in the uniqueness of our ability to collaborate. As humans, we not only invest in the benefits that come from working together, but we also remain aware of the potential downsides - that awareness is something uniquely human. Humans should remain the guiding star, not the machine. The best path forward is a balance between technology and human insight.

How Are Leadership Expectations Evolving In Response To These Changes? 

To excel today, you need a holistic mindset about the areas you work in. Global volatility in the technology space brings to light whether we have the right processes, competencies, and even the right strategy to support our culture and meet the expectations of emerging technology. 

Looking Ahead, How Do You See The Picture Changing In Your Sector Over The Next 12–18 Months?

The power of data will bring so many possibilities, but they need to be harvested carefully, with a clear understanding of the impact on customers, the balance sheet, value delivery, and both customer and employee experience.

Leaders don’t need to have every answer, but they do need a future-focused perspective so organisations, leadership teams and society can continue to offer individuals a sense of belonging and a clear ‘what’s in it for me?’ for now and in the future.

PwC’s purpose is to build trust and integrity in society while solving important problems. That mission resonates with me, because there are still many challenges to address; if we don’t tackle them in a way that protects trust and integrity, we risk heading in the wrong direction.

What Advice Would You Give To Boards Or Executive Teams Preparing For Continued Uncertainty?  

Cybersecurity is a large proportion of my work, and it needs to be a priority for every board and executive team. It must be embedded into daily operations, with safeguards that truly protect the organisation’s ‘crown jewels’. 

From a board and executive perspective, that translation is essential: how do you connect the necessities of technology with the possibilities it creates? The advice I find most important is bridging that gap so strategy and technology move together.

What Are Your Top Three Tips For Success In Leadership? 

I have a motto for how I work: do good, have fun, make money.

1. Do good. If I can’t do good for my customers, for my people and for my company and myself, then it's not the role for me. 
2. Have fun. Work should be enjoyable and motivating. Fun also means being part of a skilled and supportive team that you enjoy collaborating with; and working with client problem/solution spaces that you genuinely enjoy supporting.
3. Create economic value. Of course you need to earn a living to support yourself and be able to progress and support the company you live and work in. 

This motto has brought a lot of direction to me through the years and I still live by it. 

Introduced by Odgers | Success Story 

Odgers collaborated with PwC to identify a visionary Head of Technology Transformation, with Mikael Skov Mikkelsen commencing his role in June 2023. 

To learn more about Mikael’s attraction to join PwC, his future ambitions for the role, and his journey with Odgers, read his unique success story below.  

Introduced by Odgers | Mikael Skov Mikkelsen Success Story 

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