Geopolitical instability, rising costs, and looming policy shifts are forcing businesses to rethink priorities, often pulling attention toward crisis-led transformation and away from long-term strategic initiatives. At the same time, the pace of technological change is accelerating rapidly - GenAI, agentic AI, and new digital tools offer great potential, but only if organisations can empower their people to work with this tech. In this environment, the Chief Transformation Officer has been increasingly responsible for holding the long-term plan while mitigating short-term volatility. How can transformation leaders at the top define transformation and plan for the future, when the uncertainty is so much that this discussion might have a whole different economic context by October? Join this session to hear:

-            How do our CTrOs define transformation, and with that, approach transformation

-            What are the priorities of the Chief Transformation Officer, and how do they identify how this trickles down to other transformation leaders and professionals?

-            In a world that is becoming more susceptible to distractions, how do those at the top keep focus on transformation and mitigate the negative impacts of global climate?

The function of transformation is constantly evolving – in some companies, it’s becoming more embedded at a strategic c-level, while in others it’s being absorbed into other business areas or decentralised completely. With growing AI adoption, faster cycles of change, and continuous pressure to prove value, the transformation role as we know it is shifting. So, we’re starting the day with the big question – will transformation still exist in 10 years? And if so, what will it look like?

This isn’t your usual panel. It’s interactive, audience-led, and designed to challenge perspectives. One of our speakers will set the scene before we ask every attendee to vote live from strongly agree to strongly disagree. We’ll show the spread of answers, then open up the debate. Expect to be called on to defend your position, challenge others, or even change your mind as new perspectives are shared.

Transformation is a long game, but leadership changes can shift priorities overnight. Many transformation leaders have seen their carefully crafted strategies disrupted by new CEOs or leadership, all coming with different business approaches. In this panel  we will be exploring what it takes to build a transformation vision so strong that it remains a constant guiding force, even as leadership evolves.

-            When change is inevitable, how do you adapt without losing momentum or direction?

-            How can transformation leaders define a North Star vision that is resilient to leadership changes?

-            What are the key behavioural shifts that indicate a transformation is truly taking hold?

-            How do you secure long-term commitment to transformation efforts, even when leadership priorities shift?

-            What strategies help transformation leaders adapt their approach when new management brings a different perspective?

-            How can transformation teams bridge the gap between continuity and fresh leadership ideas to drive lasting success?

We talk a lot about retaining talent, but what happens when we can’t? With transforming in the age of AI, the crux of success is having people onboard with the necessary skills to understand the tools, translate the vision, and drive change forward. A big priority then, for transformation leaders, is to retain those that possess these skills With employees being more selective than ever, how can one ensure the ship doesn’t sink when there are higher levels of turnover? This panel will explore how to aim for retention, but also how to keep transformation consistent in the absence of this.

-            How can we better understand the priorities of our employees, in efforts to create an environment they want stay a part of?

-            What roles or mindsets must be ‘non-negotiables’ in transformation teams, no matter who comes or goes?

-            What are some ways of quickly identifying who might be the best fit to drive transformation in a new position?

-            How do we embed ways of working and vision deep enough that they survive turnover?

• Is retention really the answer or do we need to build change initiatives that assume turnover from day one?

Welcome to the wild world of disruption! In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing environment, survival isn’t enough - you need to thrive. In a market where the risk of rising costs is apparent, expectations are high, and the need for transformation stability even more important – so how do we enable stability and encourage innovation at the same time? In this session, Elena will guide you through the art of leading your team through chaos while fuelling their innovative fire. Join this presentation to takeaway:

-            How to lead with confidence and spark innovation, even when the world feels like it’s spinning out in unprecedented uncertainty

-            Should we hold steady or pivot? Navigating transformation when the market keeps shifting

-            How to build a team culture that sees uncertainty as a chance to innovate, not a threat

-            Real-life strategies for leading through disruption with agility, trust, and storytelling