As the pace of business continues to accelerate, digital transformation has become a top priority for organizations. Companies across every industry are under pressure to keep up with new technologies, rising customer expectations, and constant market shifts. At the heart of this transformation lies a crucial factor: people who need to be supported by practical learning paths, the right tools for their roles, and development opportunities that actually reflect business needs. This development is empowered through strategic workforce enablement and scalable learning journeys. Building a culture of continuous reskilling and upskilling is becoming more essential for long-term success.
The Human Side of Digital Transformation
Digital tools and technologies, whether AI, automation, cloud computing, or data analytics, are only as effective as the people who use them. Many organizations invest heavily in new technologies but often miss a critical step: helping their teams, especially leaders, build the skills needed to put those tools to work.
In fact, one of the biggest roadblocks to digital transformation is a lack of understanding at the top. If leaders can’t spot opportunities, evaluate the right solutions, or guide their teams through change, even the best tech won’t deliver results. That’s why upskilling isn’t just something for HR to worry about, it’s a key business priority.
This is something Dewi Saete, Project Portfolio Controller at Ericsson and a recent participant in our Leading Digital Acceleration program, encountered firsthand.
“My new task is to digitalize, or to do the automation in our way of working,” says Dewi. “To know better about how to do the digitalization in such a big company, I chose this program.”
Her experience is a reminder that digital transformation is not just about installing new tools. It is about shifting mindsets empowering the people who are responsible for using them effectively.
What Does "Digital Upskilling" Really Mean?
Digital upskilling isn’t just about learning how to use the latest tool or platform. It’s about helping people think differently and encouraging a mindset that’s agile, innovative, and driven by data. For leaders especially, it means being able to:
- See the bigger picture when it comes to emerging technologies and what they mean for the business.
- Connect digital efforts to real organizational goals, so tech investments actually deliver results.
- Create space for experimentation and learning, where teams feel safe trying new ideas.
- Guide teams through change, even when it’s fast, complex, and cross-functional.
This kind of change calls for more than just new skills. Leaders need the right support to grow, from practical development programs to tools that help them think differently, work better with others, and lead effectively in a fast-moving digital world.
From Learning to Leading
The real value of upskilling is in how it translates into better outcomes on the ground. Dewi’s experience after the program highlights the power of applied learning:
“After the program, I became more structured in the project that I'm leading. I use the template to make my work clearer,” she says. “This year, I got another task to lead another project, continuing from last year. And I still implement the same way and communicate better to others who are involved.”
Her story is just one example of how the right learning experience can truly boost professional growth and leadership skills, helping individuals become stronger, teams work better together, and digital projects move forward faster across the whole organization.
The Risk of Standing Still
Failing to invest in digital upskilling puts organizations at risk of far more than inefficiency; they may fall behind completely. Competitors who move quickly, use data smartly, and update how they operate will gain an edge. At the same time, companies stuck in old ways of thinking will find it harder and harder to keep up.
As industries become more connected and customer expectations keep changing, digital maturity will separate the winners from the rest over the next decade. The good news is that upskilling gives companies a practical way to get their leaders ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
A Program for Leaders Ready to Accelerate
Recognizing the growing need for digitally fluent leadership, Collegial’s Leading Digital Acceleration program offers a structured, high-impact learning journey designed specifically for leaders and decision-makers. Delivered in collaboration with world-class academic and industry experts, the program empowers participants to:
- Grasp key digital trends and technologies
- Lead successful digital initiatives
- Drive cultural and organizational change
- Learn from global case studies and peer discussions
For Dewi, the structure and format of the program played a key role in helping her build those capabilities:
“The tempo suited me very well,” she explains. “You had a good time taking the program, the exercises were good after watching the webinar, and dividing people into small groups. It gave us time to study because we are still working at the same time. So yeah, it fits perfectly.”
This kind of flexibility and focus on application is essential when learning has to coexist with ongoing professional responsibilities.
Discover how to future-proof your organization and empower your leaders with digital skills.
Read more and sign up for our Leading Digital Acceleration program.
