Are people the superpower that drives transformation? With Kate O'Neill and Mike Manby

Are people the superpower that drives transformation? With Kate O'Neill and Mike Manby

Author: Deloitte UK April 28, 2026 Duration: 35:13
The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business
Business

Companies are investing more than ever in technology to transform their businesses.

But the full impact isn't being felt. Most organisations believe they are missing out on up to 50% of the returns they expect from digital transformation. So, what's the missing piece?

Do firms need to invest more or does the answer lie in their leadership and culture?

From AI to cloud platforms, organisations are undertaking digital transformation in the search for added efficiency, growth and competitive advantage. But change doesn't just happen to systems, it affects people too.

If technology is a tool for transformation, is it the people and culture who drive real change?
 
Behind every platform rollout and process redesign are employees being asked to adapt to and buy into a new way of working. And without a culture enabling people to embrace this change, nearly half of leaders say their success will be hindered.

So, what role do people have in unlocking tech potential? What does a culture that can supercharge the impact of technology investments actually look like? What foundations need to be built when designing transformation plans? And how can organisations stay future-ready but people-centric?

That's what we're exploring in this episode of The Green Room with Kate O'Neill, author and Founder of KO Insights, and Mike Manby, Technology & Transformation Consumer Industry Lead at Deloitte, as we ask: Are people the superpower that drives transformation?

Tune in to find out:

  • The role of leadership in driving transformational and culture change
  • How the right culture can supercharge the impact of technology
  • The foundations that need to be built when designing transformation plans
  • How organisations can stay future-ready but people-centric

Enjoyed this episode? Check out our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

Find out more about The Yard here: 
The Yard Charity | Supporting disabled children and young people

Guests: Kate O'Neill, author and Founder of KO Insights, and Mike Manby, Technology & Transformation Consumer Industry Lead at Deloitte

Hosts: Annie Wong and Oli Carpenter

Original music: Ali Barrett

Recording date and location: London, 25.02.26


In The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business, conversations move beyond surface-level trends to examine the underlying forces reshaping the commercial landscape. Hosted by Deloitte UK, this award-winning podcast creates a space where complex, pressing questions are met with clarity and depth. Every discussion is built around a single, significant inquiry, bringing in leading voices from across various sectors to unpack it. What you'll hear is not just commentary, but substantive strategic analysis and expert insights designed for leaders and professionals who need to understand the 'why' and the 'how'. The dialogue consistently returns to critical, interconnected areas like digital transformation, the practical implications of AI and technology, evolving leadership models, and the realities of the future of work. It also delves into core business strategy, the pathways to genuine innovation, and the urgent demands of sustainability and climate action. This podcast functions as a dedicated forum for thought leadership, where each episode provides a focused lens on the topics that define success and responsibility in modern business. The aim is to equip listeners with perspectives that are both broad and deeply relevant, turning abstract concepts into actionable understanding. It’s a resource for anyone looking to engage with the substantive ideas that are currently challenging and changing organizations worldwide.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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