Instilling Confidence in Women Leaders Amid Rapid Digital Change

Christine Low brings with her over two decades of strategic leadership and expertise in technology sales and business development across the APJC region. She has been instrumental in driving the adoption of observability solutions that empower organizations and government agencies to gain actionable insights into their digital environments. Previously, Christine held key roles at Cisco, IBM, Logicalis, and Telstra, where she provided her expertise in sales leadership, partner ecosystem management, account management, sales enablement, and solution development.

In an impactful interaction with Global Woman Leader magazine, Christine reflects on her experiences leading digital change across global markets. She emphasizes on overcoming resistance, leveraging technology for innovation and balancing the immediate impact on long -term transformation. She also highlights the need to enable women to embrace digital trends with confidence.

For a deeper look at Christine's journey and her practical strategies for driving digital change in an AI -driven era, read the interview below.

You’ve led complex digital transformations in various markets, what internal resistance did you face personally from the teams and how have you reformulated this resistance to opportunity?

Internal resistance often stemmed from fear of change and uncertainty, especially in the current age of AI. I’ve addressed this personally by ensuring I maintain open communication within teams and clearly explaining the reasons behind each transformation so that everyone is aligned with the ultimate objective.

What I found essential was also making sure everyone is heard. Take for example the integration of AI in the workplace.

It does require us to learn and practice implementing AI to existing workstreams, and some might be anxious about its implications in the long-term.

By actively listening to concerns and being transparent throughout the process, we are able to work, and learn; together to ensure smoother digital integrations- demonstrating that it is a boon for everyone in the long term. Such transformation phrases in turn convert resistance into an opportunity for greater team engagement and alignment.

In your experience, how has technology helped you unlock new revenue flows not only financially but in the transformation of mentalities within the organization?

Technology has generally enhanced productivity, though it also brings added complexity and potential risks. How an organisation perceives technology–either as a business enabler that opens new revenue opportunities, or as a barrier focused solely on risk–largely depends on the organisation’s mindset.

From my experience, technology has been a greater facilitator for new possibilities. AI, for example, has been implemented to great success by many organisations in automating mundane tasks, enabling talents to pursue value-added tasks and fostering greater innovations.

That said, success lies in careful planning. Organisations will also need to combine the implementation of new technologies with risk mitigation strategies to fully leverage its benefits, while ensuring digital resilience.

How do you prioritize and balance quick wins versus long -term transformation in digitisation, especially when under pressure to provide immediate business results?

This is very much the case with AI right now, as its hype has started to wear off, and organisations are placing more scrutiny on converting tangible return-on-investment (ROI).

For me, I focus on identifying achievable short-term goals with minimal obstacles to quickly showcase tangible and sustainable business impact to management; while ensuring we align closely with the overarching strategic vision in the long-term.

At the same time, these quick wins should not compromise or divert from the execution of the long-term plan. Demonstrating tangible value early on is crucial to securing ongoing business support. and the investment needed to realise the broader transformation objectives.

What one error you made at the beginning of digital change that later became a key lesson for the way transformation leads now?

One early mistake I made in driving digital change was assuming that simply sharing the strategy would be enough to ensure teams are aligned in its execution.

I learned that any change, especially digital transformation, requires time, attention, and ongoing effort.

Continuous updates and communication are essential to keep teams informed. As leaders, we have to keep close with our teams to reinforce understanding, maintain enthusiasm and buy-in, and nurture their passion throughout the process. The key lesson I took away is: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate.

As a mentor and builder, how do you instill digital confidence in women leaders who feel left behind or intimidated by changes in fast -moving technology?     

When reflecting on this question, I recalled how I encouraged my mum to embrace technology. Proud to say she is now active on social media and making the most of her phone.

My approach to building her digital confidence involved sharing my own enthusiasm and assurance with technology to make it more accessible.

It included quite a bit of education, demonstrations, and clearly highlighting the benefits technology brings.

As women, we often doubt our abilities and fear failure or making mistakes, so feeling intimidated by rapid technological changes is normal. I encourage fellow women leaders to adopt a growth mindset and remind them that we are inherently resilient and adaptable. As the saying goes, it’s better to try and fail than never to try at all.

LAST WORD: Advice for Women Leaders to Boost Digital Transformation     

For women leaders aiming to drive digital transformation amid doubt or limited support, my practical advice is to prioritise consistent communication.

Build and maintain trust and transparency with your teams throughout the journey. Regularly check progress and be ready to realign strategies as needed.

Remember, success is rarely a straight path—keep your focus firmly on the ultimate goal, rather than the obstacles along the way.