Leaders in the Digital Age Cannot Resist Change
Technological change has transformed how companies conduct business and the kind of leaders they need. Amid increasingly dynamic competition, leaders can no longer rely solely on experience and strategic planning. They must be able to anticipate change, make use of technology, foster collaboration and guide organisations so they remain relevant.
In my view, today’s leadership challenge is not simply how to ensure an organisation’s survival, but how to help it grow amid uncertainty. Leaders who cling to old ways risk falling behind, while those willing to learn and adapt have greater opportunities to innovate.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights the importance of analytical thinking, leadership, influencing skills and adaptability in response to changes in the world of work. This shows that technological progress does not eliminate the need for human qualities. On the contrary, the ability to make decisions, build trust and motivate others is becoming more important.
Artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digitalisation can accelerate work processes. However, technology alone cannot ensure that an organisation is moving in the right direction. Leaders are still needed to interpret information, weigh risks, understand their teams’ needs and make responsible decisions.
I see modern leadership as the ability to drive change, rather than simply supervise work. Leaders need to create an environment that encourages team members to share ideas, try new approaches and learn from evaluation. In a constantly changing business environment, an overly rigid leadership style can stifle creativity and slow decision-making.
Changes in working practices also require stronger communication skills. Collaboration can now take place across regions, time zones and even working cultures. Leaders must therefore ensure that every team member understands the shared goals, has room to contribute and knows their responsibilities. Proficiency with digital tools must go hand in hand with the ability to build human relationships.
These challenges are an important consideration in management education. Students need to do more than study organisational theory, marketing, finance and human resources. They also need to practise analysing business problems, making data-based decisions, presenting ideas and working in teams with diverse perspectives.
As Head of the Management Study Programme at Nusa Mandiri University (UNM), I believe management education must bridge academic knowledge and the real needs of the business world. Students should become accustomed to working through case studies, developing strategies, assessing risks and understanding the effects of decisions on organisations and society.