Picture a leader in today’s fast-paced, tech-infused corporate world—a world where AI-powered analytics and digital platforms are reshaping entire industries at a dizzying speed. For many, this evolution feels like uncharted terrain. It’s not just about picking up the latest tech tools; it’s about developing a mindset that craves knowledge, embraces digital curiosity, and adapts with agility to new technological landscapes.
In a conversation on the qualities of a modern leader, Sunil Ranjhan, CHRO, Dixon Technologies, described an emerging paradigm: leaders must be fluent in both finance and technology. “People who understand the language of money along with the language of technology make a difference in any organisation,” he explains. Leaders who combine financial literacy with tech expertise can harness automation and predictive analytics, making informed, data-driven decisions that bolster the bottom line.
But digital curiosity in leadership goes deeper than mere tech literacy. It’s about actively engaging with new technologies and exploring their potential. Take the world of manufacturing, for instance. A leader well-versed in automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) can dramatically boost production efficiency. In HR, a digitally curious leader experimenting with AI-driven recruitment tools can transform hiring and engagement strategies, reaching a wider talent pool while personalising employee experiences.
“Leaders today must not only gather data but interpret it critically and creatively, using this information to make quick, informed decisions.”
Amit Sharma, CHRO, Gokaldas Exports
Agility as the new imperative
In this era of rapid change, leaders need cognitive agility—the ability to analyse complex data, adapt to fast-evolving situations, and extract actionable insights. Amit Sharma, CHRO, Gokaldas Exports, sees this adaptability as vital. “Leaders today must not only gather data but interpret it critically and creatively, using this information to make quick, informed decisions,” he says. In HR, an agile leader uses engagement metrics, turnover rates, and performance analytics to craft strategies that align with both employee needs and company goals, often identifying potential challenges before they arise.
Both Ranjhan and Sharma believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning. Leaders who remain curious and invested in expanding their tech acumen, whether through industry publications or learning directly from their IT teams, lay the groundwork for effective decision-making in a landscape that increasingly relies on technology.
Bridging tech and traditional expertise
Connecting with technology experts can be transformative. For leaders, engaging with IT professionals reveals how digital solutions apply to real-world challenges, helping them make savvy, tech-driven decisions.
“Today’s employees, especially digital natives, expect their work environment to mirror the tech-driven experiences they enjoy outside of work,” says Sharma. Leaders with digital curiosity and tech fluency can uplift team morale, making work feel relevant and innovative. In HR, data analytics can track performance, succession planning, and skills development, enabling proactive talent management.
“People who understand the language of money along with the language of technology make a difference in any organisation.”
Sunil Ranjhan, CHRO, Dixon Technologies
Ranjhan further points out that as virtual platforms redefine workplaces, leaders must be knowledgeable about tools that enhance productivity. “As the business world moves online, it’s crucial for leaders to know which tools can streamline their workflows,” he explains. Those leaders who embrace data analytics and automation can focus on high-impact tasks, pushing routine work into the background.
Adopting a digital compass for success
For organisations to thrive, they must cultivate leaders with a ‘digital compass’— a blend of curiosity, continuous learning, and adaptability. Such leaders grasp not only the ‘what’ but the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of data, guiding their teams with foresight and confidence. Sharma captures this sentiment perfectly: “The combination of digital curiosity and cognitive ability will be the mantra for success in the future.”
In shifting toward digital platforms, whether e-learning or AI-based recruitment, companies are building a workforce ready for tomorrow. Leaders who embrace digital learning and data-driven decision-making don’t just follow trends—they shape them, leading their teams into an agile, tech-savvy future.
As technology continues to change the business world, successful leaders will be those who see tech not as a challenge but as an opportunity for growth. By collaborating across teams, learning from tech experts, and navigating unknowns with a digital compass, they will chart a bold path into the future.
