373: Going Beyond Visibility – Culture and Digitization
Tudor Maxwell is the Head of WiseTech Academy, where he leads e-learning, content development, and certifications. With over five years at WiseTech Global, he draws on a 20-year background in business and process improvement, as well as a parallel career lecturing at business schools in South Africa and Australia. Maxwell argues that successful digitization hinges on effective change management, which includes embracing initial chaos and understanding that resistance can be healthy. He champions the role of training and continuous learning through the WiseTech Academy to empower employees and drive industry-wide improvement.
Last week on episode three of our WiseTech Global mini-series, we tackled one of supply chains most difficult, yet most important, topics – risk. One of the many lessons that the pandemic taught us was the importance of ensuring that robust risk management is incorporated into our supply chain strategies. But, in the current landscape of market disruption and digital transformation, do we even know what the risks are? Well I was joined by Mohan and Nachi to reflect on that question; to talk about why we all need to change the way we view risk in logistics; and the approach that we should be taking to tackle that risk and better prepare for the unexpected.
And today, in our fourth and final episode, we’re taking a closer look at logistics digitization. And, specifically, the role of people in its success. As we talk more and more about digitization across the industry, one important element that’s often missing from those conversations is people, and the resistance they can have to digital change. If we want to ensure smooth and effective digitization across the industry, we really need to start talking about the cultural changes that are also needed – and that’s exactly what we’re going to do today.
I’m joined by Tudor Maxwell, Head of WiseTech Academy, to talk about the different stages of change management; the importance of a commitment to ongoing training and development; the role of the WiseTech Academy in empowering individuals and organizations with content; and why a little chaos isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Guest Bio:
Tudor joined WiseTech Global in 2018 and has over 20 years’ experience improving the way businesses and teams perform in the technology, financial services, mining and non-profit sectors. Tudor leads the Languages, eLearning, Certifications and WiseTech Academy teams and oversees the acquired product teams in South Africa. Prior to joining WiseTech, Tudor led Design, Agile, Lean and Automation practices in Suncorp (2013-2017) and Process Excellence teams in Westpac (2009-2013). Tudor holds a BSc in Engineering, an MBA and a Doctorate in organizational theory and sustainability.
An introduction to today’s guest.
An introduction to WiseTech Academy.
The current landscape of logistics digitization.
From difficulty adapting existing processes to new tech, to fear of the unknown, why one of the biggest barriers to success within supply chain digitization is people – but why some resistance is actually healthy.
Why a little chaos is to be expected in the early stages of planning a change management and digitization process, and how organizations can start to overcome objections.
How companies can start to excite the wider team for change and include them on the digitization journey to ensure a smooth transition.
The importance of training and development when it comes to change management and ongoing digitization, and WiseTech’s vision for the Academy as well as for driving change across the industry.
The importance of collaboration between supply chain stakeholders when it comes to optimizing supply chain efficiency and decision-making.
How individuals, as well as organizations, can engage with the WiseTech Academy to learn and upskill.
The importance of creating a learning-oriented culture that encourages continuous improvement and embraces change.
The three key stages of change management for successful digitization projects.
Resources & Links Mentioned
- Head over to WiseTech’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with WiseTech and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook and YouTube, or you can connect with Tudor on LinkedIn.
- You can also find out more about CargoWise on their website, and follow the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) or YouTube.
- Check out our other podcasts HERE.
