CIO Edge Mexico Speaker Insights With Daniela Meling – Digital Transformation Lead at Unilever
In the build-up to our CIO & CISO Edge Mexico event on the 31st of May in Mexico City, we will be sharing some speaker interviews from our distinguished lineup of CIOs, CISOs & IT leaders, next up is Daniela Meling – Digital Transformation Lead at Unilever, Daniela will be presenting a talk themed “How To Become The Owner Of Your Development Using The Technology At Hand ”, CIOs, CISOs, and IT leaders can check the event agenda & reserve a free event pass here:
CIO Edge Mexico – What are your main responsibilities as the Digital Transformation Lead at Unilever?
DM – First and foremost, I lead the digital training agenda, ensuring that all community members, regardless of their expertise level, receive comprehensive training and can become owners of their development. Additionally, I coach teams to adopt an agile approach when working on crucial projects. Another important aspect of my role is leading the communication agenda, ensuring effective and timely communication within the community. Lastly, I make sure that the community actively engages with the latest digital developments.
CIO Edge Mexico – Transformation is thrown around as a word as it’s absolutely given by organizations but as we know it’s not an easy thing to do. Can you take us through your approach and how it has taken shape in your own career?
DM – Digital transformation is not a mere implementation of complex software; it entails a fundamental shift in how we operate and make decisions—a true change in mindset. While technology plays a pivotal role in the “how,” it is essential to remember that humans drive the “why.” To achieve successful transformation, it is crucial to ensure that everyone is actively involved and understands that the rapidly evolving landscape is an opportunity rather than a threat because it involves dedicating time to tasks that truly resonate with us.
In my approach to digital transformation, I adopt an internal perspective. I have developed a comprehensive strategy that fosters alignment throughout the organization, addressing what, how, and why of our initiatives. It is imperative for top-level executives to cultivate a digital mindset, while mid-level managers learn to effectively consume and request information. Furthermore, the operational teams require training to enhance their digital skill set and contribute to developing digital solutions. All of these levels of the organization necessitate ongoing support from a dedicated digital team.
CIO Edge Mexico – Which priority projects are you conducting now?
DM – Currently, I am leading several priority projects that are critical to our organization’s success. These include conducting various learning programs such as Purple Profile Foundations, Purple Profile Advanced, Purple Profile Data Engineering, Tech Tools for Leaders, and Digital Mindset. These programs aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of our community members.
In addition, I am actively involved in agile coaching data engineers and business users, guiding, and facilitating the transformation of key finance processes and cross-area planning initiatives. By adopting an agile approach, we are able to adapt and respond effectively to the evolving digital landscape.
Furthermore, I am focused on consolidating and expanding community engagement through an extensive communication strategy. This strategy aims to foster a strong sense of involvement and collaboration among community members, ensuring that they are well informed and actively participate in the organization’s digital developments.
CIO Edge Mexico – In your opinion, how to lead change successfully and what do you think are the key steps CIOs must take along the way to get there? And what to avoid?
DM – Leading change successfully requires establishing a clear vision. It’s important to identify key stakeholders who will play a crucial role in driving and championing the change. Create a coalition of support by involving influential individuals from various departments and levels within the organization.
One aspect that’s crucial for me is to communicate effectively; develop a robust communication plan that includes clear and consistent messaging about the change, its purpose, and the benefits it brings. Tailor communication to different audiences, address concerns, and provide regular updates to keep everyone informed and engaged. This helps to engage employees early in the change process and encourages their active participation. Seek their input, address their concerns, and involve them in decision-making whenever possible. This fosters ownership, commitment, and a sense of empowerment. To enhance this even more offer training programs, resources, and support to help employees develop the necessary skills and knowledge required for the change. This enables them to adapt to new processes, systems, and ways of working effectively.
To avoid common pitfalls in leading change, don’t underestimate the human element.
Recognize that change can evoke resistance and emotional reactions. Anticipate and address concerns, provide support, and empathize with employees’ perspectives. Don’t overlook communication, avoid assuming that people understand the change without clear and consistent messaging.
Remember that change takes time. Avoid rushing through the process or skipping essential steps such as stakeholder engagement, training, or feedback gathering. Allow employees to adjust and adapt at a reasonable pace. Effective change management is crucial. Consider change management frameworks and methodologies to guide the process.
CIO Edge Mexico – You are working with teams. In your experience do you face skill gaps in IT? What can you advise other CIOs to overcome it?
DM – In my experience working with teams, I have observed that there are skill gaps in IT that can hinder effective collaboration with the business. Encourage cross-functional collaboration. Foster collaboration between IT and other departments through cross-functional teams or projects. This allows IT professionals to gain firsthand experience of the business’s pain points and enables them to contribute to finding solutions.
CIO Edge Mexico – What can the attending delegates expect from your talk at our CIO Edge Mexico event on the 31st of May?
DM – In my talk, I will explore how enterprise companies can drive growth by prioritizing investments in upskilling and reskilling their workforce. It delves into the strategic aspects of implementing training programs that effectively enhance employees’ skills and competencies. Additionally, the talk emphasizes the importance of community engagement while simultaneously advancing individuals’ careers, showcasing how these dual goals can be achieved to foster a thriving and dynamic organizational culture.
CIO Edge Mexico – Thank you for your industry insights Daniela, to sign up for the event clink below, to enquire about speaker or sponsorship opportunities for our events contact us here: