*Innovation Is More Than Technology—It’s a Mindset*
By Shawna Cartwright CIO, Cushman & Wakefield
The CIO’s role in driving innovation beyond technological tools
The importance of aligning value creation with organizational objectives
How to foster a strategic partnership between people and technology
As pioneers of the technological landscape, CIOs are responsible for not only managing the necessary tools, but also for driving innovation during a time of revolutionary change.
This responsibility extends far beyond simply embracing change; it requires embedding innovation into the very essence of the organization—shaping a future in which CIOs can redefine the organization’s growth and resilience.
To accomplish this successfully, CIOs must foster a strategic partnership between technology and business strategy, recognizing that digital transformation is a continuous process that constantly enables change.
At Cushman & Wakefield, digital transformation is a constant process that surpasses mere adoption. Rather, it represents the flexibility and versatility of technology in consistently reshaping organizational operations to accommodate changing business requirements.
Reflecting on our growth trajectory as a global company with 52,000 employees, 400 locations, and operations spanning 60 countries and generating $9.5 billion in revenue, we recognize the importance of our adaptive approach in navigating challenges such as mergers and acquisitions and effectively scaling our business.
Furthermore, the importance of incorporating cloud-based applications in our broader technology strategy became increasingly apparent when the disruptive effects of the pandemic unfolded. Leveraging these solutions enabled us to effectively navigate the uncertainties it presented, highlighting the importance of our proactive approach to technological adaptation and ensuring our resilience in addressing unforeseen challenges.
The key to unlocking the full potential of new technological tools is to establish a bridge between technology and business leaders. This connection should be grounded in collaborative problem‑solving, which emphasizes a deep understanding of business needs to foster trust throughout advancements in technology.
Adopting new technologies also involves a paradigm shift that requires platforms to be viewed as adaptable frameworks instead of just applications. It is about breaking away from conventional methods, prioritizing strategic innovation, and encouraging teams to explore the unknown.
Furthermore, it is important to note that technology implementation should not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Some organizations opt for large projects with substantial returns, while others focus on incremental changes. The key lies in continually assessing where value creation aligns with organizational goals to enable CIOs to maximize ROI and create value while driving digital transformation.
As fellow CIOs navigate the ever-evolving technological landscape, the convergence of innovation, strategic collaboration, and trust must be the cornerstone of our work. Embracing the transformative potential of technology is an ongoing narrative, and a testament to our commitment to continually shift organizational paradigms.
Let us stand as the pioneers of this digital evolution, steering our organizations toward a future defined by technology and leadership. In doing so, we continue to add value in every step of our journey toward digital transformation.
