At Manifest 2025, one message came through loud and clear: the future of supply chain is digital, but transformation is about more than just technology. As Rick McDonald, former Chief Supply Chain Officer for The Clorox Company, highlighted in his reflections, supply chain leaders must not only embrace AI and digital fluency, but also recognize that change management remains undervalued and underinvested.
This reality extends far beyond supply chain. Across industries, businesses are facing an inflection point. AI is no longer a mere experiment but an imperative. Yet, even as digital tools become more powerful and accessible, transformation efforts often stall. Why? Because true business transformation isn’t just about adopting cutting-edge technology—it hinges on effectively integrating the expertise and experience of people into the process.
The AI-Driven Future is Here—Are You Ready?
AI is poised to revolutionize how businesses operate, but it remains a means to an end—not the end itself. Organizations that hesitate, overwhelmed by the complexity of AI, risk falling behind. As McDonald put it: “Don’t let the complexity, and at times confusion, about the technology paralyze your organization. Get going!”
But getting started with AI is only part of the equation. Success depends on how well companies integrate these technologies into their existing ecosystems, ensuring that employees at all levels are empowered to use AI effectively.
Change Management: The Missing Investment in Digital Transformation
Gallop’s State of the Global Workplace: 2024 Report states, “Developing highly engaged teams results in fewer negative outcomes, more positive outcomes and greater success for your organization.” AI can streamline processes and enhance decision-making, but without thoughtful change management, even the best technologies will fail to deliver impact.
Too often, companies make the mistake of focusing on buying the right technology while neglecting the human side of transformation. Implementing AI requires not just technical upgrades, but a fundamental shift in mindset, workflows, and corporate culture. As Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
What Does Effective Change Management Look Like?
- Building AI Literacy: Digital fluency isn’t just for IT teams—leaders, managers, and frontline employees must understand how AI fits into their daily work.
- Engaging Employees Early: People resist change when they feel excluded from the process. Collaboration between leadership, AI specialists, and end-users is crucial.
- Iterating and Learning: AI adoption isn’t a one-time implementation; it’s an ongoing journey that requires continuous learning and adaptation.
People First, AI Powered
Despite rapid technological change, people remain the greatest asset of any organization. AI should augment human intelligence, not replace it. The companies that thrive will be those that invest in both cutting-edge technology and the culture, training, and leadership structures that enable employees to maximize its potential.
At Zinata, we believe in orchestrating AI-driven transformation that is both seamless and people-centric. AI is no longer optional—but how you implement it will define your success. Will your organization embrace AI strategically and effectively, or will it get stuck in a cycle of complexity and resistance?
The choice is clear. It’s time to get going.
