The Role of Transformation in Business Growth
Transformation isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about unlocking potential, adapting with purpose, and building something better. Done right, it’s a powerful and positive step in the lifecycle of a great company.
But transformation takes more than a good strategy. It demands a shift in mindset.
During my surfing sabbatical (click to read my earlier article), a personal experience that sparked my own transformation, I had the space to reflect on how people and businesses approach change. Stepping away from the coporate bustle and into the lineup, I learned that progress often starts with letting go of old habits and leaning into uncertainty. It’s about adapting to the waves rather than trying to control them, and having the courage to paddle out even when the conditions don’t look perfect.
This mindset reminded me of Ben Crowe’s AAA mindset philosophy, Agency, Acceptance, Appreciation, and how building those mindset muscles helps us approach transformation with clarity and composure. As Ben puts it, "Be the verb, not the adjective."
So instead of saying, "We have to……," imagine reframing it as, "We get to .........." That simple mindset shift makes room for curiosity, creativity, resilience....and fulfilment
Transformation, at its core, is human. It takes vulnerability, courage, and—perhaps most importantly—trust. Trust between leaders and their people. Trust in the process. Trust in the intent.
Key Takeaways:
Mindset shapes outcomes – The way we approach change matters as much as what we change.
It’s a shared journey – Transformation requires strong alignment across all stakeholders.
Growth begins with trust – You can’t transform if people aren’t on the journey with you.
When that mindset shift happens and trust is in place, transformation can unlock enormous value:
Improved operational efficiency and streamlined key processes.
Support for leadership through cultural and organisational change.
Acceleration of digital transformation to enhance business performance.
What I’ve found is that the most effective transformations, whether in business or in life, share a few common ingredients. These align closely with what BCG found in their study of transformation excellence:
Clear Vision with Bold Leadership – Transformation starts with leadership willing to communicate a compelling reason for change. During my sabbatical, I realised the importance of leaders showing up authentically and creating space for new direction.
Tailored Roadmaps & Milestones – No transformation is the same. Like reading the ocean before paddling out, each journey needs a unique course that blends quick wins with deeper, long-term shifts.
Execution Discipline – Ideas are great, but without discipline they drift. I’ve seen how alignment around KPIs and progress tracking builds confidence and trust—especially in high-stakes environments.
Engaging the Organisation – Real change happens when people are invited into the process. It's about collaboration, not top-down direction—just as trust between fellow surfers makes for a safer, more rewarding session.
Sustaining the Change – Like any muscle, transformation takes continued effort to maintain. It’s not about one-off fixes, but embedding new behaviours, systems and expectations that carry the business forward.