This blog, written by our delegates, is part of the Executive Education Women in Leadership series.
Tania Gómez Herazo has participated in the Digital Innovation and Transformation programme at Cambridge, the Cambridge Negotiations Lab at Cambridge, and Steering Complex Projects online. In this post, she shares her key takeaways and insights from her experience on the Digital Innovation and Transformation programme. She reflects on the evolving challenges in industry, the impact of upskilling, and the leadership skills essential for the future.
Before joining the programme, what were the biggest challenges you faced in your industry?
In all my years of experience, I haven’t seen a moment with such a fast pace of technology development, coupled with the relentless pressure to upskill. This has created an unprecedented challenge. In essence, we needed to reconcile the urgent drive for innovation, particularly in areas like cloud and AI adoption, with the imperative for operational stability and effective risk management. Building a truly agile digital transformation strategy that seamlessly adapts to these rapidly evolving business demands is paramount.
After completing the programme, what has had the biggest impact on you, your team, or your organisation?
This programme has measurably strengthened my ability to lead critical negotiations with senior stakeholders, including C-suite executives, boards, and external partners or providers. This enhanced capability has delivered faster decision cycles, accelerated technology project delivery, and improved strategic alignment. These skills have not only benefited my professional role but significantly enhanced my effectiveness in philanthropic work as a UN civil society delegate or Ambassador for Women in STEM.
How has your perspective on navigating and leading in your industry evolved since completing the programme?
This programme has deepened my understanding of the interplay between technology, business strategy, and human factors. I now possess a more profound appreciation for the importance of fostering a collaborative ethos and open communication to amplify and drive successful digital transformation. Crucially, this highlights the urgent need for companies to invest in robust upskilling programmes.
As a leader, what skills do you believe will be most valuable for professional and organisational growth in the coming year?
Effective leadership in the intelligent era requires the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels. By cultivating trust, fostering open dialogue, and empowering teams to contribute their diverse perspectives, will prove essential for driving innovation and achieving sustainable growth. It is critical that we articulate the value of technology initiatives and link them to core business objectives.
Adriana Baciu, Executive Education Programme Manager (Open Programmes), Executive Education, shares: “Tania’s dedication to lifelong learning and leadership development is truly inspiring. Her journey through our Executive Education programmes showcases the transformative power of continuous upskilling in driving innovation, strategic impact, and meaningful change in both business and society.”
Learn more about the Digital Innovation and Transformation programme >
