Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) are pivotal in guiding organisations through digital transformation, aligning technology with business strategies to enhance competitiveness. As companies increasingly recognise the importance of digital leadership, women are making significant strides in CDO positions.
Recent data indicates that women now represent approximately 20% of CDO roles, reflecting a positive trend towards gender diversity in technology leadership. This shift promotes inclusivity and leverages diverse perspectives, which is essential for driving innovation and success in the digital age.
Shannon Bell, executive vice president and chief digital officer at OpenText, acknowledges that the future of business is defined by how it embraces digital transformation. "In my opinion, it means embracing digital tools and technologies that give advantages for companies to be able to compete effectively and grow in the competitive landscape," she adds.
The strategic role of the CDO
CDOs connect technology to business needs, driving digital adoption and enhancing customer experiences. Bell states, "I think about it in terms of improving customer experience." This focus on customer-centric strategies sets CDOs apart from other roles, such as transformation or technology officers, who may concentrate more on technology strategy and innovation.
In an era where customer expectations continuously evolve, companies must offer seamless and personalised experiences. As Bell points out, "Customers want to be met in their channel of choice," which can vary widely based on demographics and buying habits. By leveraging digital tools, CDOs can help organisations meet these expectations, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The globalisation factor
Another critical aspect of the CDO's role is addressing globalisation and market reach. Digital technology enables businesses to transcend geographical barriers, allowing them to tap into new markets and customer bases.
Bell highlights the importance of the internet, social media, and e-commerce in facilitating this global reach. "Digital also drives operational efficiency," she notes, underscoring how automation and self-service options contribute to cost reduction and improved service delivery.
Additionally, the rise of remote work has made digital transformation even more essential. As organisations adapt to new working methods, the CDO is crucial in integrating technology to support flexible work arrangements.
Gender diversity in leadership
While the growing presence of women in CDO roles is commendable, it raises crucial questions about women's systemic barriers in advancing their careers. Bell acknowledges that challenges can be regional and culture-specific, often rooted in perceptions of women's roles in the workplace.
One significant hurdle is the work-life balance, particularly in high-demand technology roles. Bell shares her personal experience, stating, "I'm a mother, and I openly admit it can be a challenge to find balance." This challenge is compounded by societal expectations regarding women's responsibilities at home, which can discourage them from pursuing leadership roles.
Education and skills gaps also contribute to women's underrepresentation in CDO positions. Bell points out that the CDO role often requires strong technical expertise, including data analytics and digital strategy knowledge. While there is growing support for women in STEM fields, historical disparities have impacted the number of women entering these areas.
The Importance of corporate culture
Corporate culture significantly influences women's progress to leadership positions. Bell stresses the need for a supportive work environment that offers flexible arrangements and promotes mentorship. "Organisations with a culture that fosters that mentorship and sponsorship can help women gain guidance, resources, and access to roles," she asserts.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in developing future leaders. Bell's experience is telling; she notes, "I've never had a female mentor in my life," highlighting the need for more female role models in the tech industry. However, she acknowledges the value of male mentors who have supported her career, demonstrating that mentorship can transcend gender.
Leveraging diverse backgrounds
Women transitioning into CDO roles from marketing or customer engagement backgrounds can leverage their unique perspectives to enhance customer-centric strategies. Bell emphasises the importance of connecting business context to technology, stating:
Shannon Bell
"People coming into this type of position from more of a marketing or customer experience background bring that naturally." Shannon Bell
To succeed in CDO roles, aspiring leaders must also develop technical competence in artificial intelligence, data, and cloud technologies. Women can be strong candidates for CDO positions by combining their understanding of customer needs with technical knowledge.
The role of female role models
Female role models in the tech space are crucial for inspiring the next generation of women leaders. Bell observes, "I think we're getting to a much better place in terms of having female role models we can look up to." These role models inspire confidence and reinforce the belief that leadership roles are attainable.
Organisations can further support this by creating environments that celebrate diversity and inclusion. As Bell notes, "Diversity matters. And I think it's important to see in leadership." This representation can motivate women to pursue leadership roles and advocate for advancement.
The future
The Chief Digital Officer role is instrumental in guiding organisations through the complexities of digital transformation. As companies increasingly recognise the value of diversity in leadership, women CDOs are emerging as key players in this evolution.
Organisations can empower women to thrive in leadership positions by addressing systemic barriers, fostering supportive corporate cultures, and promoting mentorship.
As we move further into the digital age, the contributions of women in CDO positions will be vital in shaping the future of business. By harnessing their unique perspectives and expertise, organisations can navigate the challenges of digital transformation and foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
Click on the PodChat player to hear Bell's perspective on women CDOs and how they lead the digital transformation charge of organisations in Asia and worldwide.
The future of many businesses today is defined by the extent to which they embrace digital. In your view, why is this so? Why are organisations being driven to become more digital?
In this digital-first society, what qualifications and qualities make for a successful chief digital officer (CDO)? Do you see an overlap between the roles of a CDO and that of a Chief Transformation Officer? How about the Chief Technology Officer?
In your view, are women better suited to be CDOs than their male counterparts? [Please elaborate]
What systemic barriers do women face in advancing to CDO positions within Asian companies?
What role does corporate culture play in facilitating or hindering women's progress to CDO roles?
How can women leverage their marketing and customer engagement backgrounds to transition into CDO positions?
How important are female role models in the tech space for aspiring women leaders?
What is your advice for women aspiring to become leaders? Likewise, what is your advice for male leaders in support of future women leaders?
Allan is Group Editor-in-Chief for CXOCIETY writing for FutureIoT, FutureCIO and FutureCFO. He supports content marketing engagements for CXOCIETY clients, as well as moderates senior-level discussions and speaks at events.
Previous Roles
He served as Group Editor-in-Chief for Questex Asia concurrent to the Regional Content and Strategy Director role.
He was the Director of Technology Practice at Hill+Knowlton in Hong Kong and Director of Client Services at EBA Communications.
He also served as Marketing Director for Asia at Hitachi Data Systems and served as Country Sales Manager for HDS’ Philippine. Other sales roles include Encore Computer and First International Computer.
He was a Senior Industry Analyst at Dataquest (Gartner Group) covering IT Professional Services for Asia-Pacific.
He moved to Hong Kong as a Network Specialist and later MIS Manager at Imagineering/Tech Pacific.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering degree and is a certified PICK programmer.
