The concept of 'digital transformation' has become diluted. While some industries have been reborn – think finance and technology – others lag, relying on incremental tweaks instead of true disruption. As a leader in defence, I see this firsthand and ask myself, why?

Three Lenses, One Observation

My background offers a unique perspective on this challenge:

• The Professional Services View: As a consultant, I've witnessed the transformative potential of technology firsthand. Global businesses embrace digital tools, reshape their core processes, and emerge as dominant forces in their sectors. In many sectors, a worker from the 1990s would struggle to comprehend their modern-day workplaces. Yet, some sectors – notably those with well-established legacy systems and ingrained practices – seem reluctant to adopt a transformative mindset fully. While incremental change occurs, the fundamental structures and ways of operating remain largely the same.

• The Geek's View: From my early days working with defence AI projects to being part of Microsoft's revitalisation under Satya Nadella, one thing stands out: Transformation without the right mindset and leadership is an uphill battle. Nadella's focus on a growth mindset revolutionised Microsoft. It empowered people, broke down silos, and instilled a culture of relentless innovation across the entire organisation. This kind of top-down commitment is the secret ingredient often missing from today’s transformative efforts.

• The Soldier's View: Since the 1990s, visionaries have painted a compelling picture of future warfare: Digitally enabled, AI-driven, highly networked, fundamentally changing how we operate. Sadly, much of that thinking evolved purely into cyber, then became wrapped into security. The digital promises have not been delivered, even when events like the conflict in Ukraine demonstrate the accuracy of these predictions on a broad scale. Yet the on-the-ground reality within many militaries beyond Ukraine tells a different story. Core doctrines, operational models, and even individual soldier skill sets often have more in common with decades past than they do with the cutting-edge future we envision. This calls into question whether the transformative urgency felt in the tech sector indeed permeates the military the way it needs to. A soldier from the past would likely recognise much of our current operations.

The Old Transformation Model's Achilles Heel

In 2014, forward-thinking defence articles like "Warfare in the Information Age" depicted AI-driven conflict. That vision is now grimly unfolding in Ukraine, underscoring the power of drones, intelligent systems, and network-centric warfare. Yet, within our military organisations, the same transformative fire and burning urgency often seems absent. Could it be that the classic top-down model of cultural transformation isn't the best fit for the military mindset?

The traditional transformation model hinges on sweeping cultural changes led from the top. This approach can be practical but faces challenges within a military environment. It's often slow, and its results can be unpredictable as technology outpaces the speed of cultural adaptation. Military organisations are also traditionally resistant to change with embedded, established cultures.

Meanwhile, the tech sector thrives on a drastically different model. Fuelled by constant competition and the need for relentless innovation, tech leaders evolve at a pace that leaves little room to ponder cultural challenges. Tech companies have short histories and are less inclined to cling to ancient traditions or practices.

It's Time to Deploy AI to Transform, Not the Other Way Around

Here's a radical proposition: use AI as the Transformation Engine. Too often, we envision digital transformation as a cultural prerequisite before deploying new technologies. But what if we flipped the script? AI doesn't just automate tasks; it creates new ways of working, thinking, and collaborating. AI can compensate and adjust for resistance, and by deploying AI tools strategically, we can:

• Simplify Complex Processes: Break down bureaucratic barriers and streamline decision-making with AI-powered recommendations and insights.

• Address Skill Gaps: AI can provide on-the-job training and support, augmenting human capabilities and levelling the playing field.

• Deliver Measurable Results: AI's impact can be quantified, making the benefits of transformation undeniable and building trust in further adoption.

We Have the Tools Today: The AI revolution isn't a distant dream. Across defence, projects are underway that demonstrate the transformative power of AI right now. We see current examples of how AI can deliver transformation, including:

• Air Tasking: AI to help plan and execute air control and dominance, accelerating and amplifying air power.

• Enhanced Intelligence Analysis: AI helps sift through massive data sets, uncovering patterns and improving situational awareness.

• Cybersecurity Optimisation: AI detects anomalies and prioritises threats, strengthening our digital defences.

The key is empowering people and teams with AI tools. It's about demonstrating tangible value, not waiting for some abstract cultural shift to occur magically. Some may complain that we should not use AI to change behaviours or cultures. Yet, it merely accelerates the change that all would agree needs to happen within our military organisations.

The Choice We Face

• Path One: Stagnation – We cling to incremental improvements, hoping that a cultural breakthrough will magically appear someday.

• Path Two: Revolution – We acknowledge that the traditional transformation model might be obsolete. But instead of despair, we see this as an opportunity. AI empowers a new kind of transformation – driven from the bottom up, results-oriented, and fuelled by the urgency of the present.

We have the expertise, and the technology is here. Are we prepared to shed outdated paradigms and embrace a future-proof military force powered by intelligent transformation?