What’s in this episode?

In this episode of GCC Tech Talks, Tom Stroud and Sye Rahman sit down with Richard Steward — a transformation leader with 35+ years advising CEOs on large-scale digital and AI-led change.

Most digital and AI transformations don’t fail because of technology. They fail because of unclear leadership, slow decisions, and competing priorities. Richard breaks down what separates transformation that delivers from transformation that drifts.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Why the best leaders go business first, technology second

• How clarity + decision speed create momentum

• Why people and data matter more than tools

• When to stop, pivot, or kill a transformation programme

• What leaders need to understand about AI, agentic systems, and data foundations

• Why “failed” projects are often just expensive feedback

If you’re navigating AI, data, or digital transformation in the GCC, this episode is about cutting through the hype and focusing on what actually creates value.