These days, when a company is prospecting for new business partnerships, a common question being asked by prospective clients is, “All that you have presented is okay, but what we are really interested in is, what are your digital platforms and processes, and how will these help us?”
Good question. Business in the 21st century is now well and truly in the digital era, and it is here to stay. In fact, it will further entrench and strengthen its position as a modern-day business imperative.
Role of technology for future business leaders
One of the responsibilities of a modern-day, future-orientated business leader is to identify and monitor trends and adopt those that are appropriate and necessary for that business. One relevant trend that future business leaders must include as part and parcel is accepting Artificial Intelligence as a foundational element to the whole future, and a commitment to digital transformation in the initial phase.
Unfortunately, as the digital age grows, so does the value of data, and so enters the world of cyber spying and cyber hacking. What does this mean for a business leader? It means protection and responsibility through advanced, robust cybersecurity systems shielding not only the business but also sensitive information which the business is entrusted with as well. A final imperative for the leader here is the implementation and assurance of Advanced Connectivity Infrastructure giving users the access to all systems, processes, data and communication mediums necessary to help the people achieve maximum efficiency, productivity and job self-satisfaction.
Future business leaders, always be ready to be curious, look for and identify new trends in technology because your competitors are too!
Understand the new language of technology
In today’s business environment, the pace of technological change is astoundingly rapid. Funny, it seems only yesterday I was the proud new owner of the iPhone 12 Pro! Now, ho hum, we are now looking at the iPhone 17 in the space of a couple of years or so!
It’s happening quickly and this presents big challenges for business leaders; one being the continual upgrading of technology literacy – what is Generative AI? What is Agentic AI? What is IoT? What’s the difference between 5G and 6G? What is Predictive Analytics? What is Machine Learning, and what role can it play?
I could go on and on. It’s a new language unique to itself. It is a bit like, if you are going to live in France, you had best learn French! If you are going to play in the technological world, learn the language as you are the leader and people expect you to know it.
A term I really like is ‘A Technology Teenager’. Think about it, our teens are experts, far more savvy than we are because they bring together all aspects of their technological world into one adaptive, cohesive, multiple source interface by deeply integrating their digital tools to effectively work with and benefit from one another.
Business leaders, if you want to become that savvy leader that everyone looks up to for direction and guidance in this new technological world, then become that clever Technology Teenager by also looking at the technology tools you have or need in your organisation, and how best to integrate them into a communication and information powerhouse
Integrate technology into a business powerhouse
Going forward, technology must be a foremost component of the business fabric but in turn there must be a desire by the people to want to be part of the technology juggernaut. The unfortunate but predictable fallout from this is that attrition will occur and this is where the organisation must have a proactive talent strategy – backfilling with the new breed of Technology Teenagers! In other words, the right people with the aptitude toward technology for what it can provide. It is a challenging space right now for modern-day, future business leaders but there is no doubt they will need to have technology ‘running through their veins’ going forward.
How SP Jain Global prepares students for a technology-driven global career
As an institution, the SP Jain School of Global Management, across all global campuses, prides itself with always being in the game when it comes to technological advancement in education. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program is a good example of this with Artificial Intelligence as a foundational element. In recent times, our computer lab in the Sydney campus has been upgraded and hosts Bachelor of Data Science (BDS) students. A master’s program in Artificial Intelligence in Business has also been introduced along with a robotics lab where students use machine learning and 3D printing to design real robotic working models.
Back to the BBA, in which 2026 sees the introduction of SP Jain Global’s proprietary Artificial Intelligence Tutor, an amazing platform with an avatar interaction where students can self-learn prior to classes, enter a class by brushing up on theory and spend more time on the all-important application of the learning with the teacher.
The institute has also implemented a JPT program where students can, again through AI, have an avatar experience, but this time training for job applications via mock interview interactive sessions. The experience has just been incredible, and students love it as they have more control over their own destiny, and more ownership. SP Jain School of Global Management is a committed institution that continues to be ahead of the game in relation to the delivery of higher education with technology as a key contributor.
Any potential future business student should consider SP Jain School of Global Management and the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, offering different specialisations, as it is an immersive experience based on the best technology available. Notwithstanding the opportunity to study across three global cities experiencing technology-based learning, different cultures and the differences in international business, giving the SP Jain graduate an undeniable advantage when entering the business world.
About the author:
The author here is Assistant Professor Richard Coller – General Management and Lecturer at the SP Jain School of Global Management for the past 12 years. Professor Richard spent 35+ years in corporate marketing and management with some of Australia’s leading ASX listed companies.
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