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Over 50 Executives, Five Questions, One Tugboat, and a 90-Day Clock

  • Writer: Lisa West
    Lisa West
  • Jul 15
  • 3 min read

Updated: Aug 4

Key Take-aways from Tom Daly’s World 50 Accelerator Briefing (June 2025)


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Setting The Scene


Last month, The Transformation Guild founder, Tom Daly, met with over 50 senior operators from finance, healthcare, SaaS, and industrial companies. They participated in a consolidated version of our latest Four Currents™ research. Daly’s opening visual—a heat map of maritime accidents—made the point quickly: ships (and transformation initiatives) run aground when the heading is fuzzy at the very start.


Tugboats pivot big ships in tight waters—then back away. —Tom Daly

The Five Questions We Asked—and What Leaders Said


During a live poll, we asked five critical questions. Here's what the room told us and why it matters:


  1. How confident are we that external partners deliver real value?

    Opinions ranged from “indispensable” to “over-hyped.” In Wave 2, fewer than 1 in 5 rated partner value as “strong.” Quality gaps create drag.


  2. How much do we trust the ROI numbers on current priorities?

    Less than 10% voiced complete confidence. National figure: just 7% fully trust ROI reporting. Neutral score-keepers boost credibility.


  3. Will our organization stay competitive in the future?

    Senior titles skewed bullish; mid-layers were less optimistic. Only 13% of U.S. employees are fully confident. Vision must reach every desk.


  4. How soon must a new project show proof before frustration sets in?

    Responses stretched from less than 6 months to approximately 2 years. Mismatched clocks breed skepticism. Most leaders now expect a visible win within one quarter.


What Participants Shared


Participants shared valuable insights during the briefing:


  • Past Wins Earn Trust: “Hitting one gnarly goal buys latitude for the next.”

  • Budgets Speak Louder Than Slogans: “Where leadership spends time and money—that’s the real strategy.”

  • Vendor Hype Gaps: One AI lead warned that supplier quality “ranges from brilliant to over-hyped,” making vetting crucial.

  • Neutral Measurement Matters: A marketing-analytics head stated that an independent team “adds legitimacy” to ROI numbers.

  • Prototype in 90 Days: Several agreed that a fast, visible benefit—like expense automation or a micro-CX fix—keeps stakeholders engaged.


Moves You Can Apply Right Away


Here are some actionable moves you can implement immediately:


  1. Make the Mission Personal: Translate the headline into “what changes for me.”

  2. Separate the Referees: Independent analytics calm turf wars and speed funding.

  3. Deliver a Proof-Point Each Quarter: Small wins buy time for long-cycle bets.

  4. See Where Your Organization Stands with a Custom Four Currents Readiness Assessment.


The Importance of Trust in Transformation


Trust is a crucial element in any transformation initiative. Without it, projects can falter before they even begin. Leaders must foster an environment where team members feel confident in their roles and the direction of the organization. This trust can be built through transparency, open communication, and consistent delivery of results.


The Role of Leadership in Driving Change


Leadership plays a pivotal role in driving successful transformation. Leaders must not only set the vision but also actively engage their teams in the process. This engagement can take many forms, including regular updates, feedback sessions, and recognition of achievements. When leaders are visible and involved, it creates a culture of accountability and motivation.


Conclusion


The insights from Tom Daly’s World 50 Accelerator Briefing highlight the importance of clarity, trust, and leadership in transformation initiatives. By addressing the concerns raised and implementing the suggested moves, organizations can position themselves for success in an ever-evolving landscape.


 
 
 

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