Anthony Penwright | Leading With People at the Heart of Digital Transformation

In an exclusive interview with The Africa Times, we spoke to global technology and innovation leader Anthony Penwright about his remarkable journey from public service to executive leadership across government and enterprise. With over 20 years of experience driving multi-million-pound transformation programs worldwide, Penwright shared insights on leadership, the future of AI, and his vision for building human-centered organizations.

Here is what he told us.

A Career Shift That Defined a Leader

We asked Anthony what first drew him to technology and transformation.

Anthony reflected on the early days with honesty and gratitude:

“I started my professional life in the Police Force. At that time, I wanted stability after some tough years as a young adult. I appreciated the sense of purpose and service, but it didn’t take long for me to notice that what really fascinated me was the technology behind the operations.

A leader I worked with saw potential in me and said, ‘You have a gift with people and technology, and this is where the future lies.’ That advice stuck. I used my savings to qualify professionally in IT, and that leap of faith has shaped everything I’ve done since — from UK Government roles to global transformation programs and now strategic initiatives at NEOM.”

He described that pivotal moment as the foundation of his career.

People Before Platforms: A Defining Challenge

When we asked about the most significant challenges he’s faced, his answer was unequivocal.

He explained:

“Every major challenge I’ve encountered comes back to people. No matter how advanced the technology, if you cannot get people aligned, nothing works.

Transformation means change, and humans naturally resist it. I’ve learned that empathetic leadership is essential. You have to communicate clearly, build understanding, and create belief in the vision. When I led transformation programs involving over 450 professionals in the UK Government, success began with trust — not technology.”

His response underscored that technical skill needs to be paired with emotional intelligence.

The Next Wave: Where AI Meets Humanity

On what trends will shape the next few years, Anthony focused on more than technology alone.

He said:

“AI is already shifting how work gets done. Its adoption will only accelerate. But the real challenge isn’t the technology itself — it’s how organisations manage the human impact of that change.

People worry about job security. Ethical questions around AI governance remain unresolved. The organisations that will thrive are those that build trust around AI adoption, not just deploy better algorithms.”

He also shared that he is completing an MBA focused on AI to better lead in this dynamic environment.

Emerging Tech and Traditional Sectors

We asked how emerging technologies will influence industries like construction and urban infrastructure.

Anthony articulated a clear vision:

“Some sectors have been slow to digitise, and that creates opportunity. AI and digital tools can enable better workflows, real-time insights, and smarter decision-making.

When information reaches the right person at the right time, productivity increases across the board — from executives to frontline teams. We are already seeing this shift begin, and it will pick up pace dramatically in the next 12–24 months.”

He believes the future of industry will be defined by digitisation that unlocks operational data and insight.

Vision Beyond Corporate Structure

On his long-term goals, Anthony spoke about a blend of enterprise leadership and entrepreneurship.

He shared:

“I love being part of large organisations and driving transformation at scale. But I also want to build something of my own — a world-class product and a company where people feel intrinsically motivated.

I’m currently at the pre-seed phase of building a product concept that reflects this vision. My focus is clear: secure the right investment, build deliberately, and gather a team based on character, emotional intelligence, and cultural fit.”

He emphasised that people are the real differentiator in any company’s success.

Guiding Principles That Shape Decisions

When asked about his core values, his answer tied purpose with performance.

Anthony told us:

“Commercial results and strategic alignment matter — that’s the reality of business. But how you achieve those outcomes matters just as much.

I operate with empathy first. I build structured frameworks that create trust and transparency. Accountability, clear governance, and honest communication are essential. And I lead by example — if I expect effort from others, I’m prepared to do that work myself.”

He believes leadership is about accountability, presence, and shared purpose.

Innovation That Delivers Impact

We asked him to explain a strategy that consistently delivered breakthrough results.

He outlined a structured approach:

“Innovation isn’t just ideas. It requires a supportive ecosystem.

Start by defining real business problems, not pre-packaged solutions. Build a network of partners — government bodies, accelerators, investors, suppliers — and test concepts through proofs of concept in real environments.

The often-overlooked part is commercial structures. Traditional procurement processes can kill early innovation. We need flexible, supportive commercial frameworks that allow innovators to succeed.”

His perspective highlighted that innovation flourishes with the right environment — not just bright ideas.

A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Reciprocity

As our conversation closed, we asked how his leadership style has evolved.

He responded:

“Empathy has always been core, but what has evolved is my understanding of perspective.

People come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Effective leadership means meeting people where they are and understanding their frame of reference. I invest in self-development and strive to remain present with my teams. When people feel valued and understood, they give their best.”

He left us with this insight, underlining that true leadership is both human-centred and performance-driven.

In our interview with Anthony Penwright, one message came through clearly — in a world driven by digital acceleration, progress depends not just on technology but on leaders who bridge innovation with empathy and purpose.

Connect with Anthony Penwright on LinkedIn to gain industry insights.