Driving Digital Transformation at Scale: Anthony Penwright on Leadership, AI, and Enterprise Innovation
We recently had the opportunity to interview Anthony Penwright, a distinguished technology and innovation leader with over 20 years of global experience delivering complex digital transformation programs valued at more than £1BN. Having held executive roles across the UK Government, Cisco, Wipro, and NEOM, Anthony specializes in Smart Cities, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and Blockchain while leading cross-functional teams of over 450 professionals.
With a strong belief that technology succeeds only when people are aligned, Anthony shared insights into his professional journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for the future of AI-driven transformation.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Could you share how your professional journey began and what inspired you to move into the technology and innovation space?”
Anthony shared, “My career actually began in the Police Force. At that stage in my life, I was seeking stability after navigating personal challenges as a late teenager. I valued the service aspect of the role, but I quickly realized that what fascinated me most was the technology that enabled operations behind the scenes.
A leader I worked with saw potential in me and advised that I had strengths in both technology and people, and that technology would define the future. That advice stayed with me. I invested my savings into professional IT qualifications, and that decision shaped everything that followed — from leading transformation programs in the UK Government to driving large-scale initiatives at NEOM.”
Leading Transformation Through People
Interested to understand his leadership approach, we asked Anthony, “What has been one of the most significant challenges you have faced in your career?”
He responded, “Every major challenge ultimately comes back to people. Technology is rarely the main issue. Large-scale transformation requires organizations to shift their operating models and adopt new ways of working, and that naturally creates resistance.
The key is empathetic leadership. You must communicate clearly, build understanding, and create belief in the desired outcome. When I led transformation programs involving more than 450 professionals, success came from building trust first. Once people feel included and valued, execution becomes much smoother.”
The AI Shift and the Road Ahead
With artificial intelligence reshaping industries worldwide, “we asked Anthony to share his perspective on the next 3–5 years.”
He explained, “AI adoption is accelerating across every industry. However, the real challenge is not the technology itself, but how organizations manage the human impact of AI integration. People are concerned about job security, and governance frameworks are still evolving.
The leaders who will succeed are those who understand both the technical architecture and the change management required to implement AI responsibly. That is why I am currently completing an MBA in Artificial Intelligence alongside my executive role.”
Transforming Traditional Industries
We were also keen to learn “how emerging technologies are influencing sectors such as construction and infrastructure.”
Anthony mentioned, “In industries like construction, which have traditionally been slower to digitize, AI offers tremendous opportunity. It enables real-time traceability, smarter workflows, and improved accountability.
Providing the right knowledge to the right person at the right time — whether a CEO or a site supervisor — changes operational outcomes significantly. Business models will continue to evolve as digitization becomes end-to-end rather than fragmented.”
Core Values That Shape Decisions
To gain deeper insight into his guiding principles, “we asked Anthony what influences his decision-making process.”
He shared, “In commercial business, revenue and measurable outcomes are essential. Every initiative must create or protect value and align with strategic objectives.
However, how you achieve results matters just as much. I operate with empathy first, supported by structured governance and transparency. Leaders must be willing to do what they ask of others. Staying present with teams builds credibility and trust.”
Vision for the Future
Finally, we asked Anthony about his long-term aspirations.
He concluded, “I genuinely enjoy leading within large organizations, but I also aspire to build something independently. I am currently in the pre-seed stage of developing a validated product concept.
My ambition is to create a culturally positive organization where people feel intrinsically motivated. Skills can be taught, but personality, emotional intelligence, and diversity are foundational. A company’s success is defined by its people.”
Connect with Anthony Penwright on LinkedIn to gain industry insights.
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