Transform Your Business: Why People Matter More Than Tech in Innovation

You can invest in the most cutting-edge technology, but if your people aren't on board, you're setting yourself up for failure.

I recently sat down with Michael Mazza, a shareholder at an accounting firm, for a Jirav-sponsored conversation on my Breaking Beliefs podcast. While Michael's experience is in accounting, his insights on business transformation are universal and eye-opening for leaders in any industry.

The Unexpected Path to Innovation

Michael's story starts like many of ours—with resistance to following a predetermined path. "I was that quintessential kid who was going to do something completely different than their parents," he chuckled. Yet here he was, not just in his parents' field, but pushing the boundaries of what his traditional business could be.

This resistance turned to passion is crucial. It reminds us that innovation often comes from unexpected places—and sometimes, the most reluctant converts become the most ardent champions.

The Human Element of Innovation

When Michael found himself leading innovation in a 75-year-old firm, he realized something crucial:

Innovation isn't about forcing change. It's about nurturing it.

This realization led to a fundamental shift in how he approached transformation. Instead of focusing solely on implementing new technologies, he started with the people using them.

Aligning Passion with Purpose

Here's where Michael's approach gets interesting. He started with a simple question:

"What makes each team member excited about their work?"

It sounds basic, but how many of us actually do this? Michael matched tasks with team members' interests and strengths, not just job titles. The result? Increased engagement and faster adoption of new processes.

For example, one team member who loved technology was tasked with finding and implementing new software. Another, who enjoyed working with staff, was responsible for operations and scheduling. This alignment of passion and purpose created a sense of ownership and excitement about the changes.

Overcoming the Tech Resistance

Let's talk about a major hurdle many businesses face: the attachment to familiar tools and processes. Michael's solution?

"I don't think it has to be an either/or. I think it can be a both."

This balanced approach allowed his team to leverage new tools without feeling like their expertise was being discarded. For instance, Michael didn't ban old methods when introducing new financial planning software. Instead, he showed how the new tools could enhance their existing work, providing deeper insights and saving time on repetitive tasks.

This approach acknowledges a crucial fact: change is scary, and people need to feel that their skills are still valued even as new technologies are introduced.

The Power of Clear Communication

One of the most striking aspects of Michael's approach was his emphasis on communication. "One of the things I've tried to do, and it's not always easy, no matter where you are, whether it's at work or home, is communication," he shared.

This is more than sending memos or holding meetings. It’s about creating a dialogue, addressing concerns, and clearly showing the company's vision. Michael made sure that every team member understood not just what was changing, but why it was changing and how it would benefit them and the business.

The Long Game of Transformation

Meaningful change takes time. Michael admitted, "We knew that busy season was going to be a tough point because people would fall back into their normal habits."

Recognizing this isn't a sign of failure—it's a sign of realistic leadership. Michael's team didn't transform overnight. They took small steps, celebrated small victories, and kept pushing forward even when things got tough.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Transforming a long-established business comes with unique challenges. Michael had to find ways to honor his firm's legacy while pushing it into the future. This meant respecting established practices while gradually introducing new ones.

For example, instead of completely overhauling their service offerings, Michael's team started by identifying "friendly clients" who were open to new approaches. They used these experiences to refine their new services before rolling them out more broadly.

Your Action Plan: Start Small, Think Big

Ready to kickstart your business transformation? Here's your game plan:

1. Have One-on-One Conversations: Ask each team member what part of their job they're most passionate about. Make this a regular practice, not a one-time event.

2. Align Roles with Passions: Find ways to incorporate these passions into your innovation plans. This might mean reshuffling responsibilities or creating new roles.

3. Introduce New Tech Gradually: Don't discard familiar tools entirely. Show how new and old can work together. Provide ample training and support during the transition.

4. Communicate Relentlessly: Keep your team in the loop, even when (especially when) things get tough. Be transparent about challenges and celebrate victories, no matter how small.

5. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress, no matter how small. It builds momentum and keeps the team motivated.

6. Be Patient: Remember, transformation is a marathon, not a sprint. Set realistic timelines and be prepared for occasional setbacks.

7. Lead by Example: As a leader, you need to embody the change you want to see. Be the first to adopt new practices and technologies.

The Future of Business Transformation

I’ve seen firsthand that the most successful businesses are more than those with the best technology. They’re the ones that have mastered the art of blending human potential with technological innovation.

Michael's journey shows us that true transformation is more than unthinkingly chasing the latest trends. It's about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and excited about the future. It's about building a culture that sees change not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth.

As you embark on your transformation journey, remember: your greatest asset isn't in your tech stack. It's in the minds and hearts of your team. Nurture that, and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Ready to dive deeper? Listen to my full conversation with Michael on the Breaking Beliefs podcast. Subscribe now at [insert podcast link] and start your journey toward creating a business where innovation and human potential thrive side by side.

Your company's future starts with the people sitting right outside your office. Are you ready to unlock their potential?