September 15, 2024

Let’s tango into the digital future 

In a world spinning ever faster with technological advancements, the Argentine Tango offers surprising lessons for leaders navigating digital transformation considering modern leadership principles. Join Lisa as we explore how this dance of innovation can inspire passion, bridge communication gaps, and foster a culture of trust and growth. 

How did I chose my TEDx talk topic? Writing my TEDx talk, I knew I wanted to discuss something meaningful and relevant to today’s rapidly changing world. As a business professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand the critical role of leadership in navigating technological disruptions and constant change. Conversations with colleagues and stakeholders often highlighted the vast difference between having a supportive leader who empowers their team versus a manager who views employees as mere resources. 

However, I felt that focusing solely on the business aspect lacked a certain emotional resonance. I wanted to infuse my talk with passion and personal experience. That’s when inspiration struck from an unexpected source: my 20-year journey as a dancer, particularly my experience with Argentine Tango. The idea crystallized during a breakfast conversation with my mother about the frightening pace of technological advancements, coupled with my partner’s optimistic view of the opportunities these changes might bring. Additionally, I recalled comments from end-users expressing fatigue over the constant implementation of new systems.  

As I reflected on these seemingly disparate elements, I began to see fascinating parallels between the world of dance and the corporate landscape. Just as a leader must bridge IT and business to drive digital transformation, the Argentine Tango requires a delicate balance of lead and follow, innovation and tradition. I realized that the principles of this passionate dance could offer valuable insights for corporate life in our digital age. The Tango, with its improvisational nature and need for connection between partners, serves as a perfect metaphor for navigating the unpredictable terrain of technological innovation and organizational change. By linking the technical aspects of leadership and digital transformation with the artistry and emotion of dance, I found a unique angle that resonated deeply with my personal experiences and professional insights. This approach allows me to present complex ideas in a more accessible and engaging manner, inviting the audience to see familiar challenges through a fresh lens.  
 
My TEDx talk ultimately became an invitation for everyone to join in the “Tango into the digital future together.” It’s a call to embrace change with the grace, adaptability, and passion of a dancer, fostering trust and growth within teams as we face the exciting yet daunting challenges of our rapidly evolving world. This journey of topic selection taught me the power of connecting disparate passions to create a truly compelling narrative. It reminded me that the most impactful ideas often lie at the intersection of our professional expertise and personal interests, waiting to be discovered and shared with the world. 


About the author

Lisa Barkei is an Associate Director in Systems and Project Management in the pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to supporting users worldwide with her team. She deeply values empowering leadership as a guiding principle. In her free time, Lisa immerses herself in the beauty of singing and dancing, finding joy and balance in these creative expressions. 

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