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A Secret Sauce for Successful Transformation: Wisdom from the Leaders of the Intelligent Water Networks
A Commentary by Victor Perton "That Optimism Man"
I am anticipating with delight moderating the Leaders Panel for the Intelligent Water Networks Annual Conference 2025 later this month.
In preparing, I reminisce about the brilliance of the Leaders' Panel at the Intelligent Water Networks Annual Conference 2024. And the secret sauce for successful transformation? We cooked it up there onstage.
The panel brought together an inspiring group of senior leaders from across the Victorian water sector, all dedicated to driving innovation, transformation, and collaboration in their organisations.
Our panel included: Jo Murdoch (Managing Director, North East Water), Sarah Cumming (Managing Director, Gippsland Water), Andrew Jeffers (Managing Director, Wannon Water), Jo Lim (CEO, VicWater), Jeff Haydon (Managing Director, Central Highlands Water), and Heather Griffith (Director of Policy Partnerships, Water and Catchments Group at DELWP).
The panel explored what it takes to lead successful change and how to create a climate that fosters innovation, invention, and creativity.
As part of the conversation, I asked each panellist one simple but powerful question:
"What's your secret sauce for making transformation happen in your enterprise or agency?"
Their answers, thoughtful, practical, and inspiring, revealed a pattern, a formula, a recipe for successful, collaborative transformation.
The Formula
It turns out the secret sauce isn't a single ingredient; it's a blend of essentials. Here's the formula we uncovered:
Successful Transformation = Optimism + People Focus + Bravery + Clear Vision + Learning + Joy + Policy Support
It's this mix that creates unstoppable momentum for meaningful change.
The Ingredients (with a Pinch of Wisdom!)
Foundational Belief in Optimism, Possibility and Progress
Every leader agreed: transformation starts with a mindset of optimism, a belief that challenges can be overcome and that the future holds bright opportunities.
Jo Murdoch said, "There's only one way to operate and that is to be optimistic… we keep leaning into challenges and turning them into opportunities."
A People-Centred Approach
Trust, empowerment, and authentic connection are vital. Change only sticks when people feel part of the journey.
Sarah Cumming, said, "It's about bringing people on the journey with you and making sure everyone feels part of the change."
Bravery & Agility
The leaders emphasised the need to be brave—taking bold steps even when the path is uncertain—and to adapt quickly when circumstances change.
Jeff Haydon said, "You've got to be brave, sometimes you just have to give it a go and adjust as you go."
Clear Vision, Purpose and Clarity
A compelling vision keeps everyone aligned and energised. Clarity of purpose is the North Star that guides transformation.
Jo Lim said, "We have to keep the 'why' front of mind—purpose drives the energy behind real transformation."
Continuous Learning & Curiosity
Transformation is a journey of learning. Being curious and open to change helps organisations evolve and grow stronger.
Heather Griffith said, "We don't get it right the first time, but policy evolves and we keep learning and adapting."
Fun & Joy
Yes, fun matters! Joy fuels creativity and resilience, making even the most challenging work lighter and more rewarding.
Andrew Jeffers said, "What's the point of going to work unless it's fun? Fun is a critical part of making things happen."
Policy & Structure Alignment
Change is sustained when policies and structures support the vision, transforming not just possible, but inevitable.
Heather Griffith said, "Without the right policy environment, transformation can't be sustained, structure matters."
What's Your Secret Sauce?
This conversation left me energised and optimistic—not just about the future of the water sector but about what's possible in any field or organisation.
The secret sauce is universal: it blends optimism, people, bravery, clarity, learning, joy, and smart systems into a recipe for enduring success.
Successful Transformation = Optimism + People Focus + Bravery + Clear Vision + Learning + Joy + Policy Support
So I leave you with this question:
What's your secret sauce for successful transformation, and which ingredient could you add a little more of this year?
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That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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