In every transformation project, there’s one role that can make or break it — the Transformation Champion. This is the person who stands at the helm, sponsoring the project, rallying resources, securing buy-in, and keeping things moving when the going gets tough. For transformation specialists, having a strong champion on board isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

A great Transformation Champion is more than just a title. This person is typically a senior leader or influential figure who’s deeply invested in the project's success and understands its strategic importance. They’re the ones clearing roadblocks, ensuring the team has what they need, and making sure everyone — from the C-suite to the front lines — knows why this transformation matters.

And here’s a big one: they keep the vision alive. With competing priorities constantly popping up, a Transformation Champion keeps the project front and centre. They remind everyone why this change isn’t just another project but a pivotal shift that can take the organisation to new heights.

One of the most critical tasks for a Transformation Champion is securing the resources and the right team. A champion with influence can gather budget approvals, get the necessary tech and tools, and tap into the best talent in the organisation. They know that a team without resources or the wrong people will struggle, so they prioritise this from the start.

What makes a good team? The champion looks for a mix of subject matter experts, strong communicators, and people who can adapt on the fly. It’s not just about expertise — it’s about chemistry and commitment to the project.

Even the best-planned transformation projects can stumble without broad organisational support. Here’s where the Transformation Champion’s role becomes critical: they’re the internal cheerleader and advocate, constantly communicating the “why” behind the change. This is crucial because people are naturally resistant to change, especially when it disrupts the usual workflow.

The champion builds trust by showing how the project aligns with the company’s goals and will benefit everyone in the long run. They involve leaders from different departments, get feedback early, and address concerns before they snowball.

Transformation projects aren’t sprints — they’re marathons. The champion needs to maintain momentum through the inevitable challenges and slowdowns. This could mean resetting priorities, shuffling resources, or taking hard calls to keep the project moving forward. A strong champion doesn’t back away when the project hits a wall; they find ways to navigate around it.

What happens if there’s no clear Champion in place? For starters, it’s much harder to secure consistent buy-in and support for the project, which means you risk losing momentum—and fast. Without someone in a visible role who’s invested in the transformation’s success, critical resources might not be allocated, and team members may lack clarity or motivation.

Moreover, without a strong Champion, communication can get muddled, and strategic alignment across departments can fall apart. This creates a chaotic environment where teams aren’t clear on priorities or timelines, leading to delays, confusion, and even resistance to change. Transformation requires not just a directive but sustained energy and oversight, which only a committed Champion can provide.

Ultimately, the Transformation Champion is the project’s anchor. They can mean the difference between a successful transformation and one that fizzles out. It’s a critical role, and it’s worth investing time and resources in identifying the right person (or people) who can carry the project forward with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Whether you’re drawing on in-house talent or bringing in fresh expertise with help from a specialist recruitment partner like Malikshaw, the investment in a qualified Champion is one you won’t regret.

So, the next time you’re gearing up for a major transformation, ask yourself: Who’s your Champion? And are they ready to lead the charge?

It’s an understatement to say that AI is reshaping the classic transformation journey. For businesses diving into cloud-native environments, AI opens up a toolkit that’s fundamentally changing how we handle data, secure assets, optimise costs, streamline operations, scale machine learning, and enhance customer experience.

As a leader in tech recruitment, Malikshaw is seeing the demand for specialised AI and cloud transformation skills soar, reshaping what organisations expect from their transformation teams. In this blog, we’re spotlighting six areas where AI is taking cloud transformations to the next level—each one helping organisations move faster, smarter, and more efficiently.

1. Data Management and Integration

AI is making data management in the cloud smoother and way more efficient. Imagine automated data pipelines that handle data ingestion, cleaning, and integration from multiple sources—no more endless manual data-wrangling. Plus, AI-driven data governance is streamlining compliance by automatically tagging and sorting sensitive information, reducing human error, and keeping data secure and audit-ready.

2. AI-Driven Security and Threat Detection

Security teams have historically been bogged down by manual processes and constant alerts. Enter AI. With behavioural analytics and anomaly detection, AI tools can monitor cloud environments 24/7, flagging unusual behaviours and threats in real-time. And when an incident does arise, automated incident response tools spring into action, alerting teams, mitigating threats, and even enabling self-healing systems to keep downtime and losses to a minimum.

3. Enhanced Cloud Cost Optimisation

One thing’s for sure: cloud costs can be unpredictable. AI is bringing some serious optimisation to the table. Through dynamic resource allocation, AI can auto-scale resources based on real-time demand, cutting down on waste while keeping performance high. And with predictive cost management, AI tools can help finance teams foresee costs, manage budgets, and optimise spending by analysing usage patterns and reducing unnecessary expenses.

4. AI-Enabled Operations and Maintenance (AIOps)

AI is giving traditional IT operations a much-needed boost with AIOps, automating tasks that once took hours. Predictive maintenance powered by machine learning anticipates potential issues before they become problems, so maintenance can happen on time and reduce outages. And with automated workflow management, AI can handle repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and help IT teams respond faster—all while boosting overall productivity.

5. Scalable Machine Learning Model Deployment and Management (MLOps)

Deploying AI/ML models at scale can be a headache, but AI-powered MLOps is here to help. With model training and optimisation in the cloud, businesses can run large-scale training jobs without bogging down local resources. And model lifecycle management tools allow teams to deploy, monitor, and update models efficiently, ensuring they stay relevant as new data comes in—no more outdated algorithms sitting around unused.

6. Customer Experience and Personalisation

AI in the cloud is transforming how businesses connect with customers. With AI-driven personalisation, businesses can tailor experiences based on user behaviour, creating spot-on product recommendations and improving support interactions. And with automated customer support like chatbots and virtual assistants, companies can offer real-time, automated help—resulting in faster responses and higher customer satisfaction.

These six areas are the tip of the iceberg. Whether your focus is on the IT, finance, security, or customer experience teams, AI in cloud transformations is bringing big value and efficiency—especially when aligned with a strategic, long-term vision. AI is no longer just an add-on; it's becoming the engine behind successful cloud transformations, fundamentally shifting the role of digital transformation from reactive to proactive, and the future looks bright.

How AI is Transforming Key Roles In Transformation

AI is driving change across the board, especially in roles with the deep technical demands all transformation specialists will be familiar with. At Malikshaw, we’ve seen firsthand how AI is redefining these positions, helping organisations optimise their resources, improve data accuracy, and streamline complex projects. It’s an exciting time to be in this space.

Predictive Analytics: Planning with Precision

One of the biggest challenges faced by transformation specialists is the uncertainty in project timelines and risk assessment. AI-driven predictive analytics tools can analyse historical data from previous deployments to provide a roadmap that is highly tailored and predictive. By harnessing AI, consultants can now anticipate potential delays, resource bottlenecks, and risks with a level of precision that wasn’t possible before. This allows for more efficient allocation of resources and more accurate, reliable project timelines.

Automation of Repetitive Tasks: Freeing Up High-Value Skills

The same people often spend a significant portion of their time on repetitive, manual tasks—think data validation, checks, and simple data transfers. AI-powered automation tools are revolutionising this part of the job. By automating repetitive or rule-based processes, specialists can focus on higher-value strategic tasks, like complex problem-solving and stakeholder management. This shift isn’t just improving efficiency; it’s allowing specialists to invest their expertise where it matters most.

Enhanced Data Quality for Migration Specialists*

Data migration projects are notorious for being high-stakes and challenging, especially when it comes to data quality. AI-driven data cleaning and validation tools are drastically improving the accuracy and reliability of migrated data. Machine learning algorithms can detect anomalies, flag duplicates, and even predict potential issues based on patterns in the data. By catching errors before they escalate, these tools help data migration specialists deliver cleaner, more accurate migrations, ensuring smoother go-lives and fewer post-migration issues.

Real-Time Collaboration and Monitoring: Bridging Teams Globally

Remote or geographically diverse teams are increasingly common in global deployments. It’s now possible to monitor progress in real time, with AI providing immediate insights into the status of different project stages. These tools help teams remain aligned, even when working across multiple time zones, and empower them to make data-driven decisions faster than in the past.

Risk Management and Proactive Troubleshooting

The more complex the project the more risk is involved. AI tools now allow specialists to monitor vast amounts of project data and receive real-time alerts when potential risks arise. From flagging unexpected delays to detecting errors during a migration process, AI is enabling proactive troubleshooting that mitigates risks before they impact the project. This capability is invaluable for transformation specialists, who can respond immediately and maintain seamless cutovers.

Embracing AI: A Strategic Advantage

While AI may initially seem like a disruptor, it’s more accurately an enabler for professionals in transformation roles such as deployment, cutover, and data migration. By embracing AI tools, specialists can not only enhance their efficiency and accuracy but also elevate their strategic influence in projects. With AI handling routine tasks and assisting with predictive insights, these professionals are now better equipped to focus on innovation, stakeholder management, and value creation.

At Malikshaw, we’re excited to be part of this transformation, supporting specialists who are leveraging AI to drive better outcomes for clients and redefine the future of tech deployment.

From requirement to retirement: the talent behind digital success

In 1950, Aldermaston became the site of the UK Government’s Atomic Weapons Programme and was initially named ‘High Explosive Research’. It became the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (AWRE) in 1952, and in the same year successfully tested the UK’s first nuclear device in Operation Hurricane, conducted in Western Australia. In 1957, AWRE designed the UK’s first hydrogen bomb, paving the way for the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement, which remains in place today and allows for the sharing of nuclear materials, technology, and information between the UK and US.

Throughout the following years, AWRE designed and developed a succession of warheads for both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.  In 1980, the Trident programme was announced cementing submarine launched ballistic missiles as the basis of the UK’s deterrent. In 1987, AWRE became the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE). Fast forward to February 2020 and the Government announced that work would commence on a Replacement Warhead programme.

Of course, in comparison to 1952, the world has moved on. Digital transformation has become a critical strategic priority for organisations across industries, not least in nuclear. Continuous improvement in safety and digital security, is paramount to ensuring safety in new nuclear technologies, for all of us!

At Malikshaw Interim & Executive, we’ve been lucky enough to be involved in AWE’s journey in its digital transformation, which isn’t just about upgrading technology but is a comprehensive enterprise approach strategy. Their ambition, through significant investment in their digital infrastructure, embedding state-of-the-art capabilities, is that all information is – as they put it – ‘Born Digital’. i.e. Digitally traceable from requirement to retirement. Exciting stuff.

One of the most complex challenges facing AWE has been recruiting and developing a leadership team that can truly champion digital innovation in a field traditionally rooted in manual processes and stringent regulatory frameworks. Locating people who not only bring in technical expertise but also strategic foresight, and cultural fit—qualities that are rare and in high demand across the tech and engineering sectors.

Then there’s the legacy angle. It takes a special kind of leadership to take established teams and existing systems, rally them around a new mindset, and embed a new digital ecosystem while ensuring that all employees, regardless of background, feel able to contribute. The pressure on AWE’s leadership team to bridge these skill gaps, uphold security standards, and inspire a collaborative digital-first culture is immense but crucial for the success of the ‘Born Digital’ vision.

AWE is not alone in its approach, and we are seeing very different requirements for the role of Chief Digital Officer, which has evolved from overseeing digital projects to something much more integral. When Sebastian Klapdor, EVP and CDO of Vista (a.k.a. Vistaprint), was asked to comment on the traditional approach of centralised data teams working in isolated environments, he put it like this

"There was a central team of engineers sitting in a physical data warehouse in a basement, and that just does not scale. The first thing we did was adopt a data product approach - treating data like a product and strategically developing, launching, supporting, and ensuring the success of data products within the organisation.”

Klapdor’s emphasis on this product approach - marketing, pricing analytics, manufacturing, and customer care - illustrates how great data leadership can allow organisations to strategically identify and solve the biggest problems using data, AI, and analytics. Makes you think.

Circling back to AWE, therefore, it’s clear their challenge is much more than just a technical shift; it’s about cultivating a culture of change and innovation. From my perspective, as a specialist recruiter, AWE’s digital-first approach will be typical in future.

What also stands out to me is the role of cross-functional leaders in this process. Not simply across business strategy and technology, but also understanding the human and cultural dynamics at play. They’re the ones making collaboration happen across departments, managing the transitions brought about by new technologies, and ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

Seeing AWE make real strides in digital transformation has been incredibly rewarding, especially as Malikshaw has had the opportunity to play a part in the journey. It’s a privilege to be at the ground floor, building powerful teams of specialists unlocking insights from data, engineers preparing resilient digital infrastructure, and AI specialists driving operational advancements.

By focusing on these critical areas, organisations like AWE can build resilient, future-proof digital landscapes that empower their teams and enhance their missions. It’s certainly an exciting time to be matching talent to aspiration.

In the UK public sector, data transformation is an ongoing necessity. As more sectors embark on digital journeys to modernise services and optimise operations, the importance of effective change management and addressing skills gaps is increasingly clear. At Malikshaw Interim and Executive, we see first-hand how these challenges can make or break data transformation projects. Let’s dive into real-world examples from the transport, construction, and energy sectors to highlight how addressing these obstacles is crucial for success.

Transport: The Smart Infrastructure Shift

Transport for London (TfL) is a prime example of a public body undergoing massive data transformation. With an increasing focus on smart infrastructure—like real-time traffic monitoring and predictive maintenance—TfL has faced significant challenges in upskilling its workforce. Many long-serving employees were adept at maintaining traditional systems but found themselves underprepared for the shift to big data, AI, and IoT-based solutions.

The key lesson? Change management initiatives that included hands-on training, mentorship programs, and targeted recruitment strategies were critical to bridging the skills gap. Without addressing this, TfL's journey to smart transport would have hit roadblocks, slowing innovation in a sector that’s vital to millions.

Construction: Building Digital Foundations

In the construction sector, digital transformation is transforming how infrastructure projects are designed and delivered. The UK government’s BIM (Building Information Modelling) mandate is a step toward integrating data across construction projects for greater efficiency. However, public sector organisations involved in these projects often struggle with an aging workforce that isn’t fully equipped to work with advanced digital tools.

For example, major projects like Crossrail had to balance traditional construction expertise with new digital skill sets. This shift required a tailored change management strategy, which emphasized cross-departmental collaboration and intensive upskilling programs to ensure legacy teams could adapt to BIM technologies.

Energy: Powering the Future with Data

The energy sector’s transition to smart grids and renewable energy sources has also shone a spotlight on skills gaps. In the case of National Grid, their push for an intelligent, data-driven grid management system highlighted the need for not only data scientists but also employees who could effectively manage the integration of new technologies.

Without comprehensive change management efforts, including upskilling current staff and fostering a culture of adaptability, the shift toward smart energy management would have been slow and inefficient. Engaging teams early in the transformation process helped them embrace new technologies and played a significant role in the success of these data initiatives.

Tackling the Challenge with Malikshaw Interim and Executive

At Malikshaw Interim and Executive, we understand the complex dynamics of change management and the critical importance of closing skills gaps during data transformation. By working with key players in the public sector, we offer strategic guidance and interim leadership that ensures smooth transitions and sustainable growth in digital capabilities.

The takeaway? Data transformation is a people-first process. Whether it’s in transport, construction, or energy, it’s the human element—managing change and addressing skills gaps—that ultimately drives success.

Let us help you navigate these transformations effectively. Reach out to Malikshaw today!

The UK public sector is undergoing a significant transformation as it seeks to modernise outdated IT infrastructures, particularly in key sectors such as energy, construction, and transport. Legacy systems—many of which have been in place for decades—pose substantial challenges to modernisation efforts. While these systems have historically supported essential public services, they are now becoming roadblocks to progress. The integration of new data management systems with legacy platforms is a delicate balancing act, requiring innovative approaches and highly skilled expertise. In this context, high-quality interim talent has become a crucial resource for driving successful transformation projects.

Challenges of Legacy System Integration

Legacy IT systems, while functional, are often built on outdated technology that cannot easily support modern data management requirements, including real-time analytics, cloud integration, and enhanced security measures. Transforming these systems presents a unique set of challenges:

- Cost and Time: Modernising legacy systems is expensive and time-consuming. Public bodies must balance these costs with budget constraints, while also ensuring that public services remain uninterrupted.

- Continuity of Services: Systems in sectors like energy, construction, and transport are critical to public life. For example, National Grid's energy management relies on aging systems, and any disruption during a transition could affect millions of citizens. This makes seamless integration crucial.

- Complexity: Legacy systems are deeply embedded into organisational processes, making modernisation a complex task. They often use outdated programming languages and are intertwined with multiple other systems, leading to potential compatibility issues.

Sector-Specific Examples

- Energy: In the energy sector, the push towards greener, smarter grids is highlighting the limitations of legacy systems. Regulators require modernisation projects to integrate renewable energy sources and improve data analytics capabilities. Interim IT specialists are crucial for these transformations, bringing expertise in cloud solutions and digital platforms that ensure data flows efficiently between legacy systems and new platforms without service disruption.

- Construction: The UK’s public infrastructure projects, including HS2 and large-scale housing developments, rely on outdated data systems to track project timelines and financials. Modernising these systems with real-time data analytics capabilities is essential to improve project management and cost efficiency. Interim digital transformation experts have been instrumental in helping public sector construction agencies implement new project management tools that integrate with legacy systems.

- Transport: Transport for London (TfL) is another example where legacy systems play a critical role in day-to-day operations. With an aging IT infrastructure, TfL has invested in a large-scale digital transformation, including contactless payment systems and real-time journey planning. Skilled interim talent with expertise in system integration has been vital to ensuring that new technology platforms are smoothly integrated with the legacy systems, keeping London’s transport network running efficiently.

The Role of High-Quality Interim Talent

In addressing these challenges, high-quality interim talent plays a pivotal role. Bringing in experienced specialists on a temporary basis allows public sector bodies to tap into the niche skills required for such complex projects. This talent is often instrumental in:

- Bridging Knowledge Gaps: Legacy systems are typically maintained by long-term staff with specialised knowledge of the outdated systems. Interim experts can bridge the gap between these legacy systems and modern technologies, facilitating knowledge transfer and driving the integration process.

- Mitigating Risk: Interim talent can help identify potential risks in the transition process, ensuring that essential services remain unaffected during system upgrades. Their experience with similar projects in both the private and public sectors enables them to anticipate and mitigate disruption risks effectively.

- Driving Innovation: By injecting fresh perspectives, interim professionals can help public sector bodies leverage the latest technologies, such as AI and cloud computing, to modernise their systems while still maintaining compatibility with legacy platforms.

Legacy system integration and modernisation are at the heart of public sector transformation efforts in the UK, especially in sectors like energy, construction, and transport. The challenges are immense, but with the right talent, these projects can deliver significant benefits, from enhanced service delivery to improved cost efficiency. High-quality interim talent, with their unique combination of specialist knowledge and fresh insight, is proving to be an essential asset in ensuring that these transformations succeed without disrupting critical public services.

As the public sector continues to evolve, the need for interim experts capable of navigating the complexities of legacy system.

As the UK government tightens regulations around data security and privacy, sectors like energy, transport, and construction are facing unprecedented transformation challenges. With increasing reliance on digital platforms and data sharing, safeguarding sensitive information has never been more critical.

In the coming years, the UK government is expected to enhance its data protection and cyber resilience regulations. New requirements will focus on stricter data governance, real-time reporting of breaches, and increased penalties for non-compliance. This will impact industries handling sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and operational systems.

Energy Sector: With the rise of smart grids and digital energy management, companies in the energy sector are collecting vast amounts of consumer data. The government's emphasis on privacy in this area will require energy firms to upgrade their security frameworks, protect consumer data, and ensure compliance with new standards.

Transport Sector: Digital transformation in public and private transport has led to interconnected systems, from smart ticketing to autonomous vehicles. With increased data sharing between operators, manufacturers, and regulators, the government is pushing for stronger cybersecurity protocols to prevent data breaches and infrastructure hacks.

Construction Sector: As construction adopts technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), data on projects, contractors, and infrastructure is being stored digitally. The sector must safeguard this sensitive information, with regulations expected to focus on securing project data against cyber threats and unauthorized access.

The key to navigating these transformations lies in assembling teams that are ready to hit the ground running. Companies and organisations in these sectors must prioritise hiring and training experts in data security, privacy law, and cybersecurity. Building a workforce equipped to handle regulatory shifts will not only ensure compliance but also protect against potential data breaches and operational disruptions.

Malikshaw specialises in finding the right people to build the teams that meet these challenges. From cybersecurity experts to data privacy officers, Malikshaw is well-placed to help clients speedily adapt, reduce risk, and go on to thrive in this new regulatory landscape.