Sparking Change: What It Really Takes to Drive AI Adoption

Spark Award November 2025

Sparking Change: What It Really Takes to Drive AI Adoption

This week, I was genuinely thrilled (and a little bit proud!) to win a Spark Award at work for the way our team has helped the entire organisation adopt AI through Microsoft Copilot. It’s a huge recognition — not just of what we’ve achieved, but of how we’ve done it. Because let’s be honest: driving adoption of any new technology is rarely smooth sailing. Change can be hard, messy, and at times, uncomfortable. But as we’ve discovered, it can also be exciting, energising, and even fun.

So what’s been our magic formula? Here’s what I think has really made the difference.

1. Senior leader endorsement and clear KPIs
   Change doesn’t happen in isolation. Having senior leaders who genuinely championed Copilot — and built it into the KPIs that touch everyone in the organisation — created real momentum. When people see that something matters at the top, it quickly starts to matter everywhere else. It’s not just another tech pilot gathering dust; it becomes part of how we work.

2. Metrics that matter
   Tracking progress has been essential. We’ve been able to see in real time where adoption is high, where it’s lagging, and what needs more support. It’s not about policing — it’s about learning and improving faster. Data gives us the insight to course correct before enthusiasm dips or opportunities are missed.

3. Building a learning community
   This might be the part I love most. We’ve created a genuine community — a space where people share ideas, challenges, and “aha” moments. That openness has accelerated learning in ways no training deck ever could. When someone in one market finds a smarter way to use Copilot, the whole network benefits.

4. Engaging training (that people actually enjoy)
   Training can be a make-or-break factor. We designed a mix of in-person and self-serve experiences — hands-on, practical, and dare I say it… fun. Because when people actually enjoy learning, they’re far more likely to stick with it. Copilot becomes less of a mystery and more of a powerful teammate.

5. Local adoption leads and influencers
   Finally, having adoption leads and influencers in each market has been key. They take the brilliant global tools and make them local, relevant, and real. These champions turn strategy into action and ensure the change feels owned — not imposed.

“That all sounds great Jo but how do I lead the change in my organisation and get started?”

I get it — all this might sound brilliant in theory, but where do you even begin? Here are a few simple ways to start building momentum in your own organisation:

Start small, but start somewhere. Pick one team or function that’s curious and open-minded, and run a short pilot. Success stories are contagious — once people see what’s possible, adoption spreads fast.

Find your champions early. They don’t need to be tech experts — just naturally curious people who love solving problems and sharing what they’ve learnt. Give them permission to experiment and celebrate their wins.

Keep the conversation alive. Share quick wins and lessons learned openly. A 5-minute showcase in a team meeting or a short internal post can do wonders for visibility and energy.

Make learning part of the day job. Not another task on the to-do list, but something people feel proud to do. Micro-training, short videos, and live demos go a long way.

And most importantly — stay curious. Tech evolves quickly, and so do we. Encourage people to play, explore, and ask “what if?”. Curiosity is the single most powerful driver of lasting change.

The Real Spark
If there’s one big lesson I’ve learnt through all of this, it’s that change is hard, but it can be fun. The real magic comes from having a curious workforce — people willing to explore, experiment, and learn new skills. Technology can only take you so far; it’s people who bring it to life.

Winning the Spark Award was the icing on the cake, but the real reward has been seeing our teams light up with new ideas and confidence. Because once curiosity takes hold, there’s no stopping what’s possible.