Digital leaders must balance business acumen with a deep understanding of ever-changing technologies — and possess the unique blend of abilities necessary to lead, transform, and innovate.

There’s a fine art to being a successful digital leader. While all leaders should possess a good command of business goals and help their organizations maintain a competitive edge, digital leaders must balance that with a deep understanding of ever-changing technologies and the capabilities needed to transform and innovate.

Most leaders agree: Even in today’s AI-obsessed world, digital leaders cannot just focus on tech; they must be a strategic business enabler who collaborates, supports, and empowers their people. They must know when to push to innovate and when to prioritize stability.

Here are 10 skills and traits that digitally savvy leaders possess.

1. They adapt and define the ‘why’ of change
2. They have a vision — and act on it
3. They focus on customer-centricity
4. They simplify complexity
5. They stay curious and lean into lifelong learning
6. They practice patience
7. They surround themselves with people smarter than them
8. They think like a business leader
9. They tell a good story
10. They look beyond self-interest and are authentic

Based on cio.com story by Esther Shein, FEBRUARY 3, 2025