How2-Change Words of Wisdom with Anthony Roberts

In the latest episode of the How2-Change Wisdom podcast, Dan Leyland interviews Anthony Roberts, former SVP Global CIO at Walgreens Boots Alliance, who now holds board roles with companies like Rackspace and Hitachi Digital, and actively supports early-stage tech startups. Anthony reflects on his career in technology and shares the single best piece of advice that shaped his approach to change and transformation: Be yourself.

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This advice came from a career advisor when Anthony was still in sixth form. The simplicity of “be yourself” became a guiding principle throughout his life, both personally and professionally. As Anthony explains, being authentic allows you to build trust, foster goodwill, and influence others naturally. Instead of trying to mold into someone else or impose change on others, by being true to yourself, you attract people and inspire change from within.

In a time when social media pushes people to curate and project a version of themselves that may not be true, Anthony’s advice resonates deeply. It’s a reminder that authenticity not only simplifies life but also strengthens your ability to lead change—an essential lesson for leaders and change-makers today.

Metaphor: The Phoenix

Anthony’s advice calls to mind the Phoenix, a creature that continually renews itself by being true to its essence. The Phoenix doesn’t transform into something else but rises from its ashes, fully intact as the magnificent bird it has always been. In the same way, remaining true to your authentic self, even during moments of change, fuels resilience and renewal without sacrificing your integrity. Just as the Phoenix rises stronger from the flames, being true to yourself enables you to influence others and inspire lasting change.

How2-Change: Your Partner in Authentic Transformation

At How2-Change, we understand that true transformation requires more than just strategy. It demands authentic leadership and actionable execution. We specialize in M&A, Integration, and Business Transformation, helping organisations navigate change with the right balance of authenticity and execution.

If Anthony’s advice resonates with you, we invite you to share your own wisdom or recommend someone whose story might inspire others. The How2-Change Wisdom podcast is a platform for influential voices to share the best advice they’ve ever received in the context of change and transformation. If you or someone you know has a unique perspective on change, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in Touch

If you’ve been inspired by Anthony’s advice or have your own words of wisdom to share, we’d love to hear from you. We are always looking for guests for future podcast episodes. Get in touch to share your story or recommend someone who has inspired you to persevere and grow.

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