Leading a People Technology transformation is about much more than implementing new technology. It’s about making the right decisions, bringing people along on the journey and being prepared to adapt as your organisation evolves.
In the first episode of The SuccessDay Podcast, Bas Eggelaar sits down with Thomas Mulder, former CHRO of VodafoneZiggo and now CEO of Archipel Academy. Together, they reflect on large-scale HR transformations, the changing role of HR Technology and why AI should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Key takeaways
- Put people at the centre of every transformation.
- HR Technology is no longer just an HR topic—it’s a business priority.
- AI should empower employees, not replace them.
- Don’t wait for certainty before making decisions.
- The role of HR leaders is changing faster than ever.
Transformation starts with people, not technology
When reflecting on VodafoneZiggo’s Workday implementation, Thomas Mulder doesn’t spend much time talking about the technology itself. Instead, he highlights the importance of involving the right people from day one.
The business process owners weren’t simply asked to adopt a new system, they helped shape it. By giving them ownership throughout the implementation, the organisation created stronger engagement and a smoother transition to new ways of working. It’s a simple lesson, but one that’s often overlooked. Technology enables change, but people make it happen.
HR Technology has become a business priority
Over the years, Thomas has seen HR Technology evolve from a specialist topic into something every organisation depends on.
“Technology started as niche. Then it became strategic. Today it’s simply fundamental.”
HR Technology is no longer just about improving HR processes. It influences business decisions, employee experience, productivity and organisational agility. That also means HR, IT and the business can no longer operate in silos when it comes to transformation.
AI should help people do better work
AI was another major topic throughout the conversation. Rather than focusing on which jobs might disappear, Thomas sees AI as a way to help organisations tackle labour shortages and create more meaningful work. By automating repetitive tasks, employees can spend more time on activities where human creativity, judgement and collaboration add the most value.
It’s a more practical and optimistic view of AI than many of the headlines suggest.
Sometimes the biggest lesson comes afterwards
When Bas asks Thomas what he would do differently if he led another transformation today, the answer comes quickly.
“I would move faster.”
Looking back, Thomas believes organisations often wait too long for certainty before making important decisions. In today’s fast-changing technology landscape, learning and adapting along the way is often more valuable than waiting for the perfect moment.
HR leaders need to think beyond HR
Since becoming CEO of Archipel Academy, Thomas has gained a broader perspective on leadership. Working across finance, commercial strategy and product development has reinforced one important lesson: the role of the CHRO is changing. Tomorrow’s HR leaders won’t just be experts in people. They’ll need to understand technology, business strategy and organisational change just as well.
Final thoughts
The conversation with Thomas Mulder offers an honest look at what it really takes to lead transformation. Not every decision will be perfect, technology will continue to evolve and new challenges will always emerge. But by keeping people at the centre, embracing technology with purpose and being willing to move forward before every answer is known, organisations will be better prepared for what’s next.
If you’re leading a People Technology transformation, or simply interested in where HR is heading, this episode is well worth a watch and listen.
