Navigating the digital landscape: A leader’s journey
Lajos Varga has dedicated his career to navigating the complex digital landscapes that power modern businesses, mainly focusing on critical operational technology systems. With over 25 years of experience in technology leadership, Lajos has worked across multiple countries, helping businesses integrate cutting-edge technologies while maintaining operational continuity.
Currently, he leads a team of 35 IT professionals across seven digital functions at Port of Auckland. He is the driving force behind the transformative solutions that empower his teams to achieve extraordinary results for the business.
Goals and aspirations
Although Lajos has already had experience working at the C-level during executive fill-in roles, he saw the Transitioning to C-Suite programme as an opportunity to further develop his strategic leadership capabilities. Having heard about similar courses in the past, Lajos was looking for something that could broaden his perspective on strategic leadership and provide actionable tools to help prepare for the distinct challenges of C-Suite roles.
“My goals were to refine my leadership style, enhance my ability to influence at the executive level, and build on my existing experience to lead through complexity and uncertainty confidently,” he recalls. He wanted to gain a more structured approach to executive thinking and expand his leadership toolkit beyond his technical background.
Key takeaways
The programme offered several standout moments and key takeaways that resonated deeply with Lajos. One of the most powerful insights was the definition of leadership as “an invitation to collective action.” This concept reinforced for him the importance of bringing people together around a shared purpose beyond simply managing tasks or directing teams.
Lajos says the programme strengthened his commitment to clear, transparent and adaptable communication. It reminded him that effective leadership is not just about sharing information; it’s about inspiring trust, setting clear expectations – even when alignment isn’t perfect – and fostering a sense of purpose within the team.
Another key insight was the emphasis on self-care as a cornerstone of strong leadership. “Leaders who prioritise their well-being are better equipped to navigate uncertainty, communicate with confidence, and create an environment where learning and growth thrive,” Lajos notes.
“Above all, the programme underscored the critical role of trust in building alignment and resilience within teams. It highlighted that strong leaders can navigate uncertainty, communicate effectively and continuously learn and improve.”
Learning from diverse perspectives
For Lajos, the programme’s expert facilitators, a diverse cohort of peers and industry speakers each brought unique perspectives that significantly enriched the learning experience.
“Sir Ashley Bloomfield’s session was particularly inspiring. His insights demonstrated how effective leadership can inspire teams and drive meaningful change, even in the most challenging situations.” Lajos notes.
“I also found the executive communication module led by Rob Neale to be particularly insightful. The practical tips on communicating with Boards and real-life examples of what to do – and avoid – were invaluable. The hands-on mock-up exercises and personalised feedback provided tools I can confidently use to enhance my communication skills at the executive level. The mix of theoretical frameworks and practical application made the learning experience rich and meaningful.”
Message to aspiring leaders
The Transitioning to C-Suite programme has been instrumental in refining Lajos’ leadership approach, enhancing his strategic capabilities and preparing him for the complexities of executive roles. To aspiring leaders, he shares this advice: “Invest in programmes that challenge your thinking and provide practical tools for leadership growth. Every opportunity to learn is an opportunity to expand your leadership potential.”
