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Rethinking Operational Leadership Empowering frontline managers to lead digital transformation in logistics operations

Digital Tools Without Digital Thinking

A national supply chain company managing multi-location warehouses, cold storage facilities, and last-mile delivery hubs across the Philippines had invested heavily in digital modernization. From mobile inventory systems and RFID tracking to route optimization software, new technologies had been deployed across the network. Yet months into the implementation, performance gains were marginal and inconsistent.

The culprit? While the systems were ready, the leaders driving them weren’t. Mid-level managers—many promoted through traditional, hands-on operations—found the tools unfamiliar, optional, or even threatening. Tech was seen as an “add-on” rather than a strategic enabler. Adoption lagged. Problem-solving stayed reactive. HQ directives fell flat at the front lines.

From Supervisors to Digital Stewards

The company realized that their challenge wasn’t system usability—it was a leadership mindset gap. Operational leaders didn’t need coding or deep tech skills; they needed the ability to connect digital tools to everyday business outcomes, guide their teams through change, and think systemically instead of transactionally.

To close that gap, the company partnered with Circa Logica Group’s Executive Education team to roll out the Certified Digital Thinking Professional (CDTP) program. The program’s goal wasn’t to teach new apps—it was to enable participants to lead smarter, faster, and more strategically in a digital-first logistics environment.