University IT leaders operate within one of the most complex stakeholder environments in any organisation. Digital initiatives often require alignment across faculties, research units, administrative divisions, and executive leadership—many of whom sit outside the IT director’s formal authority.

Research from EDUCAUSE highlights that technology leaders in higher education increasingly play a strategic role in shaping institutional transformation, requiring strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder alignment capabilities.

This session explores how IT leaders can strengthen their ability to influence across decentralised university environments. Participants will examine practical strategies for building credibility, aligning technology initiatives with institutional priorities, and communicating complex ideas in ways that resonate with non-technical stakeholders.

The session will also explore storytelling as a leadership influence strategy, drawing on insights from Harvard Business Review to demonstrate how narrative can translate technical initiatives into compelling institutional outcomes.

Participants will leave with practical tools to influence stakeholders and increase the impact of technology initiatives across their institutions.