Success Is Never Accidental – Episode 69
Professor Amanda Taylor-Beswick – Leading Digital Transformation in Social WorkProfessor Amanda Taylor-Beswick, is a leading voice in how the social work profession is adapting to the digital world. Amanda began her career as a social worker in mental health and with D/deaf children and adults in Northern Ireland. Those early experiences sparked a deep curiosity about how emerging technologies could be harnessed for social good. That curiosity evolved into a pioneering career as a social scientist, educator, and thought leader in digital social work.

Recognised by the UK government as one of the top three women leaders in tech, Amanda is now the founding director of the Centre for Digital Transformation at the University of Cumbria, where she continues to influence teaching, research, and professional development across the sector.

Today, we explore her journey, her achievements, and her passionate belief that, regardless of profession, we must embrace AI ethically and systematically.

Reflections and Early Influences

Listening to Amanda speak about growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland resonated strongly with me: the challenge of navigating friendships across religious divides and the determination not to conform to separatism.

Much of her career in practice education has been a search for innovative ways to ensure that students are genuinely prepared for frontline practice. She emphasised the need for a strong value base, a deeper understanding of the real lives people lead, and genuine empathy for their circumstances.

Preparing Practitioners for a Digital World

In recent years, Amanda has been at the forefront of preparing social workers for digital practice and integrating technology ethically into professional environments. She highlighted that while AI offers scale and efficiency, we must ensure we protect the safety of people’s data; prevent harm caused by poorly understood technologies; build tools that truly support good practice; train practitioners properly and ensure informed client consent.

Amanda’s View of Success

Amanda defines her success through the impact she has made on the profession—her contribution, her influence, and the communities she has helped build.

Those who know my love of “the C’s of leadership” will appreciate that Amanda has her own set:

Curiosity, Contribution, Collaboration, Community and a refusal to Conform when it is inappropriate to do so.

When asked about the qualities professionals will need to thrive in future, Amanda offered powerful guidance:

Have a passion for what you do
Know your values and stay aligned with them
Be compassionate
Avoid becoming institutionalised
When facing challenges: pause, take a breath, lean in, reframe, look up

Tony Robbins always says: reframe the problem in solvable terms — a message very much in tune with Amanda’s approach.

Follow Amanda on LinkedIn and stay engaged in the debate about how we can integrate technology ethically across the professions.

This week’s challenge.
Don’t get left behind. Start reflecting on how technology could help you improve your practice, your service, or your leadership.

And as always, remember, success is never accidental.

If you’re a high-performing manager who just needs some space to think, reflect, or refocus, book a 25-Minute Leadership Consult:

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