Transforming AI complexity into human capability through the science of mindset, culture, and behavioral change.
For many organizations, the promise of Artificial Intelligence ends at the installation phase. Millions are poured into sophisticated infrastructure, yet the needle of progress refuses to move. The reason is rarely technical; it is biological. Rosanne Werner, the founder and CEO of XcelerateIQ and a globally recognized leader in data culture, has spent over two decades proving that the most critical “operating system” in any digital transformation isn’t the software—it’s the human brain.
The Psychology of Data
Rosanne’s perspective was forged far from the world of AI summits. Educated at Macquarie University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant, her early professional life was defined by the rigorous precision of finance and systems management. However, while navigating the complex landscapes of the mining, oil and gas, and biotech industries, she noticed a recurring pattern: data was only as valuable as the people empowered to use it. She realized that while data is a universal language, the willingness to speak it depends entirely on an organization’s internal culture. This realization became the bedrock of her professional philosophy; she didn’t just want to manage systems, she wanted to understand why people resisted them and how to turn that resistance into advocacy.
A Legacy of Cultural Transformation
This philosophy reached a pivotal crescendo during Rosanne’s decade-long tenure at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. As the Digital and Data Strategy and Transformation Lead, she didn’t just implement a program; she sparked a movement. She led the multi-award-winning “Data in Action” initiative, a program that reached over 2,000 “Data Catalysts” worldwide, earning accolades such as the DataIQ Best Data Skills Development Programme. Yet, at the height of this corporate success, she recognized that the global “skills gap” was actually a “mindset gap.” In late 2023, she made the courageous decision to walk away from corporate stability to launch XcelerateIQ. Reflecting on that leap, Rosanne admits, “I was terrified. I walked away from the identity I had built at Coca-Cola, but in a world where AI is overwhelming even the smartest of us, I knew people needed support, not pressure.”
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Strategy
Today, as the CEO of XcelerateIQ, Rosanne offers a potent, science-based approach to change. By integrating neuroscience and behavioral design, she helps organizations move past “gut-feel” decision-making to realize the true value of their AI investments. Her impact is best summarized by collaborator Andreas Wieman, who notes that “to work with Rosanne is to witness the alchemy of intellect, empathy, and execution. She doesn’t just solve problems; she builds cultures of curiosity where data becomes a universal language for progress.” Whether she is speaking at Big Data London or mentoring female founders, her message remains consistent: put people first. Dr. Joe Perez, an international keynote speaker, echoes this, stating that “Rosanne has this unique ability to inspire people around her to think bigger and reach higher. She’s the real deal—a leader whose influence sticks around long after the conversation is over.”
The Future of Human-Centric Leadership
For Rosanne, leadership is inextricably linked to the legacy she leaves for the next generation. She often reflects on the trade-offs of being a high-impact executive, but seeing her children approach her work with curiosity provides a vital perspective. “Watching my little ones reminds me that what we model matters,” she shares. “It’s about the courage to show up and believe your voice belongs in the room. If that becomes part of the story they carry with them, then that’s all that matters.” As she continues to bridge the gap between human potential and technological power, Rosanne remains focused on the “AI 1%”—those who succeed not because of their tools, but because of their mindset. Her vision is a future where technology serves as an extension of human creativity, and where data culture is a source of confidence rather than confusion.
Editorial Note
Rosanne Werner’s journey is a powerful reminder that the most successful transformations are those that begin and end with the human heart. Her transition from corporate leader to an influential female founder demonstrates that true leadership requires the courage to “rewire” oneself before attempting to rewire an industry. For leaders looking to navigate the complexities of AI, Rosanne’s story offers a clear directive: stop looking for a better algorithm and start building a better culture.
