Sarah Moody
6 Aug 2026
Celebrating International Women’s Month with Rebecca Rankin on the D365 Insights Podcast
✨ Women at the Forefront of Digital Transformation
To mark International Women’s Month, the D365 Insights Podcast by Source & Connect shines a spotlight on the women shaping global digital transformation—particularly within the Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem. In this special episode, host Sarah Moody speaks with Rebecca Rankin (Becca), whose journey from finance to senior leadership across consulting and end‑user organisations offers a compelling blueprint for modern, authentic, and resilient leadership.
This article distils the episode’s most powerful insights—covering career transitions, leadership philosophies, ERP transformation realities, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in technology today.
✨ From Finance to Digital Transformation: Curiosity as a Career Catalyst
Rebecca began her career in finance, but her natural inclination toward process improvement and systems thinking quickly pulled her into the world of technology. Her transition wasn’t meticulously planned—it was driven by curiosity, courage, and a willingness to take on complex challenges.
Key Takeaways
Curiosity creates opportunity — Rebecca’s career accelerated when she volunteered for complex, ambiguous projects.
Finance is a powerful foundation — It gave her credibility, but systems thinking enabled her to drive real change.
Learning happens in the deep end — Formal qualifications helped, but hands‑on experience shaped her expertise.
Practical Advice
Lean into opportunities that stretch you.
Use your domain expertise as a springboard into broader roles.
Balance formal learning with real‑world exposure.
✨ Leadership in Consulting: Scaling with Structure and Self‑Belief
During her time at Hitachi, Rebecca rose from Operations Director to VP of Business Systems, overseeing a £48m client base and more than 400 consultants. This period taught her that scaling isn’t just about systems—it’s about clarity, governance, and belief.
Key Insights
Clarity beats complexity — Clear ownership and governance are essential as organisations grow.
Opportunity fuels growth — Leaders who believe in you can accelerate your trajectory.
Consulting thrives on controlled chaos — Success requires balancing people, delivery, and strategy.
Practical Advice
Prioritise clarity in roles and processes.
Seek leaders who invest in your potential—and do the same for others.
Build resilience and embrace ambiguity.
✨ Mastering ERP Transformations: Preparation, Adaptability, and People
Rebecca has led multiple Dynamics 365 programmes and is candid about the myths surrounding ERP transformations.
Preparation is everything — Organisations often underestimate the importance of readiness before selecting a provider.
Adaptability is underrated — The ability to pivot and manage expectations is critical across every role.
People matter more than technology — Technology is the easy part; trust, clarity, and change management are the real differentiators.
Practical Advice
Conduct a robust readiness assessment before making technology decisions.
Build adaptability into your culture.
Invest early in change management and stakeholder engagement.
✨ Consulting vs End‑User Leadership: Politics, Pace, and Pressure
Rebecca’s move from consulting to the client side gave her a unique perspective on partner relationships and programme recovery.
Key Differences
End‑user environments — More hierarchy, more red tape, and greater budget accountability.
Consulting — Faster pace, but less direct ownership of outcomes.
Her leadership style—calm, structured, and challenging—helps teams navigate high‑pressure environments with confidence.
Practical Advice
Adapt your communication style to the organisational context.
Provide clarity and structure, especially in cross‑functional teams.
Make tough decisions early to keep programmes on track.
✨ Risk‑Taking and Authentic Leadership
One of Rebecca’s defining leadership moments was taking a troubled project “back to exploration” rather than forcing a premature go‑live. It was a bold move that ultimately set the programme up for success.
Lessons Learned
Sometimes the bravest decision is to pause and rebuild.
Listening to users is more valuable than sticking to arbitrary deadlines.
Practical Advice
Challenge the status quo when it protects long‑term outcomes.
Prioritise readiness over rigid timelines.
✨ The Power of Women Supporting Women
Rebecca reflects on the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and community—particularly in male‑dominated industries.
Key Insights
Support builds credibility — Giving support strengthens your network and influence.
Mentorship matters — Rebecca now mentors and sponsors women into architecture and leadership roles.
Community accelerates progress — Groups like the 8365 Careers community create space for collaboration and growth.
Practical Advice
Seek mentors and sponsors—and become one.
Engage in communities that uplift women.
Focus on collaboration, not competition.
✨ Overcoming Stereotypes and Building Confidence
Rebecca shares experiences of being the only woman in the room and the pressure to “match the room.” Over time, she learned that authenticity—not imitation—is her greatest strength.
Key Story
She once challenged an all‑male group’s assumptions by confidently explaining complex financial concepts, shifting perceptions instantly.
Practical Advice
Own your expertise and perspective.
Stay authentic—your difference is your value.
Challenge stereotypes through competence and composure.
✨ The Uncomfortable Truths of Transformation
Rebecca is clear: ERP systems won’t fix broken processes.
Key Insights
Process issues must be addressed first — Technology amplifies what already exists.
“It’s not standard” is unhelpful — She encourages thoughtful flexibility rather than rigid thinking.
Practical Advice
Fix process issues before implementing technology.
Encourage creative problem‑solving.
Balance standardisation with practical business needs.
✨ Soft Skills: The Hidden Superpower
Rebecca is quietly proud of her soft skills—adaptability, communication, empathy, and the ability to “read the room.” These are often undervalued but essential in transformation programmes.
Practical Advice
Develop soft skills alongside technical expertise.
Practice active listening and clear communication.
Recognise and reward soft skills within your teams.
✨ The Future of Finance Leadership
Rebecca sees the future of finance becoming more system‑oriented, data‑driven, and strategically influential.
Key Trends
AI and automation will reshape finance roles.
CFOs as change agents — Future leaders will drive transformation, not just report numbers.
Practical Advice
Embrace new technologies and analytics.
Take ownership of systems and processes.
Prepare for a broader, more strategic leadership role.
✨ Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Rebecca’s message to women considering senior roles is simple: confidence and self‑belief are essential, and no one is figuring it out alone.
Practical Advice
Take calculated risks and step outside your comfort zone.
Build confidence through small wins and supportive networks.
Remember that your journey can inspire others.
✨ Conclusion: Leading with Impact and Authenticity
Rebecca Rankin’s journey—from finance to global digital transformation leadership—is a powerful reminder that curiosity, adaptability, and authenticity are the cornerstones of modern leadership. Her story offers a practical, inspiring roadmap for women and future leaders across the Microsoft ecosystem.
👉 Catch Episode 14 of the D365 Insights Podcast on Spotify or YouTube