Middle managers are being urged to strengthen their ability to translate ideas into measurable business value as organisations face increasing economic pressure, workforce shifts, and accelerating technological change.

The call came from PricewaterhouseCoopers Jamaica (PwC) Director of Consulting Services Hugh Thompson during his presentation at the 16th staging of the Middle Managers’ Leadership Conference (MMC 2026), hosted by Make Your Mark Consultants at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Thompson urged middle managers to move beyond passion-driven proposals and develop data-backed business cases capable of securing executive support and driving execution.

“Great ideas are no longer enough on their own,” Thompson said. “Business leaders want to see how a proposal supports strategy, manages risk, improves productivity, or creates measurable value. Middle managers who can connect vision to outcomes will increasingly become critical drivers of transformation within their organisations.”

His presentation examined the growing disconnect between operational insight and executive decision-making at a time when organisations are under pressure to modernise, improve efficiency, and justify investment decisions more rigorously.

“The ability to present clear, evidence-based recommendations is becoming a core skill for managers,” he added. “Whether the issue is technology investment, AI adoption, team development, or process improvement, managers must be able to explain both the value of change and the cost of inaction.”

The discussion aligned with broader themes emerging from MMC 2026, with speakers emphasising the importance of execution, collaboration, and practical leadership in advancing Jamaica’s economic growth agenda.

In her opening remarks, Managing Director of Make Your Mark Consultants, Dr Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, challenged attendees to rethink leadership beyond traditional management roles and to embrace stewardship as a responsibility to act with urgency and purpose. “The next chapter of Jamaica’s story will not be written by those who simply have ideas, but by the stewards who dare to bridge those ideas into results.”

Thompson said these capabilities are becoming increasingly important as organisations adapt to rapid technological and market shifts, particularly as CEOs and senior executives seek to integrate AI and digital tools into everyday operations.

“AI, digital transformation, and evolving customer expectations are changing how organisations operate,” he explained. “But sustainable progress depends on governance, accountability, and managers who can build trust in the recommendations and decisions being presented to senior leadership. That starts with credible, well-structured business cases.”

The issue is becoming increasingly relevant as organisations move from experimenting with AI to making larger strategic investments in the technology. According to PwC’s recent 2026 AI Performance Study, companies seeing the strongest results are those integrating AI into decision-making, operations, and long-term business strategy rather than treating it as a standalone technology initiative. This is a part of the growing need for evidence-based decision-making.

With more than two decades of experience spanning audit, risk assurance, governance, and consulting, Thompson works with organisations across the public and private sectors to strengthen decision-making, operational performance, and business resilience.

The conference continues at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, bringing together managers, executives, and emerging leaders to examine the role of leadership in driving organisational performance and national development.