Be Like Water: Arne van Oosterom about leading change in the age of legal AI

In this episode of Beyond Billable – Driving Conversations, Pim Betist takes Arne van Oosterom for a drive to explore what transformation really means in the age of AI.

Arne is the founder of DesignThinkers Group, known for helping global organisations navigate change and reimagine their cultures. Together, they unpack how law firms and legal departments can adapt before disruption forces their hand.

They discuss why change always starts with people, how fear blocks innovation, and what leadership must do to make transformation stick. If you’ve ever wondered how to prepare your firm or department for the uncertainty ahead, this conversation is for you.

Key insights

• Success can be dangerous. When everything is going well, urgency disappears. Arne explains how giants like Nokia and Kodak missed the moment to adapt — and why law firms should challenge comfort before disruption does.
• Change is constant, not an event. Transformation isn’t a project with a finish line. It’s a mindset of continuous adaptation built on trust and honesty.
• Start small, but start now. Big transformation plans fail because they try to change everything at once. Arne shares why creating safe spaces to experiment builds real momentum.
• Flip the pyramid. True change demands a new kind of leadership — one that serves rather than commands. Leaders must create the conditions for others to excel.

Arne leaves us with one simple principle for the future: Change isn’t something to complete — it’s something to live and breathe all of the time. The firms that thrive will be those that stay curious, stay honest, and build trust into every decision.

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