Home Subscriber Only One Last Thing To lead, adapt

To lead, adapt

By

Ted Williams

-

04/24/2026

Ted Williams was named president of North Kingstown-based Senesco Marine LLC in 2021. He previously served as construction manager for General Dynamics Electric Boat. / PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Ted Williams | Senesco Marine LLC president The evolution of any business is both exciting and daunting. Leaders are often faced with a fundamental choice: Venture into uncharted waters with the potential to lead an industry, or pause, observe and cautiously evaluate change before committing time and capital. Today, this tension is especially evident in

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Ted Williams | Senesco Marine LLC president

The evolution of any business is both exciting and daunting. Leaders are often faced with a fundamental choice: Venture into uncharted waters with the potential to lead an industry, or pause, observe and cautiously evaluate change before committing time and capital. Today, this tension is especially evident in the maritime industry, where transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Alternative propulsion systems, robotic manufacturing capabilities, unmanned and autonomous vessels, and the integration of artificial intelligence into the build process are no longer theoretical concepts. They are emerging realities that are reshaping how vessels are designed, built and operated. For organizations able to adopt these technologies gradually, there is often comfort in maintaining legacy methods as a fallback while new capabilities mature. However, when circumstances demand a decisive commitment – an all-in choice with no easy retreat – the stakes rise significantly. For any leader, that is a formidable decision. History offers clear lessons. Companies, such as Eastman Kodak Co., Blockbuster and BlackBerry, failed not because they lacked resources or brand recognition, but because they did not evolve quickly enough in the face of change. In contrast, organizations such as Apple, Amazon and Starbucks recognized the need to adapt and had the conviction to act boldly. As a result, they not only remained relevant but emerged as leaders within their industries. Successful evolution requires deep industry knowledge, creative thinking and a willingness to challenge established norms. Most importantly, it demands a bold ethos – one that embraces calculated risk in pursuit of long-term relevance and growth. Only by moving into new spaces and adopting transformative capabilities can an organization continue to grow, compete and lead across its markets.