The Human Impact of Digital Transformation: Stories of Technology as a Force for Good

At Publicis Sapient, we believe that digital transformation is not just about technology or business outcomes—it’s about people. Every line of code, every platform, and every innovation we deliver is ultimately in service of improving lives. Our purpose, "helping people thrive in the brave pursuit of next," is more than a slogan; it’s a commitment to harnessing technology as a force for good, creating tangible, positive change for individuals, communities, and society at large.

Documentary-Style Narratives: Impact Films Initiative

To bring the human side of digital transformation to life, we launched the Impact Films initiative—a series of documentary films created in partnership with Oscar-winning director Ben Proudfoot. These films are intentionally unbranded, focusing not on Publicis Sapient, but on the real people whose lives have been transformed by digital solutions. The first film in the series, Never Done, tells the story of Kersten, a single mother in Charlotte, North Carolina, who was diagnosed with a lung disease and faced imminent eviction during the pandemic. Thanks to a digital platform we built for DreamKey Partners, a rental assistance agency, Kersten was able to access emergency funds in time to keep her family in their home. In her case, the difference between homelessness and stability was a single day—made possible by the efficiency and accessibility of a digital solution.

At screenings around the world, audiences have been moved by these stories of hope and resilience. As one attendee put it, "We get lost in the lines of code that we write and the work that we do, but when we get a rare glimpse into the impact it creates, it’s very powerful." The films have also sparked pride and unity among our employees, giving them a platform to share their own stories of impact and reinforcing the meaning behind their work.

Technology as an Enabler of Access and Inclusion

Our work extends far beyond any single project or film. Across industries and geographies, Publicis Sapient has helped:

These are not abstract numbers—they represent real people whose lives have been improved by digital transformation. Whether it’s a patient receiving faster care, a family staying in their home, or a business owner finding new markets, the ripple effect of our work is felt in communities around the world.

Stories from Our People: Technology as Superpower

Our commitment to inclusion and empowerment starts within. Many of our employees have personal stories of how technology has changed their lives. For example, our CEO, Nigel Vaz, has spoken about growing up with dyspraxia, a condition that made writing by hand difficult. Technology gave him a new way to express himself and participate fully in education and work—"superpowers," as he describes them. Similarly, our Chief Marketing Officer, Teresa Barreira, grew up in a small village in Portugal without access to technology, but credits digital tools with enabling her to build a global career and connect with people around the world.

We invest in programs that support diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as Spring, which helps women return to the workforce, and initiatives for LGBTQI+ employees and people with disabilities. Our "People Success" function is dedicated to ensuring that everyone at Publicis Sapient can thrive, with flexible work arrangements, continuous learning, and a culture that values every individual’s contribution.

Technology for Sustainability and Societal Good

We see technology as essential to addressing some of society’s biggest challenges, from climate change to economic inequality. Our sustainability platforms help organizations make data-driven decisions that reduce environmental impact. In real estate, for example, we help clients analyze building data to decarbonize operations. In energy and manufacturing, we enable smarter, greener choices at every level of the supply chain.

We also recognize the importance of democratizing technology—ensuring that digital solutions are accessible to all, not just the privileged few. This means designing for inclusion, advocating for digital literacy, and partnering with governments and NGOs to close the digital divide.

Purpose-Driven Transformation: A Journey, Not a Destination

At Publicis Sapient, we know that digital business transformation is an ongoing journey. There is no endgame—only continuous evolution, learning, and improvement. Our SPEED philosophy (Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, Data) guides us in helping clients unlock new sources of value while keeping people and purpose at the center.

Ultimately, our goal is to leave the world better than we found it. By telling the stories of those whose lives have been changed by technology, we hope to inspire others to see digital transformation not just as a business imperative, but as a powerful tool for human progress.

Join Us in the Brave Pursuit of Next

We invite you to explore our Impact Films, connect with our people, and discover how technology—when guided by empathy, purpose, and partnership—can be a force for good. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.