A Digital Transformation Q & A

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Every business and technology leader is looking for insights about how to implement successful strategies for digital transformation. This knowledge is vital for today’s companies to not only survive but go beyond and thrive in the digital economy.  

In this conversation, Tom Owen and Eric Bocks discuss why digital transformation is so important and some of the critical considerations leaders should be making to help their organizations take advantage and stay ahead of the game.  

 

Why is Digital Transformation so significant right now? Haven’t we been talking about it for years? 

TO: Digital Transformation has been on business roadmaps for the best part of twenty years. But it has only been at the top of the agenda at a select group of long-term focused Retailers. Those that have already started their journeys years ago are now feeling a lot more prepared for a post-COVID 19 world. The pandemic has changed the world and highlighted the need to be versatile across multiple channels, but with them operated in a totally connected and profitable way. There’s no point in a digital proposition that loses money. 

 

EB:  Of course, Digital Transformations have been a staple of corporate initiatives for more than two decades at this point.  Beyond the urgency that the global pandemic of COVID-19 has created, it is the consistent poor outcomes these transformations have delivered that bring them to our attention.  Case in point is a recent Harvard Business Review article that notes, “Of the $1.3 trillion that was spent on DT last year (2018), it was estimated that $900 billion went to waste.” That is why organizations must focus not just on the “What” of DT but the “How” and “Why.” 

 

What are the most important things to consider when starting a digital transformation? 

TO: The conversation will now change to short-cuts as companies look to catch up, but the focus needs to be on a benefit led modular approach. Transformation doesn’t happen quickly, but a sustainable and self-funding approach is entirely possible and recommended. At TPC, we specialize in this approach and create Digital Transformation programs that are planned both strategically and operationally. It’s important that your new target operating model is both fit for purpose into the future, but also executable day to day. 

 

EB:  I agree with Tom.  It is critical to have a well-planned transformation that strategically supports your organization’s value chain.  At C4G, we begin by developing a custom change roadmap that focuses on delivering adoption of the future state.  Our roadmap will always include the following components:  A Committed and Engaged internal change leadership team, Knowledgable and Influential team of impacted associates to guide operational decisions, and defined and measurable adoption metrics. 

 

We can’t afford to start a digital transformation program, but we think we need to – what should we do? 

 

EB:  Fear of being left behind or missing out has become universal emotions in corporate culture today.  What is essential is not managing from this fear.  It is important to note there are four types of Digital Transformation: business process, business model, domain, and cultural/organizational.  Keeping this in mind, any organization can identify a right-sized transformation that delivers benefits commensurate with the investment. What cannot be understated is the necessity of adoption to the delivery of the defined benefits. 

 

TO: When it comes to Digital Transformation, many businesses can’t afford the massive outlay for a huge program of work. But they often feel like they can’t afford not to. At TPC, we believe there is a compromise. Digital Transformation is ultimately a benefits generation exercise. You can choose to complete activities in a certain order that will allow you to unlock benefits at the earliest possible opportunity that can then be used to fund a consistent program of work to deliver the Transformation you need. 

 

I’ve heard that digital Transformation isn’t about the technology – what does this mean? 

EB:  Technology continues to drive innovation and transformation across every major industry and institution.  At C4G, we regularly support our clients in delivering these initiatives.  However, our focus is never on the technology alone but also on the people and processes it impacts.  It is our experience that removing the implementation as the only goal; we free the organization to see the transformation holistically.  In this way, technology is the means to an end, not the end. 

 

TO: There are many facets to Digital Transformation and depending on who you talk to they will have a different view. Whilst we partner effectively with many different software providers, we can say without bias we have seen successes and failures across many programs of work regardless of the technology implemented. We often see both the people, the leadership, and the operating models as a much larger critical success factors which is why we focus so passionately on these elements in our engagements.  

 

What makes TPC and C4G different from everyone else? 

TO: At TPC, we are lucky to call some of the biggest companies in the world our clients, and our people are both strategic and operational experts in their field. But what really sets us apart is our humanity. We really care about our work and every single one of our clients. We like to understand your issues, and are in the trenches with you, resolving issues, feeling the pain, and finding the remedy. We don’t believe in sending armies into clients and charging insane amounts for offering advice from a distance. We are focused on delivering benefits as soon as possible, working with you, side by side.  

 

EB:  C4G has built a reputation for providing custom solutions to our clients. We never take for granted that every transformation opportunity requires a unique approach to delivering both Change Readiness and Adoption.  It is our mission to ensure that every customer sees us as a trusted advisor that brings our practitioners expertise and industry-specific experience to each engagement.  We support your organization by building its internal Change Leadership and Capabilities so that you can deliver real adoption. 

We hope this was helpful as you navigate the next steps in your digital transformation. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how Change 4 Growth and Thought Provoking Consulting can help just let us know.  We’d love to talk with you!  


About the Authors

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Eric Bocks

Eric is an Organizational Change Management and Leadership consultant. He is an accomplished professional with over 25 years’ experience leading teams in the design, development, and implementation of change management, strategic planning, merchandising and process improvement projects. He is skilled in transforming executives into change leaders.

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Tom Owen

As an amateur ethnographer (people watcher), I believe that despite many important technological advancements - people still hold the key to success or failure. A strategic advisor, I am passionate about understanding cultures, passions and values of individuals and teams, and helping them to unlock potential.

Over 11 years Retail experience, with a track record of successful turnarounds, includes; UK Retail, European Retail, Online/E-commerce, Stores, General Merchandise, Food, Clothing/Fashion, Buying, Merchandising, Category Management, Consulting, HR, Project Management, Change Management, Insight, Strategy, Pricing, Planning, Software Implementation

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