Digital Transformations: 4 Crucial Steps Every Leader Must Take Before Getting Started

About the Episode:

Embarking on a digital transformation but worried about the pitfalls? This episode is your guiding light. Richard and Joachim, with over 50 years of combined experience, share invaluable insights on setting a clear direction, the importance of sponsorship and choosing the right partners, and learning how to engage and motivate your team for a seamless transition.

Check out the full Transformation Guide: Reflections on Organizational Transformation

About the Host:

Kilian Karrasch is a founding partner at Boldheart, the leading next-generation product & venture builder. Together with his team, he helps ambitious corporates identify, build, and scale successful next-generation digital products and business models. 

Follow Kilian's socials: LinkedIn

About the Guests:

Richard and Joachim are esteemed figures in the realm of digital transformation, boasting over 50 years of collective experience. As former executives and current advisors to C-level teams, they've spearheaded major transformation projects across prominent companies and governmental organizations in Europe.

Follow Richard's socials: LinkedIn;

Follow Joachim's socials: LinkedIn"

Timeline: 

(00:50) - Introduction

(05:00) - Discussion on the inception of the "Reflections on Organizational Transformation" document.

(07:20) - The Importance of collaboration in digital transformation.

(09:40) - Organizational transformation vs. mere change.

(12:30) - Real-world examples of transformation: Nokia and Hugo Boss.

(14:55) - The necessity of transforming organizations and how to recognize existential threats to the business.

(17:10) - Discussion on the high failure rate of digital transformations and how to navigate it.

(19:45) - The role of clear direction and clarity in successful transformation.

(22:30) - The challenge of securing leadership sponsorship and alignment.

(25:00) - Selecting the right partners for transformation efforts.

(27:50) - Addressing internal dynamics and engaging the team for transformation.

(30:15) - Strategies for dealing with different mindsets within the organization towards transformation.

(33:00) - Importance of establishing credibility and showing early successes.

(35:45) - The continuous process of transformation beyond the initial stages.

(38:20) - Closing remarks and anticipation for the next episode on maintaining momentum in transformation.