Q: After 11 years, how would you describe the evolution of IZEI Consulting Group within the B2B consulting market in Mexico?
RP: Over the past 11 years, we have evolved significantly within the B2B consulting market in Mexico thanks to our industry specialization. We initially provided general services for various industries, but the market demanded greater specialization to enable an effective digital transformation. As a result, we focused on specific sectors, understanding their challenges in depth to offer more precise and high-value-added solutions.

Q: How has your approach to digital transformation in Mexico evolved, and what role do technological solutions play in your strategy?
RP: Our approach to digital transformation has evolved significantly. Rather than focusing solely on technology, we have adopted a holistic approach that integrates critical elements such as organizational culture and internal processes. In the past, technology alone could drive change, but we now understand that an effective digital transformation requires a comprehensive assessment of organizational culture and the preparation of processes for change.

In Mexico, we have primarily positioned ourselves in the financial, healthcare, and consumer sectors, combining advanced technology with specialized consulting. We use complementary tools such as communication platforms, document management, and process automation, ensuring a comprehensive solution for each client. Our partnerships with companies like Google and Amazon also enable us to offer a full range of services, from cloud storage to AI.

Q: How does the company foster innovation within its team and develop new talent within the company?
CS: We foster innovation and develop new talent through a comprehensive strategy that includes partnerships with universities and a flexible work environment. We teamed up with educational institutions to create talent pipelines in software engineering, which allows us to recruit and train professionals from different regions of the country. This network of collaboration helps us address emerging technological challenges and seize new opportunities. We also promote a remote work model, which not only facilitates hiring global talent but also responds to the growing trend of flexible and remote employment. This combination of strategies ensures that our team is well-prepared to face market challenges and contribute to ongoing innovation.

Q: How are IZEI Consulting Group’s solutions positively impacting your clients and how do you measure these results?
CS: A recent case involved a banking client for whom we implemented an operational platform that enabled a smooth transition to remote work during the pandemic. While other areas of the bank struggled with adaptation, our platform allowed the team to maintain operational efficiency from home. This advanced digital transformation enabled the bank to continue functioning without interruptions and accelerated the adoption of cloud and mobile technologies. The results were measured by observing operational continuity during the critical period and highlighted adaptability and improvement in operational efficiency.

Q: How does the company integrate AI into its solutions and what benefits does it offer?
CS: We are integrating AI to optimize processes and personalize services. Our platforms use advanced technologies to adapt them to the emerging needs of our clients. For example, generative AI facilitates the creation of personalized content and automates tasks such as email drafting and call summary generation, improving productivity and customer service. 

We also employ predictive AI to identify leads and accounts with a higher likelihood of conversion or loss, based on extensive data analysis. This allows our clients to make more informed decisions and enhance operational efficiency. We also use conversational AI to improve interaction and natural language processing, providing a smoother and more effective experience.

Q: What are the main challenges companies face on their path to digital transformation?
CS: First, delays in transactional systems and internal bureaucracy can complicate the development of agile projects, causing a project that could take two months to extend to six due to technological and administrative hurdles. Second, there remains a limited view on adopting cloud technologies, with resistance to change and a lack of clarity about long-term impacts. Finally, the work culture also represents a significant challenge, as changing work practices and overcoming resistance to cultural change is crucial for effective transformation.

Q: What are your development and expansion plans for the end of this year and early next year? 
RP: In terms of solutions, we are focusing on integrating advanced technologies such as AI and data analytics. Our partner recently acquired the Tableau platform, which will allow us to enrich our offerings in collaboration and integration. We are also exploring new partnerships and solutions to complement our value proposition.

We are expanding our presence in Latin America, focusing on Colombia, Guatemala, and El Salvador. We see another significant opportunity in the Latino market in the United States. We aim to serve medium and large enterprises in the southern United States that are looking for Spanish-speaking providers who understand their needs and offer more personalized service.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face in achieving these goals?
CS: In the United States, one of the biggest challenges is intense competition and the need for a local commercial presence in key states like California. We are evaluating whether it is feasible to operate remotely or if we need to make a significant investment to open offices and hold events in these markets.

In the Central and South American markets, one of the main challenges is attracting and retaining talent. As we seek to expand, especially in markets like Colombia and Peru, we need not only to offer competitive pricing but also to create an attractive work environment that allows us to retain top professionals. We are working on developing a strong work culture and establishing strategies to attract and keep our team in a globalized environment where competition for talent is fierce.

Q: How does the company view the future of digital transformation in Mexican companies?
RP: Digital transformation is an ongoing and long journey. The key is understanding that transformation is not about a single change or project but about a series of initiatives that must be approached in an organized and strategic manner. Companies must engage in this transformation, selecting the right tools and planning their implementation comprehensively. With the rise of emerging technologies, it is crucial to have a strategic partner who not only implements solutions but also continuously guides and adapts strategies to remain competitive. The ability to quickly adapt and leverage new technologies will be essential to securing a competitive advantage in the future.

IZEI Consulting Group is a leading consulting firm specializing in enhancing business competitiveness and economic value through advanced practices and digital transformation.