Leading Digital Transformation

Many companies and leaders have noticed changes that have improved their productivity thanks to technological integrations. For example, something as simple as reviewing their daily agenda from a computer, tablet, or cellphone to having real-time meetings with people in another geographic location through a video conference. This was a deal-breaker when COVID hit and many businesses had to adapt to a new norm.

The ability to quickly scale digital solutions, such as data generation, analysis and protection, cloud storage, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, have allowed leaders to realize value from digital transformation.

Many companies began to walk toward digital transformation long before 2020, having a competitive advantage and positioning themselves as digital leaders ready to face a new era of digital consumption.

A recent study published by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in partnership with Google, revealed that only 30 percent of companies in Mexico have managed to create significant value through the integration of digital solutions, influencing work culture, operations and how they interact with their clients to achieve better results.

Of the 70 percent of companies that lag, the reason why is very simple. Generally, the aim to implement digital transformation exists but actions are not executed beyond pilot tests. Sometimes the ideas and solutions do not permeate the entire organization, or the idea of “wanting to transform” only exists in one or very few members of the company. It often lacks the all-important C-level sponsorship. 

For a business to move forward and achieve a complete digital transformation, it must focus on leadership coordination, while maintaining an open mindset in driving diversity and inclusion across the corporate environment. The BCG study also reveals that 72 percent of the companies that participated in the survey stated that managers’ constant collaboration, vision, investment, and other resources are essential to implement change. It is essential that everyone in the company has access to high-end data to learn, implement, and then start driving results.

Digital transformation is no longer an option but a must-have. The commitment shown by managers will be reflected throughout the organization. Those who manage to permeate changes in their teams and constantly adapt to both cultural and operational changes will be able to evolve into digital leaders.