Andrew Watson’s Post

My October reading - "Future Ready: The Four Pathways to Capturing Digital Value" by Stephanie Woerner, Peter Weill, and Ina Sebastian. A strategic roadmap for organisations that want to excel in a digitally driven world. It emphasises that becoming 'future ready' requires a structured approach to digital transformation, enabling organisations to remain competitive and innovative.  First, companies should focus on building a strong digital foundation, which includes modernising IT infrastructure and investing in scalable, secure digital platforms. This foundation is essential for efficient data management and responsive business operations. Second, business model innovation - encouraging organisations to experiment with digital revenue streams, product offerings and customer engagement channels. By adopting flexible models, organisations can pivot quickly as market demands change. Third, a digital culture - one that prioritises collaboration, continuous learning and agile decision-making. This culture supports employees in embracing change and actively contributing to digital growth. What makes the book interesting: With practical frameworks and real-world case studies as well as empiral data, Future Ready provides actionable strategies for leaders who want to integrate digital capabilities into the DNA of their organisations, ensuring that they not only keep pace with technological change, but also actively shape the future of their industries.

Why can tech feel like a broken promise? This is an interesting question, and one which, in my opinion, has a short answer.    It’s because tech can only deliver its transformative value when it is paired with an organisation that has rewired to outcompete.    A rewired operating model is one part of this process.    A rewired organization (aka as “agile organization”) is so important if you want to get full value out of your tech. And by agility, I’m talking about having an operating model that can manage not just one but hundreds of cross-functional teams. Reaching this point takes time, and based on our experience, three models stand out to help you get there: digital factory, product and platform, and enterprise-wide agility. All three models are based on the understanding that multidisciplinary teams are the most effective way to develop software and that overhauling your operating system is the catalyst to driving growth.   Overhauling your operating model is not easy, but it is critical to success today. At McKinsey Digital, we work with organisations to help them adopt their operating model in the context of a digital and AI transformation.   #McKinseyDigital #NeverJustTech #RewiredBook

#quoteoftheday “We’ve always done it this way” - Rear Admiral Grace Hopper   This phrase is often used to express resistance to change or reluctance to adopt new methods, strategies, or approaches. While there may be comfort and familiarity in sticking to traditional practices, it's essential to recognise that the business landscape is constantly evolving, and embracing innovation and improvement is key to staying competitive and achieving long-term success. 📈 🏆   Here are some considerations to challenge the notion of "We've always done it this way":   ✳ Efficiency and Effectiveness ✳ : Just because a process or strategy has been used in the past doesn't guarantee that it's the most efficient or effective approach. Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and best practices can lead to streamlined operations, improved productivity, and better outcomes. 🎯 📈   ✳ Adaptation to Change ✳ : Markets, customer preferences, and industry trends evolve over time. What worked well in the past may not be as relevant or impactful in the current business environment. Being open to change and willing to explore new ideas can help businesses stay agile and responsive to market dynamics. 📊 🔁   ✳ Innovation and Creativity ✳ : Continuously doing things the same way can stifle innovation and creativity within an organisation. Encouraging a culture of innovation allows for the exploration of new solutions, processes, and opportunities for growth and improvement. 💡 🚀   ✳ Competitive Advantage ✳ : Adopting new strategies, technologies, and approaches can provide a competitive advantage by differentiating your business, improving customer experiences, and positioning yourself ahead of competitors who may be stuck in outdated practices. 🏆 🥇   ✳  Risk Mitigation ✳ : Relying solely on traditional methods without exploring alternatives can pose risks, such as missed opportunities, operational inefficiencies, and stagnation. Embracing change and seeking continuous improvement can mitigate these risks and position the business for long-term success. 🎲 💥   It's important to approach "We've always done it this way" with a #mindset of curiosity, openness to new ideas, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. By embracing #change , exploring #innovativesolutions , and continuously evolving, businesses can adapt to the evolving landscape, drive growth, and achieve sustainable #success. ✅ 📈 🏆   When it comes to talent acquisition, is your traditional approach yielding the results you want? Are you measuring cost to hire and time to hire? And what does success look like to you? Let's continue to improve and seek excellence! 💪 📈 💯 📲 Schedule a meeting for a tailored solution that meets your needs. Drop us a DM Henry Le May Andy Dou or email via: [email protected] [email protected] 📩 ℹ Learn more about FIFE Recruitment : www.fife.ae #talentacquisition #peoplesolutions #strategicworkforceplanning #hiring #strategicpartnerships

Even without abundant amounts of data, organizations can still use the information they have to inform the next best steps for growth. Starting with a game plan to approach change more intentionally, organizations can rely on multiple areas to encourage better strategies. Whether you plan on heightening CX strategy, technology, etc., how you approach the input and output of your information ensures a stronger preparation for an efficient growth process. #Data #CompanyCulture #BusinessGrowth

🌍 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🌍 We’re standing on a burning platform. The business landscape is shifting at an unprecedented pace, and companies that fail to adapt risk being left behind. The time to transition into an exponential organisation is now—and here’s 𝘸𝘩𝘺: 1️⃣ 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 The rapid advancement of innovation, as outlined by Wright’s, Moore’s, and Neven’s laws, has created a compelling business case for boards and executives to embrace change. The cost and complexity of technology are reducing while capabilities are growing exponentially. The question isn't if you’ll embrace it—it's when. 2️⃣ 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Today’s customers increasingly expect self-service options that fit their schedules, coupled with the ability to access expert support instantly. Seamless and frictionless omni-channel experiences are becoming table stakes in customer service. 3️⃣ 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 The workforce is seeking purpose and opportunities for growth and are eager to move beyond mundane, repetitive tasks to focus on high-value work. They want augmented decision-making tools that allow them to provide greater insight and service, driving both satisfaction and productivity. 4️⃣ 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 Whether fully acknowledged or not, there are disruptors on the horizon for a lot of industries. Organisations that are slow to modernise risk being left behind as new entrants and digital-first competitors reshape the market. 5️⃣ 𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 Take insurance, for example—an industry where technology adoption has lagged. Yet the pressure to boost productivity and profitability is mounting. To remain competitive, businesses must accelerate their digital transformation. 🚀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 Exponential organisations leverage technology, innovation, and agile structures to drive 10x growth, not 10%. It’s time to move beyond incremental improvements and seize the opportunities before us. #DigitalTransformation#Innovation#ExponentialGrowth#Agile#DigitalFirst#TransformationLeadership#ExponentialOrganisations

🚂  Gonna take more than a salted side-order of communication. There’s the data . . . “This year enterprises are expected to invest $1.3 trillion in digital transformation initiatives to apply digital capabilities to improve efficiencies, increase customer value and create new monetization opportunities.” There’s the story . . . “Tragically, research tells us that 70% of these initiatives will not reach their stated goals.  That equates to over $900 billion worth of spend that will miss the mark.” There’s no surprise . . . “The truth is, it’s the organization’s failure to communicate effectively with its people that sets them up for digital transformation trouble from the start.” And then there’s the solution . . . >  It’s not the process – workflow – stuff getting us into trouble >  It’s not the pipe – technology – stuff getting us into trouble >  It’s the people stuff getting us into trouble There’s a new-to-the-world way to facilitate our transformation efforts. There’s a new-to-the-world way to increase our adoption rates. There’s a new-to-the-world way to bring more muscle to next efforts. It’s all about people, process + pipes. Integrated. Where fantastic communication is an entrée. Sending much gratitude and respect to Keith Kitani for his assertions in, The $900 billion reason GE, Ford and P&G failed at digital transformation. We agree, “As many companies have discovered, creating processes, implementing tools and identifying workflows is straight forward. Changing people is hard. And, organizations that are unable to get the right message to the right people at the right time will find it downright impossible.” Rejuvi offers modelling, analytics + technology to help you integrate people, process + pipes. Modernized. Reach-out to learn more about our portfolio of services and how it can help you actualize your transformation goals. 🚂 #leadership #innovation #analytics #strategy The Rejuvi Venture, Inc. + The Rejuvi Venture, Inc. | Certification

In today's fast-paced business landscape, gaining a competitive advantage requires more than just surface-level strategies. It's about delving deep into the behind-the-scenes operations and uncovering the secrets that set successful businesses apart from the rest. Here’s how you can uncover a business’s competitive advantage 🔍 Exploring Behind-the-Scenes Insights Behind-the-screens insights offer a glimpse into the inner workings of successful businesses. From streamlined processes to innovative technologies, these insights provide a roadmap for achieving and sustaining a competitive edge. 💡 Unlocking Competitive Strategies By understanding what happens behind the scenes, businesses can unlock a wealth of competitive strategies. From optimizing supply chains to harnessing data analytics, there are endless opportunities to gain an edge over competitors. 📈 Real-World Examples Let's take a look at some real-world examples of businesses that have mastered the art of behind-the-scenes operations. From e-commerce giants to tech startups, these companies have leveraged insights to drive growth and success. 🔧 Tools and Technologies Technology plays a pivotal role in behind-the-scenes operations. From automation tools to advanced analytics platforms, businesses have access to a wide range of tools and technologies to streamline processes and drive innovation. 🤝 The Power of Collaboration Behind-the-scenes success is not just about technology—it's also about collaboration and teamwork. By fostering a culture of collaboration, businesses can harness the collective intelligence of their teams to achieve extraordinary results. 🌱 Continuous Improvement In today's dynamic business environment, continuous improvement is key. By constantly evolving and refining behind-the-scenes operations, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive advantage. 💬 Join the Conversation What behind-the-scenes strategies have you implemented in your organization? Share your thoughts, experiences, and insights in the comments below! #CompetitiveAdvantage #BusinessInsights #StrategicOperations #BehindTheScenes #BusinessStrategy #InnovationTools #CollaborativeSuccess #ContinuousImprovement #IndustryExamples #TechInnovation

🚂  There’s a sweetness when all 3 come together. People, process + pipes. There’s the data . . . “This year enterprises are expected to invest $1.3 trillion in digital transformation initiatives to apply digital capabilities to improve efficiencies, increase customer value and create new monetization opportunities.” There’s the story . . . “Tragically, research tells us that 70% of these initiatives will not reach their stated goals.  That equates to over $900 billion worth of spend that will miss the mark.” There’s no surprise . . . “This is mismanagement on a colossal scale.” 😲 And then there’s the solution . . . >  It’s not the process – workflow – stuff getting us into trouble >  It’s not the pipe – technology – stuff getting us into trouble >  It’s the people stuff getting us into trouble There’s a new-to-the-world way to facilitate our transformation efforts. There’s a new-to-the-world way to increase our adoption rates. There’s a new-to-the-world way to bring more muscle to next efforts. It’s all about people, process + pipes. Integrated. And a Modern Leadership portfolio of services enables change leadership and organization effectiveness . . . . . . starting with the work . . . making success the plan . . . changing the history of fails Sending much gratitude and respect to Steven ZoBell for his recommendations in, Why Digital Transformations Fail:  Closing The $900 Billion Hole In Enterprise Strategy. We agree, “We must rethink how our teams work together across the enterprise and apply a modern approach to work with new systems and models, enabled by the right tools. Only then can we fully exploit our massive investment in digital transformation and get the expected return on the $900 billion off-target spend. Then we can finally enable our teams to focus on what we actually hired them to do: dream, create and innovate.” Rejuvi offers modelling, analytics + technology to help you integrate people, process + pipes. Modernized. Reach-out to learn more about our portfolio of services and how it can help you actualize your transformation goals. 🚂 #leadership #innovation #analytics #strategy The Rejuvi Venture, Inc. + The Rejuvi Venture, Inc. | Certification

"Success in business development today isn't just about scaling up—it's about scaling smart with the right partnerships and technology." 🌐💡 In today's competitive landscape, expanding a business isn’t solely about rapid growth; it's about sustainable, intelligent scaling. This distinction is where strategic partnerships and technology investments become essential. Here’s why: Strategic Partnerships = Accelerated Growth 🤝 Businesses collaborating with the right partners can tap into new markets, share resources, and access expertise that would otherwise take years to build internally. According to a recent report, 65% of high-growth companies cite partnerships as crucial to their expansion strategy. Tech-Driven Efficiencies = Smarter Scaling 📈 Automation, data analytics, and AI have revolutionized how businesses streamline operations. McKinsey reports that organizations leveraging AI achieve productivity gains of up to 40%. When tech automates repetitive tasks, teams can focus on what matters—building meaningful client relationships and developing innovative solutions. Enhanced Customer Experiences = Long-Term Success 🎯 In an era where customer expectations evolve faster than ever, strategic tech adoption empowers businesses to personalize offerings, reduce response times, and deliver exceptional value. Over 72% of businesses agree that customer experience is a significant factor in competitive differentiation. 🔑 Key Takeaway: For business development in 2024, growth isn’t just about reaching new heights—it’s about building a sustainable foundation with the right tech and partnerships. The smartest companies are those scaling strategically, aligning every move with purpose. 👉 At Grow From Roots Business Development Consultants, we specialize in helping businesses not only expand but scale with intention. Let us partner with you to unlock new markets, streamline operations with the latest tech, and build a strategy for long-term growth. Ready to scale smart? Connect with us today to start your journey! 💬 How are you leveraging partnerships and technology to build sustainable growth in your business? #BusinessDevelopment #SmartScaling #StrategicGrowth #PartnershipsForSuccess #InnovationInBusiness #SustainableGrowth #BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #ScaleWithPurpose #GrowthMindset #Automation #AIInBusiness #GrowFromRoots

Innovation is essential for small and medium enterprises (SME) to remain competitive and thrive in today's fast-paced market. However, many founders and business leaders find it challenging to know where to start. In this post by Dr Chloe Sharp, you will explore the meaning of innovation, how to spot opportunities for change, and provide practical steps to kickstart your innovation journey. #Innovation #SMEs #BusinessGrowth