#1 - Transformian - What’s 'Transformian’ all about?
"The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday’s logic." — Peter Drucker, management consultant and author
I welcome you to “Transformian”
Let’s cut to the chase—business and digital transformation aren’t just buzzwords but the messy, ever-evolving reality that leaders and organisations wrestle with daily. This blog (or digest, or ramble—call it what you will) is my space to share what I think matters.
First edition
This is the first edition of “Transformian”, and I want to set the scene for this blog. I read articles, review industry reports, listen to podcasts, and consult with business leaders and executives on their challenges daily. Some ideas stick, some don’t, but I’m constantly filtering out the noise to find what’s practical and works.
This digest is where I’ll share my thoughts on what’s happening in the digital and business transformation space, along with curated articles, tools, and techniques that I’ve found valuable. I’ll group things into themes where possible, but let’s be honest—it’ll be a mix of whatever is at the top of my mind in some weeks. That’s how I learn; chances are, that’s how you do, too.
My goal? To make sense of the trends, cut through the corporate fluff, and offer practical insights for leaders navigating transformation. I’ll try to do this weekly. Let’s see how that goes.
If this helps you, please subscribe.
Let me know if you have thoughts, feedback, or ideas. Let’s make this a conversation. If you want to contact me directly, please see my website for contact details - www.iankingstone.co.uk
Some disclaimers up front...
I’m not a writer—far from it. You might be in the wrong place if you’re here for flawless prose and poetic storytelling. English, literature, and writing have never been my strong suits. They were probably the subjects I scraped by with the lowest grades, had the least confidence, and avoided group discussions like the plague.
I’ve spent years deep in the trenches of business and digital transformation, leading, advising, and navigating the chaos of change. This digest is about real-world insights, not perfect grammar.
I’ll share my thoughts as they come—sometimes structured, sometimes more of a brain dump. Expect the occasional typo, the odd ramble, and plenty of straight talk. If that works for you, great. If not… well, plenty of polished corporate blogs are out there.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s dive in.
What does it take to lead a Digital Transformation?
Leading a digital transformation isn’t just about implementing new tech—it’s about rewiring how an organisation thinks, operates, and evolves. That’s why Chief Transformation Officers (or whoever holds the reins) need more than a high-level vision or an IT background. They need a blend of leadership, strategy, operational grit, and stakeholder influence to drive real change.
Here are the essential competencies every transformation leader must master:
Leadership in orchestrating the transformation - Transformation isn’t a side project—it’s a full-scale, enterprise-wide shift. A true leader sets the tone, aligns teams, removes roadblocks, and keeps the momentum going even when things get tough. This is about driving execution, not just setting direction—ensuring the strategy moves from PowerPoint slides to reality.
Strategic planning for realistic objectives - The difference between success and failure? A clear, actionable strategy. The best transformation leaders don’t just chase trends; they define specific, measurable goals that align with business priorities. They know a “digital-first” mindset is meaningless without actual outcomes tied to customer value, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
Operational management to navigate disruptions - Change is messy. Digital transformation shakes existing processes, roles, and business models, often causing friction. Leaders must have deep operational expertise to anticipate and mitigate disruptions, keeping the business running while reinventing it.
Stakeholder collaboration to drive enterprise-wide change - Transformation doesn’t happen in silos. Leaders must align executives, middle management, and frontline teams with different priorities and concerns. They know when to push, when to listen, and how to turn resistance into engagement.
It’s not just about tech—It’s about execution.
Digital transformation isn’t an IT project. It’s a business reinvention. The best transformation leaders don’t just understand technology; they understand people, processes, and strategy. They simplify the complex, balance ambition with realism, and transform transformation from a buzzword into a business impact.
Leading digital transformation? It’s not for the faint-hearted. But if you master the above competencies, you’re already ahead of the curve.
That’s it for this first edition - I hope you have found it helpful.
See you next week!
Ian
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