Digital Transformation: What Got Us Here Won’t Take Us There
After spending years advising digital transformation programs across industries and continents, one truth keeps coming back...
Digital transformation isn’t about technology.
It’s about people, purpose, and pace.
Every AI rollout, ERP upgrade, or automation initiative I’ve seen has one thing in common...the real challenge isn’t coding or deployment. It’s belief.
Teams need to believe in the change, leaders need to believe in the vision, and organizations need to align both.
That’s where most transformations falter.
Around 70% of digital initiatives fail... not because of tools or budgets, but because they forget the simple truth:
Vision 2030: The Next Decade of Transformation
The next decade will redefine what “digital” means across regions... and each geography is carving its own path.
🇮🇳 India — entering its Digital Maturity Decade.
From UPI’s global footprint to AI-driven governance, India is moving from digitization to digital intelligence.
The opportunity lies in data sovereignty, local innovation, and homegrown tech ecosystems that scale globally.
🇸🇦 Middle East — turning Vision 2030 into a living blueprint.
Governments here aren’t just digitizing services... they’re reinventing economies around clean tech, AI, and citizen experience.
The power lies in public-private partnerships that translate national ambition into measurable progress.
🇪🇺 Europe — leading with responsibility and ethics.
Transformation here isn’t about “what’s possible”
It’s about “what’s sustainable.”
With strong digital sovereignty and ESG mandates, Europe’s path is about balancing innovation with trust.
My Perspective
The next phase of transformation won’t belong to those who adopt the fastest.
It’ll belong to those who align the deepest...connecting strategy, culture, governance, and execution without losing sight of the human element.
The Transformation Maturity Lens
From my experience working with manufacturing, services, and public enterprises... every successful transformation evolves through four stages:
Most organizations stop at Stage 2.
But those aiming for 2030 must reach Stage 4, governed, measurable, and resilient digital ecosystems.
My Work
I advise boards, CIOs, and CXOs across manufacturing, distribution, and service industries in India and Asia-Pacific —
helping them bridge the gap between transformation design and transformation maturity.
Because what got us here... won’t take us there.
This insight beautifully highlights the nuanced journey of digital transformation across different regions. It's a reminder that at its core, transformation is about culture and strategy, not just technology. Looking forward to reading more in your newsletter!
Great perspective — I completely agree that digital transformation goes far beyond technology. It’s about rethinking how people, processes, and tools align across industries. 🌍 It’s fascinating to see how this shift is also changing the kinds of skills companies look for. The impact of AI on the job market is especially powerful — I’ve seen how platforms like LifeShack use AI to help professionals discover opportunities they might have otherwise missed. Have you noticed any particular regions or industries leading the way in redefining “digital” over the next decade?