2364: Vlerick Business School - Why Every Company is a Technology Company

In this episode, I welcome Prof Stijn Viaene from Vlerick Business School, a renowned digital transformation and leadership expert. We delve into the critical role of digital infrastructure in business success and the importance of collaboration across organizational silos for effective digital transformation.

The discussion highlights the debate around every company being a tech company and emphasizes the need for business transformation, with digital technology playing a dominant role. My guest shares insights on the four leadership styles (vigilant, voyager, visionary, and vested) crucial for successful digital transformation.

We discuss ensuring digital transformation is purpose-driven and that technology complements human skills. We also discuss the importance of focusing on business transformation, aligning objectives with resource allocation, balancing past exploitation with exploring the future, and addressing the talent gap.

Together, we examine companies' challenges and pitfalls during digital transformation, such as the need for a forward-looking vision, digital literacy gaps in executive teams, and the importance of routine transformation.

The conversation explores the need for businesses to stay ahead of the curve, continuously adapting to industry innovations and disruptions. All were brought to life with examples of successful companies, including DBS Bank, KBC, John Deere, and the City of London, that have introduced new products and services while transforming their ways of working with technology.