Digital Stratosphere: Digital Transformation, ERP, HCM, and CRM Implementation Best Practices
Third Stage Consulting Group
Digital Stratosphere: Digital Transformation, ERP, HCM, and CRM Implementation Best Practices is a podcast hosted by top industry thought leaders, Eric Kimberling and Kyler Cheatham. In each episode, they discuss the best practices for implementing digital transformation, ERP, HCM, and CRM solutions in businesses of all sizes.
Whether you’re a CIO, CTO, or IT manager, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone responsible for digital transformation in their organization. The podcast features interviews with the industry‘s leading experts on topics ranging from digital strategy, software selection, implementation project management, and organizational change management.
In each episode, Eric and Kyler discuss a different digital transformation topic and share their insights and expertise on how businesses can successfully navigate the challenges of implementing these solutions. They also interview leading experts in the field to get their insights on specific topics.
If you’re looking for actionable advice on how to successfully implement a digital transformation, ERP, HCM, and CRM solutions in your business, this is the podcast for you. Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode!
Whether you’re a CIO, CTO, or IT manager, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone responsible for digital transformation in their organization. The podcast features interviews with the industry‘s leading experts on topics ranging from digital strategy, software selection, implementation project management, and organizational change management.
In each episode, Eric and Kyler discuss a different digital transformation topic and share their insights and expertise on how businesses can successfully navigate the challenges of implementing these solutions. They also interview leading experts in the field to get their insights on specific topics.
If you’re looking for actionable advice on how to successfully implement a digital transformation, ERP, HCM, and CRM solutions in your business, this is the podcast for you. Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 30, 2026 • 20min
Inside the Machine
🔗 Explore Our Latest Resources:
ORDER MY NEW BOOK: Welcome to the Jungle: https://a.co/d/hAFI7cN
2026 AI Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ai-that-works-in-2026/
2026 Digital Transformation Report: https://resource.thirdstage-consulting.com/2026-digital-transformation-report
2025 Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/2025-digital-transformation-report/
ERP Project Recovery Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erp-project-recovery-guide/
20 Lessons from 1,000 Digital Transformations: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ebook-20-lessons-from-1000-erp-implementations/
2025 Guide to AI Strategy & Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/guide-to-ai-strategy/
Executive Guide to Digital Strategy and Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/executives-guide-to-digital-transformation/
Business Transformation Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/transformation-playbook/
Software Buyer's Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/independentsoftwareselection/
Guide to Organizational Change Management: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/change-management-success/
Supply Chain Management Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/supply-chain-management/
2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/manufacturing-distribution-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Government Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/the-government-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Free Transformation Assessments: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/free-transformation-assessments/
Private Equity Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erpduediligenceprivateequity/
TSC Resource Center: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/thought-leadership/
Mar 26, 2026 • 14min
Therapy of a CIO Round 2
🔗 Explore Our Latest Resources:
ORDER MY NEW BOOK: Welcome to the Jungle: https://a.co/d/hAFI7cN
2026 AI Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ai-that-works-in-2026/
2026 Digital Transformation Report: https://resource.thirdstage-consulting.com/2026-digital-transformation-report
2025 Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/2025-digital-transformation-report/
ERP Project Recovery Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erp-project-recovery-guide/
20 Lessons from 1,000 Digital Transformations: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ebook-20-lessons-from-1000-erp-implementations/
2025 Guide to AI Strategy & Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/guide-to-ai-strategy/
Executive Guide to Digital Strategy and Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/executives-guide-to-digital-transformation/
Business Transformation Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/transformation-playbook/
Software Buyer's Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/independentsoftwareselection/
Guide to Organizational Change Management: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/change-management-success/
Supply Chain Management Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/supply-chain-management/
2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/manufacturing-distribution-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Government Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/the-government-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Free Transformation Assessments: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/free-transformation-assessments/
Private Equity Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erpduediligenceprivateequity/
TSC Resource Center: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/thought-leadership/
Mar 23, 2026 • 14min
Why Failures Are at an All Time High
Rising numbers of transformation projects are failing due to forced cloud migrations and vendor sunset pressures. Labor shortages and skill gaps leave organizations struggling to implement new cloud and AI features. Immature cloud functionality and premature AI add complexity. Most setbacks are moderate but damaging, driven by people, process, and strategy rather than technology.
Mar 19, 2026 • 14min
How Vendors Gaslight Customers
🔗 Explore Our Latest Resources:
ORDER MY NEW BOOK: Welcome to the Jungle: https://a.co/d/hAFI7cN
2026 AI Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ai-that-works-in-2026/
2026 Digital Transformation Report: https://resource.thirdstage-consulting.com/2026-digital-transformation-report
2025 Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/2025-digital-transformation-report/
ERP Project Recovery Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erp-project-recovery-guide/
20 Lessons from 1,000 Digital Transformations: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ebook-20-lessons-from-1000-erp-implementations/
2025 Guide to AI Strategy & Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/guide-to-ai-strategy/
Executive Guide to Digital Strategy and Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/executives-guide-to-digital-transformation/
Business Transformation Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/transformation-playbook/
Software Buyer's Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/independentsoftwareselection/
Guide to Organizational Change Management: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/change-management-success/
Supply Chain Management Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/supply-chain-management/
2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/manufacturing-distribution-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Government Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/the-government-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Free Transformation Assessments: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/free-transformation-assessments/
Private Equity Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erpduediligenceprivateequity/
TSC Resource Center: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/thought-leadership/
Mar 16, 2026 • 17min
Taking Back Control
🔗 Explore Our Latest Resources:
ORDER MY NEW BOOK: Welcome to the Jungle: https://a.co/d/hAFI7cN
AI That Works In 2026: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ai-that-works-in-2026/
2026 Digital Transformation Report, pre-register: https://resource.thirdstage-consulting.com/2026-digital-transformation-report
2025 Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/2025-digital-transformation-report/
ERP Project Recovery Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erp-project-recovery-guide/
20 Lessons from 1,000 Digital Transformations: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ebook-20-lessons-from-1000-erp-implementations/
2025 Guide to AI Strategy & Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/guide-to-ai-strategy/
Executive Guide to Digital Strategy and Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/executives-guide-to-digital-transformation/
Business Transformation Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/transformation-playbook/
Software Buyer's Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/independentsoftwareselection/
Guide to Organizational Change Management: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/change-management-success/
Supply Chain Management Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/supply-chain-management/
2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/manufacturing-distribution-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Government Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/the-government-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Free Transformation Assessments: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/free-transformation-assessments/
Private Equity Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erpduediligenceprivateequity/
TSC Resource Center: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/thought-leadership/
Mar 12, 2026 • 16min
Build vs Buy
🔗 Explore Our Latest Resources:
ORDER MY NEW BOOK: Welcome to the Jungle: https://a.co/d/hAFI7cN
AI That Works In 2026: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ai-that-works-in-2026/
2026 Digital Transformation Report, pre-register: https://resource.thirdstage-consulting.com/2026-digital-transformation-report
2025 Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/2025-digital-transformation-report/
ERP Project Recovery Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erp-project-recovery-guide/
20 Lessons from 1,000 Digital Transformations: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ebook-20-lessons-from-1000-erp-implementations/
2025 Guide to AI Strategy & Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/guide-to-ai-strategy/
Executive Guide to Digital Strategy and Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/executives-guide-to-digital-transformation/
Business Transformation Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/transformation-playbook/
Software Buyer's Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/independentsoftwareselection/
Guide to Organizational Change Management: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/change-management-success/
Supply Chain Management Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/supply-chain-management/
2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/manufacturing-distribution-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Government Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/the-government-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Free Transformation Assessments: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/free-transformation-assessments/
Private Equity Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erpduediligenceprivateequity/
TSC Resource Center: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/thought-leadership/
Mar 9, 2026 • 13min
5 Selection Pitfalls
🔗 Explore Our Latest Resources:
ORDER MY NEW BOOK: Welcome to the Jungle: https://a.co/d/hAFI7cN
AI That Works In 2026: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ai-that-works-in-2026/
2026 Digital Transformation Report, pre-register: https://resource.thirdstage-consulting.com/2026-digital-transformation-report
2025 Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/2025-digital-transformation-report/
ERP Project Recovery Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erp-project-recovery-guide/
20 Lessons from 1,000 Digital Transformations: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ebook-20-lessons-from-1000-erp-implementations/
2025 Guide to AI Strategy & Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/guide-to-ai-strategy/
Executive Guide to Digital Strategy and Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/executives-guide-to-digital-transformation/
Business Transformation Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/transformation-playbook/
Software Buyer's Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/independentsoftwareselection/
Guide to Organizational Change Management: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/change-management-success/
Supply Chain Management Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/supply-chain-management/
2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/manufacturing-distribution-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Government Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/the-government-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Free Transformation Assessments: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/free-transformation-assessments/
Private Equity Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erpduediligenceprivateequity/
TSC Resource Center: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/thought-leadership/
Mar 5, 2026 • 11min
Therapy for a CIO
🔗 Explore Our Latest Resources:
ORDER MY NEW BOOK: Welcome to the Jungle: https://a.co/d/hAFI7cN
AI That Works In 2026: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ai-that-works-in-2026/
2026 Digital Transformation Report, pre-register: https://resource.thirdstage-consulting.com/2026-digital-transformation-report
2025 Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/2025-digital-transformation-report/
ERP Project Recovery Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erp-project-recovery-guide/
20 Lessons from 1,000 Digital Transformations: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ebook-20-lessons-from-1000-erp-implementations/
2025 Guide to AI Strategy & Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/guide-to-ai-strategy/
Executive Guide to Digital Strategy and Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/executives-guide-to-digital-transformation/
Business Transformation Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/transformation-playbook/
Software Buyer's Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/independentsoftwareselection/
Guide to Organizational Change Management: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/change-management-success/
Supply Chain Management Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/supply-chain-management/
2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/manufacturing-distribution-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Government Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/the-government-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Free Transformation Assessments: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/free-transformation-assessments/
Private Equity Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erpduediligenceprivateequity/
TSC Resource Center: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/thought-leadership/
Feb 26, 2026 • 13min
Command and Control
A deep dive into why indecision sinks major transformation programs. Clear contrasts between command-and-control and consensus leadership, with examples of business vs IT conflict. Practical moments where executives must own decisions, verify progress, and temporarily tighten control before returning to normal governance.
Feb 23, 2026 • 13min
Cloud ERP Software Crisis
🔗 Explore Our Latest Resources:
ORDER MY NEW BOOK: Welcome to the Jungle: https://a.co/d/hAFI7cN
2026 Digital Transformation Report, pre-register: https://resource.thirdstage-consulting.com/2026-digital-transformation-report
2025 Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/2025-digital-transformation-report/
ERP Project Recovery Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erp-project-recovery-guide/
20 Lessons from 1,000 Digital Transformations: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/ebook-20-lessons-from-1000-erp-implementations/
2025 Guide to AI Strategy & Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/guide-to-ai-strategy/
Executive Guide to Digital Strategy and Implementation: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/executives-guide-to-digital-transformation/
Business Transformation Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/transformation-playbook/
Software Buyer's Guide: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/independentsoftwareselection/
Guide to Organizational Change Management: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/change-management-success/
Supply Chain Management Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/supply-chain-management/
2025 Manufacturing & Distribution Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/manufacturing-distribution-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Government Digital Transformation Report: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/the-government-digital-transformation-report-2025/
Free Transformation Assessments: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/free-transformation-assessments/
Private Equity Playbook: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/reports/erpduediligenceprivateequity/
TSC Resource Center: https://www.thirdstage-consulting.com/thought-leadership/
