

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

Jan 15, 2026 • 15min
Review of D365
🔗 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/
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/

Jan 12, 2026 • 19min
SAP Review
🔗 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/
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/

Jan 8, 2026 • 15min
Vendor Methodologies Suck
🔗 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/
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/

Jan 5, 2026 • 14min
Blame the CIO
CIOs often face unjust blame for digital transformation failures, despite lacking full control. Outsourcing entire projects can lead to conflicts and dependency, so co-sponsorship with other leaders is crucial. Front-loading planning prevents costly vendor teams from misstepping. Hiring independent advisors ensures unbiased technology decisions. Trusting instincts and early investigations can help CIOs navigate vendor pressures and make informed choices. Packed with practical insights, this discussion is a must-listen for tech leaders!

Dec 31, 2025 • 20min
Porter 5 Forces
🔗 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/
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/

Dec 29, 2025 • 17min
Top ERP Failures of 2025
🔗 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/
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/

Dec 26, 2025 • 16min
SAP vs Oracle vs Microsoft
🔗 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/
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/

Dec 22, 2025 • 14min
What Every CFO Needs to Know About Digital Transformation
This episode dives into digital transformation essentials for CFOs. Discover why ERP replacement isn't always necessary, with alternatives like financial reporting tools. Learn about the alarming ERP failure rates and how to manage unrealistic expectations. The discussion includes the high costs of operational risks post-go-live and the shift from capex to opex with cloud technology. Also, hear about protecting intellectual property and the importance of internal controls during system implementations.

Dec 18, 2025 • 16min
Kingfisher
🔗 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/
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/

Dec 15, 2025 • 12min
AI Trends in 2026
The discussion kicks off with predictions for AI's evolution by 2026, showcasing five key trends. Listeners will learn about the shift from pilot projects to practical, scalable AI use cases across organizations. There’s a deep dive into the potential AI funding bubble threatening startups, along with the risks of shadow AI in workplaces. The episode emphasizes the critical need for strong governance and oversight to manage AI effectively and prevent mistakes. Expect a summary of intriguing predictions that will shape the future of AI!


