In this podcast, Roman Regelman and Kevin Carmody discuss the challenges of long-term business transformation, including adapting to geopolitical changes and evolving technology. They emphasize the importance of executive alignment and engaging the entire organization in the transformation process. Additionally, the podcast explores the significance of incentives for long-term success, the role of digital transformation, and the unexpected obstacles faced in the transformation journey at BNY Mellon.
Successful long-term transformations require a balance between measurable goals and a culture that inspires and motivates employees.
Transformation is a continuous journey that involves creating a new operating model, teaming structure, and culture, extending beyond a specific program or phase.
Deep dives
The Importance of Metrics and Culture in Transformation
Metrics and culture play a crucial role in successful long-term transformations. It's essential to have measurable goals for revenue, client satisfaction, and employee satisfaction. While metrics are important for tracking progress and performance, culture is equally vital for inspiring and motivating employees. A balance between metrics and culture is necessary for driving transformation effectively. It is not enough to focus solely on improving business performance; transformation should be bold, aspirational, and drive fundamental change in the hearts and minds of the entire organization.
The Continuous Nature of Transformation
Transformation is not a one-time project but a continuous journey. Unlike a program with specific start and end points, transformation requires creating a new operating model, teaming structure, and culture. It involves ongoing innovation and adaptability. While an initial phase or program may kickstart the transformation, the journey extends beyond that, sustaining the change in behavior, mindset, and performance throughout the organization. By embracing a continuous transformation mindset, the company can adapt to evolving challenges, seize opportunities, and build a new capability in the way it operates.
Engaging the Organization and the Role of Incentives
Successful transformation requires engaging the broader organization and inspiring employees at all levels. Involving hundreds or thousands of people directly in the transformation process, the organization can achieve a sense of ownership and commitment. Financial incentives are important, but non-financial incentives such as a positive work environment, recognition, and learning opportunities also play a crucial role. These incentives should be aligned with the overall transformation goals and reinforce the desired behaviors. By inspiring and engaging employees, companies can drive performance, foster a growth mindset, and achieve sustainable transformation.
Many companies turn to transformation because their leaders seek to capture untapped potential or realize growth or efficiency gains. Yet transformations take work to get right. Our research shows less than a third of transformations reach their goals to improve organizational performance and sustain these improvements over time.
To discuss how to beat those odds and sustain a holistic business transformation over the long term, we are joined by Roman Regelman and Kevin Carmody.
Roman is Senior Executive Vice President and Global Head of Securities Services and Digital at US-based financial company BNY Mellon.
Kevin is a senior partner in our Transformation Practice with over twenty years of experience serving clients across Europe and North and South America.