Unlocking Successful Digital Transformation: Insights from David L. Rogers

In this episode, David L. Rogers, author of 'The Digital Transformation Roadmap' and 'The Digital Transformation Playbook,' joins Aidan to discuss the critical steps and challenges businesses face in their journey towards digital transformation. Rogers emphasises the importance of transforming not just products and business models but the organisation itself. 

He outlines five major barriers to success: vision, priorities, experimentation, governance, and capabilities. 

Through insightful case studies such as the New York Times and CNN+, Rogers illustrates the pitfalls and successful strategies for driving meaningful innovation. 

Additionally, he highlights the need for iterative funding and continuous adaptation in the face of uncertainty. This episode is packed with practical advice and lessons drawn from two decades of research and real-world examples, aimed at helping leaders navigate and thrive in the digital age.

00:00 Introduction to Digital Transformation

00:57 Meet the Author: David L. Rogers

01:47 The Evolution of Digital Transformation

02:36 Challenges and Misconceptions

07:48 Defining Digital Transformation

09:56 Barriers to Success

22:26 Case Study: The New York Times

31:33 Setting Realistic Expectations for Change

32:21 Defining a Clear Vision for Change

34:03 Empathy and Resistance to Change

34:53 Challenges of Corporate Innovation

36:15 Addressing Uncertainty in Innovation

39:27 Paths to Innovation and Growth

41:41 Case Study: The Failure of CNN Plus

49:55 Iterative Funding and the Facebook Example

54:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find David here: 

Substack: http://davidrogersdigital.substack.com

Website: https://davidrogers.digital

The Missing Link Between Strategy and Innovation article David mentioned:

https://hbr.org/2024/03/the-missing-link-between-strategy-and-innovation

The episode we mentioned with Steve Blank:

The Startup Owner's Manual: The Step-By-Step Guide for Building a Great Company

https://youtu.be/JbPRE2oCjnY?si=S0ULzjFLdnsU-1Ix

Aidan McCullen, David Rogers, digital transformation roadmap, digital transformation playbook, corporate governance, iterative experimentation, Facebook, CNN Plus, startup funding, media industry, New York Times, Steve Blank, Bob Dorf, Rita McGrath, Stefan Tompkin, Peter Thiel, Jason Keillar, Jeff Zucker