CR074: Season 3 reflections with Dave, Rob and some special guests
Jul 25, 2024
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Esmee van de Giessen, a strategic partner manager with expertise in agile transformation, joins Dave and Rob for a reflective chat on their recent season. They explore five lessons in change leadership, drawing parallels with climbing Everest. The conversation highlights the importance of diverse teams in digital transformation and the critical role of FinOps in sustainable practices. They also discuss the evolving landscape of AI, its dual implications for society, and personal anecdotes about summer plans and travel adventures.
The importance of adaptability in leadership is emphasized through five crucial lessons derived from the challenges of change management.
Artificial Intelligence is highlighted as a transformative force requiring strategic integration into organizations while addressing ethical considerations.
Diversity in teams is critical for effective digital transformations, enhancing problem-solving and innovation while necessitating a shift toward more inclusive practices.
Deep dives
Reflection on Season Themes
The episode reflects on key themes that emerged throughout the season, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in leadership during change. A notable highlight came from a conversation with Irvin Visser, who shared his experiences climbing Everest and outlined five crucial lessons for effective change leadership. These lessons included focusing on daily progress, breaking large challenges into manageable tasks, prioritizing mental health and resilience, and emphasizing teamwork. This framework resonated throughout the conversations, reinforcing the relevance of these principles in navigating the complexities of modern organizational transformations.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) surfaced as a significant topic in discussions, characterized as a pivotal force shaping the future of technology and society. The speakers noted a dichotomy in perceptions of AI: some view it as a powerful tool for advancement, while others regard it skeptically as a passing trend. This tension highlights the need for organizations to embrace AI strategically, considering both its potential benefits and ethical challenges. The discourse points to a pressing need for companies to focus on scaling AI effectively rather than getting bogged down in preliminary proof of concepts.
Diversity and Inclusion in Transformations
Diversity in the workplace emerged as a critical element for successful digital transformations, underscoring the benefits of varied perspectives in problem-solving and innovation. Conversations highlighted that diverse teams can navigate change more effectively and build products that resonate with a broader audience. However, barriers to diversity, particularly regarding gender representation in tech, remain a challenge that organizations need to address proactively. The discussion called for a shift towards inclusiveness, urging teams to foster environments where all voices can contribute meaningfully.
Digitalization vs. Transformation
The distinction between digitalization and genuine digital transformation was a focal point of the episode, stressing the need for organizations to rethink their operational frameworks. While digitalization simplifies existing processes, true transformation involves reimagining core business models and embracing new technologies holistically. Highlighting successful examples from industry leaders like Unilever, the conversation connected effective transformation with enhanced performance and competitive advantage. Emphasizing the need for a human-centered approach, the discussion acknowledged that some functions may not require digitization if they thrive on personal interaction.
The Future of Technology and Society
The episode concluded with reflections on the evolving relationship between technology and society, particularly in light of recent shifts in public perception towards social media and ethical tech usage. There is a growing awareness of the impact of unregulated technology on public discourse and mental well-being, prompting conversations about governance and responsibility in tech development. As society grapples with these challenges, the speakers expressed hope for a movement towards more authentic interactions and responsible technology use. The emergence of frameworks for ethical AI use is seen as a necessary step towards fostering a healthier digital ecosystem.
Dave and Rob, along with some special guests, reflect on the incredible journey through season 3, highlighting their most resonant themes. They also share what they are excited about doing over the summer and give a glimpse of whats in store for Season 4!
Thank you to all our listeners and guests for joining us in Season 3 - have a great summer and we will see you in September!
TLDR: 01:00 The captain of Rob’s brain ship is confused 05:48 Five lessons for change leadership 11:40 Our good friend AI 19:28 Slowification, Simplification and Amplification 21:50 Diverse teams have better outcomes! 24:15 Digital Transformation 29:24 The amazing world of (Sustainable) FinOps 42:50 Can humans handle all the technology changes? 50:40 Kern-vergence 56:35 Special guest
Hosts Dave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ Sjoukje Zaal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoukjezaal/ Esmee van de Giessen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/ Rob Kernahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/
Production Marcel van der Burg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/ Dave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/
Sound Ben Corbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/ Louis Corbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/
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