EP. 31: THE TECH FALLACY: GERALD KANE ON WHY PEOPLE ARE THE KEY TO DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

“…What it takes to keep up isn’t as much about coding, AI, algorithms… it’s about being change oriented, it’s about being forward thinking, and it’s about being willing to develop skills in this new world.” --Gerald Kane

What allows some organizations and individuals to thrive in new world of rapid technology innovation and disruption while others fall behind or get stuck in obsolescence?

Exploring these questions and more is an expert on digital disruption and my guest on the podcast, Gerald Kane, professor of Information Systems at Boston College, Carroll School of Management.

After a major six-year study into how digital technologies have disrupted companies of all sizes, Kane talks with me about some of the key findings from his newly released book, “The Technology Fallacy: How People Are The Real Key To Digital Transformation.”

Thousands of interviews with employers and employees went into his research, revealing some interesting findings outlined in the book. 

If your an executive running a company or a CDO or just in charge of digital transformation, listen up. And if you're just an employee who wants to keep pace with change and stay relevant in the workplace, I would listen to this show. 

On the show we talk about 

• Why adapting to technological disruptions isn’t actually all about the technology - and why thinking it is could lead to failure
• What type of mindset makes a difference in the companies that succeed at dramatic change vs those that fail to adapt 
• Defining will over skill
• The similar characteristics companies have that thrive in disruption
• The importance of culture and what that means really
• How to stay relevant in the modern workplace
• The age factor, why succeeding in the digital era is not about age - and what attribute IS important 
• How to develop employees for long-term success through change and tech disruption with examples of how companies are doing that
• The digital maturity scorecard, what industries lead or lag

Jerry was a great interview and not only generous with his findings but passionate about them. Enjoy!

I write about all my shows at larryweeks.com