Digital Fitness: A New Framework For Accelerating Technology Transformation

Digital transformation can be intimidating. In many ways, upgrading a company’s technology platform is like trying to get your own body into better shape. Even when we know we need to work out, many of us get put off by the gym bros, weight benches and complicated exercise machines at the local health club. Similarly, the importance, scope and costs of a digital transformation initiative are enough to make any executive nervous. And that’s not even mentioning the risks — both business risk and career risk — if the transformation effort falls short of its goals.

In any organization, it’s up to senior technology leaders to help management overcome those fears and get the firm moving on this essential task. In my experience working with large financial institutions, I’ve found an approach that’s surprisingly effective in helping senior executives overcome their hesitations and commit to digital transformation: I use the analogy of personal fitness.