This is Part II of the multipart Generative AI on Digital Transformation series. In Part I we covered The What of Digital Transformation. In this part, we focus on The Who from two angles: the leadership and the best practices participants.

Who should lead the Digital Transformation initiative?

Leading a digital transformation initiative requires collaboration and alignment between business and IT teams. Both business and IT leaders have crucial roles to play in ensuring the success of the initiative. 

Business leaders should provide strategic direction, define the goals and objectives of the digital transformation, and ensure that the initiative aligns with the overall business strategy. They have a deep understanding of the organization's operations, customer needs, and industry trends. Business leaders can identify areas where digital technology can drive value and competitive advantage, and they can champion the necessary organizational changes.

On the other hand, IT leaders bring technical expertise and knowledge of the digital landscape. They can assess the organization's existing IT infrastructure, evaluate technology solutions, and provide recommendations on the implementation and integration of digital systems. IT leaders are responsible for the technical aspects of the digital transformation, such as data management, cybersecurity, and system integration.

The key to a successful digital transformation is effective collaboration and communication between business and IT leaders. They should work together as a team, leveraging their respective strengths and expertise, to develop and execute a comprehensive digital transformation strategy that aligns with the organization's objectives

How important is the Competency Center (aka Center of Excellence) for the success of the Digital Transformation initiative?

The Competency Center plays a crucial role in the success of a Digital Transformation initiative. It serves as a centralized hub of expertise, knowledge, and resources, driving the transformation efforts within an organization. The Competency Center is responsible for developing and nurturing digital skills, defining best practices, and providing guidance and support to various business units involved in the transformation.

By establishing a Competency Center, an organization can:

1. Foster collaboration: The Competency Center brings together experts from different departments and encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional learning. This collaboration helps break down silos and enables a more holistic approach to digital transformation.

2. Drive innovation: The Competency Center serves as a catalyst for innovation by exploring emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact, and identifying opportunities for their application within the organization. It helps drive the adoption of innovative solutions and practices.

3. Build capabilities: The Competency Center focuses on building and enhancing digital capabilities across the organization. It provides training programs, certifications, and workshops to upskill employees, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage digital technologies effectively.

4. Provide guidance and governance: The Competency Center sets guidelines, standards, and governance frameworks to ensure consistency and alignment in digital initiatives. It helps identify and prioritize projects, provides project management support, and ensures that the transformation efforts are aligned with the organization's strategic objectives.

Overall, the Competency Center acts as a linchpin for successful digital transformation, enabling organizations to navigate the complex landscape of technological advancements, drive innovation, and empower their workforce to embrace digital change.

What are some of the key roles in the Digital Transformation Competency Center?

Within a Digital Transformation Competency Center, there are several key roles that contribute to its success. Here are some of the common roles you might find:

1. Competency Center Director/Manager: This individual oversees the overall operations of the Competency Center, sets the strategic direction, and ensures alignment with organizational goals. They provide leadership, manage resources, and drive the digital transformation agenda.

2. Digital Transformation Strategist: A strategist focuses on developing and refining the organization's digital transformation strategy. They analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and create roadmaps for implementing digital initiatives. They work closely with business units to align transformation efforts with business objectives.

3. Technology and Innovation Experts: These professionals have expertise in emerging technologies and their potential applications. They evaluate new technologies, conduct research and development, and provide guidance on technology adoption within the organization. They also keep track of industry trends and ensure the Competency Center remains up-to-date with technological advancements.

4. Change Management Specialist: Change management is crucial for successful digital transformation. Change management specialists help manage organizational change by designing and implementing change management strategies, engaging stakeholders, and facilitating the adoption of new processes and technologies. They focus on minimizing resistance and maximizing employee buy-in.

5. Training and Development Specialists: These professionals are responsible for designing and delivering training programs to enhance digital skills across the organization. They develop training materials, conduct workshops and seminars, and provide ongoing support to employees during their digital upskilling journey.

6. Project Managers: Project managers within the Competency Center oversee the execution of digital transformation projects. They ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to the defined scope. They coordinate resources, manage risks, and facilitate effective communication among stakeholders.

7. Data and Analytics Experts: Data plays a crucial role in digital transformation. Data and analytics experts focus on leveraging data to drive insights and inform decision-making. They analyze data, identify patterns and trends, and provide recommendations for optimizing business processes and enhancing customer experiences.

These are just a few examples of the key roles you might find within a Digital Transformation Competency Center. The specific roles and responsibilities can vary depending on the organization's size, industry, and digital transformation objectives.

There you go - from leadership to pragmatic governance of the Who in Digital Transformation a la Generative AI. Part III of this series will delve into the technologies and platforms for Digital Transformation - it should be interesting!

Read Part I.

By Dr. Setrag Khoshafian, digital transformation expert