Thoughts from the Big Chair: A Leader's Guide to Digital Transformation - Hardcover

by Russell Haworth (Author)

In recent years, millions of companies have undergone digital transformations, harnessing digital technologies like the cloud, SaaS, big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things to overhaul their businesses and drive growth. But many key decision-makers, including senior leaders and board members, simply don't understand these technologies, how they work, what they do, and the potential they bring. So, they fail to capitalize on them, putting their business at risk. This book solves this problem by describing these technologies in laypeople's terms, breaking down the key concepts behind them, and spelling out their potential. But it goes further, offering useful information for anyone who seeks to launch a digital transformation initiative -- information that author Russell Haworth has gathered and applied during his twenty-plus years as a tech leader. Anyone interested in spearheading their own digital transformation effort will benefit from reading this book.

Back Jacket

Capitalize on the power of emerging technologies to transform your enterprise, disrupt your industry, and GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Digital transformation. If you're a senior leader or you sit on the board at a large or mid-sized company, you've probably heard this phrase a million times. But what does it mean? Simply put, digital transformation describes the strategic application of digital technologies to processes and practices to grow your business in a rapidly changing environment.

But for many businesses, it's about survival. Companies that transform into digital enterprises are likely to thrive; companies that don't might face extinction. Despite this, it often seems as though few senior leaders or board members have the knowledge needed to grasp the importance of digital transformation, to assess the digital technologies associated with it, and most importantly, to make sound decisions about it.

That's the purpose of this book: to provide these key decision-makers with this knowledge. To that end, it unveils the possibilities of digital transformation and distills the key concepts behind associated technologies. It also defines confusing tech terminology using language you can understand. And it offers advice for companies that want to digitally transform, including a strategic roadmap, leadership tips, culture concerns, workflow improvements, and security concerns.

Author Biography

RUSSELL HAWORTH is a technology-oriented CEO with a global perspective. He has worked in Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East for companies ranging from listed multinationals to private equity-backed mid-sized firms. Russell is passionate about accelerating business growth through digital transformation, an approach that involves technologies like the cloud, XaaS, big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

Russell serves on or advises numerous tech boards. He also hosts a podcast, "Thoughts from the Big Chair," to share what he's learned during his decades in leadership roles. The father of two teenage boys, Russell is a strong advocate for internet safety and supports multiple charities devoted to this cause. For more on Russell, see his website at http: //www.russellhaworth.com.