Gaining Access to a World of Digital Knowledge
Charged with developing global digital strategy for a core business unit at specialty chemicals company LANXESS, Johannes Samwer recognizes that digital transformation can be risky at first. With this in mind, he wanted to develop a thorough understanding of the technology's potential impact on specific businesses and industries. He shares some highlights from his recent participation in the Driving Digital Strategy program at Harvard Business School (HBS) Executive Education.
What are your thoughts about the format of the program?
Through the program's small study groups and larger classroom sessions, participants had the opportunity to contribute to the discussion of each case. It was energizing to exchange ideas with peers from so many different cultural and industrial backgrounds. Each case study contained several lessons, especially because they were written from a managerial perspective and offered informative exhibits.
Can you describe some of the program's takeaways?
One key lesson I learned was not to get lost in the quantity of available information, but instead to focus on the quality of the customer experience. Also, the process of considering industry networks and partnerships to enhance customer and industry value has expanded my horizon beyond company boundaries. For the chemical industry as an example, asset management levers can be pulled internally, exchanging industry insights to improve forecast accuracy would involve more players along the value chain. Having attended this course, I am better equipped and more excited to drive digital strategies.
How did you like the living group?
The living group made it easy to connect with other participants. Although the agenda was tight, the living group kept participants engaged and focused throughout the week.
What impressed you most about the program experience?
Throughout my on-site exchanges with faculty members and post-program interactions with other participants, HBS demonstrated outstanding care, competency, and commitment to helping each participant get the most out of the experience.