As Chief Technology Officer, Cloud & Digital Software Platforms for Cisco Systems, Asia Pacific & Japan, Mathew Varghese needs to stay up-to-date with the insights and strategies that propel the success of leading digital companies. After attending HBS's Driving Digital Strategy program, he feels better equipped today to guide his clients through their digital transformation. He briefly describes his thoughts about the program.
Digital transformation is top of mind for my customers in the Asia Pacific region, and they see technology as one of the key enablers of their transformation strategy. As a trusted technology adviser to many of them, I wanted to be able to share what other successful digital companies—as well as digital disrupters such as Uber and Airbnb—have learned in the areas of business model transformation, value chain transformation, and organizational transformation. I wanted to be able to help them learn from these leaders and expedite their journey to becoming digital businesses while avoiding common pitfalls and prioritizing key execution areas. So my objective in attending this program was to validate my understanding of digital transformation, examine case studies, learn from peers across various industries, and establish a broad network of like-minded executives.
The practical learning approach, developed using real-life case studies, allowed me to put myself in the shoes of the CEO/CXO and address each of the challenges on hand with leadership, authority, and pragmatism. Also, I had the invaluable opportunity of seeing Sir Martin Sorrell in person, listen to him share some aspects of his experience in transforming his business, and hear his 10 tips for success in the digital world.
The cases we discussed in class deepened my understanding of the key elements of digital strategy and the four stages of the digital journey. With this knowledge, I will be able to advise my customers on the best possible strategies for their journey to digital transformation.
Go for it! It's the best program in this space.
