Conquering the CIO Challenge of Driving Transformation

Digital transformation is happening whether we like it or not. And CIOs cannot ignore the importance of this cultural shift, especially when it requires their influence and guidance to shape the future of organizational change.

“Everything changes and nothing stands still.” – Heraclitus

Whilst digital transformation can be considered as changing the technology used within a business, there is a deeper-rooted cultural association that creates a barrier between the current status quo and change.

64% of organizations view culture as a barrier to change whilst 67% have recently implemented or are in the process of changing their culture to pave the way for future digital success. By 2021, it’s thought that 80% of midsized to large enterprises will have changed their culture in order to accelerate their digital transformation strategies.

Cultural shifts don’t happen overnight and so CIOs need to be involved in orchestrating, implementing and accelerating this change.

Creating a strategy that focuses on cultural shift is the first step and will require redistributing responsibilities to ensure that cultural change is at the forefront of all digital change. Communication is going to be a critical skill during this turbulent time and will require strong CIO leadership in order to guide employees, board members and all stakeholders.

“Employees are 2.6x more likely to have high digital dexterity if their leader models this behavior.”

For CIOs looking to drive their business forward into the digital future, Gartner aims to explore the technology, insights and trends shaping the future of IT and business at this year’s Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ in Barcelona, Spain.

As the world’s most important gathering of CIOs and IT executives™, you’ll be able to join a global community of IT pros where digital transformation and leading the digital society are some of this year’s biggest topics.  Take a look at some of the trending sessions below:

CEO Concerns 2019: Implications and Actions for CIOs

With Mark Raskino, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner

Monday, 4th November, 2019 - 2PM - 2:45 PM

Every year Gartner assesses the business landscape from the CEO point of view — seeking out the most significant trends and issues impacting commercial agendas. In this talk, Mark discusses the ramifications for CIOs, and the top actions they should consider to respond effectively, just in time.

How CIOs Can Drive a Culture of Customer Centricity

With Ed Thompson, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner

Monday, 4th November, 2019 - 2PM - 2:30 PM

Customer experience is one of the top 5 priorities for multiple executive roles, including the CEO and CIO. But how can CIOs contribute to customer experience and drive a customer-centric culture? In this session Ed will show you why CX should be priority, outline options for your involvement in CX initiatives， and share best practices on how CIOs are influencing - and sometimes leading - this key aspect of digital business transformation.

The Future of Business: Funding Models for Digital Transformation

With David Furlonger, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner

Monday, 4th November, 2019 - 11:15AM - 12PM

Traditional funding models for business are based on well-worn and accepted capital markets practices and accounting models. But those models are now barely fit for purpose. Battle lines between aggregated and disaggregated commerce are drawn. Fragmented customer consumption preferences and decisions have the opportunity of being re-aggregated under customer control. Businesses need to adapt their engagement, product and financing models to reflect this shift in market dynamics.

Mastering the Essentials of Strategy for Digital Business

With Ian Cox, Senior Director Analyst, Gartner

Tuesday, 5th November, 2019 - 11:15AM - 11:45AM

Strategy is critical to digital business success, but most organizations aren’t very effective at creating it. CIOs can overcome their most common challenges and frustrations with strategy by mastering a few essential best practices. Ian will give CIOs a crash course on the strategy fundamentals they need to effectively contribute to their organization's digital business success.

CIO’s Guide to Assessing the Business Impact of Emerging Technologies

With Brian Burke, Research VP, Gartner

Monday, 4th November, 2019 - 11:15AM - 12PM

Digital businesses are driven by a wave of emerging technologies that are maturing at the same time. The challenge is to understand the potential impact of these technologies on your industry and the opportunities for your organization. Brian will reveal how to assess the maturity of emerging technologies in different business scenarios and how to plan your technology innovation investment portfolio.