M&A Success: A 25-Year Veteran’s Guide to Vision, Culture, and Avoiding Integration Pitfalls
Over the past 25 years, I’ve been directly involved in seven acquisitions, two carve-outs, and one spin-off. These experiences have offered deep insights into what makes M&A successful—and what can lead to disappointment or even failure. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about people, culture, and a clearly defined vision. In this article, I […]
The Hidden Price of “Do More With Less”: Combating IT Team Burnout and Resentment/Passive aggressiveness
We all know the drill: relentless pressure to cut costs, especially in IT. It’s the mantra of today’s competitive landscape. But what if this constant squeeze is costing us more than it saves? I’ve seen firsthand how this never-ending quest for efficiency, particularly during outsourcing renewals, can backfire, leaving teams exhausted, demoralized, and, frankly, a […]
How Competence and Clarity are Foundational for Successful Project Management
In the realm of project management, empowerment is often elevated to a supreme virtue. Leaders are encouraged to distribute decision-making authority throughout their organizations, fostering a culture of autonomy and innovation, particularly within Agile methodologies. However, as L. David Marquet aptly illustrates in his insightful work, Turn the Ship Around!, empowerment without competence can lead […]
Beyond Process Improvement: Reshaping Operations and Decision-Making with Agentic AI and Digital Twins for Smarter, Faster, Adaptive Processes
Introduction We’re no longer just improving processes — we’re redefining how work gets done. AI is no longer just a tool for automation or analytics. With Agentic AI and digital twins, organizations can now simulate decisions, adapt operations in real time, and design self-improving systems that respond faster and smarter to change. In this series, […]
Agile vs. Waterfall: Striking the Right Balance with a Hybrid Approach for Project Success
The debate surrounding Agile and Waterfall methodologies is a critical consideration for tech leaders, as the choice between these approaches can significantly impact project success. Research indicates that Agile methods yield notably higher success rates—only 9% of Agile projects are deemed failures compared to 29% for Waterfall initiatives. While the Waterfall method continues to be […]
Is IT outsourcing a strategic move for completing a two-company merger?
In the intricate landscape of corporate mergers, aligning the IT systems of two companies presents a significant challenge. As organizations seek to streamline operations and maximize efficiencies, IT outsourcing has emerged as a strategic solution. But is this decision truly beneficial, or are there hidden pitfalls? The Role of IT Outsourcing in Mergers One primary […]
The Value of IT Financial Operations: Monitoring Cloud Costs and CPU Evolution
In today’s digital age, businesses are increasingly turning to cloud computing to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation. However, with the flexibility and scalability of cloud services come challenges—most notably, effective cost management. This is where the value of IT financial operations becomes paramount, particularly in monitoring costs associated with cloud resources and tracking the […]
How can a strategic approach to talent management enhance IT outsourcing for a company?
As companies increasingly turn to IT outsourcing as a strategic move to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs, a pressing question arises: Is it wise for organizations to retain their best IT talents to oversee the outsourcing relationship? While this strategy may initially seem beneficial, the reality often tells a different story. The Case Against […]
Who should IT CIO report to: CEO or CFO?
In today’s dynamic business environment, the reporting structure of IT is pivotal, especially concerning IT outsourcing. Organizations typically consider two main reporting lines for IT: the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Each option presents unique advantages and challenges. IT Reporting to the CEO: – Pros: 1. Strategic Alignment: IT initiatives […]
