Key Insights
Speak the Language of Business
Technical expertise is essential for IT professionals, but it’s not enough. To thrive, IT leaders must effectively communicate the value of their work to those outside the department. This involves understanding the language of business—revenue, market share, customer satisfaction—and framing technology solutions in those terms. By aligning IT projects with core business goals and demonstrating their impact on the bottom line, IT departments can become true partners in driving growth, rather than merely a cost center.
Mergers: Prioritize People Over Platforms
Mergers and acquisitions often focus heavily on integrating systems and processes, but overlooking the human element can be a costly mistake. José highlights the importance of prioritizing the needs of employees during these transitions. Addressing concerns about job security, creating a unified company culture, and ensuring a smooth onboarding process for employees from the acquired company can significantly impact the overall success of the merger. When people feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to embrace change and contribute positively to the newly formed organization.
The Harder Right Over the Easier Wrong
Shortcuts and quick fixes may seem appealing in the moment, but long-term success requires a commitment to strategic decision-making. José advocates for choosing “the harder right” over “the easier wrong.” This means resisting the temptation to implement quick fixes or adopt trendy solutions without considering their long-term implications. Thorough planning, stakeholder buy-in, and a willingness to invest the necessary time and resources upfront can prevent bigger problems and greater costs down the road. This principle applies not only to technology implementations but to all aspects of business.
Episode Highlights
The Importance of Humility and Resilience for Young Professionals
Early in his career, José faced the common challenge of lacking experience when applying for jobs. He advises young professionals to embrace humility, recognizing that companies have much to teach them. Instead of being discouraged by a lack of experience or settling for a job that doesn’t perfectly align with their skills, he encourages persistence, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
“Be very humble. I said, I need to get a job. Whether it’s sales — even though I have a Master in Artificial Intelligence — just take the job. If the company has seen something in you, just let it go. Because they have far more experience than yourself. And the other one is really embrace the uncertainty.”
Why IT Should Be Involved in Business Decisions From the Start
José argues that IT should not be an afterthought in business decisions but rather an active participant from the outset. He uses the example of a company acquiring another business without involving IT in the initial discussions. This lack of foresight can lead to unforeseen challenges and integration issues down the line. By including IT leaders in early-stage planning, companies can make more informed decisions, avoid potential roadblocks, and ensure that technology aligns with overall business strategy.
“By being a partner, you don’t take orders. You work with a vendor, in this case, with a client. So you work together and you collaborate with them, understanding their real needs.”
The Value of Standardizing IT Systems
Drawing from his experience at P&G, José discusses the challenges of managing a sprawling IT landscape with a multitude of systems. He emphasizes the importance of standardization and consolidation to reduce complexity and streamline operations. He highlights the need to persuade business leaders in different regions or departments to relinquish their customized solutions in favor of a standardized approach.
“So what we were working for basically two years and a half, having kind of compromising both ends. So making sure that, yes, we have the same amount of people and the money, but we need to reduce the number of solutions.”
Digital Transformation in a Historical Context
Reflecting on his early career, José points out that the concept of digital transformation, while seemingly recent, has existed under different names for decades. He recalls how terms like “automation” and “work process optimization” were used to describe efforts that today would be categorized as digital transformation. This highlights that while the specific technologies and tools may change, the core principles of leveraging technology to improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and drive business growth remain constant.
“Well, it was called automatization and then work for tool and then systems and then digitalization and so on. We have quite a few fancy names but at the end of the day, it’s kind of the same thing.”
