Digital transformation is defined by the Gartner Research Center as the ability of an enterprise to exploit new technologies towards creating a more robust digital business model. Its design allows users to solve their traditional problems in a better way. This enables the connection between new types of innovation and creativity, that go beyond upgrading or enhancing what’s already been done.
Everyone, entrepreneur, social change agent, and corporate leader, is exposed to digital transformation. This means they need to come to grips with it, find its potential for its mission-oriented objectives, and lead the organization through deep behavioral change.
When we launched THNK, it was a highly innovative, albeit totally non-digital, concept. A part-time school focused on innovation in business and leadership through deep practice, required a strong interactive component toward of lasting transformation. The curriculum was developed in a process of continuous improvement toward what made it such a distinctive experience that transcended borders and cultures. It attracts creative leaders from around the world, and keeps them emotionally bound. Throughout the years, THNK attempted to create a digital version of itself. We committed significant leadership capacity, spent real money, and adopted a rapid prototyping process of exploration, experimentation, and improvement. None of these made a dent, nor were close to recreating the experience of the THNK program on a digital level. Something always had to give, and sometimes this happened with serious missteps.
Like any innovative, entrepreneurial endeavor, digital transformation includes learning from failure. What better than reflecting on our own efforts, especially what did not work and what we missed?