The thoughts of a CPTO focused on strategy, technology and sustainability.
Imagine two people guiding a group through a dense forest. One is constantly checking the map, ensuring everyone stays on the path, measuring progress, and making sure resources are used efficiently. The other is pointing towards the horizon, motivating the group to keep moving forward by sharing the vision of the destination and encouraging them to push beyond their limits. Both roles are vital—but they are different. This analogy captures the core difference between leading and managing.
In our ever evolving technological landscape, businesses are continually challenged to discern which emerging technologies will deliver genuine value and which are merely transient trends. The Gartner Hype Cycle offers a strategic framework to evaluate these technologies systematically, enabling organisations to make informed decisions about where to focus their attention.
Continue reading “Leveraging the Gartner Hype Cycle to Navigate Emerging Technologies”In strategic consulting, success is often defined by a consultant’s ability to analyse complex problems, synthesise large amounts of information, and communicate actionable insights effectively. While technical and analytical skills are crucial, some key consulting skills are foundational for creating meaningful impact: the Pyramid Principle, Persuasion, MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) framework, and several other strategic frameworks and principles. In this article, we’ll explore these core competencies and why they are useful for defining and communicating strategy.
Continue reading “Guidance for Strategic Problem Solving”In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, companies face a critical choice when developing new systems: should they build everything in-house (or outsourced) or buy components from existing 3rd party vendors? This decision, while seemingly straightforward, has far-reaching implications for a company’s competitive advantage and its ability to deliver value to customers. Leveraging Michael Porter’s principles, particularly the concepts of value creation and differentiation, provides a strategic framework for making this choice. To add value and increase customers’ willingness to pay, businesses must carefully consider how the build-or-buy decision aligns with their overall strategy.
Continue reading “The strategy of adding value: the build vs buy dilemma.”In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses often rely on third-party systems to enhance their operations, streamline processes, and offer innovative services. However, this reliance can expose companies to risks, particularly when it comes to protecting their intellectual property (IP). One effective strategy to mitigate these risks is to develop mid-layers—software layers that add value to your business operations while being loosely coupled to third-party systems. These mid-layers not only protect your IP but also provide flexibility, control, and a competitive edge. In this post, we explore the concept of mid-layers and how they can safeguard your business’s intellectual property.
Continue reading “Protecting Your Digital IP with Mid-Layers: Adding Value While Maintaining Flexibility with Third-Party Systems”
Digital transformation is more than a buzzword; it’s a critical pathway for organisations looking to stay competitive and relevant in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. While much of the focus on digital transformation revolves around technology—such as the adoption of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics—the true challenge often lies in managing the human side of change. Successfully implementing digital transformation requires a balanced approach that addresses both technological advancements and the people who use them.
This post explores the key elements required to successfully implement digital transformation, emphasising the importance of human factors alongside technological strategies. It also discusses recommended frameworks that can support organisations through this complex change process.
Continue reading “Balancing Technology and the Human Side of Change”Airline alliances, such as the Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam, have long been a strategic mechanism for airlines to expand their global reach, optimise route networks, and offer seamless travel experiences across multiple carriers. However, as the aviation industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, these alliances face significant challenges in standardising and digitally enabling their member airlines. The complexity of aligning diverse systems, processes, and technologies across a network of independent carriers presents a unique set of obstacles. Additionally, competition limitations within airlines and regulatory constraints further complicate these efforts. Understanding these challenges and exploring potential solutions is critical for alliances aiming to maintain their competitive edge in an increasingly digital and customer-centric market.
Continue reading “Navigating the Challenges of Standardisation and Digital Enablement in Airline Alliances”
Attending Phocuswright Europe 2024 was a transformative experience, immersing me in the latest trends, technologies, and innovations shaping the future of travel and hospitality. This year’s event, held in the vibrant city of Barcelona, gathered industry leaders, tech innovators, and forward-thinking professionals to discuss the evolving landscape of travel. Here’s a rundown of the key takeaways and lessons I learned during this remarkable conference.
Continue reading “Insights from Phocuswright Europe 2024: You, Me, and the Machine”In today’s fast-paced business environment, organisations are continually seeking ways to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve accuracy. One transformative solution gaining traction is Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Platforms like Automation Anywhere, UiPath, and Blue Prism are leading the charge in revolutionising how businesses operate by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. This blog explores how RPA can drive efficiencies in business and why it is becoming a cornerstone of modern enterprise strategy.
Continue reading “How RPA Can Drive Efficiencies in Business Operations”In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, businesses and organisations are under constant pressure to stay ahead of the curve. One of the most effective ways to future-proof digital operations is by investing in Large Language Models (LLMs). These advanced AI systems, like GPT-4, are transforming how we interact with technology, enabling more efficient, adaptable, and intelligent digital ecosystems. This article explores why investing in LLMs is crucial for ensuring the longevity and competitiveness of your digital operations.
Continue reading “Investing in LLMs to Future-Proof Your Digital Operations”