‘Digital transformation will lead to habit change’

Over the last few years, the landscape of industries and businesses has undergone a profound transformation due to digital innovation. Digital transformation has revolutionised traditional processes, introducing cutting-edge technologies and reshaping the way organisations operate. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation have become integral components, streamlining workflows and enhancing efficiency. This shift has not only optimised internal operations but has also revolutionised customer experiences. The proliferation of mobile devices and the widespread adoption of online platforms have altered consumer behaviours, prompting businesses to adapt to digital channels for marketing, sales, and customer engagement. The impact of digital transformation is evident in improved agility, data-driven decision-making, and a heightened ability to navigate the complexities of the modern, interconnected world.

Identifying the need for deliberation on this trending subejct, the Human Resource Department of Apeejay recently organised the fourth session of VisioSpeak – Perspectives from Apeejay Visionaries on the topic ‘Digital Transformation’.

The session commenced with Dr Anjana Nath, Chief People Officer, Apeejay Education, introducing the speaker for the day – Mr Anand Arora, Head, ETS – Tech and Digital products, Apeejay Education – who delivered a very informative and engaging session on the topic. 

Mr Arora is a seasoned product and technology leader with 17 years of experience across various industries. A graduate from IIT Roorkee, he was associated with multinational organisations including PepsiCo, Unilever, to name a few. Additionally, he has been the edtech entrepreneur and VP of an edtech firm.

Introducing the topic to the attendees and speaking from his experience of being associated with the tech world, Mr Arora began the VisioSpeak session by highlighting the difference between ‘Digital vs Technology’. He mentioned how digital transformation has been making a profound impact, how these changes are already transforming individual’s lives as well as enhancing user experiences of customers. He further mentioned how organisations and professionals are leveraging the benefits of trending technological tools.

Tech vs Digital

Highlighting the difference with examples, Mr Arora explained “Technology means you are using scientific phenomena to execute a task or perform an activity. Digital is a subset of technology. Digital means you are using binary data to either make insights to solve a user problem. There are many products which solve user problems and there are many which enhance user experience.” 

He further added, “Nobody needs an Apple iPhone but they are just enhancing the experience. Most of the technological innovations have moved beyond user requirement to user experience and that is becoming a status symbol.. 

Engaging the audience in a quick activity, he asked the attendees to answer products that function using a combination of analogue and digital. One such product is a watch . And so, technology is not just to prove that science works but to enhance it works for the users’ needs and problems.” 

He further emphasised how there has been a transformation in technology from the 90s. “Today, everything is connected via apps. Conventional technology connected with digital and sooner or later a time will come when digital will actually become a technology.”

Taking the session ahead, he asked, what we have to do for this digital transformation. To which, he replied, “Organisations don’t do everything at once. They always take it
step-by-step. By taking small steps, organisations cover the entire ecosystem to transform into a digital organisation.” 

He further suggested adopting a 3, 6, 12 funda for evaluating the impact of innovation in 3, 6 and 12 months . And if an organisation can retain the technology or product service till 12 months that means, it is great.”

Constantly engaging with the audience, Mr Arora also highlighted how ChatGPT is going to be a very unpredictable thing. He stressed that if there is a technology curve, then be slightly behind but not too behind and ahead.

Subsequently, an invigorating  Q&A session was held on how to manage emails. Sharing perspective from the startup world, he introduced the audience with the ‘Inbox Zero’ – a trending concept among startups. “Your email is all over the place. Inbox zero concept is how much importance you are giving it to your email. Are you categorising it properly? Either you delete, respond or archive, no keeping it. Immediately act on email and your inbox needs to be perfectly clean.” 

In the end, speaking from his experience at PepsiCo, Mr Arora explained the difference between disruptive innovation and differentiated innovation. He said, “Digital transformation will lead to habit change.”  He also mentioned that in the coming two to three years, you will see Apeejay completely transformed digitally.

The intriguing session ended with further Q&A from the inquisitive audience. Lastly, Director Academics – New Initiatives at Apeejay Education Mrs Ritu Mehta extended the vote of thanks while expressing, “I always get good information from your whole team, Mr Arora, and thank you for this interesting session.”