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A Personal Story of Digital Awakening

In 2016, I found myself standing at the threshold of a new era — the era of digital transformation.
It began with one simple question from our CEO during a company meeting:

“Is our IT future-proof?”

I didn’t realize it at the time, but that question would mark the start of a journey that reshaped how I viewed technology, architecture, and leadership.

The Spark

Driven by curiosity, I began reaching out to experts in tech and digitalization.
Through a fortunate turn of events, I connected with Adrian Cockcroft (then at Netflix and AWS) and Rodrigue Schaefer, Head of Engineering at Zalando.

Both shared the same core belief: IT should not be a separate function — it should be the engine of innovation.
Their message was simple but profound: technology is not just a support structure; it’s a differentiator embedded in every successful business.

That idea stuck with me. Why wasn’t this mindset coming from leadership in more organizations?

Seeing the Gap

As I looked closer, I realized many companies were merely rebranding traditional approaches — calling it “digital transformation” while changing very little.
They introduced new technologies and buzzwords but rarely changed how they thought or operated.

Without true understanding and ownership at the leadership level, transformation stalls.
Digitalization isn’t just about tech adoption — it’s a cultural and strategic shift that has to start at the top.

Lessons That Still Hold True

Years later, those lessons from Adrian, Rodrigue, and others remain as relevant as ever.
Organizations that underestimate digital transformation eventually struggle to keep up — while those that embrace it evolve faster, attract talent, and deliver value more effectively.

The most successful transformations happen where business and technology reinforce each other — not compete.
When systems, data, and leadership align, innovation happens naturally.

A Broader Perspective

Today, industries from insurance to media are living proof of what’s possible when digitalization is embraced fully.
Yet, the same pattern repeats: many still focus on tools rather than transformation.

True progress means integrating digital thinking into every aspect of how we design, operate, and lead.
Architecture isn’t just about systems — it’s about how everything connects.

A Lasting Mindset

My digital awakening taught me that transformation isn’t a project; it’s a mindset.
It’s about curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to question old truths.
Leadership must model that mindset and create the conditions for it to spread.

The future belongs to organizations that treat technology not as a cost center,
but as a catalyst for creativity, capability, and change.

If you’re interested in the roots of this thinking, check out Adrian Cockcroft’s talk from GOTO 2016 (Stockholm):
🎥 It’s Simple — GOTO 2016, Stockholm

Transformation isn’t a destination — it’s an awakening that keeps unfolding.
Let’s keep exploring, learning, and building the bridges between architecture, leadership, and innovation.