Digital Transformation: Why It’s Not One Big Thing (How to Start Now)

Transformation is a big word. And it sounds dramatic.  

You’ve been brought in to lead digital transformation. Maybe you're 100 days into the job. Maybe the pressure is already mounting. You’ve got a board expecting rapid results, a team unsure of the destination, and systems so entrenched in the past they may feel immovable.  

But digital transformation isn’t a massive one-time event. It’s a series of focused, strategic decisions.

And it starts smaller than you think. Those who lead transformations know it’s the accumulation of little things that make a huge difference, a very well-placed project here, some aligned process change there.  

And the differences to a business are vast. It can be... 

A commerce platform that doesn’t just juggle product data, but actually makes it work for you. Suddenly, that team trained for endless, mind-numbing updates is transformed - liberated to craft richer product stories, build smarter relationships, and finally unleash their inner marketeers. 

An addition of a web-facing front door that removes friction between service users and the business.  

A web-facing front door, powered by a headless content platform, makes every interaction smoother - opening up true multichannel service, and no tech headaches required. Layer in a commerce platform that arms you with rich purchase data and actionable customer insight, and suddenly building real relationships (not just transactions) becomes the default. 

The Myth That’s Holding You Back  

One of the biggest false beliefs surrounding digital transformation is that it has to be “done all at once” or not at all. You might hear:

“We’ve already got a digital vision - we just don’t know how to implement it.”

“IT says the backlog is too big to even start.”

“We tried this before. It didn’t work.”

“We’ll do it internally - once we have the time.”

Unfortunately, these are the beliefs that paralyse progress. They create an all-or-nothing mindset where small wins aren’t celebrated, and big wins never happen because no one can agree on how to begin.  

The Real Risks of Standing Still  

Transformation fatigue is real, and delaying action only makes it worse. When the path forward isn’t clear:

• Teams feel the strain and burn out under legacy inefficiencies
• Opportunities for growth and developing scale are missed
• Competitors can move faster and win more often
• Customer experience and satisfaction decline
• Your credibility as a digital leader takes a hit

You want to deliver change. You want momentum. But internal blockers, unclear priorities, and fear of failure keep you spinning in circles. 

A More Agile Way Forward 

The truth? You can move forward - even in the face of resistance. 

Here’s how many digital leaders are making progress without massive investment, disruption or organisational overhaul:

1. Map What You Already Have

Take a quick inventory of your digital estate - tools, platforms, workflows. What’s working? What’s not? Where are the gaps? 

Action: Use a simple spreadsheet or visual map. Group your assets by department, customer journey, or process.

2. Capture the Friction

Ask your teams: “What’s the most frustrating digital thing you have to deal with every day?” You’ll surface real, solvable problems that also win trust when addressed. 

Action: Run a quick, informal survey or hold 20-minute one-on-ones with different teams.

3. Clarify the Vision

You don’t need a 50-slide strategy deck. You just need a guiding direction everyone can understand.

For example: “We want to be easier to do business with - online and offline.” 

Action: Create a “North Star” statement and use it to align conversations, decisions, and investments.

4. Choose One Quick Win

Look for a manageable, low-risk initiative that improves something measurable. And aligns with your North-star  statement. Think minimising customer effort, reducing staff admin time, improving speed of response. 

Action: Frame it as a test.

“Let’s see what happens when we fix X.”

Gather results, share them, and build momentum.

5. Visualise the ‘Now, Next, Future’

Help your stakeholders see that change doesn’t happen all at once. Create a phased roadmap showing immediate priorities (Now), upcoming plans (Next), and future ambitions (Future). 

Action: A simple visual roadmap helps shift the conversation from fear to focus. 

Where External Support Can Help (Without Taking Over)  

You don’t need long-term consultancy. But sometimes, a short external intervention can make all the difference:

• Validating Concerns: An external review of your digital estate helps confirm what you suspect - and frames it credibly for others. It can provide input on appropriate timeframes and identify technical constraints.
• Breaking Political Deadlocks: A neutral voice can say what you can’t, and help shift the narrative from "too hard" to "here’s what we can do now.”
• Accelerating Early Wins: A partner can help you quickly deliver a gateway project that proves value, de-risks the journey, and unlocks budget or buy-in.
• Stakeholder alignment: An external perspective doesn't factor in internal bias or experience. Which can help bring conflicting views together more easily

Think of it like using scaffolding. Not outsourcing the build, but giving you the structure to make real progress. 

You’re the Right Person for This - You Just Need a Way In  

If you’re reading this, chances are you already know what needs to change. You just need the headspace, support, and clarity to get started. 

Let’s recap:

✅ You don’t need to transform everything overnight

✅ You do need to define small strategic steps 

✅ You can create value fast - without changing everything. It is important to create the right framing. 

✅ You are allowed to ask for help - especially at the start

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about momentum. 

What’s Next? 

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Start with a Digital Discovery Sprint  
Do a light-touch audit. Identify what's holding you back. Capture three priorities you can tackle now.

2. Build your Now/Next/Future plan.  

3. When You're Ready, Bring in a Sparring Partner 
Sometimes you just need someone to help shape the conversation, back you up in a boardroom, or fast-track a pilot.

Digital transformation isn’t about boiling the ocean. It’s about boiling one kettle at a time. 

Let’s make it easier to start.