New book offers practical guide to digital transformation with AI

Three recognised digital transformation experts have collaborated on a new book that addresses the practical challenges facing organisations seeking to modernise with generative artificial intelligence. Transform! The 14 Behaviours Driving Successful Digital Transformation in the Age of Gen AI aims to provide actionable guidance for enterprises grappling with complexity and risk as they attempt to update legacy systems and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Transformation challenge

Organisations are expected to spend more than USD $3 trillion globally on transformation initiatives in the next five years. Despite this significant investment, many continue to report difficulties in achieving intended outcomes. Transformation efforts often stall or underdeliver, hindered by legacy processes, slow decision-making, and the sheer scale of organisational change required. The new book seeks to address these persistent hurdles by outlining what its authors describe as high-impact behaviours proven to accelerate modernisation and the effective adoption of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Practical framework

The book sets out 14 behaviours, from continual adaptation and risk mitigation to transparent communication and resource optimisation. Ian Murrin, Rajesh Jethwa and Mike Wright, who have a combined experience of over three decades in digital change, present these behaviours as essential to realising transformation goals, regardless of industry or organisational size. Case studies from across the corporate spectrum are used to highlight both successful projects and cautionary failures, emphasising their practical applicability in diverse contexts.

Role of Gen AI

The text places particular emphasis on how generative AI can act as a catalyst for more effective transformation. The authors focus on practical strategies for harnessing AI to move beyond incremental change and achieve scale across business operations. Guidance is presented not only on adopting specific technologies, but on shifting mindsets and leadership approaches to integrate artificial intelligence at a strategic level.

Industry endorsements

"Transformation isn't just a technology challenge, it's a leadership imperative. Transform! shows how to turn Gen AI into a force multiplier for lasting enterprise change." Jim Hagemann Snabe, Chairman of Siemens

Ron Dennis, Founder of McLaren Automotive and McLaren Applied, also commented on the book's clarity and relevance. "Insightful and accessible, Transform! cuts through complexity and helps you pull ahead of the pack," said Dennis.

Leadership focus

The authors argue that sustained transformation depends as much on leadership behaviours as on the selection of new tools or platforms. Their framework positions business leaders as central actors in ensuring that digital and AI-driven initiatives are effectively scoped, governed and adjusted as circumstances evolve. Skills such as inspection, adaptation and risk management are described as critical for overcoming the organisational inertia that often hampers progress.

Market timing

The release arrives at a time when organisations face significant and growing pressure to deliver returns from technology investment. As boards and shareholders demand clearer evidence of impact, the focus shifts from high-level vision statements to the finer details of operational delivery. The book's authors draw on direct experience from major transformation programmes in sectors including finance, energy, and professional services. Their aim is to bridge the gap between strategic ambition and practical execution, offering templates and recommendations that readers can use immediately.

Tools and resources

Accompanying the behavioural framework are tools and decision-making aids intended to help leaders diagnose transformation obstacles and track the progress of ongoing initiatives. Incorporating lessons from both well-known failures and standout implementations, the authors provide a suite of resources for supporting teams through extended periods of change.

The authors observe that even in organisations with significant budgets, the risk of stalling or misfiring on transformation remains high without deliberate focus on leadership behaviours. Their approach draws on lived experience, which they say is vital to navigating the highly public nature of modern digital projects.