| | October 20198CIOReviewIN MY OPINIONBy Thomas Knapp, CIO, Waterstone Mortgage CorporationPROMOTING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATIONTHE CIO'S ROLE INAll companies in every industry are challenged to define what digital transformation means for their enterprise, and how they will respond and develop strategies for adoption. In the mortgage industry where I operate, it is all about the "digital mortgage." With the widespread coverage and excitement about digital transformation ­ not to mention the appealing promotion of the benefits and need for digital transformation ­ who within the enterprise should take the lead for scoping new technologies and workflows and lead adoption throughout the organization?As with all strategic initiatives, digital transformation must be driven from executive management through all functions within the organization. It is not a pure technology project, operations project, or marketing project; digital transformation must be pervasive throughout the organization, with all groups endorsing the strategy, developing an understanding of the changes required, and recognizing the myriad of opportunities digital transformation provides. In the world of digital transformation, every company is a "technology company."Digital transformation is a unique opportunity for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to demonstrate their role within the enterprise. It also allows them to move to the forefront in partnering with organizational leadership and affiliating with external partners to achieve the transition supported by digital transformation. The CIO can leverage skills sets developed over the course of their careers and put their imprint on fundamental change to the organization.What equips the CIO to take the organizational leadership needed for digital transformation? Let's review the technical, leadership, and management skills which push the CIO to the forefront of these changes.Executive Management Endorsement of Digital Transformation Strategic ChangesThe changes within digital transformation are fundamental enough to require the unequivocal understanding and support of executive management. This requires a commitment to change and enhance delivery channels and operational processes, as well as the financial commitment to support this change. The CIO, as a member of the leadership team and with the support and understanding from departmental management, can champion the concepts and benefits, that digital transition demands and lead the organization through these changes.Change Management Let's face it: there are few changes that occur within an organization that do not involve the introduction of new technology. As stated previously, in the new world order, all companies have become technology companies. The effective CIO has mastered change management throughout his or her career and can help the organization embrace process change, while effectively transitioning systems and processes to the new reality provided by digital transformation.
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