Hilton Supra, Vice Chairman of the ztudium group and openbusinesscounci.org, interviews Martin Butler, a Professor of Management Practice at Vlerick Business School in Belgium. Both experts go through the current landscape of business transformation and how digital tools and solutions are impacting the ecosystem. The interview is live now on citiesabc & openbusinesscouncil YouTube channel.
Business and digital transformation strategies entail comprehensive approaches that organizations adopt to navigate the evolving landscape of the modern business world. These strategies encompass the integration of digital technologies into various facets of operations, aiming to enhance efficiency, customer experience, and competitiveness.
By leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation, businesses can optimize processes, make informed decisions, and create innovative products and services. Digital transformation is not limited to technology implementation; it involves a cultural shift that encourages adaptability and continuous improvement. Organizations embracing these strategies position themselves to thrive in an increasingly digital-centric environment.
Successful business and digital transformation strategies often necessitate a holistic perspective, encompassing structural changes, process optimization, and employee upskilling. Organizations must identify areas where digital interventions can have the most impact, tailor their approaches to suit specific goals, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.
By aligning these strategies with the evolving needs and expectations of customers, businesses can effectively stay ahead of the curve and remain resilient in the face of technological disruptions. In a rapidly changing business landscape, the implementation of well-planned digital transformation strategies is a crucial step for organizations aiming to secure sustainable growth and relevance in the digital age.
All of these topics were discussed in the interview and expanded with user cases and successful strategies for businesses.
Martin Butler Biography
With a background in Electronic Engineering, an MBA, and a PhD, Martin Butler specializes in digital transformation, project management, and aligning digital investments with strategic intent. Throughout his career, Martin has worked as a software developer, business analyst, project and program manager, and IT consultant for various organizations such as Engen, JP Morgan, and KBC Bank.
After a successful 15-year career in the IT industry, Martin transitioned to academia and held leadership positions at Stellenbosch Business School, where he oversaw multiple postgraduate programs. He has taught at business schools in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and currently holds appointments as an Extraordinary Professor at Stellenbosch University, a visiting Professor at the America University of Cairo and the National University of Ireland, Galway.
Martin’s research interests revolve around business and IT alignment, digital resilience, cybersecurity, and project portfolio management. He has published numerous articles in accredited journals and conference proceedings, focusing on the application of technology in educational environments. Martin is also known for his media appearances and presentations at conferences related to technology.
Practicing what he teaches, Martin recently completed courses on organizational design for digital transformation and digital leadership at MIT and Vlerick, respectively. He serves as a consultant to the industry and holds non-executive director positions on company boards. At Vlerick, he has been appointed as the Online MBA program director and will also lead the Metaverse for Business program starting in 2024.
Learn more about Martin Butler on https://openbusinesscouncil.org/wiki/martin-butler
About Hilton Supra
Hilton Supra is a business and financial industry veteran and thought leader. Hilton has more than 30 years of Finance, Investment, Banking, and Asset Management experience in international markets namely London, Europe, Africa, and Asia. This while having a passion for growing businesses, fashion, and new technologies, especially fintech and blockchain where he has been deeply involved since these technologies’ inception. Now, Hilton is co-leading the fashion directory fashionabc as well as technology startup Ztudium, a builder of 4IR platforms (using blockchain, AI and IoT data analytics).
From Quantitative Asset Management, Capital Markets, Trading software, Hedge Funds, and Private Equity, Hilton has worked for Morgan Grenfell, Deutsche Bank, AXA Investment Management, EIM Fund of Hedge Funds (responsible for $2.4bn of $13bn), and Cheyne Capital.
Hilton is a graduate in Engineering from Oxford Brookes University and a Master’s in Finance at London Business School. Hilton has always been on the leading edge of innovation and technology in banking, derivative trading, quantitative asset management, hedge funds, and since 2015 the application of FinTech, AI, and blockchain to enterprise solutions.
Hilton Supra is a partner and board member at ztudium, and the co-founder and one of the leading personalities driving techabc, openbusinesscouncil.org and fashionabc.org platforms.
Learn more about Hilton Supra on https://openbusinesscouncil.org/wiki/hilton-supra
Links & Resources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-butler-za/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Martin-Butler-2
https://takethelead.tijd.be/digital-business-of-the-future/
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Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.
