Interview with Digital Transformation Expert Valentina Samayoa

We interviewed a group of experts and emerging specialists across fields including digital transformation, change management, IT, and HR to explore their journeys to the top.

In this article, we break down the importance of digital transformation and its impact on today's businesses from the perspective of digital transformation expert Valentina Samayoa, Global Sustainability and Digital Transformation Manager at Because Energy Matters.

Valentina shares her journey, skills, real-world examples, challenges, and insights into digital transformation after more than 20 years in finance. Read on to discover her experience and practical tips for guiding your own strategy.

*The following answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

1. How do you define digital transformation, and why is it important for businesses today?

Digital transformation is an innovation process that organizations embark on to adapt to a complex and evolving environment. It is crucial to understand that this transformation cannot be achieved without including cultural change. By embracing digital transformation, businesses can ensure their relevance, competitiveness, and sustainability in today's rapidly changing digital landscape. It empowers organizations to harness the potential of technology to drive growth, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. By integrating digital technologies and encouraging a culture of innovation, businesses can effectively navigate the challenges of the digital era and seize new opportunities for success.

2. Could you share your journey to becoming an expert in your current position?

After more than 20 years of leading financial areas for multinational companies as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), I found myself at a crossroads in the face of the rapidly changing business landscape driven by digital transformation. Recognizing the profound influence of technology on the future of finance and business, I made a decision to deepen my understanding of digital transformation through education. My experience while taking the Professional Certificate in Sustainability and Digital Transformation at MIT was nothing short of transformative, and its impact continues to resonate with me.

Immersed in a vibrant environment of cutting-edge research, esteemed industry leaders, and a rigorous curriculum, I delved into the realms of emerging technologies, digital strategy, and organizational change. Drawing upon my extensive financial expertise and newfound understanding of digital transformation, I assumed a pivotal role in guiding my organization through the intricacies of digital adoption. I identified opportunities to automate mundane financial tasks, harnessed advanced analytics to unlock valuable insights, and optimized our financial operations using cloud-based platforms and technologies.

Today, I am grateful for the privilege of integrating my passions for sustainability, technology, and people's experiences. I have come to realize that these aspects are profoundly interconnected, with each one enriching the other.

3. What key skills and qualities should a successful digital transformation officer possess?

A successful Digital Transformation Officer should possess a diverse set of skills and qualities, including:

• Technical expertise and strategic vision
• Change management skills and business acumen
• Data-driven decision-making abilities
• Collaboration and influencing capabilities
• Agility, adaptability, and an innovation mindset
• Risk management proficiency and a commitment to continuous learning

These skills enable them to align technology with business objectives, manage cultural and organizational change, make data-informed decisions, and foster collaboration and innovation. Beyond technical skills, successful digital transformation leaders must also prioritize the human element: listening effectively, challenging assumptions, and modeling desired behaviors. Qualities such as creativity, agility, and vulnerability in the face of change are equally important. True innovation is not achieved solely through technology adoption, but by focusing on the continuous delivery of value to drive meaningful and impactful change.

4. Can you share examples of successful digital transformation initiatives you have led?

I recently led a restructuring process within a financial department, specifically focusing on a team of 45 members. Our goal was not only to introduce new digital tools but also to revamp communication processes and methods of interaction with the rest of the organization. By incorporating advanced digital tools, we automated tasks, streamlined workflows, and enhanced data management capabilities. Effective communication was central to this success.

I also participated in a transformation initiative within educational institutions in Peru, involving two universities and a higher education institute catering to over 175,000 students. We successfully adapted to changing student behaviors by leveraging digital channels. By partnering with experts, we identified student challenges and developed innovative phygital (physical plus digital) engagement initiatives that blended physical and digital experiences. Through a user-friendly app and website, we established stronger connections, reduced dropout rates, and improved student satisfaction.

In both cases, the key factors for success included strong leadership to drive change, effective change management strategies, a commitment to innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous learning and upskilling.

5. What challenges have you faced in digital transformation, and how did you overcome them?

Several recurring challenges stand out across digital transformation initiatives:

• Resistance to change. People may be hesitant to adopt new technologies due to fear or concerns about job security. Clear communication, training, and involving employees early helps build buy-in.
• Legacy systems and outdated infrastructure. Integrating new tools with existing systems can be complex and costly. Upgrading infrastructure and partnering with experts helps navigate this roadblock.
• Cybersecurity and data privacy. Organizations must prioritize robust security measures, comply with regulations, and conduct regular audits to protect sensitive data.
• Lack of digital skills. Investing in upskilling and reskilling programs and promoting a culture of continuous learning helps close the talent gap.

6. Has digital transformation played a significant role in your company's success?

I can confidently say that digital transformation has been instrumental in our remarkable success and rapid growth. Strategic partnerships with multinational technology companies have provided access to vast resources, expertise, and global networks, allowing us to scale operations and penetrate new markets. By combining our sustainability-focused expertise with their technological capabilities, we created a value proposition that resonates with customers worldwide.

Our commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing global focus on environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility. By leveraging digital technologies to communicate our sustainability story and showcase our impact, we have differentiated ourselves from competitors and attracted environmentally conscious customers and investors.

7. How do you measure the success of digital transformation?

Measuring the success of digital transformation requires evaluating multiple factors. Key considerations include:

• Business KPIs such as revenue growth and cost savings
• Customer experience metrics
• Operational efficiency gains
• Employee engagement levels
• Digital maturity assessments
• Time-to-market for new products or features
• Return on investment (ROI)
• Organizational adaptability and agility

The selection of metrics should align with the organization's specific goals, providing a comprehensive view of the impact on financial performance, customer satisfaction, operational effectiveness, employee engagement, and overall digital maturity.

8. What strategies does your company implement to reduce training and support costs?

To reduce training and support costs, my company implements several strategies:

• Leveraging e-learning platforms and online training modules
• Maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base and documentation repository
• Promoting peer-to-peer learning
• Utilizing video conferencing and webinars
• Incorporating gamification and micro-learning techniques
• Designing user-friendly systems and interfaces
• Promoting a continuous learning culture

These approaches aim to provide cost-effective, self-directed learning opportunities, encourage knowledge sharing among employees, and simplify training processes overall.

9. How do you stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in digital transformation?

Staying current in digital transformation requires a deliberate and ongoing effort. This includes actively following industry research and publications, participating in professional networks and communities, attending conferences and webinars, and engaging with thought leaders across technology and business. Pursuing continued education, such as certifications and executive programs, is also key. Building relationships with peers and experts across sectors helps surface emerging practices before they become mainstream.

10. Are there any IT trends that companies should be aware of right now?

Several IT trends deserve close attention. These include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Cybersecurity and data privacy
• Cloud computing and blockchain technology, which play a crucial role in transparent decarbonization through the use of carbon tokens and traceability
• Edge computing
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)
• Data analytics and business intelligence

Embracing these trends can lead to enhanced efficiency, improved customer experiences, and competitive advantages. It is essential for companies to stay informed and assess how they can leverage each trend to drive innovation and foster business growth.