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In this interview, Nils Boeffel provides insights into the application of agile methods to cope with a high degree of complexity in companies and the market environment and to develop a sustainable transformation process.

Tell us a few key facts about yourself and your professional focus?

I’m Nils Boeffel, and I’ve been helping companies successfully plan and implement their digital strategy, agile transformation and other large-scale projects for about 20 years. My technical background in test electronics combined with an MBA provide me with a great understanding of both technology and business challenges, and allows me to effectively operate at the intersection of both.

Why did you decide to become a freelance consultant? Why do you use berater.de?

As a consultant, I am attracted to finding solutions to complex problems, working on diverse issues, and helping develop interesting people and organizations. As a freelancer, I am independent and can define the right path together with the client and implement it in a practical way. berater.de is a suitable platform for this, which offers many interesting project opportunities in terms of its reach and scope.

Why did you decide to specialize in the area of digitalization and agile transformation?

I want things to work, so my motto is “Making Transformation Succeed.” Digitalization is necessary to keep up with market developments, and an agile organization can react faster to changes. I was most interested in the two topics of digital strategy and agile transformation, because they provide an essential basis for meeting the challenges of an increasingly fast-changing world.

In your view, what are the 3 biggest challenges in this area?

Meeting the constant change

Linking customer needs more closely to business objectives

Focus on the most necessary core competencies of the company

Why exactly do you find these challenges most relevant?

Change is the only constant in life. You can only be economically successful in the future if your company is agile and ready to change in this respect. Digitization plays an important role here, as it can create transparency and accelerate processes. 

The customer is always asking for more. Customers have increasingly high expectations of companies. They no longer expect products, but solutions to their problems. The customer wants to not just be perceived as an anonymous customer, but increasingly as an individual, with personalized / customized products, a more personalized approach, etc. The customer can become the best brand ambassador (via influencers) for companies that recognize and implement this.

Every company is part of a global network. The days when companies could produce and offer everything from a single source are over. An increased focus on core competencies is an essential prerequisite for being successful and making sure that time and energy is invested in the most essential and important issues.

What is the importance of transformation projects in today’s companies, especially in view of the current market situation during Corona?

Situations like the current pandemic show how important it is for every company to be able to react quickly and flexibly to a changing environment. A healthy transformation culture is helpful, but activity for activity’s sake is a risk. Crises like these always offer the opportunity to find new ways to develop the company further. Those who have the courage for the necessary transformation will emerge stronger from the crisis.

Key points include:

• Adding value with agile project management
• The biggest challenge of a transformation or digitalization project
• Dividing a transformation into sections

Access the full interview, Digitalization and Business Transformation, on Boeffel.net.