Blaze Your Own Trail Consulting, LLC

At Blaze Your Own Trail Consulting, LLC we help our clients grow their business through strategic marketing, sales and leadership consulting.

Our services include:

CRM platform and training 
Sales funnels 
Email marketing 
Social media marketing 
Landing pages 
Sales coaching 
Websites
Offer building 
Monetization strategy 
Digital Course Creation
MBTI assessment and Debrief
Leadership Programs

Formats:

1:1 Coaching 
Group Coaching 
Retainer based consulting

Founder & CEO

Blaze Your Own Trail Podcast

In this podcast our host, Jordan Mendoza, interviews people from around the world who have blazed their own trail in business and life to find out about their journey to success.

 If you are looking for valuable  content with actionable advice, you've come to the right place!

We hope each episode adds value to you in some way!

Visit our website to listen to past and future episodes.

Creator & Host

WASO

Solutions designed with collaboration in mind

Discover the power of our versatile solutions designed to be your reliable companions in various situations. Whether you’re facing emergencies like fires, navigating immediate needs, or seeking support in urgent situations, our comprehensive solutions prioritize your well-being.

In times of crisis, our innovative fire product will improve emergency response in apartment buildings. Currently in development, this cutting-edge system offers real-time warnings, aids in efficient evacuations, and facilitates direct communication between residents and the fire department. If it is by information in the app, sms or calling in on the phone explaining what is needed, our fire product is a lifeline during critical moments.

Beyond emergencies, our commitment extends to empowering communities through a voting product that modernizes decision-making processes in apartment buildings. From seamlessly managing renovations to streamlining collaborative efforts, our voting solution fosters safety and assistance. Explore the breadth of our solutions and embark on a journey to respond effectively, make a positive impact and build a safer, more resilient community.

USA Founder & CMO

Blazing 3D Prints

Welcome to the extraordinary world of our 3D printing business, where imagination takes shape and dreams come to life. At our innovative hub, we don't just print objects; we craft experiences. Our tagline, "You dream it. We print it." encapsulates the essence of what sets us apart.

Step into a realm where the fantastical becomes tangible. Have you ever envisioned a majestic dragon guarding your bookshelf or a sleek, futuristic mask that transports you to another dimension? Look no further. We specialize in transforming your wildest ideas into intricately designed, high-quality 3D prints. From mythical creatures like dragons to elegant masks, formidable swords, delicate ornaments, and beyond, there's virtually no limit to what we can create.

What makes us unique is not just the versatility of our printing capabilities but the attention to detail and craftsmanship infused into each creation. Our team of skilled artisans is passionate about bringing your visions to life, ensuring that every curve, texture, and nuance is faithfully reproduced. Whether you're a fantasy enthusiast, a cosplay aficionado, or someone looking to add a touch of magic to your space, we're here to turn your concepts into reality.

The process is as seamless as the final product is extraordinary. Simply share your idea, whether it's a detailed design or a vague concept, and watch it evolve into a tangible masterpiece. We understand that every dream is unique, and we tailor our approach to suit your vision. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means that we don't just meet expectations; we exceed them.

Embrace the endless possibilities of 3D printing with us. Explore a gallery of past creations that range from enchanting dragons that seem ready to take flight to masks that evoke mystery and allure. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your home or a personalized gift that transcends the ordinary, we've got you covered.

Visit our website for more!

Co-Founder

Sports Philanthropy Network

We build Stronger, Healthier and More Inclusive Communities through sports. We help organizations that use sports for social good/social change. Using our 20+ years of experience in the sports industry as well as our extensive network of professionals around the country, we support organizations using the power of sports to create meaningful programs and impact their communities.

The Sports Philanthropy Network is operating through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund (Federal Tax ID: 27-66011178), a Maryland charitable trust with federal tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the Sports Philanthropy Network are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.


Using our blog, we spotlight organizations who are doing outstanding work and provide resources and coverage of the stories in the sports philanthropy space.

Our event calendar lists upcoming events around the country that have are using sports to support our key objectives of EDUCATION, OPPORTUNITY, EMPOWERMENT. If you would like your event listed, please send us the details.

Our weekly Sports Philanthropy Podcast is hosted by our founder, Roy Kessel, and is rapidly gaining attention. We strive to feature interesting organizations as well as resources that are useful for organizations in the sports philanthropy space.

We collaborate with organizations around the country to help them improve their organizational infrastructure, develop powerful programs, measure the impact of their programs, tell their stories and raise the funding they need through events, fundraising campaigns, capital campaigns and grants.

Sports Philanthropy Network Atlanta Leadership Council

GURU Media Hub

GURU Podcast Network

The leading voices in marketing, sales, careers, and leadership. 

We know our stuff. 

So we share our stuff.

Podcast Host

Gables Residential

Provide training workshops and coaching to new and current associates.
Manage the Success Coach Program to ensure employees have a great on-boarding experience.
Provide training for management software, Yardi, Microsoft office suite as well as tablet training.
Provide ongoing support for 50+ properties in 6 states from Atlanta to Boston.
Develop new training courses for associates.
Provide assistance during new property takovers.
Manage the company LMS to ensure associates are on track with learning plans.
Responsible for filming and editing training videos for our video library.
Provide leadership training curriculum for selected candidates for a 6 month program.
The Leadership Program rotated from Washington D.C. to Atlanta each Year and focused on a variety of topics such as: 

Emotional Intelligence
Strength Based Leadership
Conflict Management
How to Manage a High Performing Team

Training & Development Manager

Managed two properties, 558 unit REIT and  a 329 unit Joint Venture.
Responsible for onsite and service teams between 7 and 15 associates.
Maintained budgeted occupancy during tenure.
Focused on weekly marketing plans.
Completed monthly and quarterly financial reporting.
Completed annual capital improvement analysis.
Maintained agressive renewal strategies.
Prepared annual budgets.

Community Manager

Managed a mixture of Fee and REIT community's during my tenure.
68 unit fee, 189 unit fee and 50 unit fee , 120 unit REIT lease up.
Completed lease up of 120 unit REIT in 6 months.
Maintained stabilized occupancy or above at all communities.
Managed teams between 3 and 6 associates.
Completed monthly, and quarterly financial, compliance and variance reports.
Attended and contributed to monthly owner's meetings.
Adhered to compliance policy's for the various affordable housing programs.
Prepared budgets annually.

Fight The Fluff Virtual Summit

Guest Speaker for the Fight The Fluff Virtual Summit

The no "B.S. conference of coaches, by coaches, for coaches, on how to ACTUALLY increase sales, speaking, and leadership skills without fancy branding and unnecessary programs! 

#virtualconference #virtualsummit #coaches #coaching

Guest Speaker

Atlanta Tech Village

I had the honor of sharing my story and journey with other entrepreneurs in an intimate setting. The feedback I receive was tremendous and this event truly created a spark in me that has yet to go out!

Toured prospective residents.
Completed lease related paperwork.
Maximized collection efforts.
Provided exceptional customer service to residents, prospects & vendors.
Completed monthly financial reports.

Assistant Community Manager

Toured prospective residents.
Completed lease related paperwork.
Provided exceptional customer service to residents, prospects & vendors.
Maintained a high closing ratio each month.

Leasing Consultant

Growing up with a Mom that only had one lung taught me a lot about what real adversity was.

Although we didn’t have much, our Mom showed us love and taught us how to be kind & empathetic.

I’ve had 4 pivotal moments in my life:

1. Getting stung by 53 Bees in 4th grade.

2. Being beaten and falsely arrested by police at 12.

3. Surviving a high speed accident and getting 52 staples on both legs at 19.

4. Making the decision to leave a 15 year career to be a full time entrepreneur.

The last one happened today, the day I’m writing this new bio.

I’ve experienced some adversity in my life like most of us, but I still don’t feel that I’ve faced adversity yet, knowing what my Mom went through in her short 54 years on this planet.

Less than two years ago when I started creating content on LinkedIn, everything changed. 

I started to realize that I can make a difference in people’s lives by helping them see things they don’t see in themselves.

Truly making a positive impact and having people walk away different then when they met you is so humbling and a true honor.

Once I realized why I was born, I knew I had to go all in on my mission of helping people Blaze their own trail in business & life.

That’s why I started the Blaze Your Own Trail Podcast 4 years ago as well.

At Blaze Your Own Trail Consulting, LLC I help entrepreneurs Blaze their own trail through strategic Consulting Services, 1:1 & Group Coaching & Digital Courses.

Areas Of Expertise:

Sales 
Digital Marketing 
Social Media Marketing 
Leadership Training & Coaching 
Personal Branding
Systems & Process Integration
Podcast Coaching
Content Strategy 

What I’m Looking For:

Strategic Partnerships
Podcast Sponsors
Speaking Engagements

Are you ready to blaze your own trail? Use the link below to book a call with me today👇🏽

https://calendly.com/byotconsulting/30-minute-discovery-call

Jordan Mendoza

One of the many stories you’ll read about in my new book. 

Thanks for the opportunity to share on your amazing podcast Tom Lyman 🙏🏽 

Check it out here: https://amzn.to/49FFwqG

#podcast #storytelling #adversity #faith #jordanjmendoza

Sunsets in Belgium are 🤩

Busy week so far but we are accomplishing a lot as we build our onboarding process. 

#belgium #startup #wearewaso

Digital Transformation Strategist

Creating, offering, designing, directing, and/or implementing part of the Digital Transformation strategy for several organizations. The main ones were for:
•	A group of companies that integrate services focused on the automotive sector, which included credit, leasing, and insurance products, where an ecosystem/platform was conceived.
•	A company in the Agricultural Sector, with operations in the USA and Mexico, where an ERP and Big Data architecture were designed to operate flawlessly.
•	A Mexican family-owned retail consumer company, where an e-Commerce solution (including digital payments) was defined.
All of the above:
•	Focused on the customers and using data science to understand when they interact, what they interact with, with whom they interact, how they interact, and where they interact to predict and offer them what they need and when they need it to meet their expectations. Creating a new business model and processes while capturing new value opportunities and innovation.
•	Enabling an open architecture based on flexible technologies (applying cybersecurity) like cloud computing, Big Data, predictive analytics, Cognitive / Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning solutions, APIs, Biometrics, Bots-RPA, e-Commerce, Omnichannel, and remote collaboration tools.

I have also been a speaker on:
•	"Digital Transformation and the HR area" and “1st Digital Transformation Symposium: How to accelerate its implementation” for the Latam Business School. Such good acceptance that I am part of the professors for the Digital Transformation Specialization program.
•	“Change Management as a Key to Success in the Organizations’ Digital Transformation” for the Peru Digital e-Summit and “Talent Management in an Era of great challenges and high uncertainty” for the Peru eCommerce e-Summit of the Lima Chamber of Commerce.

CEO - CIO - CDO Consultant - Advisor | Digital Transformation Director | Fractional Executive

Back to Business

B2B is a company specializing in Outplacement and Retirement, Assessment, and Organizational Development services that supports the strategic function of Human Resources within companies.
✔ Lead the Financial Services and Information Technology industries within the organization.
✔ Help organizations in finding solutions to current Culture, Processes, and Technology issues by being able to design, direct, and implement their Digital Transformation Strategy.

Fractional Director for Financial Services & IT Industries

ICB Consulting® - Consultoría de Estrategia y Operaciones 

Expert Consultant in Digital Transformation.

Fractional Digital Transformation Consultant

Progredi Human Capital Consulting

✔ Lead the Financial Services (including Fintech) and Information Technology industries within the organization.
✔ To be the "voice of the client" into the organization to be able to design, direct, and implement the Digital Transformation Strategy.

Client Experience Fractional Director for Financial Services (including Fintech) & IT Industries

Latam Business School

Fractional Professor

Innovate/improve Strategy, Business Processes, and Technology in Digital Transformation projects for the Financial Services industry, exceeding the expectations of its customers.

Challenge: Analyze the needs of the business areas creating technological solutions that allow re-organizing the life experience of clients in the Financial Sector.

✔	Redesigned the enterprise data warehouse (Big Data) by integrating standardized business concepts to reduce subsequent expenses for upgrades to zero.
✔	Developed the proposals for the definition of master data management, establishing its standardization and governance, removing the duplication of corporate data, and improving the quality of customer data by 100%.
✔	Structured the cognitive solution that minimizes operational errors and fraud regarding transactions, Know your Customer (KYC) / employees, and Anti Money Laundering (AML); improving annual claims, current due loans, and loan reserve figures up to 75%, AML’s false positives by up to 30%, and the costs of handling alerts by up to 60%.

Financial Services / Banking SME (Subject Matter Expert)

Created, offered, designed, directed, and/or implemented part of the Digital Transformation strategy for several organizations. The main ones were:
✔ Bizzon Info Solutions (P) Ltd
✔ Demar
✔ MARSH LatAm & Caribbean

CIO - CDO Consultant – Advisor

Bizzon Info Solutions (P) Ltd.

Bizzon is a private software development company with headquarters based in India.	
Member of Bizzon's business leadership & executive management team.

Challenge: New business development (sales, product development, marketing strategy, customer relationship, alliances, and negotiations, among others).

✔	Controlled the design, testing, and marketing of the commands and inventory of ingredients application for restaurants by innovating the user experience (UX), achieving control in processing times, minimizing waste, and lack of supplies by up to 80%.
✔	Directed the Business Case that led to the decision not to open a local office in Mexico.

Group Strategic Advisor

Demar Instaladora y Constructora S.A. de C.V.

Demar is a Mexican family-owned enterprise dedicated to building, installing, and connecting oil & gas platforms within shallow waters. Its main customer is PEMEX.

Challenge: Transformation from a family-based business into a corporation, establishing the controls and administrative systems required, and coordinating up to 2,500 people.

✔	Structured and integrated the Governance and Transformation Program that controlled and supervised the strategic initiatives applied to employees, business processes, and technology, achieving a reduction in operating costs of 35% and minimizing its risk by 75%.
✔	Planned and directed the rationalization of the processes and records of human resources through the integration of an Electronic Clinical Record and Mobile Tele-Health Services system, minimizing 99% of medical errors and individualizing the treatment of each employee.
✔	Improved collaboration by establishing: ERP (SAP) systems; remote working tools; the migration of data, applications, and hardware towards a hybrid cloud scheme; reaching 100% of the administrative staff, including off-shore.

COO | CIO (Administration Director)

Marsh

Marsh is an insurance and risk broker company part of the global Marsh & McLennan group.

Challenge: Shaped the Operational Efficiency Program for Latin America.

✔	Led the implementation of the regional process transformation and reengineering program, based on Lean, Kaizen, and Change Management methodologies in Latin America, improving customer service times by up to 65% and policy payment processing by 85%.

Change Delivery & Transformation LAC (Latin America & Caribbean) SVP

I help organizations in finding solutions to current Culture, Processes, and Technology issues through Digital Transformation by transforming the business to become more Agile and centered on the Customer (data-informed)

CDO, CIO & Digital Transformation Director focused on helping organizations navigate the digital age. I partner with leaders to develop and execute strategies that resolve critical business issues related to culture, processes, and technology, ensuring a human-centric approach to innovation and growth.

Dynamic and results-driven Executive with 25+ years of experience leading strategic change in global organizations and SMBs. Proven expertise in consulting, designing, and implementing business-transformative initiatives that drive cultural, process, and technological change. Skilled in optimizing business processes through innovative technology solutions. Strong track record of building high-performance teams and ensuring organizational effectiveness. Experienced in business units, IT, operations, and professional services/consulting areas. Adept at delivering results, driving efficiency, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies. Excels in strategic planning and execution, collaborating with stakeholders across the organization to drive Digital Transformation. Effective communicator and relationship builder, fostering collaboration and innovation. Demonstrated ability to establish data and information strategies, governance, and policy development to create business value. A human-centric leader committed to driving organizational effectiveness and success in the digital age.

You can reach me at https://dtstrategist.com

Manuel Barragan

The Unseen Engine: Why Process is Your Digital Transformation's True Powerhouse

Imagine a highly skilled manufacturing company still battling late deliveries and confused support calls 📞. Their problem wasn't the product; it was their tangled, spreadsheet-and-email-based order fulfillment process. This story proves that a great product is nothing without a great process to deliver it.

In the article, you will learn how to:
✔️ Avoid the "paving cowpaths" peril: automating a flawed process only accelerates the flaws and magnifies existing inefficiencies into costly failures.
✔️ Recognize the major roadblocks created by siloed operations (e.g., sales vs. finance) and lagging administrative functions that delay critical decision-making.
✔️ Build a resilient digital core by prioritizing people, then process, then technology, starting with engaging employees to uncover bottlenecks.
✔️ Apply invaluable methodologies like Lean (eliminating waste), Kaizen (rapid improvement), and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to rigorously analyze and redesign workflows before applying automation tools like RPA or Agentic AI.

Your process is the unseen engine of your Digital Transformation. When processes are lean and optimized, automation delivers impressive, measurable results like cost reduction and faster reporting. This dedication to process excellence builds the agility and resilience needed today.

Ready to transform your operations and empower your teams? Let’s talk with Digital Transformation Strategist about how optimizing your processes can unlock your organization’s full potential.

View newsletter: Digital Transformation Stories

I once discussed with some colleagues about a manufacturing company. They built incredible, custom components. Yet, their customers often faced late d

Open article: The Unseen Engine: Why Process is Your Digital Transformation's True Powerhouse by Manuel Barragan • 3 min read

The Unseen Engine: Why Process is Your Digital Transformation's True Powerhouse

Beyond Titles: Why Digital Transformation Demands True Leadership

I once saw a major software overhaul sputter because the CEO was absent from the conversation. Then I saw a similar project thrive because the leader was visibly involved, sharing their own learning curve. This difference proves that Digital Transformation isn't about code or cloud; it’s about people, and leadership is its heartbeat.

In the article, you will learn how to:
➖ Recognize the Leadership Gap, where failures occur because behaviors do not support the change, leaders act as managers, and the critical "why" of transformation gets lost.
➖ Cultivate a Transformative Leadership style that demands a shift from focusing on the stable to embracing change and new opportunities.
➖ Implement a Human-Centric Blueprint by defining a clear vision, practicing empathy and psychological safety, and openly communicating the transformation's personal relevance.
➖ Champion a Data-Informed vision by visibly using new tools, breaking data silos, and empowering teams to co-create innovation based on merit and expertise.

True leadership demands more than just a title; it requires a fundamental mindset shift and concrete actions. You must invest in your leaders and empower your teams to build a resilient, adaptive future that drives operational excellence and manages risk.

Is your organization ready to empower its leaders for digital success? Let Digital Transformation Strategist help you craft a leadership development strategy that truly transforms. Connect with us to explore how.

Every organization talks about Digital Transformation. They buy new tools. I once saw a team facing a major software overhaul. The technology was impr

Open article: Beyond Titles: Why Digital Transformation Demands True Leadership by Manuel Barragan • 3 min read

Beyond Titles: Why Digital Transformation Demands True Leadership

Digital Leadership: Human-Centric, Accountable, and Always Learning

Leadership is defined by actions, not titles. It's about serving your people. Effective leaders prioritize human well-being. They ease team members' physical, cognitive, and emotional burdens. Empathy, trust, and clear communication are key behaviors. Leaders foster psychological safety. This allows teams to innovate and raise issues openly. Integrity means consistent actions. Leaders live the company's core values.

Visibility from the top matters. Leaders must communicate the "why" and "what's in it for me" of transformation. They lead by example. This means actively using new digital tools. They also share their own learning curves. This builds trust. It reinforces the new ways of working.

Leadership is a skill developed over time. CIOs and CDOs belong at the strategic table. They align with peers. They drive cross-functional collaboration. Investing in development is crucial. This includes training and mentorship. Leaders address culture gaps head-on. They embody desired cultural shifts. They value employee input.

These leadership qualities drive operational excellence. They improve EX and CX. They secure cost efficiency. They also manage risks. This positions organizations for sustainable strategic growth.

Ready to cultivate transformative leaders? Let's connect with Digital Transformation Strategist.

Talent Transformation: A Digital Imperative for Growth

Your organization's ability to find and keep top talent is its biggest competitive edge. Slow, costly hiring processes waste money. They also drive away the very people you want. We envision a new talent journey. This journey is strategic and engaging. It delivers the best talent efficiently. We aim for faster hires. We want data-driven selection. Our goal is also to reduce bias and better candidate experiences.

Imagine an internal talent marketplace. Your employees discover new opportunities there first. This boosts morale and retention. For internal or pre-qualified talent, a "Talent Pool Express Challenge" speeds things up. This ensures objective, skill-based assessment. It cuts bias further.

For external candidates, we replace old job descriptions with "Un-Job Descriptions". These focus on real problems to solve. Candidates show their skills, reducing bias. We also build talent pipelines through community engagement. This finds skilled people before needs arise.

Our selection process uses "Real-World Challenges". Candidates present solutions to actual business problems. This replaces multiple interviews. We get unmatched insight into their performance and communication.

This Digital Transformation of talent isn't just about HR. It improves every part of your organization. You get higher-quality hires faster. Your teams are happier and more productive. This drives strategic growth. It also manages costs and reduces risk effectively. We help you create this future.

What steps will you take to transform your talent journey? Connect with Digital Transformation Strategist to discuss your strategy.

Closing the Skills Gap for Digital Resilience

Many organizations are pushing for digitization, yet often forget a critical piece: their people. It is not enough to simply adopt new technology; you must also cultivate a workforce ready to use it. This often means facing a significant skills gap. Neglecting to reskill current employees or recruit new talent with essential mindsets and toolsets creates vulnerabilities. This oversight limits competitive advantage and hinders true organizational resilience.

Understanding your team's capabilities is key. Without up-to-date and in-depth employee skills profiles, leaders make deployment decisions in the dark. How can you optimally use talent if you don't know who has what skills? This lack of insight leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for strategic growth. We help organizations build these crucial profiles, ensuring every talent decision is informed and effective.

True professional development means personalized learning. Training should allow employees to grow, offering digital platforms that provide tailored opportunities. This human-centric approach develops individual skills and aligns your entire workforce with future business needs. By investing in continuous professional development, you are managing risk, improving efficiency, and enhancing both employee and customer experiences. This strategic approach ensures your organization stays competitive and thrives in a rapidly changing world.

Ready to build a future-ready workforce? Reach out Digital Transformation Strategist for a consultation.

Training: Your Unsung Hero for Risk and Culture

Many organizations focus solely on technology for Digital Transformation, overlooking a powerful tool: effective training. Without it, even the best tech stacks can crumble under human error or resistance. Consider cybersecurity: advanced systems are vital, but without continuous employee education, your organization remains vulnerable to threats like Business Email Compromise. Training builds a security-conscious culture, drastically cutting cyber risks and protecting your digital innovation.

Transforming processes also demands a trained workforce. In dynamic industries, moving to multichannel operations requires employees to master new skills, such as effective digital presentations. Training tackles resistance to change and closes skill gaps, making your company truly data-informed and agile. This human-centric approach ensures operational excellence, not just technological adoption.
 
A strong organizational culture, ready for digital change, is built on consistent training. A finance sector case study revealed a crisis failure due to a lack of training, showing how Digital Transformation must integrate with business continuity plans. Training instills data literacy and encourages a culture of collaboration, experimentation, and adaptability. This proactive approach manages risks, improves efficiency, and drives strategic growth by empowering your people.

Is your training strategy truly supporting your digital goals? Contact Digital Transformation Strategist to strengthen your culture and mitigate risks.

Process Optimization: The Engine of Digital Transformation

Process optimization is not just about tweaks. It is about maximizing resources and achieving operational excellence. This directly boosts performance and financial health. It also elevates customer and employee satisfaction.

Consider the impact. Optimized processes can slash operational costs. Some programs even cut costs by 35%. Improving and automating processes can lift a company's revenue by 4% to 8%. That is a significant financial gain.

Think about productivity. Streamlined workflows eliminate redundancies. Automating tasks frees employees. They can then focus on higher-value work. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Agentic AI are tools for this. It significantly increases efficiency. It also boosts overall productivity.

Quality and speed also improve. Process optimization enhances precision. It improves traceability in routine tasks. One financial firm, for example, cut reporting time by 53%. They did this by removing re-processes and recaptures. This is the power of optimized processes.

Process improvement drives continuous gains. It fosters agility. It makes organizations adaptable. This is crucial for innovation and strategic growth.

Ready to unlock these benefits for your organization? Let's discuss your process optimization journey.

Your customers are talking. Are you listening and acting? If not, contact Digital Transformation Strategist to help you with listening and acting. This focus is your competitive edge.

Optimizing Processes: Lean, Kaizen, Agile, and AI-Powered

Process optimization drives true Digital Transformation. We use proven methodologies and cutting-edge tools. Lean and Kaizen, for example, eliminate waste. They streamline processes through continuous improvement. These methods boost flexibility, quality, and responsiveness. We often combine them with Design Thinking. This creates powerful, continuous improvement programs.

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is another key tool. It is a Lean technique. VSM identifies waste and redundancies. It analyzes the flow of materials, data, and requirements. This helps pinpoint inefficiencies.

Agile practices are essential. They use cross-functional teams. They enable rapid iteration. This improves speed-to-market. Agile collaboration needs structured processes and governance. This ensures efficiency.

Automation technologies are game-changers. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) automates low-value tasks. Agentic AI takes this a step further. Integrating AI into your Business Process Management (BPM) strategy empowers teams. It redefines efficiency. It also drives continuous improvement.

These methods lead to operational excellence. They enhance employee and customer experiences. They also create significant cost efficiencies. They strengthen risk management. This positions your organization for strategic growth.

Ready to transform your processes? Let's explore with Digital Transformation Strategist these powerful methodologies and tools.

Digital Leadership: Shaping Data, Empowering Change, Mastering Hybrid

Leaders navigate complex digital shifts. Their impact spans data, change, and the new world of work. True Digital Transformation thrives on data. Leaders champion this shift. They frame data as an ally. This eases fears, building excitement for new capabilities. Breaking down data silos is important. Leaders ensure data guides decisions. This moves companies beyond intuition. This builds long-term growth for the entire enterprise.

Digital change is human change. Leaders are key agents. They empower teams to innovate. They encourage co-creation. Delegating based on skill, not just loyalty, is key. This drives organizational growth. Leaders must map initiatives. They gather perspectives from all levels. This reduces uncertainty and builds trust.

The hybrid work model demands new leadership skills. Multimodal leaders excel. They act as conductors, catalysts, coaches, and champions. Remote strategies need clear communication. Technology use is central. Virtual engagement maintains team cohesion. Agile leadership keeps organizations ahead.

These leadership actions lead to operational excellence. They improve employee and customer experiences. They also create cost efficiencies. This strengthens risk management. It positions organizations for strategic growth in a competitive marketplace.

Ready to elevate your leadership? Let’s discuss with Digital Transformation Strategist how we can help you.

Reinventing Talent Acquisition: The Human Cost of Outdated Hiring

Searching for talent often feels like looking for a needle in a haystack while blindfolded! 😩 The reality is, when your Selection, Recruiting, and Onboarding processes drag on for months, you're not just losing candidates, you're racking up huge costs. This agonizingly slow pace is a critical blind spot in many Digital Transformation efforts.

In the article, you will learn how to:
· Quantify the significant financial and operational burdens of slow decisions, where a single critical role can cost up to $7,000 per day and a bad hire over 30% of the first-year salary.
· Implement a Smarter Talent Journey by moving from passive job posts to proactive sourcing through creating an internal talent marketplace and using "Un-Job Descriptions".
· Build an objective assessment process using the "Real-World Challenge: The Candidate's Pitch" to replace multiple subjective interviews and quickly validate skills for high-potential candidates.
· Revolutionize Onboarding with a human-centric approach using an "Onboarding Success Dashboard", a gamified "Pre-Boarding Adventure Map," and a "First Project Sprint" to drive immediate contribution and high retention.

The current state of talent acquisition is simply unsustainable. Transforming your talent journey is a strategic investment with quantifiable returns: faster hiring, better quality hires, and a stronger employer brand. It’s time to truly embrace Digital Transformation for your people.

Let Digital Transformation Strategist partner to transform your talent journey into a strategic advantage, securing your future through human-centric journeys.

Finding the right people can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack while blindfolded. At almost any organization, this story is the same. The

Open article: Reinventing Talent Acquisition: The Human Cost of Outdated Hiring by Manuel Barragan • 4 min read

Reinventing Talent Acquisition: The Human Cost of Outdated Hiring

Boosting Employee Experience in Digital Transformation

Digital Transformation is more than just new tech; it reshapes how people work. This means HR must focus on Employee Experience (EX) and change management to make digital shifts successful. A strong EX leads to higher engagement, better productivity, and keeps your best people.

HR's work enhances every employee touchpoint. We implement digital tools for smoother communication and collaboration. We streamline those annoying administrative tasks. We also provide personalized learning that grows with each person. All of this fosters a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone thrives.

Onboarding, in particular, needs a fresh look. We must treat new hires like valued internal customers, ensuring their first experiences are positive and engaging. This sets the stage for their entire journey with your organization.

Digital Transformation demands a new kind of workforce. HR drives retraining and reskilling initiatives, covering not just tools and skills, but also the mindset and emotional shifts needed for new roles. We help employees adapt to new identities, not just new tasks.

Many leading organizations establish a Change Management Office (CMO), often reporting to the CHRO. This team leads the human side of change, overseeing training and assessing impacts. The CMO minimizes disruptions, ensuring smooth transitions as technology evolves.

Ready to enhance your EX and navigate change with confidence? Let Digital Transformation Strategist help you build an employee experience that drives digital success.

AI and HR: Enhancing the Human Touch

Technology in HR must always serve people, not replace them. I point out that tools like AI can transform HR, but only if they enhance the human element.

Automation frees up valuable time. By automating mundane tasks, HR professionals can focus on strategic work, like developing talent and improving employee experience. As well, AI support employees from all areas by automating boring tasks. This leads to cost savings, better risk management, and a more engaged workforce. Technology should simplify, not complicate.

AI also changes how we give feedback, giving managers the right data for making it more personal and efficient. This helps build a culture where everyone grows.

Organizations need real-time data on employee skills. Knowing who can do what ensures we deploy talent optimally, make smart employment decisions, and quickly respond to unexpected challenges. This helps us keep skilled employees and maintain operational agility.

Ready to strategically apply technology in your HR function? Let Digital Transformation Strategist help you discover how AI and data can empower your HR team.

Seamless Onboarding: The Digital Key to Talent Retention

Bringing new talent into your organization often feels like a gamble. Almost 20% of new hires leave within 45 days, wasting resources and disrupting teams. This early turnover highlights a critical gap in many organizations. 

With an "Onboarding Success Dashboard", it streamlines everything else. It automates legal forms, IT setup, and HR documents. This eliminates paperwork for new hires and stakeholders. It ensures all necessary tools are ready on day one. This digital system frees your teams for higher-value work. It saves time and prevents frustration.

We must ensure new hires feel connected, productive, and supported from day one, with a "Pre-Boarding Adventure Map" that builds excitement. This personalized digital guide starts at offer acceptance. It clarifies expectations and introduces company culture. It reduces first-day jitters. Additionally, "Reverse Mentoring" pairs new hires with senior leaders. This shares fresh insights and builds early connections. Short "Cross-Functional Immersions" provide a holistic business view.

Then, each new hire starts with a "First Project Sprint". This immediate, tangible task allows them to contribute within weeks, not months. It accelerates learning and fosters a sense of purpose. This approach moves new talent to full productivity faster.

These human-centric strategies drive real operational excellence. They significantly improve retention. They accelerate productivity and enhance both employee and customer experiences. They also manage costs and risks tied to talent acquisition. This transforms onboarding from a compliance exercise into a strategic growth engine.

How do you ensure your new talent thrives? Let Digital Transformation Strategist discuss them with you.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Why Training is Your Best Transformation Tool

That moment of asking a colleague, "How do I even change this feature?". That initial bewilderment perfectly illustrates the chasm between grand Digital Transformation ambition and operational reality. We pour money into AI and analytics, but if our people lack the familiarity (the training) that technology becomes an expensive paperweight. True transformation is a human endeavor, not just a tech one.

In the article, you will learn how to:
✔️ Analyze the critical oversight of adopting sophisticated AI platforms and analytics dashboards without equipping teams with the necessary skills, leading to integration issues and wasted financial investment.
✔️ Understand why traditional, feature-focused training falls short and how this gap impedes operational excellence and is a critical cybersecurity vulnerability.
✔️ Implement targeted training programs for AI collaboration, emphasizing human oversight, and launch robust, practical data literacy initiatives across all departments.
✔️ Revolutionize training design by building programs around real-world scenarios, using a blended learning approach, and treating workforce development as a strategic, ongoing imperative.

Stop viewing training as an expense or a compliance checkbox. It’s your most strategic investment. Investing in comprehensive, human-centric upskilling directly translates into unparalleled operational excellence, better customer experiences, and robust risk mitigation. Let's collaborate to build a workforce that is not just prepared for the future but actively engaged in shaping it.

Reach out Digital Transformation Strategist today to explore how we can partner to tailor a transformative training strategy that empowers your people and drives your organization's success.

Remember the early days of smartphones? Many of us, myself included, handed our new devices to a tech-savvy child or a younger colleague, asking, "How

Open article: Bridging the Digital Divide: Why Training is Your Best Transformation Tool by Manuel Barragan • 4 min read

Bridging the Digital Divide: Why Training is Your Best Transformation Tool

Digital Transformation Leadership: The Mindset Shift

Great post by Digital Transformation Strategist. True change needs consistent leader commitment first. This sets the pace for the whole culture shift. You cannot buy a Digital Transformation mindset.

Strong leadership turns change into progress. When leaders model curiosity and steady action, teams stay engaged and the transformation gains real traction across daily work.

Effective leaders drive operational excellence. They boost employee experiences. They also improve customer journeys. This creates real cost efficiency. It strengthens risk management. Strong leadership sets a firm foundation. It secures future strategic growth.

We partner with leaders. We help them build this foundation. Our approach empowers your team. It secures your organization’s growth. Connect with us to discuss your leadership transformation.

View company: Digital Transformation Strategist

Digital Transformation Leadership: The Mindset Shift

Digital Transformation starts with people. Leaders are the cornerstone of this shift. They define the future vision for the company. They also steer the organizational strategy. Many transformations stumble. A key reason is leadership behavior. In fact, a third of failures link directly to poor leader commitment.

Moving people and culture needs a leader's touch. Leaders must embrace a growth mindset. They guide their teams through change. This journey is often the hardest part. Without strong leadership, employees disengage. Progress slows to a crawl. The entire transformation faces severe risk.

Effective leaders drive operational excellence. They boost employee experiences. They also improve customer journeys. This creates real cost efficiency. It strengthens risk management. Strong leadership sets a firm foundation. It secures future strategic growth.

We partner with leaders. We help them build this foundation. Our approach empowers your team. It secures your organization’s growth.

Connect with Manuel Barragan to discuss your leadership transformation.

Talent Transformation: Why Your Hiring Process Needs a Digital Overhaul

Digital Transformation Strategist shows how slow hiring drains cash and focus, and it pushes leaders to rebuild the process with clear data and simple tools so teams stay strong and work moves on time. Vacant seats always stop strategic project launch. Digital Transformation requires rethinking talent processes. Better processes reduce hiring costs and turnover risk.

Imagine filling key roles faster with the right people. This saves hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Projects launch on time. Innovation thrives. Your employer brand shines. A strong talent strategy is not a luxury; it is a business imperative. It improves employee and customer experiences. It ensures strategic growth. It manages costs and reduces risks.

What are your biggest talent acquisition hurdles? DM me to help you on tackling them.

Talent Transformation: Why Your Hiring Process Needs a Digital Overhaul

Every vacant critical role drains between $500-$7,000 from your budget daily. The traditional 3-6 month hiring process is not just slow; it's costly and alienates top talent. A bad hire can equal 30% of a first-year salary. Nearly 20% of new hires leave within 45 days due to poor onboarding. These numbers show a clear problem that affects your bottom line and future growth.

This isn't just about HR; it's a strategic challenge. Lengthy vacancies delay critical projects. They stifle new ideas and slow down market entry. Competitors move faster while your teams remain understaffed. This also damages your employer brand. Over 70% of candidates with bad experiences share them widely. Current employees also feel the strain. They face burnout and decreased morale covering for empty seats. This drives up internal turnover risk.

True Digital Transformation tackles these talent challenges head-on. It reshapes how you find, hire, and keep people. We rethink processes, leveraging data and smart tools. We focus on a human-centric approach that respects candidates and supports your team. This creates a better experience for everyone. It drives operational excellence.

Imagine filling key roles faster with the right people. This saves hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Projects launch on time. Innovation thrives. Your employer brand shines. A strong talent strategy is not a luxury; it is a business imperative. It improves employee and customer experiences. It ensures strategic growth. It manages costs and reduces risks.

What are your biggest talent acquisition hurdles? Manuel Barragan can help you on tackling them.

Digital Transformation: Process Before Technology

Great post by Digital Transformation Strategist. Digital Transformation starts with understanding human work. Strong process work saves money and avoids chaos. Fast automation makes poor processes worse quickly. When teams fix pain points before buying tools, the tech delivers real gains instead of faster trouble. Good governance aligns teams and lowers project risk.

In the end, Organizations must have a focus on process to drive operational excellence. It improves both employee (EX) and customer experiences (CX). This leads to true cost efficiency. It strengthens risk management. It sets your organization for strategic growth.
 
Ready to optimize your processes before investing in new tech? Just DM me.

Digital Transformation: Process Before Technology

Digital Transformation begins with people, then process, then technology. Many companies rush to buy new software. This often creates more problems. Automating a broken process just makes it broken faster.

Before any tech investment, analyze current workflows. Find bottlenecks. Understand where work stops. Talk to the people doing the daily tasks. They uncover hidden delays. They know the workarounds. This input is gold. Use it to redesign processes. Remove dead ends. Automate high-impact tasks.

Standardization is vital. Processes need a common logic. This creates efficiency. Strong governance frameworks are necessary. They enable agile collaboration. This aligns business and technology teams. It avoids wasted investments.

A focus on process drives operational excellence. It improves both employee and customer experiences. This leads to true cost efficiency. It strengthens risk management. It sets your organization for strategic growth.

Ready to optimize your processes before investing in new tech? Let’s talk with Manuel Barragan.

Bridging the AI and Data Literacy Gap

AI success starts with your people, not your platforms. Many organizations invest in AI tools but overlook the foundation: data literacy. When teams understand how to interpret data, ask the right questions, and apply insights, AI becomes a multiplier, not a mystery.

Organizations must empower their workforce to thrive in the AI era. Train for curiosity, not just compliance. That’s where transformation truly begins.

Are your teams AI-ready? Contact Digital Transformation Strategist if you are having trouble in doing it.

Bridging the AI and Data Literacy Gap

Many organizations struggle with AI adoption, and it’s not always the tech itself. Often, the missing piece is human readiness. We see this all the time: companies invest heavily in AI tools but overlook the vital step of training their people. Without proper human oversight and interpretation, even the most advanced AI can create more problems than it solves. This oversight often leads to integration headaches and missed opportunities.
 
Building a truly data-informed culture starts with empowering your team. Data literacy isn't just for analysts; it’s a must-have skill for everyone. Imagine a workforce where every employee can interpret key performance indicators and make informed decisions. This isn't a pipe dream; it's achievable through tailored data literacy programs. These programs go beyond basic features, offering hands-on training and workshops built around real-world tasks and daily operational scenarios.

Effective training moves past abstract concepts. It focuses on what employees truly need to succeed, ensuring systems align with their actual experiences. A blended learning approach works best, combining live workshops, on-demand courses, and practical, hands-on exercises. This builds collective capability, fuels innovation, and drives organizational growth. Investing in your people's AI and data literacy skills manages risk, improves efficiency, and boosts customer and employee experiences. This human-centric approach turns technological investments into strategic advantages.

Ready to empower your team for the AI era? Contact Manuel Barragan today to learn how.

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