Amazon

Director, Software Development

Senior Software Development Manager

Software Development Manager - SCOT

Sr. Technical Program Manager - GIPA

Amazon Payment Services

As the leader of the global technology function at Amazon Payment Services, I am both passionate about and dedicated to re-imagining digital payments for customers and merchants throughout the Middle East and Africa region. 

My responsibilities encompass tech pre-sales and solutioning, merchant integration, software development (for new and existing products), infrastructure management, technical operations, information security, and data engineering. Additionally, I oversee the technology function responsible for delivering seamless payment products and experiences for Amazon shoppers throughout MEA stores (UAE, KSA, EGY, TR and ZA). 

Together, our aim is to provide simple, affordable, and trusted payment experiences for merchants and customers across the MEA region.

Head of Technology

Direct Energy

Promoted to build and lead 5-member team in designing, developing, and managing decision-support application and tools for front-office trading group, integrating with trading/supply, operations, risk management, pricing/structuring, settlements organizations.

IT Manager - Decision Support Tools, Supply

Extended inward-focused IT capabilities to external customers. Developed capabilities that underpin key business processes within the industry lifecycle including trading, scheduling, asset management and optimization, demand-side response, and settlements. 

* Challenged with building team, processes, and systems to support organic business growth into new market space with demand response management product (multi-million dollar project). 

* Leveraged technology to empower several key, new revenue streams for the business unit.

* Handpicked by senior leadership to course-correct and manage delinquent security appliances workstream of major datacenter migration that had put entire project at significant risk of missing deadlines. 

* Invited to join M&A (and other structured deal) due diligence teams after demonstrating thought leadership in both technology and operations to commercial stakeholders. 

* Updated business continuity program to eliminate operational risk from disruption to business-critical systems.

IT Manager - Digital Marketing, Upstream and Trading

Managed IS development and support function for variety of business-enabling systems across US power markets. Built and directed team of 6 IT professionals.

* Functions Supported include:

   a) ISO Settlements (NEPOOL, NYISO, PJM, CAISO, MISO and ERCOT) / nMarket Allocation  Manager and custom SSRS reports
   b) Scheduling and ISO Trading / nMarket Power
   c) Upstream Power / OSIsoft PI System and various other systems
   d) ERCOT Asset Optimization and 24 Hour Real-Time Trading Desk / nMarket Power
   e) ERCOT Asset Dispatching / OSI Monarch GMS

* Major Initiatives Lead:

- Texas Nodal Market Transition (Go-Live and Post Go-Live Support)
- Generation Management System (GMS) Implementation (Inception to Operations)

* Managed Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery plans for Direct Energy Upstream & Trading

IS Manager - Power Asset Optimization, 24-Hour Real-Time Trading Desk, and Upstream Power

* Developed a 3 year architectural - enterprise message bus centered - vision  for our Upstream and Trading business unit

* Developed a Data Integrity business case for our Upstream and Trading business unit

* Developed an interface for gas pipeline data with Bentek Energy

* Managed a Market Data Service initiative to consolidate Market Data into a single repository

* Managed environments to support our Proprietary Trading applications

* Managed testing environments for the Texas Nodal Initiative and various other initiatives

* Supported Proprietary Trading applications

Senior Analyst - Architecture and Proprietary Trading IS

* Lead the design, implementation and testing of the Trade Capture migration from a Java based API to a FIX based system with the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)

* Developed various solution components in Java and TIBCO

* Supported DealCapture and E-Confirm applications

* Developed Retail Credit Risk BI solution to support B2B business better evaluate/assess credit exposure

Senior Analyst - Wholesale/Retail Interface IS

* Provided technical leadership over design, implementation and testing of the SAP HR implementation project, to replace existing PeopleSoft implementation

* Actively participated in the business blueprinting of to-be HR processes, and translating the processes into system functional requirements

* Provided technical leadership over design, implementation and testing of the Canadian Benefits outsourcing project as well as coordinating the Payroll Outsourcing Project 

* Initiated SAP ECC 6.0 upgrade recommendation and laying project foundation

* Lead the testing and training for the Scanning Solution of the Procure-to-Pay project

Senior Analyst - Corporate IS

British Gas

* Led a project to develop an absence management system and managed its deliverables

* Collected the requirements, designed and implemented system using an agile customer centric development methodology

* Successfully sold the system to different areas of the business which is now being rolled out across British Gas Residential IS as well as British Gas Business IS

* Supported and administered the system in production for 100 users, with about 1,000 users being targeted for the short term

*Delivered project benefits estimated to save 0.5 FTE in each of the areas that it is rolled out to

Senior Analyst

* Collected the requirements, designed and implemented a deal capture system to automate energy trade entry from ICE and NGX into the company’s risk management system

* Supported the system in production, providing second level support

* Developed a front end application to the system to make it self-administrative

* Delivered project benefits estimated at: saving 2 FTE, reducing the error entry rate to 0.5% and the Value at risk by $2.5 Million

* Researched Natural Gas storage fundamentals in North America and investigated potential of its use within the Wholesale’s group portfolio

Senior Analyst - IS EMG

Integrated Voice Communications

* Managed the installation of new equipment and periodic updates (both software and hardware)

* Marketed and sold new VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) routes to various international destinations around the globe

* Programmed Cisco Routers and CPM (Computer Protocol Malaysia) voice gateways

* Maintained a set of Windows NT servers and Cisco gateways

* Managed 24/7 customer support (both technical and sales) by email/phone/fax

* Maintained excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as rigorous documentation

* Coordinated with team members in different countries to ensure quality voice service

Founder and Managing Partner

Tech Director at Amazon Payment Services | Follow for posts about Leadership Development and Career Growth | Leadership & Career Mentor | Author Of Leadership in 60 Seconds

I ​am a global technology executive with over 20 years of experience. I am currently Director of Software Engineering at Amazon, leading the Technology function for Payments across the Middle East and Africa. In this role, my aim is to make the payment experience of our merchants (Amazon Payment Services) and customers (Stores) the most simple, affordable, and trusted.

Over my career, I'm honored to have delivered award-winning transformational initiatives that have created competitive advantage, enabled business growth, and exceeded customer expectations.

Known as a forward-thinking problem-solver ― skilled in both business and technology strategy ― I adapt and plan for evolving market needs, delivering initiatives with speed and agility. I am also deeply passionate about building, developing, managing, and leading high-performance teams. A strong communicator and relationship builder, I partner effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and am a trusted advisor within the company.

Ever since I stepped into my first managerial role, more than a decade ago, I quickly realized the profound impact strong leadership has on individuals, teams, and organizations. From that moment, I made it my mission to empower others in their leadership journeys, guiding them to reach new heights in their careers.

In support of this mission, I have developed a community on LinkedIn of over 70K+ like-minded professionals with whom I actively support, engage, and share daily content on leadership, management, and career. I have been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice (Blue Badge) and ranked #1 LinkedIn Arab World Creator in Management and Leadership. 

Outside of work, I am passionate about everything automotive, especially F1 racing (Forza Ferrari!). I enjoy sports in general, both playing and watching. I also have a keen interest in collecting fragrances, working out with a focus on strength training, and all things food—from learning about it and exploring new cuisines to preparing dishes and hosting gatherings. However, my favorite pastime is spending quality time with my family. 

Languages: English 🇺🇸 Arabic 🇱🇧 French 🇫🇷

Omar Halabieh

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

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.

View newsletter: Digital Transformation Stories

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

taplio

The Battle

Omar Halabieh

Manuel Barragan

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreManuel Barragan's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Omar Halabieh

Manuel Barragan

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Manuel Barragan's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreManuel Barragan's LinkedIn Performance