🎙️ Welcome to FutureForward, the podcast by Techcanvass where we explore how technology is reshaping industries, careers, and leadership.

In Episode 2: "Digital Transformation – Concepts, Drivers, Careers & Skills", your host Abhishek Srivastava (Founder & Chief Mentor, Techcanvass) is joined by Sandeep Desai (Principal Consultant at AFCONS India Ltd)

🌟 About Our Guest: Sandeep DesaiWith over two decades of experience across large-scale infrastructure, consulting, and technology-led initiatives, Sandeep Desai brings a powerful blend of operational depth and strategic insight. As a Principal Consultant at AFCONS, he’s seen firsthand how digital transformation is influencing project delivery, team dynamics, and business outcomes in the real world.

From ERP implementations to change enablement and leadership coaching, Sandeep is deeply invested in helping professionals navigate transformation both organizational and personal.

🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:

📔 What is Digital Transformation, Really?– Why it’s more than tech tools– How legacy mindsets impact transformation efforts

📔 Drivers of Transformation in Indian Enterprises– Internal and external factors pushing companies to adapt– Lessons from real transformation projects

📔 Careers & Capabilities in the New Era– How roles are evolving, especially for Business Analysts– The mindset shift needed to grow with the change– Skills that matter most in today’s transformation landscape

📔 Leadership, Learning & Letting Go– How professionals can stay relevant and valuable– Navigating fear of change in mid-career transitions– Sandeep’s personal stories of adapting and leading through transformation

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Professional Journey

02:10 – What sparked Sandeep’s career, early influences & inspirations

05:30 – What does “digital transformation” mean today?

08:45 – How has DT evolved over time?

12:20 – Key drivers behind digital transformation in organizations

15:50 – Real-world case study breakdown

19:30 – Busting the misconception: DT is NOT just about tech

22:40 – Leading vs. lagging industries — who’s ahead and why

25:00 – Top challenges organizations face in digital transformation

28:15 – Where should companies even begin their DT journey?31:00 – Readiness: Is your organization ready to transform?33:40 – AI’s growing role in digital transformation

36:10 – Measuring ROI for transformation initiatives

38:45 – Essential skillsets for professionals in transformation roles

41:10 – How IT professionals can shift into transformation projects

43:30 – Career paths in digital transformation: is specialization worth it?

45:00 – Rapid-Fire Round

50:00 – Final words of advice for organizations & professionals

🔗 Connect with Sandeep Desai: Sandeep Desai

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📩 For inquiries: abhishek@techcanvass.com

💬 Got questions or takeaways? Drop them in the COMMENTS below!