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Home » Why Leaders Need a Digital-First Strategy Emphasizing Data, Innovation
CXO Minute

Why Leaders Need a Digital-First Strategy Emphasizing Data, Innovation

Tony UphoffBy Tony UphoffApril 4, 2023Updated:April 10, 20232 Mins Read
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AE Leadership

In episode 66 of the Leadership minute, Tony Uphoff talks about how technology has disrupted virtually every aspect of business, and how leaders must actively adapt and evolve their organizations to thrive in the digital age. This means actively recognizing that their companies, whether they manufacture heavy machinery or provide financial services, are, at their core, technology companies. He shares three priorities that business leaders must follow to develop and operationalize this technology mindset.

To hear more data modernization, AI/hyperautomation, cybersecurity, and growth strategies from CIO practitioners, tune into Acceleration Economy’s Digital CIO Summit, which takes place April 4-6. Register for the free event here.

Highlights

01:29 — Tony’s first (and foremost) recommended priority is that leaders must adopt a digital-first approach to their businesses. This means prioritizing digital channels, tools, and processes to ensure their companies remain agile and responsive to changing market conditions.

02:16 — The second core priority business leaders must focus on is leveraging data and analytics. Today’s businesses have access to more data than ever before, and harnessing this information can be a powerful competitive advantage.

Which companies are the most important vendors in data? Check out the Acceleration Economy Data Modernization Top 10 Shortlist.

03:05 — Finally, Tony says, the third core priority in developing a technology mindset is developing a tech-savvy workforce. A tech-savvy workforce can adapt to new technologies, drive innovation, and help your organization stay ahead of the competition.

03:51 — By adopting a digital-first approach, leveraging data analytics, and cultivating a tech-savvy workforce, you can position your company for success in the acceleration economy. Tony points out that it’s not about replacing your core business with technology. It’s about using technology to enhance, optimize, and grow your organization.

Insights into the Why and How of Data and Business Modernization featured image
Guidebook: The Why and How of Data and Business Modernization

04:11 — Before wrapping up, Tony leaves one more thought: The five largest companies in the world by market capitalization are Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft, and they’re all technology companies. But they’re not the only technology companies. Why? Because as technology becomes more and more foundational in every industry and every function, companies as varied as Goldman Sachs, Exxon, GE, Citibank, and Walmart are all becoming technology companies as well. Today, the distinction between technology and non-technology companies is becoming less relevant. The key is establishing a technology mindset as a core part of your culture.


Want more tech insights for the top execs? Visit the Leadership channel:

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Amazon CEO CXO digital transformation featured Google Cloud leadership Microsoft
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Tony Uphoff

CEO
Pipeline360

Areas of Expertise
  • AI
  • Board Strategy
  • Cloud
  • LinkedIn

Bringing his experiences as a 5x CEO, Tony provides a leadership analyst perspective to Cloud Wars. He’s an award-winning technology, data, digital media and marketing services executive specializing in transformative leadership of companies, cultures, people, and organizational performance. As an industry thought leader and an expert on the digital industrial economy, Tony is regularly quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Business Insider, and other top media brands. He advises senior management and boards of media, marketing, and technology companies as the CEO and founder of Uphoff Management Advisory, LLC. He serves as a Trustee of Linfield University and a mentor at MuckerLabs accelerator. Additionally, Tony has been a Senior Advisor to the CEO and executive team at Xometry, a publicly traded, on-demand manufacturing marketplace. In December 2021, he led the turnaround, growth, and successful sale of Thomasnet.com to Xometry for $300 million.

  Contact Tony Uphoff ...

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