Career Stories with Michael Swinhoe, Managing Partner, Tranzformd

Can you tell us about your journey in the consulting industry and how you initially became interested in technology and transformation? 

I started my career as an IT Graduate at Marks & Spencer PLC in London, England. It was a 2 year Graduate Program, which gave us visibility across all aspects of the supply chain of the business. My first role was a Programmer, initially, but when Marks & Spencer started up an Architecture Practice, the Lead asked me to join. I jumped at the chance, I thought it was a fantastic opportunity. Marks and Spencer was an exciting place to work because they were a true global technology leader, and they understood the power of data and how it can be used to drive efficiency and revenue.

What motivated you to specialize in technology and transformation within the consulting field? 

I like to engage clients to understand what their vision and challenges are. It’s very satisfying to work with them, collectively to come up with options, costs and benefits and an actionable plan to make change.

Throughout your career, what have been some of the most significant challenges you've faced in guiding organisations through transformational changes? 

Over my 20+ years the biggest challenge/hurdle I’ve witnessed is cultural change, especially when your client partner has worked a particular way for a long time.  The way you need to approach this is to take the client on the transformational journey slowly, implementing incremental changes which drive immediate benefits. Engage the client little and often because if you are 5 degrees off on day one, you will be 90 degrees off by the end of the engagement.

It’s also important to be empathetic, to listen to your client and ensure that everyone in the room is engaged and feels heard.

How do you approach the integration of technology and human-centric strategies when advising clients on transformation projects? 

We map out the customer journeys to understand the current processes and jointly focus on areas of improvement. Together we focus on the key areas of improvement, the ones that will deliver real tangible benefits such as driving efficiencies and improving customer care.

What attracted you to Tranzformd and their approach to consultancy? How does it align with your professional values and vision? 

Tranzformd’s approach to consultancy really resonated with my personal and professional values.  They treat their people and their clients empathetically, make them feel that it is a safe space, they are responsive to their needs and add tangible value from the get-go.

In your opinion, what sets Tranzformd apart from other consulting firms in the technology and transformation space? 

Tranzformd is the consulting business of the future.  We run a lean ship in terms of our physical bench. We have high performing SME’s who have real industry and technology gravitas and are able to quickly land and deliver high calibre outcomes.  Our talent has access to our templates and accelerators as well as our excosystem partners.

Can you share a specific project or achievement from your career that you are particularly proud of? How does it demonstrate your expertise in technology and transformation? 

I was fortunate to be the Technical Lead within the Westpac Banking Group (WBG)  delivering a $226m transformation program across the group.  I lead a large team of internal, Contractors and SI Partners to deliver a pivotal 4 year program of work, which brought the WBG together and delivered significant business and technology benefits. This involved driving down costs, automating processes and building a private cloud which expanded to meet the businesses patterns of business activities (Peaks and troughs). I was presented with a CIO award for the program's success.

How do you see the role of technology evolving in driving organisational transformations in the coming years? 

Over the last 20 years Technology has gone from being a cost centre to a profit enabler.  Data and AI are growth accelerators. Our role is to support our clients’ data/AI journey by enabling them to understand their customers and provide focussed services, insights, and savings back to their businesses. Automated processing using BPO and AI Bots has also freed up our clients talent to rise above their standard transactional role to be truly transformative.  This has enabled our clients to bring that IP back into the business to improve how they attract and retain talent.

What excites you most about the future of technology and transformation, both within Tranzformd and the broader industry? 

The future of technology and transformation, both within Tranzformd and across the broader industry, is undeniably exhilarating. What excites me most is the boundless potential for innovation and positive impact. Within Tranzformd, the convergence of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT promises to revolutionise our operations, enhancing efficiency and customer experience.

Witnessing the ripple effects across the industry is equally thrilling. The emergence of disruptive technologies and novel business models not only fosters healthy competition but also presents immense opportunities for collaboration and growth. Embracing this wave of transformation ensures that we remain at the forefront of progress, continuously pushing boundaries and shaping the future landscape of technology and business.

As a leader in the technology and transformation field, what advice would you offer to aspiring consultants or professionals looking to make an impact in this space? 

My advice to aspiring consultants or professionals looking to make an impact in this space is multifaceted. Firstly, cultivate a deep understanding of both the technological landscape and the intricacies of business operations. This holistic perspective will enable you to identify opportunities for innovation and transformation effectively.

Secondly, never stop learning and adapting. Technology evolves rapidly, and staying ahead requires continuous education and a willingness to embrace change.

Thirdly, prioritise collaboration and communication skills. Success in this field often hinges on your ability to effectively convey complex ideas, negotiate with stakeholders, and foster productive relationships. Lastly, maintain a strong ethical compass. As technology increasingly permeates every aspect of society, it's crucial to consider the broader implications of your work and strive to make a positive impact on both businesses and communities.