Insights - Digital Transformation; Success doesn’t just happen, but you can make it happen - YaWorks

Successfully completing a digital transformation is no longer a solo venture. It’s a team sport—one that requires more than just technical skills. By choosing an integrated approach, where strategy, technology, and execution are smartly interconnected, organizations can build broader support for change and significantly increase their chances of success.

The Collaborative Approach
Kirsten van der Hulst, Manager Delivery at YaWorks, explains: “Collaboration across different disciplines truly makes the difference. First, it’s essential for digital transformation, but it also makes the work more engaging and meaningful. Our decision to guide clients throughout the entire journey, from digital strategy and architecture to execution, not only benefits the client but also our own team members.”

Steps Toward Success

1. Holistic Team Collaboration
Strong teams are the driving force behind any transformation initiative. They guide clients from the initial strategy all the way through to final implementation. By working closely across strategy, technology, and execution—and embedding IT at all levels of the organization—multidisciplinary teams help organizations become agile and resilient in the face of rapid change.

2. Early and Inclusive Input
Involving experts from various disciplines from the very beginning—such as a transformation lead (with content responsibility for the project), supported by specialists in areas like networking or cybersecurity—adds real value. Kirsten: “That can be challenging at times, because people often prefer to present a finished piece of work. But the sooner you include different expertise, the faster you can benefit from valuable insights across disciplines.”
This approach brings two major advantages: better results for clients, and greater job satisfaction for team members. Teams have more influence, better career opportunities, and their input is heard—even at the executive level. This leads to more robust and innovative solutions.

3. Breaking Through Resistance
Digital transformation inevitably comes with challenges. It’s important for teams to be prepared to navigate complex organizational dynamics. Kirsten: “When we take on a new assignment, teams usually go through three familiar phases: an enthusiastic start, followed by a slowdown due to unforeseen challenges or internal resistance, and finally the breakthrough phase. We’re very aware of this and guide our teams intensively through that resistance. That’s when a flow emerges, leading to real momentum and significant progress. It’s in this phase that we achieve far more than we would with a traditional approach.”

Beyond Traditional Hiring

Building a top-performing team goes beyond simply scanning résumés. It’s about finding the right match, not just for the team, but also with the client’s culture and needs. Kirsten: “We look for people who drive change—not just those who can solve problems.”
She continues, “Our Field Managers play a key role here. They act as coaches who pay attention to what’s happening in someone’s personal life too. Personal development and happiness at work are central. If something is going on at home that affects work, we understand—and there’s space to address it.”
Knowledge sharing between teams and individuals is actively encouraged, and every team member knows they can always turn to colleagues for help or advice. Additionally, an individual development plan is created with each employee, so that every project contributes to both team growth and personal development.

Mutual Benefit

A multidisciplinary approach is ultimately a win-win:

Clients receive high-quality digital innovation that goes beyond technical solutions, addressing strategic, cultural, and operational challenges effectively.
Consultants find meaningful and challenging work where they can make a real impact and continuously develop their skills.

As Kirsten says: “When you support people the right way, teams can truly exceed expectations. Work becomes more than just work—it becomes a journey of shared growth.”

Technological change is just as much about people and culture as it is about implementation. By putting teams and individuals first—and guiding them properly—you can achieve lasting and meaningful transformation.