Coaching Transformation: Inside Datasite's Radical Transformation to a Product Model Powerhouse
Christian sits down with Doug Cullen and Thomas Fredell to recount how the trio transformed Merrill Corporation into Datasite. Learn from the real stories, strategies, and tactics that turned a 50y/o company into a modern product model powerhouse.
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Today’s discussion unpacks:
The immense benefits of Datasite’s transformation
The kinds of challenges that arise in a transformation process
How to align stakeholders around a transformation
The all-important interpersonal side of successful transformation
Advice for anyone going through a transformation process
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References:
Changing How You Solve Problems: https://www.svpg.com/changing-how-you-solve-problems/
Cloud Foundry: https://www.cloudfoundry.org/
Datasite (Formerly known as Merrill Corporation): https://www.datasite.com/
Digital Transformations: Datasite: https://www.svpg.com/podcasts/digital-transformations-datasite/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996
Microservices Architecture Style: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/guide/architecture-styles/microservices
MongoDB: https://www.mongodb.com/
SVPG’s Transformation Series: https://www.svpg.com/transformation-series/
Transformation Defined: https://www.svpg.com/transformation-defined/
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Where to find SVPG:
SVPG’s newest book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/
Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/
Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/
Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/
Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/
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Where to find Christian Idiodi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/
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Where to find Doug Cullen:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougcullen/
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Where to find Thomas Fredell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredell/
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Timestamps: (to be updated)
(00:00) Intro
(01:02) The results of this transformation
(03:21) Why Doug and Thomas joined the company
(07:07) The company before transformation
(12:17) First steps on the transformation journey
(15:11) Near misses on the road to success
(16:37) How do you pitch transformation to a board?
(18:56) Finding the courage to make difficult changes
(20:24) Uniting teams around transformation
(26:51) The importance of building trust
(31:29) Roadbumps on the transformation journey
(37:18) Transforming the tech foundations
(41:01) The importance of real customer discovery
(45:28) Shifting how choices are made
(49:06) Merrill's key transformation outcomes
(50:08) Closing advice for transformations
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Disclaimer:
While this podcast is named “Product Therapy”, it is not hosted by licensed therapists or mental health professionals, and it is in no way a substitute for professional mental health services. We recognize the importance of mental well-being and encourage anyone facing personal difficulties to seek support from qualified professionals. See https://findahelpline.com/
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Production:
Production by supermix.io