Hi Reader,

There is extreme competition for data-savvy digital talent from both digitally maturing and digitally native companies.

MIT Sloan’s research found that from over 4,000 global executives surveyed, 68% said they needed stronger digital leadership to compete.

There is an added complexity that in the senior-most ranks, some of the smartest data and digital executives are more entrepreneurial by nature which introduces potential questions around cultural fit.

So if entrepreneurialism is a such a sought-after quality why is it so often overlooked by digitally transforming companies?

Often there can be a security blanket approach to recruiting that means companies tend to overlook entrepreneurial talent in favour of recruiting someone from an organisation where they’ve done a similar role. This approach tends to mean companies are missing out on a whole range of skills and qualities that could be key to them unlocking the next stage of their digital transformation.

Typically, candidates who have taken an entrepreneurial journey to the C-suite have a much more diverse set of skills that can be hugely beneficial to an organisation. In a recent Digital Careers Podcast, I interviewed Richard Spencer, Digital Entrepreneur and now a Chief Customer Experience Officer. He believes employing an entrepreneur in a digital role can be hugely beneficial for a business looking to transform and scale.

“As an entrepreneur you must have a more rounded understanding of the different functions of a business and not just the one you are employed in, which means that entrepreneurs have the ability to think much more broadly to get the job done.

They display a naturally intuitive mind with a much higher tolerance for risk taking which is essential for a fast-paced, digitally transforming company.

They have a real tolerance for failure rather than a fear of failure

They have the ability to be more agile and nimble in their thinking which big organisations can sometimes lack.

Digital entrepreneurship is all about pushing boundaries and embracing a culture of innovation and being willing to fail."

I would wholly endorse Richard’s comments as I’ve observed bigger companies struggling with innovation. Often separate, smaller companies are created to fuel creativity and innovation where a more entrepreneurial mindset can thrive. CEO sponsorship of a more entrepreneurial culture will in my opinion be a differentiator for digitally ambitious companies. Entrepreneurial leadership skills should be very much a priority to drive the cultural change.

If you are looking for a different perspective or to move to that next stage of digital transformation, then get in touch for a consultation call.

To your continued success

Guy Day
BartonRock

P.S To listen to the episode of Digital Careers with Richard Spencer head over to the knowledge section of my website.​

About BartonRock:

​Guy Day is Founder of BartonRock, the executive search partner for digitally transforming companies.

We manage the careers of leaders whose know-how and commercial acumen within digital steers the strategic direction and future survival of companies.

For more information visit: www.bartonrock.com or contact guy@bartonrock.com

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