Introduction

IT and its professionals have become commodities

Once upon a time, IT professionals held a coveted seat at the table, actively participating in strategic
conversations that shaped the destiny of organizations. However, as the hands of time ticked away over
the past decade, a noticeable shift occurred, altering the landscape in which these professionals
operated. Regrettably, witnessing their presence in such crucial discussions has become a rarity. The
winds of change have swept through the corridors of power, leaving IT professionals on the periphery of
strategic decision-making.

The rapid advancement of technology and the democratization of access has been a significant force
driving IT towards commodification. With technology becoming more accessible and user-friendly, non-
technical users can now perform tasks that once required specialized IT knowledge. This has reduced
demand for traditional IT services like software development and hardware maintenance and a shift
towards more commoditized IT services such as cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS).

As AI is being pushed into user workspaces by the primary corporate computing cloud vendors,
furthering the commodification theme like many corporate IT professionals, you may feel excluded from
the crucial conversations surrounding strategic digital transformation within your organization. It may
be because you've been sticking to familiar routines, relying on vendor recommendations for business
cases, or relying on technical colleagues to handle IT initiatives.

Recent research reveals that most CEOs hesitate to allocate additional funds for digital investments in
2023. Approximately 85% express the challenges of coordinating with vendors, while 74% believe their
organization is implementing cookie-cutter solutions. Moreover, nearly 70% of CEOs feel their company
needs proper prioritization when executing digital transformation programs.

Throughout my career as a business and technology consultant, I have served global enterprises such as
Toyota Motors North America as lead analyst and innovation team member, to serving on the IEEE
workgroup and committee on ethical AI for human well-well-being or emerging middle market
companies modernizing their technology stack and ecommerce capabilities.

I have gained insights into the forces driving innovation and commoditization in the IT industry. The
emergence of highly repeatable and scalable architectural, code, and data patterns indicates that
commodification is underway. While corporate IT leaders may possess expertise in operational IT
governance through frameworks like ITIL, COBIT, and ISO, only a select few can effectively contribute to
strategic IT discussions and innovate to support business growth strategies. This disconnect between IT
and business teams leads to frustration and hinders meaningful and profitable work; for those who
rapidly develop their business acumen, this frustration also presents an opportunity for IT professionals
and CEOs to find a remedy for the situation and move away from cookie-cutter solutions. Seizing this
opportunity requires significant effort to bridge the gap by modernizing your business and technical
understanding. Doing so can bring value to strategic conversations and help steer the organization
toward success.

This book serves as your gateway to adopting a consultant's mindset and acquiring the necessary
conceptual toolkits for your transformation from an operational IT leader to a strategic IT leader and
technologist. It aims to provide you with the foundational knowledge and insights that will empower
you to understand what you do and know what you are doing strategically. By embracing this shift in
thinking, you will gain the confidence to effectively engage with your business counterparts and emerge
as a valued partner within the enterprise. Consider this book your shortcut to unlocking your full
potential as an IT leader and taking on a more strategic and influential role within your organization.

Topics I cover in this book include the heritage and evolution of IT practice to set the current stage.
Then, I quickly move into concepts, frameworks, and design principles I have used on multi-million dollar
projects. where I have occupied the role of senior analyst and technology consultant. Once you
complete this book, you will have an uncommon understanding of frameworks that will be durable
references for business stages and durable design principles. I will occasionally give a use case example
of how I use principle-based design in concert with frameworks to create compelling narratives and
strategically sound, brand-honoring, competitive capability.

I am excited to embark on this journey with you. We will explore the past in the upcoming pages to gain
valuable insights into the present landscape. By understanding the forces that have shaped the current
environment, we can confidently equip ourselves with the knowledge to navigate and lead in the
emerging future. It is my intention that for our shared This exploration will encourage you, reminding
you of your capabilities and potential to thrive in the ever-changing world. Let's dive in and embrace the
exciting opportunities that await us.

Table of Contents

Introduction 3

IT and its professionals have become commodities 3

Chapter 1: Heritage and Evolution of IT 7

Chapter 2: Generative Systems: Understanding Beyond Generative AI 26

Chapter 3: Components of Organizational Paradigm 43

Chapter 4: Corporate Reporting & Pillars of Operation 107

Chapter 5 – Foundations of Organizational, Strategy, Change and IT 122

Chapter 6: Rise Of Human Centered Design In The Age Of AI 146

Organizational Dynamics 148

Integrative Approach to Human-Cantered Design 148

The power of Intentional (Cognitive) Empathy 151

Principles of Human-Centered Design: Putting People First 153

Pillars of Human-Centered Design 156

Phases of the human-centered design process 158

Human-Centered Design as Strategy 163

Chapter 7 – The Integrated Technologist - Putting Knowledge To Work 164