Transformation Every Day

Guest: 

•  Rouven Morato - President & CRO for SAP Signavio, LeanIX, WalkMe and RISEwithSAP - SAP SE

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions

For the launch episode of Season 2 of Transformation Every Day, Alexander Greb welcomes Rouven Morato for a conversation that goes far beyond standard transformation talk.

Rouven is currently in transition and brings a rare end-to-end perspective shaped by a remarkable SAP career: from finance to data and analytics, from go-to-market to business transformation leadership. He was the youngest CFO at SAP and later played a key role in shaping major parts of SAP’s transformation story, including SAP Signavio, LeanIX, WalkMe, and RISE with SAP.

In this episode, Rouven shares how his journey through different functions gave him a uniquely holistic view of how companies really work, and why real transformation is never just about technology. Together, Alex and Rouven discuss why so many transformation programs struggle, why strong foundations matter more than shiny tools, and why process, systems, data, and people always have to be considered together.

The conversation also offers fascinating behind-the-scenes storytelling from inside SAP: from the early days of cloud acquisitions and cultural integration challenges, to the rise of SAP’s own internal transformation efforts, the invention of the digital boardroom, and the strategic thinking that ultimately led to business transformation management becoming a central capability.

A major focus of the episode is the idea that transformation should not be treated as a one-off project, but as an organizational muscle that needs to be built and trained over time. Rouven explains why companies that develop this capability are in a far stronger position to absorb innovation, move faster, and create real business value.

And of course, the conversation goes deep into AI.

Not from a hype angle, but from the perspective of someone who is actively studying, testing, and evaluating what AI will really mean for enterprise software, business models, leadership, and society. Rouven shares why he believes AI is different from previous technology waves, where he sees the real impact emerging, why many companies will struggle to benefit from it, and what kind of operating model will separate winners from laggards.

This is a thoughtful, candid, and highly relevant episode for anyone interested in SAP, enterprise transformation, leadership, and the future of technology.

Listen in for deep insights, sharp perspectives, and a lot of compelling storytelling about how some of the most important transformation moves inside SAP actually came together.

Follow Rouven here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rouven-morato-06264743/

Also visit: https://www.foreyou.golf/

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma

Swiss Special: Migros-Logistik, SAP und die Kunst der Frische mit Daniel Balmer (Migros Ostschweiz) und Christiaan Carstens (leogistics)

Diese Episode von Transformation Every Day ist eine kleine Besonderheit. Normalerweise erscheint der Podcast auf Englisch – heute sprechen wir Deutsch.

Der Anlass: eine Swiss Special Edition über eine der spannendsten Logistiktransformationen im europäischen Retail.

Gemeinsam mit Daniel Balmer, verantwortlich für die Palettenlogistik bei Migros Ostschweiz, und Christiaan Carstens, Geschäftsführer von leogistics, sprechen wir über die Realität operativer Logistik in einem Umfeld, das anspruchsvoller kaum sein könnte.

Migros Ostschweiz versorgt Filialen von den Tälern bis in alpine Regionen – teilweise mehrmals täglich, mit einem Sortiment von bis zu 30.000 Artikeln, darunter ein hoher Anteil an Frische- und Ultrafrischeprodukten.

Wenn hier etwas schiefgeht, steht nicht einfach eine Maschine still – dann fehlt das Brot im Regal.

In diesem Gespräch geht es darum, wie Prozessdenken, Technologie und Partnerschaft zusammenkommen, um eine Logistik zu ermöglichen, die präzise, flexibel und gleichzeitig extrem robust ist.

Ein Gespräch über Transformation in der Praxis, weit weg von Buzzwords – und sehr nah an der operativen Realität.

Wichtige Themen dieser Episode

• Die besonderen Herausforderungen der Retail-Logistik in der Schweiz
• Warum Frischelogistik eine völlig andere operative Präzision verlangt
• Wie Migros Ostschweiz ihre Logistik über Jahrzehnte kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt hat
• Warum in erfolgreichen Transformationen der Prozess vor der Technologie kommt
• Welche Rolle SAP-Technologie und moderne Logistiksoftware in dieser Entwicklung spielen
• Wie enge Partnerschaften zwischen Business und Technologiepartnern Innovation ermöglichen

Zentrale Takeaways aus dem Gespräch

• Das Wetter beeinflusst Logistik stärker als viele denken. In alpinen Regionen wird es zu einem echten Planungsfaktor.
• Anpassungsfähigkeit ist entscheidend. Erfolgreiche Logistikorganisationen reagieren schnell auf Veränderungen im Tagesgeschäft.
• Langjährige Beziehungen zu Lieferanten sind ein echter Wettbewerbsvorteil. Vertrauen und Zusammenarbeit erhöhen die Stabilität der Lieferketten.
• Technologie ersetzt keine Prozesse – sie unterstützt sie. Gute Systeme verstärken menschliche Entscheidungen, statt sie zu verdrängen.
• Transformation ist kein einmaliges Projekt. In der Logistik ist sie ein kontinuierlicher Prozess.
• Partnerschaften zwischen Unternehmen treiben Innovation. Die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Migros und leogistics ist ein gutes Beispiel dafür.
• Kundenbedürfnisse bestimmen die Logistik. Am Ende zählt nur eine Frage: Liegt das Produkt rechtzeitig im Regal?
• Die Branche muss sich ständig an verändertes Konsumentenverhalten anpassen. Sortiment, Frequenz und Geschwindigkeit steigen.
• Automatisierung kann enorme Effizienzgewinne bringen – wenn sie richtig integriert wird.
• Qualität und Frische bleiben der Kern der Retail-Logistik. Alles andere ordnet sich diesem Ziel unter.

Links

• Daniel Balmer auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-balmer-0b7b2b1b8/
• Christiaan Carstens auf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiaan-carstens-611a40a9/

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma

What happens when a private-equity carve-out meets a heavily customized 20-year ECC system… and leadership decides there is no way back?

In this special Transformation Every Day episode, recorded live as an ASUG / cbs Fireside Chat, I’m joined by Zara Horn, CIO of Current Lighting, and Geoff Scott, CEO of ASUG, to unpack one of the most impressive S/4HANA journeys I’ve seen firsthand.

Current Lighting didn’t just migrate.
They executed a full carve-out and S/4HANA transformation on RISE in record time. Five months!!

No 24-month program.
No endless blueprint debates.
No “we’ll fix it later” customization spiral.

Instead:

• A radical commitment to clean core
• A strict “If it doesn’t make money, we don’t build it” rule
• One year of data instead of twenty
• Executive alignment from day one
• Business transformation, not IT modernization

Six months after go-live, the results spoke for themselves:
From incremental improvements to multi-million-dollar value creation cycles every quarter.

We discuss:

– Why legacy customization kills innovation
– How to convince the business to embrace fit-to-standard
– Why partner culture matters more than technical skills
– The real role of change management
– Why speed can be a strategic advantage
– And what’s next: BTP, public cloud, and continuous transformation

This episode is not theory.
 It is what happens when leadership aligns, discipline replaces nostalgia, and cloud becomes a business decision — not a technical one.

If you are still debating brownfield vs. greenfield, clean core vs. customization, or whether RISE is “worth it,” this conversation will challenge your assumptions.

Follow Zara Horn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zarahorn/

Follow Geoff Scott here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-scott-ugs/

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma

Guest: 

•  Christian Straub - Head of Customer Advisory Finance - SAP 

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

What does it take to be a modern CFO when AI, data, and complexity are reshaping the enterprise?

In this episode of Transformation Every Day, Alexander Greb and Johannes Langguth speak with Christian Straub about how the CFO role is fundamentally evolving — from managing numbers to driving measurable business impact. Success today is no longer about closing the books faster, but about generating real outcomes across the value chain.

Christian explains why AI is not a “finance topic,” but a business topic that will impact every function — with finance right at the center. The discussion breaks AI’s value for CFOs into three key dimensions: efficiency, better decision-making, and risk mitigation — and why only efficiency is easy to quantify, while the other two often define competitive advantage.

The episode also explores why CFOs must embrace technology as a transformation lever, how the finance function is shifting toward true business partnering, and why data governance has become one of the most critical responsibilities for finance leaders. Without clean data, clear ownership, and integrated processes, AI simply amplifies existing problems instead of solving them.

You’ll hear practical perspectives on:

• Why organizational silos block effective, AI-supported decision-making
• How incremental AI use cases can deliver fast, visible returns
• Why stakeholder alignment across business, IT, and leadership is essential
• How finance is becoming increasingly AI-driven and data-centric

Whether you’re a CFO, finance leader, transformation professional, or consultant, this conversation offers a realistic and experience-based look at what it takes to lead finance into the future — balancing innovation with control, speed with trust, and ambition with execution.

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma

Guest: 

•  Bob Evans - Founder and Host of Cloud Wars

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

In this special episode of Transformation Everyday, Alex and Johannes sit down with Bob Evans, the creator of Cloud Wars and one of the most insightful voices in the tech industry. Known for breaking down complex topics with nothing more than a marker and his trademark whiteboard, Bob shares the story behind his unique approach and reflects on a career that started in journalism and evolved into decades inside the world’s largest tech companies.

Together, we explore why he chose the name Cloud Wars, how to separate real innovation from industry noise and why today’s CIOs must shift their mindset from internal operations to customer outcomes. Bob also tackles some of the biggest topics shaping the future: the rise of AI, the challenges and opportunities it brings, and the growing importance of collaboration and co-creation in the tech ecosystem.

This conversation is filled with sharp insights, humor and the kind of clarity Bob is famous for. From changing customer expectations to the need for more childlike curiosity in business, this episode offers a grounded and refreshing look at where the tech world is heading and what leaders must do to stay ahead.

Whether you follow Cloud Wars or you’re new to Bob’s work, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating the next chapter of digital transformation.

Follow Bob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobevansit/

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma

Guest: 

•  Jon Reed - CoFounder diginomica - Enterprise Analyst

Host: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions

Summary:

In this conversation, Jon Reed discusses the role of AI in business transformation, emphasizing that AI should be viewed as an accelerant rather than a standalone solution. He highlights the importance of having a well-structured transformation process and a strong data platform to effectively integrate AI into business operations. Without these foundational elements, simply adding AI will not resolve underlying organizational issues.

Takeaways:

• AI is an accelerant for business transformation.
• A strong data platform is essential for AI integration.
• AI cannot fix poorly organized business processes.
• Customer service should be a priority in transformation.
• Judicious use of AI can enhance existing processes.
• AI should complement a well-structured transformation.
• Businesses need to be organized to compete effectively.
• AI is not a magic solution for all problems.
• Transformation requires a holistic approach, not just technology.
• The success of AI depends on the existing business framework.

Follow Jon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonerp/

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma

Guest: 

•  Marc Priestley - Ex-Chief Mechanic - McLaren Racing Formula One 

Host: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions

Summary:

Former McLaren Chief Mechanic Marc Priestley reveals how World Champion Formula One teams think, innovate, and adapt under extreme pressure — and why that mindset is exactly what most SAP transformation programs are missing. If your organization struggles with change resistance, slow adoption, or legacy thinking, this episode delivers the performance blueprint you’ve been looking for.

Takeaways:

• If you want to make a change in your organization, take action.
• Frustration without action leads to stagnation.
• Leaders appreciate constructive feedback and suggestions.
• Engaging with leadership can lead to positive changes.
• Proactive solutions are more effective than complaints.
• Understanding the business from different perspectives is crucial.
• Real change requires initiative and courage.
• Effective communication with leaders can bridge gaps.
• Change agents can emerge from any level of an organization.
• Creating a culture of openness encourages innovation.

Follow Marc

On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcpriestley/

On Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/marc_priestley/?hl=de

https://www.instagram.com/f1elvis/?hl=de

Get the new book "Pitlane Lessions" here: https://amzn.eu/d/4GYt7cz

The "Pitlane Life Lessons" podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3zknZzTnC88YTLzHAbzy6H

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma

Guest: 

•  Lukas Bretschneider - Architecture Lead Clean Core Extensibility, SAP SE

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

Clean Core — it’s more than a technical concept. It’s a new mindset that challenges how we think about SAP development, extensibility, and long-term innovation.

In this episode, we sat down with Lukas Bretschneider, SAP’s Lead Architect for Clean Core Extensibility, to unpack what Clean Core really means — and why it’s the foundation for a sustainable, future-ready SAP landscape.

Together, they explore:

• Why Clean Core is an attitude, not just a rulebook
• How ABAP Cloud and released APIs redefine extensibility
• The importance of measuring and managing technical debt
• The different levels of Clean Core — from A to D
• How AI supports development without replacing human insight
• The role of governance, change management, and continuous upskilling

Whether you’re a developer, architect, or transformation leader, this conversation offers clear, practical insight into how to build cleaner, faster, and more adaptable SAP systems.

Takeaways:

• Clean Core is an attitude, not just a technical requirement.
• Developers must familiarize themselves with new programming models like ABAP Cloud.
• Measuring technical debt is crucial for maintaining a clean core.
• Using released APIs is essential for upgrade stability.
• There are different levels of clean core, from A to D.
• AI can assist in understanding and managing code, but should not replace human oversight.
• Governance and guidelines are necessary for sustainable development.
• Developers should aim for the highest level of clean core in their work.
• Change management is key when transitioning to clean core practices.
• Continuous education and upskilling are vital for developers.

Follow Lukas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukas-bretschneider/

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma

Guest: 

•  Jan Gilg - Ext. Board Member, CRO Business Suite and Head of SAP Americas, SAP

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

In this episode, we sit down with one of SAP’s most influential leaders — Jan Gilg, Member of the Extended Board, Chief Revenue Officer, and Head of SAP Americas — to explore how transformation, innovation, and customer success are reshaping SAP from the inside out.

From starting his new role at the Super Bowl to steering SAP’s largest and most competitive market, Jan shares an inside look at:

• How SAP is uniting North and Latin America into a powerful “super region”
• Why customer success has become SAP’s central mantra
• How a product-led mindset and cloud innovation are transforming the company’s DNA
• The evolving roles of the CIO, CFO, and supply chain leaders in the age of AI
• What differentiates true business transformation from simple technical modernization
• And how SAP partners — and consultants — can stay relevant in this new landscape

Jan also reflects on his journey from Chief Product Officer for S/4HANA to leading global revenue, revealing how that perspective helps him connect strategy, technology, and customer value in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you’re an SAP professional, customer, or partner, this episode offers a candid, forward-looking view of where SAP — and enterprise transformation itself — is heading next.

takeaways

• He has global responsibility for SAP's revenue, focusing on the Americas.
• There are significant opportunities for SAP to grow market share in the Americas.
• Cultural differences affect technology adoption between Europe and the US.
• Industries are at different maturity levels in adopting AI.
• Innovation discussions are becoming more prominent in customer conversations.
• Key personas in business transformation include CIOs and CFOs.
• Use cases for AI include automating finance and supply chain processes.
• Digital transformation should start from business processes, not just technology.
• Customer success is now a central focus for SAP.

Follow Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-gilg/

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma

Guest: 

•  Jochen Fischer - CEO - No Monkey

Host: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions

Summary

In this conversation, Jochen Fischer shares his journey from being a TSG Hoffenheims hottest asset to becoming a key account manager at SAP and finally founder and CEO of NO MONKEY, one of the leading consulting companies for SAP security, emphasizing the importance of security in SAP systems. He discusses the three lines of defense in cybersecurity, the role of people, processes, and technology, and the responsibilities that come with cloud computing. Jochen highlights real-world security breaches, the human element in cybersecurity, and common misconceptions about security. He stresses the need for change management and building a security culture within organizations, while also addressing the future of cybersecurity in the context of AI. The conversation concludes with a call to action for organizations to prioritize security awareness and take proactive steps to mitigate risks.

takeaways

• He emphasizes the importance of security in SAP systems.
• The three lines of defense in cybersecurity are crucial for protection.
• People, processes, and technology must work together for effective security.
• Cloud computing does not automatically ensure security.
• Real-world breaches highlight the need for vigilance.
• Human error is a significant factor in successful cyber attacks.
• Change management is essential for improving security practices.
• Building a security culture is vital for organizational success.
• Organizations must prioritize security awareness and proactive measures.

Follow Jochen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jochen-fischer%F0%9F%9A%AB%F0%9F%99%8A%F0%9F%99%88%F0%9F%99%89%F0%9F%9A%AB-34132923/

Follow Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergreb/
Follow Johannes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanneslangguth/

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma