CXO CASE INSIGHT STUDY
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How important is sustainable transformation to Version 1?
Sustainable transformation is a top priority at Version 1. We believe that digital progress and environmental responsibility must advance together. As organisations accelerate their adoption of AI, cloud and data, we work with them to ensure these innovations are aligned with their ESG [ Environmental, Social and Governance ] goals.
Version 1 is a signatory of the UN Global Compact and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing particularly on areas such as inclusivity, accessibility and carbon or environmental considerations.
Sustainable transformation can be defined as‘ a mechanism to transform and deliver value’ in a broader societal sense, not just in financial or organisational terms. When done well, it addresses both.
Take the Children and Family Court Advisory Service, for example. We deliver tangible societal benefits by leveraging AI to support children and families navigating court services. Our solution personalises engagement using various media, languages and terminology tailored to the audience, reducing stress and accelerating the process.
Another initiative involves using Generative AI to modernise operations for a leading global school provider, giving time back to teachers and unlocking more effective learning methods. These projects deliver meaningful societal and sustainable benefits by applying powerful technologies like AI in a targeted way.
What’ s the biggest challenge for businesses when it comes to Digital Transformation?
Technology isn’ t usually the biggest hurdle, alignment is. Many digital programmes begin with a tool or trend instead of a clearly defined business problem. At Version 1, we challenge the status quo by first ensuring the right question is asked, then breaking down the problem into manageable steps to deliver tangible, iterative value.
Too often, Digital Transformation programmes are slow, costly and misaligned with the needs of frontline users or business owners. There’ s a disproportionate focus on features, SaaS implementations and integrations, while people, change management, education and new ways of working are overlooked.
Another commonly underestimated area is data. Data must be high-quality and understandable to deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes. Success comes when transformation is treated as a strategic lever, not a technology project.
How has AI affected Digital Transformation?
Revisiting the idea of sustainable transformation, we can also think of it as continuous transformation and AI is the catalyst that enables this. On one level, AI has transformed business
models, experiences and processes. On another, it empowers people and organisations to achieve far more than previously possible. It is redefining how we approach transformation and tackle historical challenges.
Our AI-enabled approach is geared toward sustainable, valuedriven transformation. We equip people to enhance their roles with AI, delivering faster, iterative outcomes that prioritise the release of value.
Complex programmes are built incrementally by prioritising strategic and operational drivers, unlocking cost savings or creating new value to fund subsequent phases. This approach consistently delivers value where traditional transformation programmes often fall short.
How do you see AI developing in the near future?
The rapid pace of technological change makes it hard for any business to fully grasp or apply AI meaningfully. But that is not really the point. While I’ m excited by AI, delivering value starts with understanding the business, its challenges and user needs, then working backwards from there.
Emerging technologies like multi-modal models and agentic AI are gaining traction. At the same time, considerations around security, regulation and compliance must be addressed from the outset, not as an afterthought.
With the right foundations and governance, combined with AIempowered engineers and consultants, we can deliver tangible outcomes more effectively. I am particularly excited about the possibilities in audio and video recognition and generation. These could reinvent parts of the business in ways that traditional technologies, such as Robotic Process Automation, have not been able to.
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