Transformation Every Day

Guest:  Christian Straub - Head of Customer Advisory Finance - SAP Hosts: Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutionsJohannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SEWhat 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-makingHow incremental AI use cases can deliver fast, visible returnsWhy stakeholder alignment across business, IT, and leadership is essentialHow finance is becoming increasingly AI-driven and data-centricWhether 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 WarsHosts: Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutionsJohannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SEIn 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 AnalystHost: Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutionsSummary: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 solutionsSummary: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 MarcOn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcpriestley/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc_priestley/?hl=dehttps://www.instagram.com/f1elvis/?hl=deGet the new book "Pitlane Lessions" here: https://amzn.eu/d/4GYt7czThe "Pitlane Life Lessons" podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3zknZzTnC88YTLzHAbzy6HFollow 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 SEHosts: Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutionsJohannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SEClean 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 rulebookHow ABAP Cloud and released APIs redefine extensibilityThe importance of measuring and managing technical debtThe different levels of Clean Core — from A to DHow AI supports development without replacing human insightThe role of governance, change management, and continuous upskillingWhether 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