I received an advance copy of Strategy in the Digital Age from the publisher for free to be able to write this review.
In short, although compact (138 pages of text), Strategy in the Digital Age provides an excellent introduction to digital disruption and how to think strategically.
Strategy in the Digital Age is based on the MBA class the author teaches at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. It teaches how to develop strategy in light of the impact that digital technology has had on all industries. It does not teach the details of any given technology, nor does it provide step-by-step processes for performing key aspects of a digital transformation, rather it teaches how to think strategically about businesses, industries, and the changes necessary for success in the face of digital disruption.
Strategy in the Digital Age is especially well suited to those preparing to lead their organizations through a digital transformation. The book is divided into two parts. Part I is titled “What Impact Does Digital Transformation Have on the Nature of Competiton?” and Part II is titled “How Do I Digitally Transform My Organization To Flourish in the Digital Age?” In the closing chapter, the author lays out a 9 step roadmap for digital transformation.
Bottom line, Strategy in the Digital Age provides a powerful introduction to digital transformation through a strategic lens. It is a short book that focuses on the important decisions critical for success without getting bogged down in the specific (and always changing) details. Know who you are, decide who you want to become, hire great people, and decisively move forward in a manner consistent with your values. I recommend this book to leaders seeking to better understand either strategy or how technology is impacting all industries (or both).