Why Cloud Governance Belongs in the Boardroom - Aitechpark

Positioning the Cloud Correctly

Before we dive into cloud governance, it is critical that the boardroom has shared purpose, context, and urgency regarding the cloud and the role it plays in fueling their digital ambition. Given the significant influence leaders at this altitude have, it’s worthwhile to ensure there is a common cloud point of view, and that levels of technology acumen are sufficient to make informed, strategic decisions on what matters most.

Having worked alongside many boards charged with boldly leading their organizations through digital transformation, it has become apparent there are differing perceptions of what the cloud is, and what role it should play when defining strategy. For cloud governance to be a meaningful conversation, we first need to position the cloud correctly with those in the boardroom, so it is seen as an organization-wide initiative and strategic business opportunity, rather than a location or alternate technology. In my experience, the following statements help make that case and serve the boardroom well as they trailblaze into their digital future.

Do we have the confidence to experiment, innovate, and disrupt more? In too many cases, the answer here would be uncomfortable silence or no. Innovating your current business "out of business" should be top of mind in every boardroom. Rest assured it is in your competitors’. "Who dares wins" has never been more applicable to business than it is right now, and how the boardroom decides to lean into cloud and experiment more will determine its future. Challenge plans that are simply the natural evolution of what is done today, or merely digital-enabled improvement, with this newfound insight and ambition, underpinned with the confidence in the cloud. Be aware, the tone the boardroom sets for the organization around experimentation, innovation, and disruption reverberates loudly throughout.

Do we have the confidence to accelerate what’s working best? The name of the digital game is to deliver value fast, claim field-first advantage, and engage users through an awesome experience. It’s no longer about who is the biggest, most established, or with whom past loyalty lies. It’s all about how to go faster. The faster you go, the higher the degree of confidence required. Taking a timid or trepidatious approach to digital business isn’t a winning strategy — boards must take a bolder, yet still responsible, course of action. Now is the time to use your heightened confidence in the cloud to accelerate the strategic priorities that are delivering the greatest value, focusing more on how the cloud can maximize top-line revenues through greater speed and reach, rather than just optimize bottom-line operational costs.

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