Digital Transformation Starts with How We Speak (and Understand Each Other)

If you’ve ever wondered why so many digital transformation projects get stuck or sometimes feel like everyone’s speaking a different language, the answer might lie in something we often overlook: language itself.

Transforming a company isn’t just about changing systems or adding technology. It’s about changing how we think, how we relate to each other, and—most importantly—how we talk. Because yes, language is way more than just words: it’s how we build reality, and if we don’t choose our words carefully, we might be digging our own trap.

Imagine launching an SAP S/4HANA project with all the excitement and perfect plans—but as soon as you start communicating it, the usual “noise” shows up: “What does this mean for me?”, “I didn’t understand a thing,” or worse, “This is never going to work.” Sound familiar? It’s the classic domino effect when the message isn’t clear and instead of enthusiasm, you get doubts.

Speaking of communication, it’s no coincidence that in a recent job posting, one of the “key skills” requested was something as basic—and surprisingly rare—as “reading carefully” — and yes, with a pleading emoji included. 😅

Because often the problem isn’t just how we talk, but how we listen and process what’s being said. In digital transformation, where information flies fast, “reading carefully” and understanding what’s behind the words can be the difference between moving forward or getting stuck.

This is where the magic of simple, meaningful language comes in. It’s not about drowning people in jargon that nobody understands (and that makes everyone mentally check out). It’s about telling the story of change with metaphors, relatable examples, and—above all—with empathy.

Digital transformation is, ultimately, a journey. A journey where everyone has their own pace, their fears, and their questions. If we can make communication a bridge instead of a wall, the path becomes easier, and people join in—not just with their minds, but with their hearts.

And don’t think this is only for communicators or managers: we can all be a little “translators” of change every day. Listening, asking questions, clearing doubts, telling things in ways that spark interest—that’s the real engine that makes technology work instead of becoming a headache.

So next time you think about digital transformation, remember: beyond the systems, the real change begins when we change how we talk.