Transformation Every Day
Expert insights and real-world stories on mastering digital transformation with SAP and beyond.

Digital transformation is not a one-time event—it's a continuous journey. Join renowned SAP thought leaders Alexander Greb and Johannes Langguth as they speak with the most inspiring minds from the SAP ecosystem and beyond. Each episode is packed with expert insights, practical advice, and candid stories that showcase how companies achieve meaningful outcomes through transformation done right.

Whether you're looking for strategic guidance, technological inspiration, or simply want to hear powerful stories about driving innovation, this podcast delivers the roadmap you need to transform every day.

New episodes available weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Thanks to Steven Spears for lending his voice for our podcast intro.
Theme music by Luis Álvarez a.k.a. Fourth Dogma

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: 

• Whynde Kuehn - Bestselling Author, Global Leader in Strategy Execution + Business Architecture

Host: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions

In this episode of the Transformation Every Day podcast, Alexander Greb and Whynde Kuhn explore the critical role of enterprise and business architecture in successful digital transformations. They dive into the architect’s essential function in guiding organizations through high-risk transitions and ensuring strategic alignment with technological capabilities.

Alexander emphasizes internal capacity building and maintaining a strategic balance with technology, advocating simplicity as fundamental to effective architecture. Windy contributes her expertise on business architecture, providing practical strategies that drive tangible value and concrete outcomes.

Together, they identify common architectural pitfalls, such as overly complex systems, misalignment between strategy and execution, and missed value-creation opportunities. The conversation highlights the necessity of adopting a value-driven, outcome-focused approach that genuinely supports organizational objectives, beyond mere technological implementation.

Listeners gain actionable insights into how architects can proactively manage change, navigate complexities, and foster internal capabilities for sustained transformation. This engaging dialogue offers practical guidance for leaders and architects seeking to simplify their processes, align strategic vision with practical execution, and ensure their architectural efforts produce measurable, impactful results.

Follow Whynde: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whynde-kuehn/
Websites: https://strategyintoreality.com/
https://www.s2etransformation.com 
https://www.bizarchmastery.com

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: 

• Paul Saunders -  Global Vice President and Advisor to Muhammad Alam, SAP Product & Engineering - SAP

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP

In this engaging episode, Paul Saunders shares his compelling journey from aspiring rock musician to influential leader in the SAP technology landscape. Drawing parallels between his early passions for music and computing, Paul highlights how technological advances have revolutionized music production, laying a foundation for his transition into the tech industry.

The conversation explores valuable insights into the critical role of customer feedback within the SAP ecosystem, addressing the complexities businesses encounter in process standardization and the growing focus on cash flow and profitability. Paul emphasizes the fundamental importance of data quality, trust, and ownership for successful AI and SAP implementations.

Furthermore, the episode delves into the accelerating adoption of cloud technology, emphasizing the necessity for organizations to undergo genuine operational transformations rather than simply migrating legacy processes. Paul underscores the importance of clearly articulating a company's unique value proposition to differentiate effectively in a competitive marketplace.

Follow Paul Saunders here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sapstrategysaunders/

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

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Transformation Every Day podcast! We are Alexander Greb (Consulting Director @ cbs – Corporate Business Solutions) and Johannes Langguth (Head of Business Transformation & Architecture @ SAP).  In this first episode, we share our personal journeys and outline the vision for our podcast. We emphasize the importance of authentic, insightful conversations around digital transformation, reflecting on our own extensive experiences in the industry. Together, we explore the rapidly evolving technology landscape, the strategic value of enterprise architecture, and the essential roles that SAP and ecosystem collaboration play in successful transformations. Throughout the discussion, we highlight the crucial intersection between theory and practice, encouraging organizations to embrace technology as a powerful driver of transformation, not merely efficiency. We also touch on the growing impacts of AI, mobile technologies, and the increasingly strategic relationship between business and IT.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Transformation Every Day Podcast

02:46
The Need for Real Talk on Transformation

06:05
Understanding the Ecosystem of Transformation

08:51
Personal Journeys in Transformation

12:09
The Role of Technology in Transformation

15:03
Empowering Users Through Technology

18:08
The Academic Perspective on Transformation

23:01
Navigating Academic and Professional Paths

24:10
Experiences in University Life

26:23
The Disconnect Between Theory and Practice

27:32
The Evolution of Academic Approaches

29:27
The Role of Architecture in Business Strategy

30:34
Demystifying Architecture as a Strategic Domain

31:55
The Importance of Business-Driven Technology

34:11
The Impact of AI on Future Technologies

36:57
The Role of Mobile Technology in Daily Life

39:11
AI: Efficiency vs. Transformation

41:17
Behavioral Science in Business and IT Interaction

43:09
The Emancipation of Business from IT

44:47
Recommended Reading: Pivot to the Future

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

Guests: 

• Prof. Alexander Zeier - "The inventor of SAP HANA" formerly reporting to Hasso Plattner, CTO Accenture and Professor at MIT, now Chief Scientist and co-founder Novasoftware.AI
• Emma Qian - Formerly Google DeepMind and Meta AI, now CEO Novasoftware.AI

Host: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions

In this episode, join Alexander Greb in an exceptional conversation with two outstanding tech visionaries: Professor Alexander Zeier, inventor of SAP HANA, and Emma Qian, co-founder of Nova AI and alumna of Google DeepMind and Meta AI.

In this episode, Alexander Zeier shares the gripping story behind SAP's most transformative innovation—SAP HANA—from its inception as Hasso Plattner’s visionary idea to becoming the backbone of modern SAP technology. Discover fascinating insights from the pioneering days, unexpected challenges, and groundbreaking decisions that shaped enterprise technology as we know it today.

Prof. Zeier has 30+ years of experience in SAP, is the co-inventor of SAP HANA, the „New Architecture“ powering S/4HANA, and served as Global CTO for SAP at Accenture over a decade to deliver many of the most complex S/4HANA Transformations, before he joined as a Co-Founder Nova AI. 

Emma Qian then introduces us to Nova AI's revolutionary Agentic AI, designed to accelerate SAP optimization dramatically. Experience firsthand the astonishing power of this innovation, capable of condensing tasks that typically require years of consulting into mere minutes.

Explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping the role of SAP consultants and learn about the tremendous opportunities—and responsibilities—this brings for professionals and businesses alike.

All this and more, exclusively here on Transformation Every Day.

Follow Alexander Zeier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azeier/
Follow Emma Qian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eqian99/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nova-ai-software?trk=blended-typeahead

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: 

• Bert Oliver Schulze -  Head of Cloud ERP Product Success, Co-Innovation, and Engineering Adoption Programs - SAP SE

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

Episode 6: From Product Success to Clean Core – Rethinking ERP with Bert Schulze

In this episode of Transformation Every Day, we welcome one of the most experienced and insightful voices in the SAP cloud universe: Bert Schulze, Head of Cloud ERP Product Success, Co-Innovation, and Engineering Adoption Programs.

Bert sits down with Alexander Greb and Johannes Langguth to unpack what “product success” really means in today’s ERP world—and why it’s about more than just shipping features. From his front-row seat in SAP engineering and customer engagement, Bert shares fascinating stories from the early days of S/4HANA, including a live on-stage brownfield conversion (yes, really), and how clean core thinking is reshaping the way we approach transformation.

We also dive into:

• Why transformation is a lifestyle, not a project
• What AI is really changing in ERP—and why Bert jokingly says he has to “relearn everything”
• The role of standardized processes vs. real differentiation
• Why customers (and consultants) need to stop treating ERP like just another upgrade
• How SaaS, clean core, and agentic AI are reshaping customer expectations

Along the way, expect great analogies (think subways, candy stores, and mixtapes), sharp observations, and Bert’s vision for a future where consulting is about guidance—not just migration.

Follow Bert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bert-oliver-schulze/

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

Guests: 

• Andreas Welsch - SAP Alumni, Top 10 AI Advisor, Author of the bestselling "AI Leadership Handbook"

Host: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions

In this episode, join Alexander Greb in an exceptional conversation with Andreas Welsch. They talk about:

 - Why real AI leadership is about 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲
 - How 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐈 is reshaping the business landscape
 - Why it's not about "adding AI" — it's about 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠
 -The biggest mistakes companies make when adopting AI
 and The future skills everyone should start building today
 
 Whether you're in tech, consulting, or leadership — this 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠 will change how you think about innovation, strategy, and what’s next. On this episode of Transformation Every Day.
 
 All this and more, exclusively here on Transformation Every Day.

Follow Andreas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasmwelsch/
His website: https://join.intelligence-briefing.com/

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

In this powerful episode of Transformation Every Day, Alexander Greb sits down with renowned author, futurist, and business thinker Rishad Tobaccowala at SAP’s Newtown Square Experience Center. The conversation moves far beyond buzzwords—straight into the core questions shaping the future of work, leadership, and transformation.

Rishad shares provocative insights from his latest book, Rethinking Work, and draws from decades of experience helping organizations adapt to massive change. From the train ride in from Manhattan to his next event in Panama, this dialogue spans everything from organizational design to AI, hybrid work, talent strategy, and the hard truths leaders often avoid.

You’ll hear:

• Why companies don’t change—people do
• How AI is augmenting human intelligence, not replacing it
• The future of organizations where most talent might be outside the org chart
• What it takes to build trust, agility, and alignment in a fast-changing world
• And why the biggest risk is not moving too fast—but moving too slow while the world changes around you

Plus: insights into how Rishad uses AI as a thought partner (but not a ghostwriter), why most return-to-office mandates miss the point, and the one question every leader should ask themselves: “What is a good life?”

Whether you're a leader, a change agent, or simply rethinking your role in the new world of work—this episode will challenge and inspire you.

🔗 Mentioned in the episode:

• Rethinking Work (Book by Rishad Tobaccowala)
• rishad.substack.com — Rishad’s free weekly newsletter
• What Next? — Rishad’s podcast on the future of industries and careers
• Rishad on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishadtobaccowala/
• Buy his books on amazon: https://www.amazon.de/stores/Rishad-Tobaccowala/author/B0821PV8PQ?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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: 

• Sven Denecken -  Chief Marketing and Solutions Officer Industries - SAP SE

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

In this powerhouse episode of Transformation Every Day, Sven Denecken, SAP’s Chief Marketing and Solutions Officer for Industries, returns to the show with deep, sharp, and refreshingly candid insights on the accelerating pace of change across industries.

Together with hosts Alexander Greb and Johannes, Sven dives into:

• Why the Industry Cloud remains a key differentiator in digital transformation
• How AI and automation are redefining efficiency, innovation, and business process design
• The blurring of industry boundaries and what it means for value chains and collaboration
• Digital twins as game-changers: not just for products, but for entire businesses
• Disruption vs. noise — and why every industry feels faster now
• The essential role of change management and mindset in any successful transformation
• Advice for CIOs, transformation leads, and young talent navigating today’s tech landscape
• The truth about standardization, complexity, and ecosystem collaboration in SAP’s strategy

From automotive to healthcare, and high tech to aerospace, this episode explores how transformation is not just about adopting new tools — it's about rethinking business from the core out.

🔗 Follow Sven Denecken on LinkedIn for more insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdenecken/
 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to lead your own transformation — with clarity, confidence, and curiosity.

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: 

• Martin Scharmach -  SVP & General Manager RISE WITH SAP - MEE Region, SAP SE

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

In this episode, we sit down with Martin Scharmach—SAP’s go-to guy for RISE in Europe—to unpack how cloud ERP has shifted from “just tech” to a full-blown business transformation driver.

We cover:
- How Martin’s consultative roots and sales experience shape his vision
- Why real transformation needs more than just tech upgrades
- Cloud security, sovereignty & the myth of the “perfect time” to transform
- Why letting go of old systems isn’t loss—it's leverage
- The changing role of partners & consultants in the transformation era
- And why a long-term SAP journey is less about tools and more about mindset

Martin’s take? Cloud ERP isn’t just a destination—it’s a strategy.

 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and get ready to rethink what transformation really means.

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: 

• Michael Sokollek - Chief Enterprise Architect - SAP SE

Host: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

Today we dive past the buzzwords to treat Clean Core as an attitude and a practical operating model—from strategy to execution. We bust the “back-to-standard only” myth, map the five dimensions (processes, extensibility, data, integrations, operations), and show how governance and the right toolchain turn ERP from a cluttered basement into a system you can actually change.

You’ll learn:

• Why Clean Core is a spectrum (keep clean and get clean), not a binary state.
• How to run fit-to-standard with process deviation management and business-case-backed exceptions.
• Where partners, toolchains (incl. Signavio & EA content), and RISE architects fit in.
• How to align capabilities and custom code to decide what truly differentiates.
• The real risk of shadow IT—and how to prevent it with transparency and cadence.

If you’re staring at years of modifications, stuck on an S/4HANA move, or just want upgrades without nightmares, this episode gives you the guardrails, mindset, and first steps to get from talking to doing.

Takeaways

• Clean Core is a vehicle for agility and transformation.
• Governance and maturity are crucial for maintaining a clean core.
• The dimensions of Clean Core include processes, extensibility, data, integrations, and operations.
• Achieving a clean core is a journey, not a quick fix.
• Organizations must balance efficiency with effectiveness in their processes.
• The business model of SAP partners should focus on delivering value, not just selling days.
• Tools and technology play a significant role in achieving Clean Core.
• Understanding the current technical debt is essential for organizations.
• Organizations need to connect their custom code with business capabilities.
• The journey towards Clean Core requires a strategic approach and continuous improvement.

Follow Michael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sokollek/

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

In this candid Q&A session, Johannes and Alexander dive deep into the complexities and realities of digital transformation with SAP.  Johannes joins Alexander to tackle pressing your listeners questions on how businesses can navigate SAP’s extensive product portfolio, manage transformation roadmaps, and prioritize cloud strategies.

They discuss the challenges customers face in simplifying SAP offerings and the importance of aligning transformation efforts with clear business goals rather than just cutting costs. The hosts highlight how cloud technology acts as a “personal trainer” for organizations, driving continuous improvement and innovation, while also touching on the evolving role of consultants who must now be business partners guiding change rather than just technical configurators.

The episode also explores how early-career professionals can break into the SAP ecosystem, emphasizing practical experience and the importance of embracing curiosity, especially around AI tools like SAP’s Joule. They reflect on overcoming rejection in career journeys with humor and wisdom, encouraging resilience and adaptability.

With transparency and frankness, Johannes and Alexander shed light on SAP’s marketing versus business realities, AI integration, and the future of enterprise software interactions. This engaging conversation offers valuable insights for SAP users, consultants, and anyone involved in digital transformation.

Takeaways:

• Companies must clarify their transformation ambitions to navigate complexity.
• The role of partners is crucial in simplifying transformation processes.
• Cloud solutions can drive performance but require a shift in mindset.
• Consultants should act as business partners, guiding clients through change.
• Rejection in job applications is common and should be viewed as feedback.
• Early career professionals should focus on gaining real-life experience.
• Change management is essential for successful SAP implementations.
• The importance of communication skills in consulting cannot be overstated.
• AI tools like Jewel can enhance user interactions with systems.
• Owning a topic or a number can significantly boost career advancement.

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: 

• Torren Bischoff - VP Business Process Transformation - Giesecke+Devrient GmbH

Host: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions

Description:

In this episode of Transformation Every Day, Alexander Greb sits down with Torren Bischoff, VP of Business Process Transformation at Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), a global leader in digital security and payment solutions. With a legacy spanning over 170 years, G+D has evolved from printing physical currency and producing SIM cards to becoming a best-in-class digital champion, leveraging the latest SAP technologies to drive their transformation.

Torren shares invaluable insights into how G+D approaches digital transformation as a core business imperative—not just an IT project. From migrating legacy ERP systems to SAP S/4HANA, to adopting a mix of brownfield and greenfield strategies, G+D balances innovation with operational stability. Hear about their Phoenix program, executive-level commitment, and the critical importance of change management and people-centric processes in achieving transformation success.

Whether you’re embarking on your own digital journey or seeking best practices from a proven leader, this episode offers actionable advice on aligning technology, process, and culture to unlock the full potential of digital transformation.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Giesecke+Devrient transitioned from physical to digital products, including the move to eSIMs and digital payment solutions
• The business-driven approach behind their SAP S/4HANA migration and the role of executive sponsorship
• The importance of balancing technology with the human element in transformation initiatives
• How G+D selects between brownfield and greenfield implementation strategies based on business needs
• Lessons learned about governance, organizational alignment, and change management
• Practical advice on starting, managing, and sustaining complex transformation programs

About Torren Bischoff:
Torren brings a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership experience, including a career as captain in the German Air Force and extensive roles across telecommunications, aerospace, and digital security industries. At G+D, he leads business process transformation efforts that help the company stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Follow Torren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torrenbischoff/

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

Guests: 

• Jasmin Weimüller - Head of AI Enablement - BASF
• Kate Nazarova - Senior Data Scientist - BASF

Host: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, Alexander Greb and Johannes Langguth sit down with Jasmin Weimüller and Kate Nazarova, seasoned data scientists from BASF and hosts of the popular podcast "Diaries of a Data Scientist." They delve deep into the realities of data science beyond the buzzwords, discussing how AI truly impacts business, the practical daily routines of data scientists, and the critical importance of bridging technical and business expertise.

Highlights:

• The Intersection of Passion and Profession
  Jasmin and Kate share their journeys into data science, revealing their genuine passion for problem-solving, mathematical curiosity, and the thrill of discovery.
• Day in the Life of a Data Scientist
  A realistic glimpse into the roles of team lead and senior data scientist, highlighting responsibilities ranging from stakeholder communication and strategic decision-making to hands-on coding and project management.
• Beyond the AI Hype
  The guests address common misconceptions about AI and stress the importance of statistical and mathematical foundations, underscoring that true data science expertise goes far beyond simple prompting or using AI tools.
• Bridging the Gap between Business and Technology
  An essential conversation on why both technical and business roles must understand each other's domains better, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and clear communication to achieve meaningful transformations.
• AI Integration in Business Processes
  The episode discusses how businesses should strategically approach AI, distinguishing between incremental automation and transformative innovation, as well as handling critical "make or buy" decisions effectively.
• Advice for Consultants and Vendors
  Practical advice for system providers and consultants on how to genuinely deliver value and authenticity rather than simply riding the AI hype wave.

Key Takeaways:

• AI projects succeed through a balanced collaboration of technical expertise and clear business strategy.
• Empathy and clear communication between tech and business teams are crucial for effective AI adoption.
• Early engagement and incremental learning with AI lead to long-term organizational maturity and innovation capabilities.

Connect with Jasmin and Kate:

• Follow Jasmin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmin-weimueller-bsc2018/
• Follow Kate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-nazarova-data-science/
• Listen to "Diaries of a Data Scientist": https://open.spotify.com/show/1DAelRe22W8vBHK7rTU361
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiariesOfADataScientist

Subscribe and Follow:
Stay updated and subscribe to the Transformation Every Day podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

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

Guests: 

• Harald Sulovsky - Founder and former CEO - cbs corporate business solutions
• Rainer Wittwen - CEO - cbs corporate business solutions

Host: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about startups — it’s also about building lasting companies that transform industries. In this special episode of Transformation Every Day, we sit down with Harald Sulovsky, founder and former CEO of CBS Corporate Business Solutions, and his successor Rainer Wittwen, CEO of CBS. Together, they share the fascinating journey of growing CBS from a small SAP consultancy into a global powerhouse with 1,600 employees and over 300 million euros in annual revenue.

Hear firsthand how Harald’s passion for business process consulting and technology sparked the creation of CBS back in 1993, how the company navigated market shifts and technological revolutions, and how a strong culture and visionary leadership have fueled its sustainable growth. Rainer reflects on stepping into the leadership role and driving CBS forward through today’s digital transformation landscape.

This episode also celebrates CBS’s 30th anniversary and upcoming event featuring SAP CEO Christian Klein as a special guest, marking three decades of innovation and excellence in SAP consulting.

Whether you’re a founder, consultant, or business leader, this conversation offers valuable lessons on scaling a consulting firm, embracing change, and delivering real transformation at scale.

Tune in for an inspiring look beyond startups — entrepreneurship through the lens of one of the most successful SAP consulting firms in the world.

Follow Harald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harald-sulovsky-971b6216/

Follow Rainer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rainer-wittwen-64a45475/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

01:54 Economic Forecasts and Business Strategies

02:54 Founding CBS: The Journey Begins

10:02 Challenges in Consulting: Lessons from the Past

16:41 Building a Team: The Importance of Culture

23:41 Navigating Change: Adapting to New Technologies

29:16 The Role of Consultants in Business Transformation

36:17 Education and Training: Investing in Future Talent

44:08 Growth Strategies: Organic vs. Acquisitions

52:04 Conclusion: Reflections on CBS's Journey

54:55 Navigating Partnerships and Strategic Decisions

01:00:10 Global Expansion and Strategic Growth

01:06:22 Innovations in Data Management and Migration

01:13:04 The Transformation Philosophy of CBS

01:18:21 Leadership Transition and Succession Planning

01:27:19 Reflections on Leadership and Future Vision

01:33:11 The Impact of AI on Consulting

01:38:02 The Simplicity of Transformation

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: 

• Geoff Scott - CEO - ASUG (Americas SAP Users' Group)

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

In this episode of Transformation Every Day, Alexander Greb and Johannes Langguth sit down with Geoff Scott, CEO of ASUG, fresh off Sapphire 2025. They discuss the changing tone at this year’s Sapphire event—from a modest keynote launch to a focus on clarity rather than hype amid a complex global landscape. Geoff shares his perspective on navigating geopolitical uncertainty, market reactions, and why realistic conversations around AI, clean core, and cloud strategy matter more than ever.

The conversation dives deep into the real challenges of SAP adoption: the ongoing migration from ECC to S/4HANA, the trade-offs between lift-and-shift and greenfield implementations, and the widening gap between rapid technology advances and enterprise readiness. Geoff also explores the evolving role of enterprise architects, highlighting the complexities of their mission to bring order to sprawling, ever-changing technology portfolios.

Wrapping up, Geoff previews ASUG’s upcoming hands-on events, local chapters, and community initiatives designed to empower SAP customers to move forward confidently in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re tackling digital transformation, AI integration, or cloud migration, this episode offers honest insights and practical advice from a leader deeply connected to the SAP community.

Follow Geoff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-scott-ugs/

Check out ASUG: https://www.asug.com/

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: 

• Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz - Author,  Prof. and Chair Digital Economics, Queensland University

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions

In this engaging conversation, Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz and Alexander Greb explore the profound impact of algorithms and AI on our lives, businesses, and the future of work. They discuss the importance of understanding these technologies, the role of curiosity in driving innovation, and the need for education and literacy in navigating the changes brought by AI. 

Marek shares his journey from SAP to academia, emphasizing the significance of consulting in the age of AI and the potential for new job opportunities alongside the challenges of redundancy. The conversation highlights the necessity of embracing change and fostering a collaborative relationship between humans and AI.

Follow Marek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marekkowal/

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: 

• Wassilios Lolas - Global Vice President - SAP Signavio

Hosts: 

• Alexander Greb - Consulting Director - cbs corporate business solutions
• Johannes Langguth - Head of Business Transformation and Architecture - SAP SE

Get ready to embark on a journey through the very heart of business transformation: in our latest Transformation Every Day episode, Alexander Greb and Johannes sit down with Wassilios Lolas of SAP Signavio, the man who—fluent in English, German, Italian, French, Greek, and even the Berlin dialect—knows exactly how to translate strategy into reality. Wassilios doesn’t just talk in tongues; he speaks the language of process innovation, and he’s convinced that SAP’s tool chain (Signavio, LeanIX, WalkMe and more) is the single biggest leap forward in a decade.

Takeaways

• SAP has shifted from making software to helping companies improve.
• Transformations often run as IT projects rather than business-driven initiatives.
• CIOs need to provide visibility into business operations for effective transformation.
• Transparency is crucial for gaining buy-in from employees during change.
• Data can help remove emotions from performance discussions.
• Top management support is essential for successful transformations.
• Agility is key to responding to disruptions in the business environment.
• The tool chain must align with company strategy for effective transformation.
• Understanding current processes is vital for identifying areas of improvement.
• The integration of various tools is necessary for comprehensive business transformation. IT serves as a supporting function in organizations.
• Successful transformation requires a holistic approach.
• Driving adoption of new technologies is crucial for success.
• Transparency in processes helps identify inefficiencies.
• Transformation should be viewed as a continuous capability.
• The role of the CIO is evolving to facilitate change.
• Federated models can enhance organizational efficiency.
• Micro and macro optimization must be balanced in processes.
• Organizations can change with the right tools and mindset.
• Continuous monitoring is essential for successful transformation.

Follow Wassilios here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassilios-lolas/

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