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