Strategy and Digital Transformation: a lesson from Vodafone for the Global MBA Students
5 December 2024Participants of the Global MBA had the opportunity to visit the Vodafone Village in Milan. This experience proved invaluable in deeply analyzing how a multinational corporation addresses strategic and operational challenges through innovation and digital transformation.
Digital innovation and AI as key strengths
During the visit, participants gained insight into Vodafone’s approach, which focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into daily operations. This emphasis, combined with a people management strategy that prioritizes growth and innovative thinking, serves as a model applicable to various industries. Phoebe Alyce Townsend, a participant in the Global MBA, highlighted how Vodafone has created a corporate culture where employee skill development is closely tied to strategy and marketing. She remarked, “Vodafone’s approach to people management and innovation, which encourages innovative thinking, can be applied to any context.”
Managing change: the merger with Fastweb
One of the most compelling aspects of the visit was the discussion around the ongoing merger between Vodafone and Fastweb. Participants explored the strategies employed to navigate this significant challenge. “I was impressed,” Townsend noted, “by the positivity and resilience of Vodafone’s team during such a critical time for the organization, with the imminent merger with Fastweb.” The company’s ability to recalibrate workforce skills to meet new demands, such as AI implementation and merger dynamics, offered an important lesson on organizational agility.
Adapting to technological and market changes
Another central theme was Vodafone’s ongoing transformation to meet customer needs by delivering tailored digital solutions. This strategy, also emphasized during conversations with two BBS alumni now working at Vodafone, reinforces the importance of putting the customer at the core to drive growth and change.
Bridging theory and practice
Phoebe Townsend described the company visit experience as “an extremely impactful way of bridging theory and practice,” gaining a concrete understanding of business operations. Observing the evolution of performance management practices to align with strategic goals underscored the importance of companies continuously monitoring and adapting their evaluation systems.
The Global MBA at BBS: an intense and inspiring program
The Global MBA at BBS is designed to develop global leaders capable of tackling the challenges of an ever-evolving market. With an international and interdisciplinary approach, the program offers a unique blend of academic theory and managerial practice, supported by an outstanding Faculty that bridges academia and business. Participants benefit from networking opportunities with professionals and global companies, as well as specializations tailored to meet the needs of the most dynamic industries.
This experience, as reflected in participants’ feedback, was not only a chance to learn but also an opportunity to envision new professional and personal horizons. As Vodafone demonstrates, innovation is not just a business strategy but a mindset that can transform challenges into opportunities.
