Technology can be a game-changer—or a money pit. I’ve seen both sides in my 20+ years steering finance and operations, from implementing Workday at Kemper to boosting efficiency by 12% at Consultgenix. The difference? Strategy. Over my career—at AIG, PepsiCo, and beyond—I’ve learned that technology investments only pay off when they’re deliberate, not impulsive. Let’s explore how to maximize ROI with the right tech choices—because in a world moving this fast, the right tools can set you apart.
Why Technology Matters for Business Success
Tech isn’t a shiny toy—it’s a lever. At AIG, managing $900M in premiums, I saw how tools like Salesforce and Tableau turned data into decisions, driving 16% sales growth. But I’ve also seen companies sink cash into systems they didn’t need—overcomplicated, underused, and overhyped.
The stakes are high. A McKinsey study says firms that adopt nail tech see 20-30% higher profits. Done wrong, it’s a drain. Done right—like that $55M cost-cut at Kemper—it’s a goldmine. Strategic tech investments aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Picking the Right Tools for the Job
I’ve been hands-on with tech since my PwC days—SAP, Oracle Hyperion, Power BI, you name it. The key? Match the tool to your needs. At Kemper, Workday Adaptive Planning streamlined budgeting—overkill for a tiny startup but perfect for us. At Consultgenix, Zoho Analytics helped a small client scale without breaking the bank.
Ask yourself: What’s the gap? Efficiency? Insight? Scale? I’ve used Anaplan for forecasting and Snowflake for big data—each solved a specific problem. Random tech grabs waste money; targeted ones multiply it.
A Real-World Win: Workday at Kemper
Let’s rewind to 2022 at Kemper Insurance. I was Director of Business Intelligence, and our reporting was a nightmare—manual, siloed, and slow. We needed a fix to hit our $35M cost-cut goal. Enter Workday Adaptive Planning.
It wasn’t just software—it was a shift. We integrated the Auto and Life divisions, built real-time dashboards, and cut reporting time in half. The result? $35M saved in one year, plus a team that could focus on strategy, not spreadsheets. That’s ROI: Dollars back, stress down. Strategic tech made it happen.
Balancing Cost and Value
Here’s where people stumble: They see the price tag, not the payoff. At AIG, I cut $2M in broker commissions with renegotiation, but tech like Salesforce amplified that by syncing sales and ops: cost matters, but value rules.
How do you balance it?
- Start Small: Pilot before you plunge—I’ve tested Tableau at AIG before scaling.
- Measure ROI: Track savings, revenue, time—I’ve used Power BI for this since Kemper.
- Avoid Overkill: A $1M system for a $10K problem? No thanks—I’ve kept clients lean at Consultgenix.
At PepsiCo, I learned tech’s only as good as its return—$5M in new revenue at AIG proved it.
Steps to Maximize Tech ROI
Ready to invest wisely? Here’s my playbook, forged from Lehman to now:
- Define the Goal: Efficiency? Growth? At Kemper, it was cost control—$55M worth.
- Assess Your Needs: What’s broken? I’ve mapped this with SAP since PwC.
- Research Options: Compare—Tableau vs. Power BI, Vena vs. Anaplan—I’ve done the legwork.
- Test and Scale: Small wins first. Consultgenix’s 12% efficiency started with a pilot.
- Train Your Team: Tech flops without buy-in—I’ve trained 30+ at AIG to prove it.
This isn’t hype—it’s what I’ve done. Strategic tech investments stick when they solve real problems.
The Human Side of Tech
Let’s get real: Tech isn’t just circuits—it’s people. I’ll never forget a Kemper analyst who said, “Derrek, Workday gave me my weekends back.” Or an AIG rep who hit 16% sales growth because Salesforce made her job easier.
That’s what drives me. I’ve led nine reps to success, 30+ to a $54M turnaround—every time, tech empowered them. It’s not about gadgets—it’s about giving your team wings. At Consultgenix, we’ve seen clients light up when tech clicks 12% efficiency isn’t just a stat; it’s relief.
Why This Matters Now
The pace is brutal—competitors innovate, customers expect more, and margins shrink. I’ve navigated recessions at Lehman and booms at AIG. Today, tech isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must. Waste money on the wrong tools, and you’re behind. Nail it, and you’re ahead.
Think about your business. Could the right tech unlock your next win? That’s where business consulting shines—making investments pay off.
Let’s Optimize Your Tech Strategy
Maximizing ROI with tech isn’t a roll of the dice—it’s a plan. With decades in business consulting, I’ve helped companies pick tools that deliver. At Consultgenix, we’re all about tech that works—for your goals and your growth.
If you’re ready to make strategic technology investments that pay off, I’d love to chat. Reach out at derrek@consultgenix.com to discuss your strategy. Let’s turn your tech into your edge—together.