Digital transformation in companies has become an unavoidable strategic priority. According to the Spanish-language technology publication IT User, by 2025 more than 80% of Spanish companies had already started their digital transformation process, although only around 7% had reached an advanced level of digital maturity.
This context presents specific challenges for experienced professionals, who must lead change in increasingly complex organizations, rethink operating models, integrate innovation into processes, and make strategic decisions in environments shaped by uncertainty.
In this scenario, executive education becomes a key enabler, both for organizations that are still taking their first steps in digital transformation and for those that, despite having already begun the process, need to continue evolving toward more advanced levels of digital integration across the organization.
Initiatives such as digital transformation programs or specific learning pathways such as Esade’s Spanish-language Máster en Operaciones e Innovación allow professionals to acquire the skills needed to drive transformation from a holistic business perspective.
Why is digital transformation important in companies?
Digital transformation matters because it enables companies to adapt to an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment. To achieve this, it is not enough to adopt new technologies: organizations must rethink processes, organizational models, and leadership styles to respond to a context in which speed, data, and innovation are decisive.
At a time when technology sets the pace of the market, the benefits of digital transformation in companies translate into greater agility, stronger adaptability, and more informed decision-making.
Impact of digital transformation in companies
Examples of digital transformation in companies show that organizations that incorporate the strategic use of data, intelligent automation, or new operating models not only optimize resources, but also redefine how they innovate and respond to the market.
A standout example is Domino’s Pizza, which has integrated digital ordering platforms, data analytics, and process automation at the core of its business model, transforming how it manages orders, engages with customers, and scales its operations. This technology-driven approach has turned digitalization into a key source of competitive differentiation.
In the retail sector, companies such as Zara (Inditex) have incorporated technologies such as RFID to improve inventory management and strengthen integration between physical and digital channels, increasing their responsiveness to the market.
However, these advances only take hold when technology is accompanied by real changes in ways of working and leading. This reinforces the idea that the impact of digital transformation depends as much on people and organizational culture as on the technological solutions adopted.
The need to adapt to remain competitive
In a context of growing competitive pressure, failing to move forward with digital transformation poses a real risk of losing competitiveness. Although many companies in Spain have initiated digitalization processes, a significant number have not managed to translate these efforts into a strong competitive position, limiting their ability to respond at market speed (Cinco Días, 2025).
As explained in this article on digital transformation on Esade’s Do Better blog, the challenge is not technological, but organizational: “Companies that want to make a difference in digital transformation processes must base their strategy on three key pillars: technological knowledge, rapid adoption of skills, and changes in organizational capabilities.”
Key digital transformation challenges for experienced professionals
Despite the scale of investment and broad agreement on its importance, digital transformation remains a complex process. Globally, according to data compiled by DoIT Software (2025), only around 48% of digital initiatives manage to meet or exceed expected business objectives, highlighting how difficult it is to successfully deliver these processes.
For experienced professionals, the most common challenges are concentrated in the following areas:
#1. Fear of change and resistance to new technologies
Professional experience brings judgment and strategic vision, but it can also create friction when long-established ways of working are questioned. Resistance to change, especially at executive levels, remains one of the main obstacles to advancing digital transformation with agility.
#2. Gestión de datos
The growth in data does not always lead to better decisions. Many organizations still struggle to integrate information, ensure data quality, or turn data into actionable insight, which limits the real impact of digitalization.
#3. Lack of advanced digital skills
The skills gap continues to be a critical obstacle. In 2025, more than 60% of organizations identified the lack of digital skills as one of the main barriers to transformation, particularly in areas such as advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, or change management (DoIT Software, 2025).
As Professor Julio Villalobos notes in his article on the challenges of digital transformation, “many professionals will have to retrain to remain relevant in the industry 4.0 environment.” In this context, executive education focused on digital transformation and innovation in operations has become one of the main tools for developing these capabilities.
#4. Changes in organizational culture
Beyond technology, digital transformation requires a deep cultural shift. Promoting collaboration, experimentation, and continuous learning is particularly challenging in organizations with traditional hierarchical structures, where established working models can slow down change.
How to overcome digital transformation challenges
Overcoming these challenges requires a combination of leadership, strategic vision, and capability development. It is not about reacting to change, but about anticipating it and managing it in a structured way.
Updating and learning through education
Continuous learning is one of the main catalysts enabling experienced professionals to successfully lead transformation processes in contexts of high organizational and technological complexity. Developing a strategic understanding of technology, strengthening data-driven decision-making, and acquiring adaptive leadership skills make it possible to approach change with greater confidence.
In addition, having a clear digital transformation plan aligned with business objectives helps prioritize initiatives, allocate resources, and measure the real impact of transformation.
Get ready at Esade to lead and accelerate digital transformation in your company
Leading digital transformation involves much more than familiarity with digital tools. It requires a strategic mindset, analytical capability, and a leadership style able to mobilize people in contexts of continuous change.
In this regard, Esade’s executive education offers a rigorous academic environment connected to business reality, where professionals can develop the digital capabilities needed to drive transformation from a holistic perspective.
Specialized programs and executive Master’s degrees combine technological knowledge, business insight, and leadership development, in line with the profile of a leader capable of addressing today’s challenges.
Frequently asked questions FAQS
What are the main digital transformation challenges faced by experienced professionals?
Among the main challenges are resistance to change, the lack of advanced digital skills, effective data management, and the need to drive cultural change, while maintaining a strategic business perspective.
How can I lead digital transformation within my company?
Leading digital transformation requires combining strategic vision, an understanding of the impact of technology, and leadership capabilities. It is essential to foster a culture of continuous learning, promote collaboration, and have a transformation plan aligned with business objectives.
Which Esade programs can help me develop and improve digital transformation in my company?
Esade offers different digital transformation programs and advanced executive education options, such as the Spanish-language Máster en Operaciones e Innovación, aimed at professionals who want to lead change processes with real impact in their organizations.
What digital skills do I need to lead digital transformation?
In addition to technological knowledge, skills such as data analytics, information-based decision-making, change management, and adaptive leadership capable of inspiring and mobilizing teams in transformation contexts are essential.
At Esade, you have a team of professionals ready to help you take the next step. Learn more and take digital transformation in companies to the next level.
