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

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:

• 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