Transformation That Sticks

Why Most Change Fails—and How to Make Yours Succeed

McKinsey reports that **70% of transformation initiatives fall short of their goals**. BCG’s research shows that only **30% of transformations meet or exceed target outcomes**, while Harvard Business Review highlights **lack of follow-through and employee engagement** as the most cited reasons for failure.

Why do so many initiatives—led by capable leaders and backed by strong business cases—still under-deliver?

The Hidden Barriers to Lasting Change

Most transformations don’t stumble on vision—they falter in execution.

**Strategies are sound**, but they don’t adapt to frontline realities
**Processes are reengineered**, but ignore the culture or behavior shift required.
**Technology is upgraded**, but deployed without clear governance or integration.
**Metrics are set**, but no one’s empowered—or accountable—to meet them.

And all too often, change is done *to* people, not *with* them.

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Our Approach: Making Transformation Stick

At Ironpaw, we believe transformation should work in the real world—not just in a presentation deck.

We embed with clients to lead transformations across four practical dimensions:

Operating Model Redesign

We start by aligning structure to strategy. Whether it's shifting from siloed functions to cross-functional squads, or building new governance models, we rewire how teams operate.

Process Reengineering

We go beyond lean mapping. Our process work centers on *simplification*, *automation*, and *end-user adoption*—driving out legacy friction that kills velocity.

Digital Strategy & Delivery

Too many consultants stop at the roadmap. We drive programs from concept to code, managing stakeholders, sequencing delivery, and adjusting in-flight when real-world conditions change.

Technology Rationalization

We help leaders cut the noise. Rationalizing systems, consolidating tools, and focusing on what drives *actual business outcomes*—not shelfware.

Case Study: Transformation at Scale

My Role

When I joined as the Regional Chief Product & Technology Officer, the organization had grown in the US through rapid acquisition and was burdened by fragmented systems, inconsistent processes, and a lack of operational visibility.

What I Did

Conducted a full audit of systems and business capabilities across the US
Designed and deployed a data warehouse supporting robust operational and financial reports built to support growth
Led a 12 month transformation of the core operating model, consolidating decentralized support functions into a centralized shared service
Brought both ERP and Core Operating platforms in-house and reduced overall operating costs by $5M annually
Introduced an enterprise PMO, a Lean Six Sigma team and implemented an agile delivery framework to manage transformation program

What Made It Work

We didn’t just roll out tech. We redesigned workflows, changed reporting lines, created champions inside the business, and gave people *clear wins early*.

The Bottom Line

If your transformation depends on a 300-slide roadmap, you’re already off track.

If it doesn’t show up in how your teams work every day—in how decisions are made, how data flows, how processes run—then you haven’t transformed.

Real transformation blends vision with execution. Strategy with sleeves-rolled-up delivery. Frameworks with human behavior.

That’s what we do at Ironpaw.

Let’s Make Change That Lasts

Whether you’re digitizing legacy operations, evolving your operating model, or rebuilding trust with teams after failed change—let’s talk about what it takes to make your transformation actually stick.

Give me 20 minutes. You talk, I’ll listen. You’ll leave with a Day 1‑on‑site plan, even if we never work together.

Sir Winston Ironpaw

Chief Marketing Officer

https://www.ironpawpartners.com/about-us

Sir Winston Ironpaw is the witty, well-suited voice of Ironpaw Partners. As Chief Barketing Officer, he delivers sharp insights, strategic wit, and a growl of wisdom to leaders navigating transformation, tech, and change. Ironclad insight. Bulldog tenacity. Strategic bite.