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Author: Dr Rik Farenhorst

Dr. Rik Farenhorst holds a PhD in software engineering and has over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, enterprise IT, and organizational leadership. He previously served as Chief Information Officer at Transavia, where he led large-scale digital modernization initiatives, and as Business Unit Manager at Xebia, a global consulting firm known for its work in Agile and DevOps. He is also a co-founder of DASA and has worked as a leadership coach, lecturer, and keynote speaker. His experience spans both hands-on execution and executive-level transformation strategy, giving him a comprehensive perspective on how enterprises can evolve to meet the demands of the AI era.

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    Stories of Transformational Leaders

    Transformational leadership is not merely about steering an organization toward success; it involves inspiring, nurturing, and guiding teams through the complexities of today’s digital landscape. This article explores the principles, challenges, and impactful strategies of transformational leadership through the experiences of four seasoned leaders: Rik Farenhorst, CEO at DASA; Jim Marascio, Principal & CEO at…

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    Why DevOps is Outgrowing Traditional IT Service Management

    Over the past decades, IT Service Management (ITSM) frameworks like ITIL have provided structure, reliability, and efficiency to countless organizations, driving operational excellence in managing IT services. However, with the maturation of DevOps principles and practices, the landscape of software delivery and IT operations has dramatically changed. The DevOps paradigm, with its emphasis on customer-centricity,…

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    Transforming into a High-Performance Digital Organization (HPDO): Six Key Themes

    Based on extensive research and practical engagement with organizations of varying sizes and across continents, DASA has identified six critical themes essential for achieving High-Performance Digital Organizations (HPDOs). These themes form the cornerstone of successful digital transformation initiatives, addressing most encountered challenges and promising opportunities faced by enterprises. Each organization is unique, with its own…

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    DASA DevOps Principles Adopted in New ISO/IEC TS 20000-15:2024 Standard

    DASA’s DevOps principles have been incorporated into the newly published ISO/IEC TS 20000-15:2024 standard, “Guidance on the application of Agile and DevOps principles in a service management system.” This significant milestone underscores the global recognition and validation of DASA’s approach and its impact on high-performance digital organizations. The ISO/IEC TS 20000-15:2024 standard provides guidance on…

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    DASA Partners with XLABS to Launch the DASA Experience Management for High Performance Digital Organizations Product Suite

    DASA is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with XLABS. Together, they are launching the DASA Experience Management for High Performance Digital Organizations product suite. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the journey towards enhancing digital performance and customer experience for organizations worldwide. The DASA Experience Management for High Performance Digital Organizations product suite…

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    Why Platform Engineering is Crucial for Modern Businesses and IT Leaders

    In an era where digital transformation dictates market leadership, Platform Engineering emerges as a pivotal philosophy and set of capabilities that business and IT leaders cannot afford to overlook. This approach is not just about technology; it’s about enabling organizations to innovate rapidly, deliver software efficiently, and ensure resilience and security in an ever-changing digital…

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    Product Mindset as an Imperative

    Software is eating the world. As more businesses develop digital products and services, product development speeds up and competitive advantages shorten. It is critical to understand why customers prefer your product over competitors. Enter product management. This discipline acts as a pivotal bridge between engineering, design, marketing, sales, and customer support. It transcends mere product…