45 Million Reasons to Get Your ERP Strategy Right with Lionel Wilson

Have you ever wondered why so many large-scale digital transformation projects go wrong?

In this episode, host Philip Blackmore is joined by Lionel Wilson, an experienced digital transformation program lead, to unpack the hidden challenges of ERP and CRM implementations. Drawing from a career that spans from early IT systems to managing 35 international Dynamics 365 programs, Lionel shares a candid look at both his successes and his "war stories," including a project that failed after costing £45 million.

The conversation delves into the critical difference between project and program management and reveals why the human element is often the key to success. The insights shared by Lionel are more relevant than ever, serving as a timely guide for anyone embarking on their own transformation journey.

Click Here to Watch the Video Episode.

• (00:00) - Welcome to The Catch Up Podcast
• (00:56) - Early Career and First Steps in IT
• (03:37) - Journey into Microsoft Dynamics
• (08:48) - The Importance of Communication in IT
• (12:15) - Role of Program Managers vs Project Managers
• (14:40) - Common Pitfalls in ERP Implementations
• (24:30) - Consultancy vs. Client-Side Experience
• (26:17) - Starting a Career in Project Management
• (29:16) - The Value of Patience and Skill Development
• (31:01) - Managing Contractor Expectations
• (32:41) - Overcoming Significant Project Challenges
• (35:33) - The Human Element in Project Management
• (38:44) - Measuring Project Success
• (44:10) - Key Advice for Implementing Microsoft Dynamics

Lionel Wilson: An accomplished IT and project management professional and program lead at GENII Software Group. With over three decades of experience, he has founded his own consultancy, Illusioneering Limited, and has successfully delivered over 35 international implementations of large-scale, complex D365 programs for major end users. His expertise lies in navigating the intricate blend of technology and human dynamics to ensure project success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The tangible difference between a program manager and a project manager and why your business needs both.
• Why the human element and managing people are more crucial to an ERP project than the technology itself.
• Key red flags that signal a digital transformation is headed for failure, and how to spot them early.
• The essential questions you should ask and the groundwork you must complete before embarking on a major ERP implementation.
• The risks of treating a consulting partner as the sole owner of a project and why internal ownership is non-negotiable for success.

Action Points:

1. Conduct a Pre-Project Diagnostic: Before kicking off your digital transformation, spend at least one to two months on the RFP and initial project plan. Bring on an experienced program lead to help shape the RFP, ensuring you capture all complexities and set a realistic budget and timeline. This upfront work can save millions in the long run.
2. Prioritise People Over Ego: When selecting a program manager, look for someone who acts as a facilitator, not a demagogue. Their role should be to engage and empower your internal teams by listening to their needs and guiding them to solutions, rather than imposing their own. This approach fosters ownership and increases the likelihood of user adoption and project success.
3. Establish Clear Success Metrics: Define your KPIs and OKRs at the start of the project. Separate operational and technical delivery streams to create a more resilient structure. This allows for a more forgiving and adaptable approach to operational changes while keeping the project on track and accountable to its core goals.

The Catch Up Podcast brings you candid conversations with industry leaders, consultants, and change-makers from the Microsoft Dynamics and tech ecosystem. Hosted by Phillip Blackmore, Sales Director at Catch Resource Management, each episode dives into the real stories behind business transformation, career pivots, and scaling success. Expect thoughtful interviews, practical insights, and honest reflections.

Brought to you by Catch Resource Management, a leading UK recruitment specialist for Microsoft Dynamics and ERP talent, this podcast is your inside track to the people shaping the future of enterprise technology. Tune in for new episodes and stay ahead of the curve.

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.