Digital transformation is more than just a trend—it's essential for staying competitive. Yet too many businesses invest hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars in digital transformation initiatives that don't succeed. That's why tech expert Faiz Yarkhan founded Yar Khan Consulting in 2022.
"Our people and process-focused approach ensures that technology goes beyond solving problems in theory and makes sure they do so in practice," Yarkhan says. "We empower teams, optimize processes, and ensure that every transformation is culturally aligned and technically sound."
Yar Khan Consulting Ensures Alignment for Clients' Success
During the many years Yarkhan helped Fortune 500 and other companies with their technology needs, he noticed a troubling pattern. When a business would bring him on board to lead a project or implement a new technology or software, the employees he worked with didn't always take the process seriously. Some were so accustomed to technology changes that they never actually stuck, and they became cynical about the whole process.
"Digital transformation initiatives often failed to deliver long-term results because leadership wasn't aligned either among themselves or with their teams," Yarkhan says. "I noticed that many companies placed heavy emphasis on new technology or process improvements, but the key to sustainable success was missing—putting people first."
One of the pivotal moments that motivated Yarkhan to start his firm took place while he was consulting for a large Fortune 100 company.
"Leadership had brought in multiple consulting firms to work on the same transformation initiative, each focusing on different areas," he recalls. "However, there was no alignment between the consulting firms or among the leadership, leading to a fragmented approach. Despite millions of dollars spent, the initiatives didn't stick because there was no unified direction. The teams returned to their old ways once the consultants left, and the whole experience had a corrosive effect on the company culture. These experiences highlighted the importance of leadership alignment and people-focused strategies in driving sustainable change."
In other cases, leadership rushed the process, and the team wasn't ready for change, which bred resistance to it. "Making the change too fast and neglecting to prepare appropriately will cause teams to abandon it prematurely," Yarkhan says.
That's why Yar Khan Consulting emphasizes leadership and team alignment in their approach.
How Yar Khan Consulting Operates
"We get everyone talking and build consensus before moving forward with a specific plan," Yarkhan says. "We put people, process, and technology in harmony to drive lasting success."
Toward that end, Yar Khan Consulting offers a wide range of services. First and foremost, Yarkhan himself can serve as a sort of "pre-consultant" who enables leadership teams to determine the most advantageous strategic direction for the entire company. For example, his collaborative problem-solving strategies helped the leadership of mutual life insurance company New York Life successfully create a sense of unity and purpose.
"The leadership was heavily involved in my workshops and communication efforts, which led to a smooth adoption of changes and significantly reduced resistance from teams," Yarkhan remembers.
This approach also helps companies select the most effective and efficient technology solutions.
"Unlike other consultants, who often have a predetermined technology solution they are trying to sell, I don't have an agenda," Yarkhan says. "If you're going to change your enterprise resource planning, or if you're going to go agile, instead of bringing on five different consultants to solution this for you, I'm that expert you can trust to assess your entire ecosystem, call out misalignment, help leaders agree on a unified strategy, and then identify the right vendors."
Yar Khan Consulting's Services
If the strategy the company needs plays to Yarkhan's strengths, then he can lead the digital transformation himself, assembling a crack team of experts and providing direction for the company's own employees as needed. At Discover Financial Services, for instance, he worked closely with process owners to analyze their workflows, enhance control, and avoid risk.
"By establishing governance frameworks and streamlining their transition from a project-based to product-based organization, we reduced inefficiencies and enabled teams to move more swiftly without sacrificing control," Yarkhan says.
In another case, Yarkhan helped global maintenance and repair company Grainger adopt an Agile approach. "By introducing Agile methodologies and coaching the teams on how to make data-driven decisions using DORA4 metrics, we gave them the tools to take ownership of their work," he says. "The result was a more engaged team that could solve problems more proactively and collaboratively."
If the company already knows its direction, Yarkhan can also serve as an implementer. He is available remotely and in person, depending on the company's needs.
How did Yarkhan come up with his company's innovative approach? He credits his unorthodox background.
Faiz Yarkhan: Global Citizen
Yarkhan is an American citizen, and his company is based in Chicago. Yet he might more accurately be described as a citizen of the world.
"I've lived in five countries across three continents: Saudi Arabia, Canada, the US, the UK, and India," he explains. "Growing up in the 1980s and 90s, I traveled extensively around the world because my father worked for an airline. I used to be on a plane every three months or so. I traveled throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia."
This background has given Yarkhan a keenness of perception that helps him understand companies' needs. It has also nurtured his deep appreciation of cultural differences and helps him connect with team members from a wide range of backgrounds.
"I understand where people are coming from, which helps us establish trust quickly," he explains.
Yar Khan Consulting: Experts You Can Trust
Savvy entrepreneurs and business leaders know how powerful technology can be. If not approached correctly, however, a technological initiative to seize the competitive advantage can turn into a big waste of money.
If your business is contemplating a change, then enlist the help of the master. Contact Yar Khan Consulting today.
