Charting the Course: Navigating the Waters of Independent Digital Transformation Consulting Success

Posted By Terry Vermeylen


The ascent to the pinnacle of one’s career is seldom a straight, upward trajectory—unless you find yourself a child of Bernard Arnault, the world’s wealthiest individual, who preside as CEOs within the LVMH empire, such as Frédéric, helming Tag Heuer at the age of 28.

My youthful aspirations were either guarding the goal in an NHL rink or orchestrating dance choreography—both ambitious yet distant from reality. Yet, it was the simplicity and inner workings of ‘Pong,’ the embryonic video game, that planted a technological seed in my consciousness—a seed that has flourished throughout the years.

How, then, did I carve out a niche as a successful independent Digital Transformation consultant?

  1. Formal education at an ivy-clad institution was not an option. Instead, I pursued knowledge, enrolling in courses on leadership, entrepreneurship, and public speaking, often in the quiet hours of the evening. These, when linked with my passion for technology, solidified my professional character and skill set—these are the cornerstones upon which I’ve built my ability to drive projects to their successful conclusion.
  2. My firm isn’t merely a service provider; we are the architects of successful digital transformations, forging alliances with clients and partners to improve our offerings continually. Remember, it’s a team effort through and through.
  3. My job as a senior consultant at IBM is in the distant past —no longer a yardstick by which I measure my worth. Today, my work’s value is gauged by the quality I deliver, the satisfaction of my clients, my professional partnerships, and the usefulness of my methodologies and tools.
  4. Professional commitment isn’t about being at the disposal of clients; it’s about delivering on promises, injecting value wisely, professional respect, respecting time, and becoming a reliable and enjoyable collaborative partner.
  5. My company’s narrative is drawn from authentic experiences. We merge our experiences into our expertise, solving complex issues within a broader context, sometimes propelled by past luck and the right opportunities.
  6. Efficiency fortifies my meetings, usually capped at thirty minutes. Every second counts, and I’m dedicated to ensuring that not a moment is wasted.
  7. My workspace is often remote, unseen in a physical office. Does visibility equate worth? No. The proof lies in the visible work—be it project plans, correspondence, or data—all tailored to client needs. Yet, the value of occasional in-person interactions—for workshops, team-building, and forging connections—remains unquestionable.
  8. We are not a corporate “family”—that analogy is wrong. The true notion of family awaits at the day’s end, beyond the closed laptop, in the embrace of loved ones.
  9. Excellence emerges from rapid prototyping and testing— avoid longwinded emails and the search for perfection in favor of actual data and real-world results.

At the helm of Terry Vermeylen Enterprises, we offer robust digital transformation solutions through project management, process re-engineering, a suite of methodologies and templates, along with expertise in optimizing Supply Chains and Sales Operations.

In strategic partnership with HCLTech Aftermarket Solutions—counted among the world’s top IT firms alongside Accenture, IBM, and Infosys—Terry Vermeylen Enterprises is poised to steer your business toward its digital destiny.