Alumni and students of the Rome Business School had the opportunity to attend the workshop “Driving Change in the Digital Era: Lessons from TIM’s Transformation Journey,” part of the Functional & Industry Insight Series, led by Marco De Santis. With extensive experience in Digital Transformation, Enterprise Risk Management, and Corporate Compliance, De Santis shared valuable insights from his long career at TIM.
TIM, a leader in telecommunications, offers fixed and mobile phone services, communication and entertainment solutions, and supports small and medium-sized businesses in their digital transformation journey.
During the workshop, De Santis explained how TIM has embraced its digital evolution, with the goal of playing a key role in the transformation not only in Italy, but also in Brazil. A key element of the transformation, De Santis highlighted, is the ability to be flexible, open to change, and ready to seize the opportunities offered by disruptive technologies. In fact, he stated:
“Our organization is the result of many ‘epochs’, with the pros and cons of each business cycle.”
TIM has adopted a lean, customer-centric organization, in line with a Customer-Centric approach. At the heart of the end-to-end solutions offered by TIM Enterprise for businesses and public administrations are technologies such as Cloud, IoT, and Cybersecurity, which support the country’s digital transformation. These solutions leverage the largest data center network in Italy and the expertise of companies within the Group, such as Noovle, Olivetti, and Telsy, alongside collaborations with leading industrial groups.
From an ethical and sustainable perspective, De Santis emphasized that TIM initiated a significant change back in 2016 by shifting the focus from merely selling products to understanding the real needs of customers. This ethical approach marked an important turning point for the company, placing sustainability and inclusivity at the core of its strategies.
Throughout the workshop, De Santis also provided students with essential advice on how to tackle professional challenges and seize opportunities with the right mindset, encouraging participants to think “outside the box” and challenge their own beliefs to adapt to change. Furthermore, he highlighted the value of cooperation, explaining that working together helps to be perceived as stronger and more reliable.
De Santis also encouraged students to take on a leadership mindset, acting with ethics, inclusivity, and without prejudice. He urged them to seek opportunities even in uncertain situations, turning difficulties into growth opportunities. He emphasized that time is a precious resource and should never be wasted. Finally, he stressed the importance of mutual respect and continuous learning, warning that a closed mindset to innovation risks making what was once cutting-edge become “vintage.”
Concluding his speech, De Santis left students with an inspiring message:
“Be positive, don’t comply, and push the limits further,”
encouraging them to maintain a positive attitude, never settle, and constantly push their own limits.
Don’t miss out on upcoming exclusive events, stay updated by joining the Alumni LinkedIn Group!
