The Alpinists of Enterprise Architecture

Join us as we sit down with Michael Stedler, co-founder of Softwaregini, to explore the pivotal role of Enterprise Architects in crafting coherent, cost-efficient IT architectures. Discover how they bridge the gap between business and procurement, drive smarter software selection, and why AI-driven tools like Softwaregini are transforming IT governance. A must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of IT strategy and decision-making!

In this episode of The Alpinists of Enterprise Architecture, we tackle the big questions that shape successful EA strategies: What exactly are Strategic Value Drivers, and why are they crucial for guiding enterprise success? How can Architecture Guiding Principles drive meaningful outcomes—and what makes them truly effective? Join us as we reveal how these two essential elements are seamlessly embedded and interconnected within a holistic EA Strategy. If you're looking to elevate your EA game and align architecture with real business value, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode we dive into a game-changing concept: the Value Case. What exactly is a Value Case, and why is it critical for enterprise architects to master this business-driven approach? We discuss why creating compelling Value Cases is essential for demonstrating the economic impact of EA initiatives. You’ll also learn how to build solid Value Cases quickly, even with limited information, and uncover the key success factors for getting it right. Plus, we address some of the critiques of this approach and provide counterarguments that strengthen the case for making Value Cases central to your EA strategy. Tune in to sharpen your skills and reframe how EA delivers measurable value!

Are you thinking that being a parent of little children and a strategic Consultant at the same time are diametrical opposites that cannot be reconciled with each other? Well, I was thinking the same thing and I have learned that this was a misjudgment: it is absolutely possible. Even more in todays era of predominant home office work.

Join our host Ben that is a father of two little children and his dear colleagues Franziska who just became a mother a few months ago and is now planning to return to work part-time and Christian who is father of two children and manages the balancing act with part-time work and meticoulus planning and support. 

Listen in and learn from us how we do it so you can have your own opinion about it if that could be something for you, too. Share your thoughts with us and we'll be happy to comment. 

Is your application landscape a wild, untamed mess? In this episode, we explore Application Portfolio Advisory – a critical practice for gaining control of your application landscape. Discover the value and benefit of APA and common pitfalls. 

Have you ever wondered, whether the value of Enterprise Architecture as a discipline in companies is still debatable or whether it has become a no-brainer to fundamentally have? Do you ask yourself how Enterprise Architeture needs to be redefined in an era where change and transformation journeys become ever more agile?

Then join us together with our super-seasoned, warm-hearted, and fun colleagues JP and Travis from the US that have been in the business since decades and our host Ben to discuss how Enterprise Architecture needs to position itself at the centre of change to be the nucleus of transformation journeys.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of Enterprise Architecture (EA) in academic institutions, featuring Ulrich Schielein, CIO of Goethe University Frankfurt. With over 40,000 students and more than 5,000 staff, Goethe University exemplifies the diverse system landscapes that universities must navigate. Drawing from his background in EA consulting in the business sector, Schielein offers his perspective on why a systematic and holistic EA approach is essential not just for businesses, but also for driving effective transformation in universities.

In this episode we invite you to explore the topic of sustainability from an Enterprise Architecture perspective with us. Because let's be honest: managing sustainability means managing tons of data across the enterprise. And to transform ambition into action tech is one of the key drivers to achieve the required transformation. Together with our experts Marco, Jan and André our host Ben discusses how a holistic enterprise architecture target picture can be shaped and once this foundation is paved we deep dive into concrete initiative examples - starting within the IT domain and then extending the scope towards the full business.

Hey Alpinists! Remember the last time you went shopping for hiking shoes and found yourself juggling between online and in-store options? It’s a common struggle, and this episode of "The Alpinists of EA" is here to tackle it!

Join our host Jacqueline and our today's experts — Nils, Philipp, Marco, and Rolf — as they explore the importance of omnichannel experiences in today's business landscape. They’ll highlight the challenges customers face with fragmented channels and reveal which role Enterprise Architects play in solving these issues. With insights from the financial services, airlines, and retail sectors, together, they discuss strategies for creating effective channel strategies, an omnichannel architecture and the optimal application landscape to support these initiatives.

Join Ben, Sajid and Tom as they take you around the world with EA. Together we explore what Enterprise Architecture means in Europe, the Middle East and Australia! Come and learn how the goals and techniques differ and let us see what can we learn from each other so that we can become better alpinists.

Join the eye-opening discussion about the value of artificial intelligence in making Enterprise Architects more creative. Our experts Joana Tiedtke, Kevin Weber and Benjamin Zeller pinpoint the essence of creativity and explore how AI can be leveraged to enhance problem-solving, design thinking, and strategic planning.

Join seasoned Enterprise Architects Thomas Wagenknecht, Colin Schneider, and Christian Block as they delve into the intersection of Enterprise Architecture, automation, and the insurance industry. With extensive experience and expertise from numerous architecture projects, our speakers offer fascinating insights and practical strategies to navigate and transform the ever-evolving landscape of insurance. Tune in for compelling discussions, real-world insights, and valuable lessons from the consulting front lines, all designed to help you optimize and future-proof your insurance operations.

How does it feel to swim against the tide? How can you get yourself out of tricky situations? After discussing tips and tricks for junior EAs in an earlier episode, we continue with what skills a junior EA might need. Tom and Anna, our juniors, talk with Ben about how they reached their goal using creative methods. In doing so, they skillfully avoided depending too much on our seniors and reinterpreted the tried and tested in new ways.

In this insightful episode we delve into the concept of data spaces and explore the pivotal role of enterprise architecture for seamless connectivity and data interoperability along an industrial supply chain. Join our host, Ben, as he explores the dynamics of this fascinating topic with special guests Greta and Christiane. They'll discuss how data spaces enhance collaboration, streamline operations, and drive efficiency in manufacturing.

Today companies are faced with an ever increasing pace of disruptive change based on accelerated innovation cycles, political changes, climate change, client enablement and other worldwide phenomenas. Classical business and IT strategies even if they are highly paced and short-termed are insufficiently agile to adjust to such disruptive changes. For that purpose in Enterprise Architecture we have developed the concept of scenario-based strategies that provide reusable solutions for recurring problems.

In this episode we explore the following key question: If the business is in a situation where it is faced with unforeseeable disruptions and finds itself in a position where it needs to change, how is it possible to still be better prepared for such a situation than just reacting on an emergency? 

In this podcast episode, seasoned Enterprise Architects engage in an in-depth conversation about the integration of Generative AI into the professional landscape of their field. Through their real-world experiences, they dissect the impact of Generative AI on various aspects of their work life, including cultural shifts, governance structures, and skill requirements within Enterprise Architecture Management. Listeners are invited to explore the transformative potential of Generative AI in enhancing agility within architectural practices. Join us for an illuminating discussion on strategies for harnessing Generative AI to overcome challenges and optimize organizational frameworks for the future. 

Classical IT strategies are typically elaborate, covering several years, focusing on integrating advanced technology solutions into businesses to achieve long-term goals. However, in an era marked by unparalleled technological advancement and rapid change, classical IT strategies are becoming outdated. Modern IT strategies must embrace flexibility, adaptability, and resilience, with built-in alternative scenarios to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of today's ever-evolving landscape.

Learn about the profound impact of generative artificial intelligence on software development. Our experts Alexander Gille, Kevin Weber and Benjamin Zeller discuss how generative AI is revolutionizing coding practices, enhancing developer productivity, and impacting the work of enterprise architects.

In this episode, seasoned Enterprise Architects share their real-world experiences in agile organizations. Dive into discussions on cultural, governance, and skill changes, and uncover essential elements for boosting agility in Enterprise Architecture Management. Join us for an exploration of strategies that empower architects to overcome agility challenges and enhance organizational frameworks.

In our third episode we dive into the meta realm of Enterprise Architecture and ask ourselves - what does it take to be a good (junior) Enterprise Architect? As our senior EAs Ben and Philipp share their views and concerns from a more experienced point of view, our junior/intermediate EAs Tom and Joana share stories about their current journey and helpful tips and tricks along the way. Definitely a conversation you wouldn't want to miss out! Feel free to reach out to us on LinkedIn in case of questions, feedback and ideas! (Joana Tiedtke & Philipp Nützi)