Shifting Paradigms: Bikash Pathak on Making the Customer King in a Rapidly Changing Landscape

Quote from Bikash Pathak's interview with rockbird media: "For digital initiatives to succeed, they have to start and center around customer experience elevation. If businesses are to drive meaningful personalization, the prime focus needs to be on data. But for me, the most important bit is to startrather than waiting for that perfect moment to arrive."

Redefining Success in the Digital Era: Insights from Bikash Pathak

What does it mean to take charge in today’s digital world? How do businesses truly embrace digitization, and what makes digital growth successful? These are the very questions that inspired Bikash Pathak of PT. MAP Aktif Adiperkasa to reflect on how the digital era is reshaping businesses — and why customers are now firmly at the center as the “true kings.”

The Pitfalls of Transformation Without Direction

In today’s fast-paced environment, many large companies rush into ambitious transformation projects. However, without a clear vision of success, these initiatives often lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities. To address this challenge, Bikash outlined four key principles that organizations should prioritize:

  1. Define a clear purpose and baseline. By establishing a strong foundation and shared vision, companies ensure that the entire organization works in alignment.

  2. Put customers first. As Bikash emphasized, “The customer is the true king.” Therefore, digital initiatives must begin and revolve around customer experience to deliver meaningful impact.

  3. Start small and adapt. Although it may seem basic, beginning with small steps allows companies to test, fail fast, and pivot quickly. In this way, mistakes become opportunities for growth.

  4. Secure conviction and sponsorship. Moreover, strong investment in technology does more than improve efficiency; it also fosters a culture of innovation and customer focus.

Personalization: The Next Big Challenge

In addition to building strong foundations, Bikash stressed that personalization has become essential in today’s retail and e-commerce landscape. Customers increasingly expect experiences that are personalized, seamless, and trustworthy.

Although data access is easier than ever, even global giants such as Amazon have yet to perfect personalization. For Bikash, the key lies in unifying customer data points and — more importantly — starting now rather than waiting for the “perfect moment.” Consequently, businesses that embrace creativity, collaboration, and experimentation will be best positioned to win customer loyalty.

Work and Culture in the Age of Digitalization

Furthermore, the digital shift is not limited to customers; it is also redefining how people work. Traditional 9-to-5 structures are gradually giving way to flexible models, driven by a new generation of tech-savvy Indonesians. As a result, speed and adaptability have become the true driving forces behind success.

Technology, Bikash explained, is neither inherently good nor bad. Instead, it serves as a tool for efficiency and progress. From modular systems to the rise of generative AI, organizations must learn to adapt. As he noted:

“If Gen AI plays out as predicted, we will see a rapid rise in one-person functions and even businesses assisted by copilots. It’s part of the evolution, and both individuals and organizations will need to adapt and play on.”

Looking Ahead at RESA 2024

Ultimately, these insights highlight the urgent need for companies to rethink their approach to digital transformation. Bikash Pathak will expand on these ideas at the Retail & E-Commerce Summit Asia (RESA) 2024 Indonesia, happening on November 21, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta.

This exclusive event will bring together top leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across the retail and e-commerce ecosystem. Therefore, it is the perfect opportunity to explore the future of digital transformation, customer experience, and business growth.

👉 Register now and be part of the conversation at RESA Indonesia 2024!

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