Benedetto Conversano

Most digital transformations disappoint. The problem isn't the technology.

People who understand the root cause don't have the courage to act; the people who have the authority see only the symptoms. The gap between what leaders are told and what they need to hear — that's where I work. I help boards and CEOs turn AI into advantage, not another faster broken process.

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Benedetto Conversano — Former global CIO and author of The Braveheart CIO

New bookThe Braveheart CIO

About

A Braveheart CIO in your corner

Thirty years in the arena, and I have sat on every side of the table where technology meets the business — an executive at P&G and IKEA, Global CIO at Jerónimo Martins, Avon and Diageo, and a Non-Executive Director at IKEA Food, Greenspring Associates, Satellite Applications Catapult, Mars Petcare and Médecins Sans Frontières.

My work is to fix the broken digital supply chain that runs from the boardroom to value — a chain with too many parties involved, each set on growing their own slice rather than baking a bigger cake.

This requires a Braveheart CIO.

Trusted across the world's most demanding organizations

What we do

Services built to unlock business value

Clear, senior-level engagement across three ways of working together — from the stage to the boardroom to one-to-one mentoring.

Keynote Speaking

Provocative, story-driven keynotes that move boards and organizations to act on technology, data and AI — and to remove the real barriers to performance.

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Advisory & AI Transformation

Trusted counsel for CEOs, boards and CIOs on aligning technology to strategy and governing digital investment — and hands-on guidance to design and deliver the AI and digital transformations that finally show up on the P&L, rewiring processes and data so AI compounds value, not risk.

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Executive Mentoring & Coaching

One-to-one mentoring for business leaders, CIOs and executives ready to manage upward and outward, build trust across the organization, and lead with courage.

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The Book

The Braveheart CIO

Why Every CEO Needs One at the Table

Organizations have invested billions in technology that never delivered on its promise — tangled architectures, fragmented data, rising costs, and a corrosive mistrust between "the Business" and "IT." The root cause was never skill or delivery. It was a culture that treats technology as a service desk rather than a core capability of the enterprise.

The Braveheart CIO is the leader who closes that gap — aligning technology to strategy, having the courage to say no to the noise, and rewiring processes and data so value finally shows up on the P&L. Through real-life business cases, this book gives boards, CEOs and digital leaders the language, the stories and the actions to make it happen. And as AI ushers in Digital Transformation 2.0, closing that gap is no longer just expensive — it's existential.

Coming soon

The sample arrives by email as a PDF. No mailing list, no follow-up unless you ask.

“An inspiring collection of business cases and real-life examples that go deep into the fabric of how organisations should work with technology. It is clear and honest about what worked, what failed miserably, and why. It should be read by everyone around the C-suite table. Be brave. Be Braveheart.”

Jan Zijderveld — from the Foreword. Former CEO, Avon; Former President Europe, Unilever; Board Director, Ahold Delhaize, Pandora & Symrise

“This book is not about technology — it is about leadership and courage. It is not for tech experts, but for CEOs, boards and CIOs, and any business leader engaging in significant digital transformation. An urgent read before the cost of inaction becomes too high.”

Loic Moutault — from the Introduction. Former President, Mars Petcare

What leaders are saying

Benedetto challenges technology leaders to move beyond delivering projects and instead have the courage to shape business strategy, ask the difficult questions and lead meaningful transformation. Every CIO will recognise themselves in these pages. Every CEO should read them.

Susan DonizChief Information & Data Officer, The Walt Disney Company · Former Global CIO, Boeing & Qantas

A breath of fresh air in a field too often clouded by vendor hype and operational friction — essential reading not only for technology leaders but for CEOs and board members who want to harness digital transformation as a true competitive advantage.

Mourad AjartiGroup Chief Digital & Technology Officer, Coca-Cola HBC

Not only do CEOs navigating technological change need Braveheart CIOs on their team — CEOs should read this book to appreciate the conditions needed for them to thrive and deliver strategic value.

Lily ChengBoard Director, Cathay Pacific · Mars Petcare Digital Advisory Board · Founder & CEO, Hubel Labs

Tackles the root of the digital transformation challenge with clarity, honesty and practical examples. I whole-heartedly recommend it for all leaders tasked with leading a digital/AI transformation.

Nathan FurrProfessor of Strategy, INSEAD & Non-Executive Director

It names what most of us have lived but rarely say aloud: that failed transformation is a crisis of courage and leadership, rarely of technology. Honest where other books are euphemistic, and as vital in the age of AI as in the decades that forged its lessons.

Guy-Laurent ArpinoChief Information Officer, Louis Dreyfus Company

Now that AI is exposing every crack in legacy organizations, this isn't just a book about technology: it's about the courage to lead the most consequential transformation your company has ever faced.

Luc HennekensTechnology Board Director & CIO

Excellent reading for those aspiring to technology leadership positions — and for CEOs who want to get the best from their IT organizations. He brings laser focus on building trust and relationships to manage effective change.

Kevin SealyFormer Senior Client Partner & Technology Officer Practice, Korn Ferry

A vivid and amusing collection of business cases which are full of deep truth and lessons to remember. A must-read for all concerned with digital transformation at C-level leadership.

Peter Thomas SanyBoard Advisor · Former Global CIO

Great practical advice from an experienced tech leader who has made the mistakes himself. A Braveheart CIO is all about connecting IT to the business and making maximum impact with limited resources.

Dave UbachsGlobal CIO — Edenred, Staples, Ipsos

Speaking

Provoking the thinking that removes the real barriers

I bring on stage the real life stories of my executive and advisory career, with candour and boldness. My job is to inspire and energize the audience with new insights that will reshape the future of your organization.

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