Leading Digital Transformation
Milosz Serwin leads global digital transformation efforts. With an automotive engineering background, he excels in strategic planning, problem-solving, and cross-department collaboration. His leadership in implementing next.GenERP is key to ZF’s success, showcasing adaptability and teamwork in driving growth.
Charting the Future with Vision and Expertise
Milosz Serwin, a ZF Rollout Project Manager based in Poland, has been at the forefront of ZF’s digital transformation since May 2023. As a member of the senior management team, Milosz brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to his role. With an educational background in Automotive Engineering from Politechnika Wrocławska, Milosz began his career as a product engineer, steadily climbing the ranks in leading automotive companies. Today, he spearheads the global implementation of next.GenERP, where he has spent the past three years using his leadership skills to support project and program management teams.
A Day in the Life of a Rollout Project Manager
For Milosz, each day is a dynamic blend of strategic planning and hands-on problem-solving. His primary responsibilities include promptly addressing challenges to keep projects on track, mapping out successful system deployments, fostering consensus among internal and external partners, customizing SAP systems to meet organizational needs, ensuring seamless data transitions, and guaranteeing system robustness and reliability.
His stakeholders range from internal management, end-users, and IT personnel to external SAP consultants, vendors, partners, and the project steering committee. Milosz’s role is crucial in harmonizing these diverse interests towards a shared objective.
Milosz thrives on the synergy created by collaborating across different departments. “Each challenge presents an opportunity for professional growth, and I am proud of being at the forefront of business process and system transformation,” he says.
Challenges and Recommendations
The most challenging aspects of Milosz’s position include managing a high volume of stakeholders, navigating complex implementation processes, and making continuous adjustments to the project plan. Embracing a "Mission Impossible" mindset has been crucial for him.
A particularly telling example of the challenges faced was during the initial phase of a critical testing period. “For the first two weeks, the team grappled with configuration and data issues that prevented the execution of any test scenarios,” recalls Milosz. However, the team’s unwavering commitment and refusal to admit defeat led to a remarkable turnaround. Through steadfast perseverance and collaborative problem-solving, they managed to progress significantly over the subsequent four weeks. The result was an impressive 70% successful test runs, a testament to the team’s dedication and collaboration.
What Skills and Mindset Lead to Success?
To excel in a role like Milosz’s, one needs to articulate ideas clearly and effectively, quickly adapt to new technologies and methodologies, independently manage tasks and responsibilities, and proactively address issues and seek opportunities. “In my view, a successful mindset combines adaptability and a problem-solving orientation, complemented by leadership and teamwork skills to navigate the complexities of cross-organizational projects,” Milosz explains. “If you’re looking for a fast-paced program environment to gain experience and develop new skills, take advantage of the opportunity to join ZF’s digitalization journey!”
The Impact of Leadership
Milosz’s leadership in deploying next.GenERP with its new processes, harmonized data and S/4HANA technology across ZF’s various locations and departments has been influential in securing the company’s future competitiveness. His efforts are central to ensure flawless execution of integrated business processes and to realize digital transformation benefits to the max. As a high achiever in the ZF organization, Milosz’s contributions have been instrumental in driving these successes.
Embracing Growth and Adaptation
Milosz Serwin’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing change within a global organization. His proactive approach to career development, coupled with his technical expertise and leadership skills, has positioned him as a key player in ZF’s digital transformation journey. His narrative reinforces the idea that with the right mindset and skills, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every day is a step towards a brighter future in the digital age.
