200: ‘A Framework for Digital Transformation’, with Nathan Miller
A conversation with Nathan Miller discussing strategies for assessing digital readiness, the high cost of misalignment in digital transformations, the dangers of tool chasing, and the importance of authenticity in building sustainable practices.
Nathan Miller joins the podcast to talk about why most digital transformations in AEC fail, and what to do about it. In this milestone 200th episode, we discuss the high cost of misalignment between strategy, culture, and operations, the dangers of tool chasing without purpose, and the critical role of authenticity in building sustainable, tech-enabled practices. Nate also shares his “smarts, health, and fitness” framework for assessing digital readiness, and we explore how firms can create lasting change by starting with who they really are. And of course we talk a lot about AI too.
Watch This Episode on YouTube:
Episode links:
Some links on this page help fund our work, and we may earn a commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.
Connect with the Guest
- Nathan Miller on LinkedIn
- Proving Ground
- Proving Ground on LinkedIn
- Proving Ground Blog
- Proving Ground Tools (Conveyor, Tracer, Semantic)
Books and Philosophies
- Shoshana Zuboff’s The Age of Surveillance Capitalism
- Wikipedia Overview
- Amazon Link
- Examines the implications of data capture and AI on privacy and behavior—deeply relevant to discussions in the episode.
- Kirby Ferguson’s Everything is a Remix
- Official Website
- Explores how creativity builds upon existing ideas—tied to the episode’s discussion on authenticity and AI-generated content.
- Simon Sinek’s Start With Why
- Amazon Link
- Encourages discovering the core purpose of organizations, resonating with the theme of identifying your firm’s North Star.
- Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow
- Wikipedia Overview
- Amazon Link
- Explores cognitive processes and decision-making, useful in framing organizational transformation strategies.
AI Tools and Emerging Technologies
- OpenAI ChatGPT
- OpenAI Website
- Mentioned in discussions around productivity, mental health prompts, and usage concerns.
- Microsoft Copilot for Power BI
- Microsoft Copilot
- The next era of Copilot in Power BI: Chat with your Data
- Referenced in the episode for its enterprise AI integration capabilities and pricing tiers.
- Runway ML for Generative Media
- Runway Official Site
- Discussed as part of the explosion of AI-powered creative tools.
- Midjourney
- Midjourney Website
- Referenced in the context of AI-generated visuals and ethical concerns regarding data usage.
- DeepSeek AI
- DeepSeek Website
- Referenced in the episode as a case study of competitive international AI development.
Events and Networks
- Autodesk University
- Autodesk University
- Referenced regarding AI feature announcements and opt-in policies.
- USC BimBop
- USC BimBop Conference Info
- Nathan delivered a presentation on the “Smarts, Health, and Fitness” strategic model here.
Psychology and Personal Development
- Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
- Amazon Link
- Pertains to the growth mindset and overcoming resistance to change in digital transformation.
- Authenticity in Leadership and Practice
- HBR: The Authenticity Paradox (behind paywall)
- Aligns with Nathan’s core theme of organizational identity, authenticity, and technological strategy.
About Nathan Miller:
Nate Miller is the founder of Proving Ground - a digital design agency. Nate consults with AEC professionals to implement human-centered digital strategies that amplify the values, sensibilities, and ethics of their businesses. Nate is also the author of popular computational design software including LunchBox and Conveyor which provide designers with tools for data-driven exploration.
