Why do mature ITSM programs still fail? This episode explores the hidden risks behind ITSM stagnation, loss of executive sponsorship, outdated KPIs, rigid processes, and misaligned culture. Learn how to sustain ITSM maturity through continual improvement, business-aligned metrics, leadership engagement, and evolution in the age of automation and AI.

In this episode, we answer to:

Why do mature ITSM programs fail despite successful ITIL adoption?

How does loss of executive sponsorship undermine IT Service Management sustainability?

How can ITSM processes and KPIs evolve to support automation, AI, and business agility?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Keith D. Sutherland, Lawrence J. "Butch" Sheets, book "A Practical Guide to Service Management: Insights from industry experts for uncovering, implementing, and improving service management practices", link https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Keith-D-Sutherland/dp/1804612502

TOPdesk website, article "5 ITSM implementation pitfalls to avoid", link https://www.topdesk.com/en/blog/itsm-implementation-pitfalls/

Sunrise website, article "Why ITSM implementations often fail?", link https://www.sunrisesoftware.com/blog/why-itsm-implementations-often-fail

ITSM Tools website, article "10 Common ITSM Mistakes and How to Avoid Them", link https://itsm.tools/10-common-itsm-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

In this episode of The ITSM Practice Podcast, Luigi Ferri moves from AI theory to execution, explaining how medium-sized organizations can define AI use cases, assess data and infrastructure, build skills, and scale pilot projects. The focus is on creating a practical AI roadmap for IT Service Management with measurable, sustainable outcomes.

In this episode, we answer to:

How can organizations identify the right AI use cases for IT Service Management?

What data, infrastructure, and skills are required to scale AI initiatives successfully?

How can IT leaders manage risks while building a realistic AI roadmap?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

How to Assess AI Readiness for Service Delivery, link https://theitsmpractice.gumroad.com/l/HowtoAssessAIReadinessforServiceDelivery

KPMG website, article "AI Governance: Factors for Success", link https://kpmg.com/de/en/home/insights/2025/04/ki-governance-these-are-the-factors-for-success.html

IBM website, article "What is AI governance?", link https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-governance

Deepchecks website, article "Understanding the AI Maturity Model: Advancing Your Organization’s AI Capabilities", link https://www.deepchecks.com/understanding-the-ai-maturity-model-advancing-your-organizations-ai-capabilities/

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

In this episode of The ITSM Practice Podcast, Luigi Ferri explores AI readiness for service desks and ITSM in medium-sized organizations. Going beyond tools and automation, the discussion focuses on leadership, governance, culture, and skills needed to adopt and scale AI responsibly and align AI initiatives with real business value.

In this episode, we answer to:

Are medium-sized organizations really ready for AI in ITSM and service delivery?

What does AI readiness mean beyond automation and technology?

How can leaders assess governance, skills, and culture before adopting AI?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

How to Assess AI Readiness for Service Delivery, link https://theitsmpractice.gumroad.com/l/HowtoAssessAIReadinessforServiceDelivery

IMD website, article "AI Maturity Index", link https://www.imd.org/artificial-intelligence-maturity-index/

Boston Consulting Group website, article "When Companies Struggle to Adopt AI, CEOs Must Step Up", link https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/when-companies-struggle-to-adopt-ai-ceos-must-step-up

Cloud Security Alliance website, article "A Guide On How AI Pilot Programs are Shaping Enterprise Adoption", link https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/blog/2025/03/28/a-guide-on-how-ai-pilot-programs-are-shaping-enterprise-adoption

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

Learn how to build a solid GRC foundation for fintech growth in the EU. We break down governance, risk management, and compliance essentials to help startups scale, earn investor trust, and meet PSD2, GDPR, DORA, MiCA, AML expectations from day one.

In this episode, we answer to:

How do you set up an effective GRC framework for a fintech startup in the EU?

Why must European fintechs prioritize compliance, risk, and governance early to scale safely?

What roles, processes, and oversight are essential to meet PSD2, GDPR, DORA, AML requirements?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

European Central Bank (ECB) website, article "The PSD2 supports innovation and competition in retail payments … and enhances the security of payment transactions and the protection of consumer data.", link https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/intro/mip-online/2018/html/1803_revisedpsd.en.html?

Deloitte website, article "The Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2)", link https://www.deloitte.com/lu/en/Industries/banking-capital-markets/research/psd2-revised-payment-services-directive.html?

European Parliament website, article "GDPR: Overview of the EU General Data Protection Regulation", link https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/dealing-with-customers/data-protection/data-protection-gdpr/index_en.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com

German BaFin website, article "Prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing", link https://www.bafin.de/EN/Aufsicht/Geldwaeschepraevention/geldwaeschepraevention_node_en.html?

ESMA website, article "Official summary from authoritative EU sources: Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)", link https://www.esma.europa.eu/esmas-activities/digital-finance-and-innovation/digital-operational-resilience-act-dora?

ESMA website, article "Official overview by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA): Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)", link https://www.esma.europa.eu/esmas-activities/digital-finance-and-innovation/markets-crypto-assets-regulation-mica?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

A deep dive into BSI Grundschutz technical measures, systems, networks, applications, monitoring, and evidence-based security. Learn how to move from compliance to operational resilience and why German clients expect proof, not promises.

In this episode, we answer to:

How do BSI Grundschutz technical measures strengthen system, network, and application security?

What evidence-based controls are required to prove resilience and compliance?

How does Grundschutz compare to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for SaaS and cloud environments?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Eena 112 website, whitepaper "Cybersecurity Practical Approach", link https://eena.org/wp-content/uploads/2020_05_06_Cybersecurity_PracticalApproach.pdf

BSI - German Federal Office for Information Security, publication "BSI Magazin", link https://www.bsi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/BSI/Publications/Magazin/BSI-Magazin_2021-01.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5

ACC Management Consulting, article "BSI - IT Baseline Protection: A Method for Information Security", link https://www.acc-management-consulting.de/bsi-grundschutz-isms

BSI - German Federal Office for Information Security, WiBa tool, link https://www.bsi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/BSI/Grundschutz/WiBA/WiBA_Tool_Excel.xlsx?__blob=publicationFile&v=2

Dr. Datenschutz website, article "The path to basic security for your IT", link https://www.dr-datenschutz.de/der-weg-in-die-basisabsicherung-fuer-ihre-it/

BSI - German Federal Office for Information Security, article + videos "Getting Started - Guidance and videos for raising awareness of cyber security", link https://www.bsi.bund.de/EN/Themen/Unternehmen-und-Organisationen/Informationen-und-Empfehlungen/KMU/leichter_Einstieg/leichter_Einstieg_node.html

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

BSI Grundschutz is the hidden gatekeeper for U.S. companies entering Germany. This episode breaks down the organizational measures, from ISMS design to governance, staff security, and incident evidence, that shape compliance, build trust, and strengthen IT security maturity.

In this episode, we answer to:

What is BSI Grundschutz and why does it matter for U.S. companies expanding to Germany?

How do organizational measures like ISMS, governance, and role clarity improve security and compliance?

How does documenting incidents and responsibilities increase trust with German clients and regulators?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Secureframe website, article "BSI IT-Grundschutz", link https://secureframe.com/frameworks-glossary/bsi-it-grundschutz

Hisolutions website, article "BSI IT-Grundschutz", link https://www.hisolutions.com/security-consulting/informationssicherheit/bsi-it-grundschutz

BSI - German Federal Office for Information Security, article "Advanced Protection", link https://www.bsi.bund.de/EN/Themen/Unternehmen-und-Organisationen/Informationen-und-Empfehlungen/KMU/Expertise/Expertise_node.html

BSI - German Federal Office for Information Security, article "IT-Grundschutz", link https://www.bsi.bund.de/EN/Themen/Unternehmen-und-Organisationen/Standards-und-Zertifizierung/IT-Grundschutz/it-grundschutz.html

Secfix website, article "ISO 27001 und BSI-Grundschutz", link https://de.secfix.com/beitrag/iso-27001-bsi-grundschutz

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

Discover why 70% of ITSM initiatives fail and how a strategic Service Management Office (SMO) transforms ITIL from theory into business value. Learn the six-step SMO blueprint, key metrics, and pitfalls to avoid to elevate ITSM maturity and governance.

In this episode, we answer to:

What is a Service Management Office and why is it critical for ITSM success?

How do you build an SMO with governance, value alignment, and CIO-level sponsorship?

Which metrics and maturity levels define real ITSM performance and business impact?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Pink Elephant website, whitepaper "The IT Service Management Office", link https://www.pinkelephant.com/uploadedfiles/Resources/PinkPapers/The-IT-Service-Management-Office.pdf

Littlefish website, article "Strategic Power of a Service Management Office (SMO)", link https://www.littlefish.co.uk/insights/service-management-office-smo/

IT Process Maps, article "ITIL Service Strategy", link https://wiki.en.it-processmaps.com/index.php/ITIL_Service_Strategy

Echolon website, article "The importance of an effective ITIL® service strategy for success in IT service management", link https://www.echolon.de/en/blog/itil-it-service-strategy/

Scrumprep website, article "Answering: Which metrics will help a Product Owner determine if a product is deliverying value?", link https://scrumprep.com/answering-which-metrics-will-help-a-product-owner-determine-if-a-product-is-delivering-value/

Value Delivery Metric website, video https://youtu.be/pjnkWgq7I6I

ITSM Tools website, article "The Making of an IT Service Management (ITSM) Maturity Model", link https://itsm.tools/the-making-of-a-maturity-model-an-approach-to-culture-and-client-support/

Navvia website, whitepaper "The Making of an IT Service Management (ITSM) Maturity Model", link https://navvia.com/hubfs/MKTG Folder/Learn center - Courses Slides/SMO Service Management Office -Slides.pdf

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

In this episode of The ITSM Practice Podcast, Luigi Ferri dives into Financial Modelling for ITIL-based services — the key to shifting IT from a cost center to a value creator. Learn how Activity-Based Costing (ABC), Unit Costing, Lifecycle Costing, and Showback Models can transform IT governance, pricing clarity, and business alignment in IT Service Management (ITSM).

In this episode, we answer to:

How can IT leaders connect services, costs, and value in ITIL-based organizations?

Which financial models (ABC, Unit Cost, Lifecycle) fit your ITSM strategy best?

How can financial transparency turn IT from “too expensive” to a strategic partner?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

PeopleCert website, article "ITIL 4 Value Streams Doing Right Things for Customers", link https://www.axelos.com/resource-hub/blog/itil-4-value-streams-doing-right-things-for-customers

QRP website, article "ITIL 4 Service Value Chain and Value Stream", link https://www.qrpinternational.be/blog/it-governance-and-service-management/service-value-chain-and-value-stream/

IT Process Map website, article "Financial Management", link https://wiki.en.it-processmaps.com/index.php/Financial_Management

PMI website, article "Activity Based Costing (ABC)", link https://www.projectmanagement.com/wikis/232994/activity-based-costing--abc-

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya