Jason Zimmerman is a behavioral economist and the Founder of 3Fold Collective, a consultancy focused on bridging the gap between strategy and execution. He has spent two decades working at the intersection of research, strategy, and execution, including senior leadership roles in corporate strategy and transformation. Jason holds an MBA from Northwestern University and Finance and Economics degrees from Indiana University. His work centers on how culture, influence, and organizational networks shape outcomes—helping leaders adapt to disruption, whether through AI adoption, growth at scale, or enterprise-wide transformation.
Jason has a deep passion for education and empowerment as a pathway to possibility and believes real change takes hold from the bottom up. He is drawn to the moments when individuals are equipped to act, and when those connections multiply, the results can be exponential—where one plus one becomes three. That perspective grounds his approach with empathy and practicality, and fuels his commitment to helping organizations achieve impact that lasts.
3Fold Collective combines behavioral economics, organizational network analysis, and structural design to make culture visible and actionable. The firm partners with mission-driven organizations to help leaders gain traction, build trust, and create operating models fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world.
In this compelling episode of "Embracing Digital Transformation," host Dr. Darren welcomes Jason Zimmerman, founder of 3Fold Collective, to discuss the journey from ambiguity to action in guiding organizations through digital transformation. They delve into the challenges and successes associated with integrating technology, particularly AI, into organizations and reveal that approximately 80% of AI implementations fail due to a lack of human acceptance and unclear strategy. Jason shares his insights into the importance of people, process, and technology in driving change, emphasizing the critical role of understanding human behavior and agency. This episode is a must-listen for technologists and business leaders navigating their digital transformation journeys, seeking to leverage AI effectively. ## Takeaways - Successful digital transformation requires a deep understanding of the complexities of organizational change. - Emphasizing the human element and reducing ambiguity can significantly boost the success rates of AI implementations. - Understanding human behavior is crucial for unlocking successful digital transformation. - Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) is a powerful tool for identifying key influencers and facilitating change from the bottom up. - Cultivating a culture of continuous learning and adaptation accelerates adoption and innovation within organizations. - Recognizing and addressing resistance to change is essential for overcoming barriers in the digital transformation journey. ## Chapters - 00:00 - Introduction to Embracing Digital Transformation - 02:14 - Guest Introduction: Jason Zimmerman - 04:10 - Defining Digital Transformation Challenges - 08:00 - The Intersection of People, Process, and Technology - 11:30 - The Rise of Ambiguity in AI Implementations - 15:45 - The Role of Organizational Network Analysis - 20:10 - Case Study: 15,000-Person Transformation - 25:00 - Insights on Cultural Resistance and Change Agents - 30:00 - Bridging the Gap Between Strategy and Human Behavior - 35:00 - Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Jason