Robin Speculand, Strategy and Digital Implementation Specialist, founder of Bridges Business Consultancy Int and co-founder of the Strategy Implementation Institute and Digital Leadership Specialists, has guided organizations in turning strategy into the right actions for three decades in Singapore and coincidentally also celebrates his 60th year this year.
Based in Singapore, Robin has shaped the work of thousands of C-suite executives, board members, and future leaders—both locally and globally.
In this SG60 Showcase, Robin reflects on his pioneering role in helping Singaporean companies thrive in digital and AI transformation. From co-authoring the DBS Bank’s success story (with former CEO Piyush Gupta) to teaching strategy and digital implementation across five universities (including SMU and NUS), Robin’s influence has positioned Singapore as a leader in strategy and digital implementation.
Highlights
Bringing Strategy to Life—From DBS to Boardrooms Worldwide
Q: Describe a specific initiative or program you’ve led that has contributed to Singapore’s development in the past 5 years.
A: I’ve been an adjunct faculty member at Singapore Management University since its founding in 2000. During that time, I’ve supported hundreds of Singaporean leaders to understand how to implement strategy and navigate digital transformation.
Recent milestones include co-authoring the DBS success story, publishing three Harvard and SMU case studies on DBS, and earlier this year delivering a talk with Piyush Gupta at SMU to over 200 local leaders. The DBS transformation is one of the world’s most compelling cases of transforming a traditional company into being digitally driven one. I share that story, on average, twice a week with audiences around the world.
The Global Voice Driving Local Digital Wins
Q: What unique perspective or expertise do you bring that is particularly relevant to Singapore’s next chapter of growth?
A: Only one in three transformations succeed in a digital world for organizations both in Singapore and globally. My expertise is focused on bridging that gap. Once companies have defined their strategy, I support them in embedding the disciplines and behaviours needed to execute it effectively. Whether I’m working with DBS, Microsoft, or Novartis, the core challenge remains the same: How do we move from designing strategy to delivering the promised performance?
My work presents a practitioner’s view shaped by 30 years of global consulting, nine published books, six Harvard & SMU case studies, and deep engagements with Singapore’s leading firms.
Q: How many Singaporean professionals have you trained or influenced through your work?
A: More than 30,000 professionals across corporate, academic, and leadership settings.
Q: Which Singapore-based organisations have you worked with recently?
A: DBS, RQAM, Novartis, IHHH, Microsoft, and AI Path (SAAS model).
From Classroom to Boardroom: Teaching the Art of Implementation
Q: What sets you apart from other speakers/trainers in your field?
A: Based out of Singapore, I have pioneered the recognition globally of strategy implementation as its own unique field. In the late 1990s, I identified a key gap—that leaders were taught how to plan but not to implement. This led to leaving my role as a regional VP in Citigroup to start my consulting business, Bridges, exactly 25 years ago. Our first client was SIA. During my MBA at NUS, I wrote my thesis about this strategy-implementation gap. Of special note is working with DBS leaders to write and produce World’s Best Bank – A Strategic Guide to Digital Transformation, which is now available in seven languages.
I also represent Singapore and SE Asia as a Peter Drucker Ambassador., I am one of the founding members of the Asia Professional Speakers Singapore (APSS) and a Hall of Fame inductee. I was also co-nominated with Piyush Gupta for the Thinkers50 award.
Q: How do you stay current and continuously evolve your craft?
A: I’m a compulsive reader and lifelong learner. Teaching at universities and writing various white papers, books, and university case studies keep me connected with both academic research and emerging practitioner insights. I also speak regularly at international conferences. With this exposure, I am able to stay at the cutting edge of what’s next in digital transformation and strategic leadership.
Helping Singapore Thrive in a Digital World
Robin Speculand’s life mission is to ensure strategy doesn’t remain on paper but lives in action. His personal purpose is to ensure leaders apply the same focus and activity to implementation as they do to strategy. His strong influence on Singapore’s leadership and digital transformation landscape is undeniable. As Singapore continues to scale its Smart Nation ambitions, leaders like Robin remain critical in turning bold visions into lasting outcomes.
Highlights
This article is part of the SG60 Showcase series—highlighting voices and visionaries building Singapore’s future. Stay tuned for more. Stay tuned for more.
Read the Chinese article here, or listen to the podcast here.
