When you think of Hollywood, IT staffing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But the leap from casting television shows to building digital transformation teams isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.
In Hollywood, the job of a casting director is simple to describe but difficult to execute: find the right person for the right role. Someone who not only looks the part on paper but also brings that extra spark—the intangible soft skills, the presence, the chemistry—that makes them the perfect fit.
That same principle applies when staffing IT and ERP projects.
Fit Over Flash
When organizations build internal transformation teams, the temptation is to chase the most technically impressive résumés. But success isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about cultural fit, communication, and trust.
You want the person who will be in the trenches with you, who can navigate stressful situations, who can translate technical jargon into everyday business language. In other words: fit over flash.
Because just like in casting, the wrong fit—no matter how talented—can throw off the entire production.
Why Internal Teams Matter (Even if You Have Consultants)
Many CIOs assume outside consultants or system integrators are the real experts, so why invest in a strong internal team?
The answer comes down to one word: ownership.
Think about installing a new air conditioning system. You don’t want to call the HVAC company every time you need to adjust the thermostat—you want to know how to use it yourself. The same goes for ERP and IT projects. Without internal ownership, you risk being dependent on outside vendors long after the go-live.
Your internal team is the one that keeps the knowledge, maintains the systems, and ensures the strategy doesn’t get lost in translation.
Contractors vs. System Integrators: What’s the Difference?
There’s also a big difference between contractors sourced independently and resources provided by your system integrator.
System integrators often staff projects with whoever they have available—sometimes across multiple clients. Independent contract talent, on the other hand, is fully embedded in your team. Their priority isn’t balancing competing projects—it’s your success.
They live inside your transformation, act in your best interest, and make sure you’re getting full value not just from your software but also from your implementer.
The IT Staffing Casting Lesson for CIOs
Whether you’re casting a television series or staffing a digital transformation, the lesson is the same:
- Don’t settle for resumes that just check boxes.
- Look for the intangibles—communication, adaptability, cultural alignment.
- Build a team that can own the process, not just rent expertise.
- Prioritize fit over flash.
Because at the end of the day, digital transformation isn’t about having the biggest budget or flashiest tech. It’s about having the right people, in the right roles, working toward the right outcome.
Ready to Build Your Cast?
At Lander, we help organizations source IT and ERP talent that doesn’t just look good on paper—it fits. Whether you need project managers, functional specialists, or technical experts, we help you build a team that can deliver.
And with Third Stage Consulting, you get the independent strategy and oversight to keep that team aligned and accountable.
👉 Learn more about how we help organizations staff smarter and transform better.
