In a recent episode of the Insights Unlocked podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Rebecca Goodman, the Chief Digital Officer at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Rebecca shared her journey, insights, and the significant digital transformation initiatives she is leading at the FDIC. This blog post delves into the key themes and ideas discussed in the episode, providing valuable takeaways for anyone involved in digital transformation, UX design, or public service.

Introduction to Rebecca Goodman and the FDIC

Rebecca Goodman has been a pivotal figure in the federal government for over 13 years, and her role at the FDIC is critical. The FDIC, a U.S. government agency, insures bank deposits to protect customers' funds in case of bank failures. Rebecca's mission is to modernize and unify the FDIC’s digital properties, enhancing user experience and ensuring seamless operations.

Key Responsibilities at FDIC

Rebecca's initial tasks included:

• Overhauling all digital properties
• Building a digital team from scratch
• Establishing UX practices across the organization
• Unifying the digital experience for all stakeholders

Challenges and Strategies in Digital Transformation

Rebecca's role involves managing extensive projects that can be overwhelming. Her strategy includes breaking down tasks into manageable lists and prioritizing them effectively. One of her significant achievements is implementing a new content management system (CMS) and overhauling the FDIC’s intranet, known as FDIC Net.

Key Steps in Digital Overhaul

1. Stakeholder Interviews: Conducting comprehensive interviews with key stakeholders, leadership, and employees across various locations to understand their needs and expectations.
2. Designing Seamless Integrations: Creating a design system that integrates various internal tools, reducing the need for employees to navigate multiple platforms.
3. Implementing a CMS: Transitioning from hand-coded HTML and CSS to a modern CMS to streamline content management and delivery.

Building and Leading a Digital Team

Rebecca emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals with the right mix of technical skills and cultural fit. Her approach to building a successful team involves:

• Hiring the first UX designer at the FDIC
• Recruiting for diverse roles, including developers, UX researchers, and content strategists
• Ensuring new hires align with the organization's culture and values

Navigating the Federal Hiring Process

Hiring within a federal agency comes with its own set of challenges. Rebecca explains the complexities of federal hiring regulations and the importance of specialized experience. She also highlights the benefits of direct hire processes for specific roles like IT and cybersecurity positions.

Tips for Successful Hiring

• Focus on Soft Skills: Prioritize hiring individuals with strong interpersonal skills that complement the team's culture.
• Specialized Experience: Ensure job descriptions are detailed and specific to attract the right candidates.
• Streamline Processes: Take advantage of direct hire authorities where possible to expedite the hiring process.

Creating a Seamless User Experience

"We crafted a design based on stakeholder feedback and built a system that integrates all internal tools seamlessly."

One of Rebecca’s key projects is the redesign of FDIC Net, aiming to create a more intuitive and personalized intranet experience. By integrating various internal tools and providing a personalized user experience, the FDIC is set to enhance its operational efficiency significantly.

Key Components of the Redesign

• Stakeholder Feedback: Incorporating feedback from employees across all levels to ensure the new system meets their needs.
• Personalization: Offering personalized experiences to users to improve usability and satisfaction.
• Modern Technologies: Adopting modern CMS and design principles to streamline content management and user interactions.

Advice for Digital Transformation Leaders

Rebecca offers valuable advice for leaders embarking on digital transformation journeys:

• Prioritize Cultural Fit: Hire individuals who align with the organization's culture and values.
• Focus on Soft Skills: Emphasize the importance of interpersonal skills and cultural fit in the hiring process.
• Be Mission-Driven: Stay focused on the bigger picture and the mission of the organization.

The Importance of Public Service and Financial Security

Rebecca's passion for public service and her mission-driven approach are evident throughout her discussion. She highlights the crucial role of the FDIC in maintaining financial security and public trust, especially during bank crises.

Why Work for the Federal Government?

• Mission-Driven Work: Making a positive impact and supporting the American people.
• Financial Security: Ensuring financial stability and security as a form of national security.
• Public Trust: Building and maintaining public trust through reliable and effective services.

Conclusion

Rebecca Goodman’s work at the FDIC is a testament to the importance of digital transformation in enhancing user experiences and operational efficiency. Her insights on managing large-scale projects, building effective teams, and navigating federal hiring processes provide valuable lessons for leaders across all sectors.