In Rebel Rebel, author and digital strategist Geert Van Mol challenges organizations to rethink the status quo and aim for bold, ambitious goals. This thought-provoking book kicks off our first CIO Book Club of the year, and Bluu is giving you a glimpse of what’s inside.

The rebellious mindset 

Geert Van Mol emphasizes that digital transformation isn’t about simple tweaks or incremental improvements. It’s a fundamental shift that demands organizations challenge the status quo and explore uncharted territory. The rules of the game have changed. Disruption is everywhere, and businesses have no choice but to leave their comfort zones. Yes, rebellion: but what does that actually look like?

“Organizations need to encourage experimentation and avoid punishing failure,” Van Mol explains. “Innovation doesn’t come from fear of making mistakes; it thrives on the willingness to learn and keep pushing forward. And digital transformation isn’t about taking small steps, either. It demands a bold and ambitious vision. Companies should ask themselves: ‘What can we do that truly makes an impact in the market and for our customers?’”

True to its rebellious spirit, Rebel Rebel reads like a call to break free from hierarchy. “Ideas need to flow from every level of the organization, unhindered by bureaucracy,” Van Mol points out.

So, what does a rebellious mindset entail? According to Van Mol, it’s all about ambition, courage, and collaboration. “Only companies that challenge themselves to think on a global scale will remain relevant in the long run. At the same time, rebellious leaders must be willing to break through existing structures. Even when it sparks resistance. And it’s never a solo journey: rebellious organizations know that cross-disciplinary collaboration is absolutely essential,” he concludes.

Digital Music Thinking 

What makes this book truly stand out is its use of music as a bold metaphor for innovation. Music is all about creativity, experimentation, and iteration. Just like digital transformation at its best. Musicians learn by doing, and businesses need that same spirit of experimentation to test new ideas. The parallels are clear, but Van Mol goes a step further. He introduces Digital Music Thinking, a practical model that turns the essence of music into a strategy for business success.

“The model has five phases: Listen, Tune, Play, Perform, and Live.” Van Mol explains. “Each one brings fresh insights for companies looking to transform. Take AI as an example. In the ‘Listen’ phase, AI helps businesses uncover what their customers truly need through data and sentiment analysis. During ‘Tune,’ it supports teams in syncing up by connecting and streamlining their work. In ‘Play,’ it opens the door to faster experimentation—think prototypes and testing scenarios. By ‘Perform,’ AI helps businesses fine-tune their actions in real time, creating more personalized experiences. And in ‘Live,’ it shifts digital strategy into an ongoing, adaptive process where systems keep learning and evolving.”

It’s clear: AI isn’t just about crunching numbers. To make a real impact, it needs to spark creativity, encourage collaboration, and stay grounded in ethics. And this model? It’s a step-by-step guide to making that happen.

Following in the footsteps of standout rebels

The book highlights standout rebels and trailblazers; from Elon Musk to Belgian innovators like Itsme, MyBxl, and Intigriti. 

“Belgium has the talent and the potential,” Van Mol says, “but fragmented efforts and inefficient resource use often hold us back. We need a unified digital strategy—one that crosses sectors, bridges government levels, pushes bold investments, prioritizes digital inclusion, and goes even further.”

Curious for more? Dive into Geert’s Rebel Rebel playlist and let the music inspire your next big idea!