Eric Kimberling is an independent technology advisor and the founder of Third Stage Consulting Group, specializing in mitigating the risks of enterprise software implementations. As a veteran consultant and author of Welcome to the Machine, he provides a critical lens on the incentives driving the software vendor industry. His content portfolio includes the Transformation Ground Control podcast, where he interviews global business leaders on digital strategy, and the viral Spreadsheet Guy series, a satirical look at corporate reliance on manual processes. Recently, he has expanded his research into the Japanese IT talent gap, analyzing the unique cultural barriers to modernization within the APAC region. Kimberling frequently serves as a technical expert in high-stakes litigation involving SAP and Oracle failures, leveraging twenty-five years of experience to advocate for client-side accountability. His approach focuses on organizational change management and independent oversight, ensuring project success remains prioritized over vendor commissions.