DBS Bank in Singapore had a lofty ambition: to be crowned the "Best Bank in the World" by 2020. Why? Well, the world of banking had taken quite a reputational hit after the 2008 financial crisis, and DBS wanted to turn the tide by "Making Banking Joyful" for its customers.

The plan wasn't just to make banking less of a headache but to actually make it enjoyable. The bank decided to invest in new technologies to make transactions as smooth as butter and focused on four main pillars: having a strategy that actually means something, changing not just the tech but also the work culture, going all-in by transforming every part of the bank at the same time, and making sure business and tech teams were on the same page.

The gambit seemed to be working when they were named the "Best Digital Bank" in 2016. It gave them the confidence boost to keep going, and guess what? They hit their target two years early, in 2018, winning the title of the Best Bank in the World from various outlets.

What can we learn from this? To stand out, aim high—higher than profits. Technology can be a game-changer, but it has to be part of a broader shift that includes company culture. DBS showed that a big, bold vision could be more than just talk; it can lead to transformative success.