“Balancing innovation with cost-effectiveness is a persistent challenge”, Says Mr. Dinesh Kaushik,Group IT Head – Sharda Motor Industries Limited

Adopt agile methodologies to ensure flexibility and faster deployment, enabling quick adaptation to challenges.

This is an exclusive interview series conducted by the Editor Team of The Mainstream with Mr. Dinesh Kaushik, Group IT Head – Sharda Motor Industries Limited.

1. How did you plan your career path to be a successful Technology Leader?

• Vision and Continuous Learning: I started with a clear vision of where I wanted to be and constantly updated my technical and leadership skills. Staying relevant in a rapidly evolving industry required certifications, workshops, and hands-on experience.
• Networking and Mentorship: Building relationships with mentors and peers in the industry helped me gain insights and open doors to opportunities.
• Cross-functional Experience: I sought roles that allowed me to explore various facets of technology, from software development to project management, ensuring I had a holistic understanding of business and technology.

2. What challenges did you face in your career path, and how did you overcome them?

• Keeping Up with Rapid Technological Changes: Staying ahead required a proactive approach to learning and adapting to new tools and frameworks. Regular reading, certifications, and experimentation helped bridge the gap.
• Balancing Technology and Business Needs: Early in my career, I focused primarily on the tech aspect. Over time, I realized the importance of aligning technology with business goals, which I addressed by improving my understanding of business strategies.
• Managing Diverse Teams: Leading teams with diverse skill levels and perspectives was challenging. I overcame this by fostering an inclusive culture and investing in team development.

3. What are the challenges faced by Technology Leaders today while implementing digital technologies?

• Resistance to Change: Organizations often struggle with resistance from employees or stakeholders unfamiliar with new technologies.
• Cybersecurity Threats: As digital adoption increases, so does the risk of cyber threats, making robust security measures critical.
• Budget Constraints: Balancing innovation with cost-effectiveness is a persistent challenge.
• Skill Gaps: Rapid technological advancements often outpace workforce readiness, creating skill shortages.
• Integration Issues: Integrating new digital technologies with legacy systems can be complex and time-consuming.

4. How can Technology Leaders overcome the challenges faced?

• Change Management: Build a strong case for change, involve key stakeholders early, and provide training to ease transitions.
• Invest in Cybersecurity: Prioritize security at every stage of implementation, ensuring robust protection against evolving threats.
• Strategic Budgeting: Focus on scalable solutions that deliver long-term value while maintaining flexibility for future upgrades.
• Upskilling the Workforce: Develop internal talent through training programs and collaboration with educational institutions to address skill gaps.

• Agile Practices: Adopt agile methodologies to ensure flexibility and faster deployment, enabling quick adaptation to challenges.

5. Any best practices/industry trends/advice for fellow Technology Leaders?

• Adopt a Customer-Centric Approach: Focus on delivering value to end-users, aligning solutions with their needs.
• Embrace Emerging Technologies: Stay informed about AI, cloud computing, blockchain, and IoT to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage analytics to guide strategy and measure the impact of technology initiatives.
• Build Resilient Systems: Prioritize scalability and disaster recovery to future-proof your technology stack.
• Foster Collaboration: Encourage cross-department collaboration to break silos and achieve cohesive digital transformation.

6. Any other points which you would like to highlight?

• Empathy and Communication: Technology leadership isn’t just about technical expertise; it’s about understanding people and clearly communicating the vision.
• Sustainability: Incorporate sustainable practices into digital strategies to align with global trends and corporate responsibility.
• Celebrating Success: Recognize and celebrate milestones to keep teams motivated and invested in the journey.

Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat

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The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is the premier platform dedicated to delivering the latest news, updates, and insights from the CIO industry. As a trusted source in the technology and IT sector, we provide a comprehensive resource for executives and professionals seeking to stay informed and ahead of the curve. With a focus on cutting-edge developments and trends, The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News serves as your go-to destination for staying abreast of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and IT. Founded in June 2020, The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News has rapidly evolved with ambitious growth plans to expand globally, targeting markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, USA, and the UK