“These considerations underscore the multifaceted role of a tech leader, contributing to effective and responsible technology use in various aspects of an organization.”
This is an exclusive interview series conducted by the Editor Team of CIO News with Rishi Agrawal, SVP & CTO at 3i Infotech Ltd.
How did you plan your career path to be a successful Technology Leader?
In planning my career path, I focused on balancing the current technology architecture, Business Domain, staying updated on emerging technologies, upskilling in technical, business and management areas, and networking for peer learning. The Forbes Technology Council emphasizes communication skills, team-building commitment, understanding the organization’s tech stack, and more. In similar way Accenture suggests continual learning, passion, finding mentors, and motivating team members.
What challenges did you face in your career path, and how did you overcome them?
As the CTO at 3i Infotech, I found opportunities to make a difference. In any technology environment, challenges include upgrading the technical stack, Business feasibility, managing obsolete products, and implementing change management. Strategies involve continuous training, adopting agile methodologies, robust cybersecurity measures, staying updated with emerging technologies, and encouraging innovation while managing costs.
What challenges do Technology Leaders face today when implementing digital technologies?
Challenges include a lack of a change management strategy, evolving customer needs, skill gaps, security concerns, budget constraints, organizational silos, and measuring ROI. A comprehensive plan, a staggered approach, and understanding potential challenges position us for long-term success in the digital age.
How can Technology Leaders overcome these challenges?
Overcoming challenges involves understanding business needs, early involvement of leaders and experts, proper communication, and leveraging expertise to address resistance to adopting new technologies.
Any best practices/industry trends/advice for fellow Technology Leaders?
- Understand business and customer needs.
- Balance PPT (people, process, technology) for a harmonious approach.
- Ensure access to experts and SMEs.
- Emphasize continuous monitoring and improvements. Additionally, the PPT methodology is crucial from project kickoff, focusing on people and processes for project success.
Any other points you’d like to highlight?
- Ensure expertise in a key technology.
- Act as a mentor and team member.
- Lead the team by being involved in key activities.
- Organize continuous technology training and workshops.
Moreover, be empathetic, prioritize usability, manage vendor relationships, ensure ethical technology use, define metrics, establish innovation centers, and implement educational initiatives for digital literacy. As the CTO at 3i Infotech, I ensure that I walk my talk and inspire the next generation. These considerations underscore the multifaceted role of a tech leader, contributing to effective and responsible technology use in various aspects of an organization.
About Rishi Agrawal
As a business technology leader with 24+ years of global experience, Rishi has successfully implemented digital solutions to accelerate business growth and outcomes. Currently, he is CTO and Global Head, Insurance COE, with 3i Infotech. He has led the technology roadmap, strategy, and execution for customers and 3i across application, automation, data, and analytics. Rishi has built and managed digital and automation practices and the COE to grow revenue exponentially and developed a strong execution team. Rishi is a Management and Technology graduate with industry certifications like PMP, Pega, Digital Transformation, etc. He is also a Deeptech Mentor with Nasscom, a former Forbes Technology Forum Member, and an advisor to Engineering and Management Institutes for Future Technology Initiatives. He has global experience and has engaged with AIG US, the World Bank, GE, and other multinational organizations on transformation engagements.
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