While making the analysis, a proper diagnosis of the technological needs should be carried out and then be compared with the business objectives and goals to be achieved
This is an exclusive interview conducted by the Editor Team of CIO News with Nikhil Kumar Nigam, Associate Director – Technologies at Amity Education Group
How did you plan your career path to be a successful technology leader?
I’ve done a little research and introspection and tried to organise my thoughts on how I’ve reached this leadership position and what are the philosophies and theories I’ve taken on board to enact that change because, in your professional life, it is your workplace and your colleagues who teach you, and not much of the written or verbal content taught in school and university helps you out.
The first thing, in my opinion, is to have the courage and mindset to be ready to adapt to new technologies in order to achieve adaptability and bring in transformation that provides employees and organisations with rich experience and tools to bring in the best outcomes and productivity, as well as the quality of work they do. Technology is changing, or, let’s say, upgrading, within no time. We need to use that innovation to ignite your own ability to adapt. Last but not least, step out of your comfort zone, get involved in an organization’s business continuity and strategic planning vision, work out how to contribute to it, and make yourself a must-have member at board meetings.
What challenges you faced in your career path and how did you overcome them?
When discussing challenges, I prefer to use the word “experiences.” There is no such thing as a challenge; if you have the ability to do anything, you just need to be focused and determined to achieve it, exploring all the possible and best ways to get it done on time. I always focused on the idea that the team should be open to research and innovation, and we should ensure that they are always upgrading themselves and the organisation as per the emerging technologies available to ensure we are not left behind.
What are the challenges faced by technology leaders today while implementing digital technologies?
When you talk about getting digital or new merging technologies implemented, one major requirement is to ensure that your team is equipped enough with learning and a positive mindset to commit to themselves that they are not only going to get it successfully implemented for themselves but also to ensure that the success is driven by the end user, who not only uses the technology with optimum results but also makes them use it with ease. All of this requires us to practise “continuous evolution” of end-user needs. Apart from addressing security concerns in this world of cyberattacks and the dark web, one needs to justify the budget allocation very carefully, promising the success of the plan.
How can technology leaders overcome the challenges faced?
While making the analysis, a proper diagnosis of the technological needs should be carried out and then be compared with the business objectives and goals to be achieved.
The focus should be on establishing the resources, skillset, tools, and processes for a dynamic and hybrid environment. Continuous practise of imparting training and conducting workshops not only with respect to technology but also with respect to management skills and personal wellbeing (mental and physical health) should be on the top of the priority list. This will definitely help in improving their core competencies. Finally, a leader should mark his identity as a mentor and guide who is accessible to the team and also ensure that he keeps upgrading himself in all these aspects mentioned earlier so that he can drive the transformation.
Any best practices, industry trends, or advice you’d give to fellow technology leaders to help them succeed professionally?
Technology leaders should not be afraid to take up new technologies; rather, they should always be in welcoming mode. Always motivate and mentor your team to help them gain confidence in themselves and trust in you. Never look back at your failures, as they are the reason for the success you have today. Finally, when you consider yourself a leader, lead from the front. Allow success to be dedicated to the team, and failure to fall on your lap in order to extract and convert the learning. Always remember your team is the key to success, so always appreciate them and raise them along with you.
Any other points that you would like to highlight?
Holding and giving out your best while you are in a leadership position is more difficult than reaching the leadership role. One should ensure that their leadership abilities are recognized, with many other leaders following in their footsteps and contributing to giving back to society and future generations.
Also read: Technology is evolving and you must embrace it by maximising its benefits
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CIO News, a proprietary of Mercadeo, produces award-winning content and resources for IT leaders across any industry through print articles and recorded video interviews on topics in the technology sector such as Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cloud, Robotics, Cyber-security, Data, Analytics, SOC, SASE, among other technology topics
