Leaders should take chances and introduce new technologies so that they encourage innovation and new technology adoption.
This is an exclusive interview series conducted by the Editor Team of CIO News with Tarun Vijh, President – CDIO at Wagh Bakri Tea Group.
How did you plan your career path to be a successful technology leader?
Learning has always been a priority for me to succeed in various roles and assignments throughout my career. One should always be ready to accept challenges and take on challenging roles that come their way. To succeed in any role, organizations look forward to your contribution to the business. I believe one can only contribute effectively if they are aware of business processes and challenges. Similarly, as a technology leader, one needs to stay updated with the latest tools, technologies, and solutions.
I started my career as a desktop engineer and worked at all levels, from team member and individual contributor to people manager. Regardless of the role, I always aimed to contribute to business growth and make a difference, not just by following instructions but by proactively adding value.
What challenges did you face in your career path, and how did you overcome them?
As a person, I have always welcomed challenges because they help you improve, learn, or find better opportunities. Whenever I faced a roadblock in my career, I would first look for new roles within the organization. If I couldn’t find enough opportunities internally, I would then seek opportunities outside the organization.
Situations are not always favourable, and I often say that apples cannot be harvested on plains. This does not mean there is a problem with the seed. If you believe the organizational culture, people, or environment are not in your favour, then it is best to move on and look for an opportunity where your talent can be best utilized. This approach benefits both the organization and the individual for better career planning.
What are the challenges faced by technology leaders today while implementing digital technologies?
The key challenges faced by technology leaders are
- Resistance to change within organizations by stakeholders.
- Complexity of integrations required within different systems.
- Cybersecurity concerns and data privacy.
- Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.
- Budget Constraints.
- Skill Gap
How can technology leaders overcome the challenges they face?
Technology leaders should first create a roadmap by identifying gaps and balancing technology with business requirements. As a leader, it is crucial to onboard other leaders within the organization to ensure they understand and support the priorities, which helps manage challenges related to change management.
Additionally, a leader should onboard partners who can help bridge the skill gaps in the face of fast-changing technological advancements. It is also the responsibility of technology leaders to ensure the security and privacy of all digital assets and applications by having proper governance in place.
Any best practices, industry trends, or advice you would like to suggest to fellow technology leaders for their successful professional journeys?
As I said, organizations always look for employees’ contributions within the organization, and employees look for their own growth within the organization. Hence, we have to keep learning and always try to contribute in the best possible manner. As leaders, we should always focus on how to simplify things, as simplification contributes to the growth and productivity of organizations. Leaders should take chances and introduce new technologies so that they encourage innovation and new technology adoption. This keeps organizations ahead of the competition.
About Tarun Vijh
He is a seasoned IT leader with 28+ years of rich experience across several diversified industries, which included FMCG, manufacturing, engineering, and publishing. He had led several IT projects, including ERP (SAP & LS), cyber security, and digitization initiatives, and advocated for new edge technologies to be used within organizations. He is carrying a vast experience to manage IT operations, building IT roadmaps, IT strategies, and AOP planning at several multinational and Indian promoter-driven organizations.
Also read: Achieving Rapid Outcomes with AI-Driven Cloud Analytics
Do Follow: CIO News LinkedIn Account | CIO News Facebook | CIO News Youtube | CIO News Twitter
About us:
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, CIO News serves as your go-to destination for staying abreast of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and IT. Founded in June 2020, CIO News has rapidly evolved with ambitious growth plans to expand globally, targeting markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, USA, and the UK.
CIO News is a proprietary of Mercadeo Multiventures Pvt Ltd.
