Collaboration and Diversity: the Keys to Leadership
My career in the digital services industry has taken me through a diverse array of experiences across the world. I've found it to be equal parts rewarding and challenging, and I would encourage any young person to consider pursuing a career in our ever-evolving industry. Part of the reason I'm so passionate about supporting a new generation to enter digital services is my own early experience.
As a young person, I was interested in technology subjects back when computer coding was stored on cassette tapes! I'd always enjoyed the logic - or perhaps the art - of programming. I vividly remember being at a careers night, freshly Eighteen years old, and suggesting an interest in technology and computing. I was told not to do it because "it wasn't a real industry, and it wouldn't lead to a career".
Thankfully, I ignored that advice - and 30 years on, I've had a fulfilling journey in the digital services industry. From strategic design, technological innovation, business development, building customer relationships, and everything in between, I continue to have tremendous opportunities to learn and grow and, importantly, help improve our community.
In my role today, I lead the Infosys business in Australia & New Zealand and our Financial Services business across APAC. This means I'm responsible for leading our teams, including includes five and a half thousand people on-shore plus ten thousand offshore. While I play multiple roles and manage various business units, what excites me the most is the opportunity to help our teams bring digital innovation to some of the largest businesses in the region, ultimately making a difference to millions of lives through technology.
While my roles and responsibilities are extensive (and make for a long business card), I have three goals at the end of the day.
One: help our teams drive purposeful digital innovation for organisations
Two: foster a culture of respect and collaboration within our ecosystem
Three: help build a more equitable community
This is what I'm ultimately trying to achieve… all with a little bit of fun along the way.
Throughout my working life, I've spent long stints in Europe, Asia, and a short period in the US. Living and working in different areas and with diverse teams gives you fresh perspectives, both in your professional and personal life. One of the most important learnings I've had is that the best recipe for success is a collaborative and diverse team.
My job as a leader is to harness the best bits of Infosys from all corners and distil them to be relevant to our teams, our clients, and the community. To foster a truly inclusive environment, we need to embrace diverse nationalities, genders, experiences, and abilities. We work across cultures and industries, so it's essential to have that in our people and approach.
Today it's exciting to see young talent buzzing with ideas that will help make the world a better place through digital technology. At Infosys, we're committed to helping nurture the next generation of digital talent. I also really value my role as the chair of our CSR committee for Australia & New Zealand. Our vision is to help create pathways to learning and education for underprivileged communities.
When I interact with students at university engagements or hackathons, they're often curious about what a career within the technology sector looks like. And I look back at the beginning of my journey, back to that careers night, and it brings a smile to my face.
If you're looking for a career that never stands still and have a passion for technology, the digital services space could be a place for you. Explore opportunities to join our teams in the region.
I felt very lucky to be part of your team for a while Andrew Groth. At the time, I recall our leadership team was roughly one-third Aussie, one-third Indian, one-third “Miscellaneous” folks from around the world. I think that diversity was part of our strength.
Thanks Andrew. A true collaborative culture is a wonderful foundation for success, and achieving it is a great challenge. Congrats.