Mr. Joydeb Mandal for being awarded “Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of The Year – IT & BPM”

1)Kindly brief us about the outset of your career.

My career began more than two decades ago at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where I started as a consultant working on system modernization projects using ERP applications. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with clients in industries such as financial services, medical equipment manufacturing, and power generation, across regions including Ireland, the UK, and the USA. This foundational experience provided me with a deep understanding of enterprise systems and their role in transforming business operations.

I then moved on to IBM, where I worked as a system integrator specialist on a multi-country, global ERP supply chain transformation program. My work spanned clients in industrial manufacturing and medical equipment manufacturing in regions including the US, Japan, and Canada, further honing my expertise in large-scale global projects.

Next, I joined Wipro Technologies as a program manager, overseeing cloud transformation initiatives for industries such as Construction, Manufacturing & repair, and Port Maintenance, and Technology. These projects, primarily in the USA, UK and Saudi Arabia, challenged me to integrate cutting-edge cloud solutions across diverse, complex sectors.

I also pursued further education at the prestigious IIM Calcutta, where I studied Supply Chain Management. The program provided me with a deep, academic foundation in supply chain dynamics, helping me understand the strategic importance of optimizing end-to-end supply chain processes across industries. This knowledge has been a critical asset in driving successful transformation initiatives throughout my career.

I returned to IBM as a delivery head for the Indian and Southeast Asian markets, managing the delivery of critical projects in the oil & gas and banking sectors for Indian clients. This role sharpened my leadership skills and gave me experience in managing high-stakes delivery across multiple industries.

Most recently, at Accenture, I have taken on the role of Procure to Pay Solution Architect, leading complex, multi-country global transformation programs. This position has allowed me to leverage my deep expertise in supply chain management, along with my extensive cross-industry and cross-geographical experience, to deliver value for clients at a global scale.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work on transformative projects across a wide range of industries, developing a broad skill set in system integration, cloud transformation, and global program management. My education at IIM Calcutta in Supply Chain Management has further enriched my ability to lead and innovate in supply chain transformation, positioning me to drive impactful results for organizations worldwide.

2) As a successful leader, which three personal qualities do you believe contributed most to your success?

As a successful leader, the three personal qualities that have contributed most to my success are a strong sense of partnership, courage to embrace change, and a commitment to innovation. Acting as a true partner has allowed me to build strong, collaborative relationships with clients and teams alike, ensuring mutual trust and alignment toward shared goals. Having the courage to change has been crucial in adapting to evolving markets and technologies, pushing me to challenge the status quo and drive transformation. Lastly, by actively innovating and maintaining a relentless focus on client-centricity, I’ve consistently delivered solutions that not only meet client needs but anticipate their future challenges, ensuring long-term success and impact. These qualities have helped me lead with confidence and agility, and drive results while maintaining strong, trusted relationships.

3) What are the aims and ideals that guide you as an individual and a professional?

As an individual and a professional, the guiding principles that shape my actions and decisions revolve around integrity, leadership, empathy, and a deep commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable environment. First and foremost, I believe in always doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult. Upholding honesty and ethical standards is non-negotiable in my personal and professional life. I strive to lead with excellence, ensuring that the work I do meets the highest standards while remaining confident in my decisions and humble in my approach to others. True leadership, to me, is about inspiring trust, empowering teams, and continuously learning and growing from experiences.

I am deeply committed to caring for the people in my team- recognizing their strengths, supporting their development, and being there for them both professionally and personally. Creating a culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported is central to achieving success as a team. Lastly, I live with an unwavering commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality. I believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and enrich decision-making, and it’s important to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to contribute and thrive, regardless of their background. These ideals guide me every day, helping me make decisions that foster trust, respect, and meaningful progress for both the individuals I work with and the organizations I serve.

4) What are the primary offerings of your company?

Accenture offers a broad range of services that span across various industries, helping organizations navigate digital transformation, improve performance, and drive innovation. Key offerings from Accenture include:

Consulting: Accenture provides strategic advice on business transformation, operational improvements, and technology adoption. This includes helping organizations define their strategy, implement new business models, and optimize processes.

Technology Services: Accenture helps clients implement cutting-edge technologies, from cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain and cybersecurity. Their expertise includes enterprise solutions (e.g., SAP, Oracle), system integration, application services, and IT modernization.

Digital & Interactive: Accenture’s digital services focus on enhancing customer experiences, leveraging data analytics, and driving digital marketing. They provide capabilities in areas like digital marketing, customer insights, and user experience design, often using emerging technologies to help businesses engage with their customers more effectively.

Operations: Accenture offers outsourcing services for business processes, including finance and accounting, supply chain management, human resources, and customer service. They help companies reduce costs and increase efficiency by managing day-to-day operations.

Strategy & Consulting: Accenture’s strategy group provides high-level advice to help organizations define and execute business strategies, including digital transformation, mergers and acquisitions, sustainability, and innovation.

Industry Expertise: Accenture serves a wide range of industries including financial services, healthcare, consumer goods, energy, and public sector, tailoring their solutions to meet industry-specific needs.

Innovation & Research: Accenture also invests in innovation and research through initiatives like Accenture Labs and collaborations with leading technology companies. They explore new ideas and disruptive technologies to create value for their clients.

Accenture’s integrated approach combines deep industry knowledge with advanced technology, allowing them to help clients drive growth, streamline operations, and stay competitive in an ever-changing business environment.

5) What have been the toughest obstacles you’ve faced in your career?

Throughout my career, the toughest obstacles I’ve faced have been navigating the rapid pace of technological change, adapting to diverse cultural environments, and scaling team dynamics. The fast evolution of technology has often required me to stay ahead of the curve, constantly learning and adapting. Having lived and worked in multiple countries, I’ve had to manage and understand different cultural expectations, communication styles, and work ethics, which can be both rewarding and challenging. Additionally, transitioning from managing smaller teams to leading global, cross-functional teams has demanded a shift in leadership style, requiring more effective communication, collaboration, and coordination across time zones and geographies. Each of these challenges has shaped my ability to innovate and lead in a complex, interconnected world.

6) Mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your organization and yourself.

Throughout my career, both I and my organization have been fortunate to receive several notable recognitions and accreditations that reflect our commitment to excellence and innovation. In the School board I received a National Scholarship for both X and XII in 1994 and 1996, which recognized my dedication to learning from an early age. In 1996, I also won the Medha Anneson award in Kolkata, India, from the city council, acknowledging my academic achievements during high school.

In 2009, while working at IBM, I was honored with the prestigious IBM “Bravo” Award for excellence in supply chain transformation and achieving the highest levels of client satisfaction. More recently, in 2024, I was humbled to receive several prestigious awards: the Titan Award, where I won the Gold in the Business Technology Solutions – Supply Chain Management Solution category, and the Global Recognition Award for Excellence in Supply Chain Transformation, which was also featured in Business Insider magazine. Additionally, I was recognized with the Global Leader Award and named Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Year – IT & BPM by Bizox and I-Novate in 2024.

These accolades represent the hard work, collaboration, and dedication of the teams I’ve led and the transformative work we’ve done across various industries, reinforcing my commitment to delivering innovative solutions that make a lasting impact.

7) Do you have a mantra that you live by?

Yes, I do have a mantra that I live by: “Inspire, Act, and Deliver.” To me, these three words encapsulate the core principles that guide both my personal and professional life.

Inspire is about empowering others around me—whether they are my team members, clients, or peers—to reach their full potential. I believe that by fostering an environment of trust and encouragement, people can rise to challenges and achieve remarkable things. Leadership is not just about leading; it’s about inspiring others to lead alongside you.

Act is about continuously responding to feedback, embracing a growth mindset, and always striving to improve. Action is where growth happens, and it’s essential to act on the lessons learned from both successes and failures. Constant reflection and adaptation are key to personal and professional evolution.

Deliver represents my commitment to producing the highest value with excellence. It’s about following through on promises, driving results, and ensuring that every project, initiative, or interaction is executed to the best of my ability. The ultimate measure of success is the impact we create, and I believe that delivering on expectations with quality and integrity is the true reflection of leadership.

In essence, Inspire, Act, Deliver serves as a compass to guide my decisions, actions, and interactions, ensuring that I contribute positively to those around me while consistently pushing myself to grow and excel.

8) Who in your life inspires you the most?

The person who inspires me the most is Mahatma Gandhi. His life and philosophy continue to resonate deeply with me, especially his profound commitment to empathy, truth, and wisdom. Gandhi’s ability to empathize with others, regardless of their social or political status, serves as a constant reminder to approach every interaction with compassion and understanding. He believed that true leadership was rooted in the ability to connect with and uplift others, something I strive to do in both my personal and professional life.

Gandhi’s relentless pursuit of truth, encapsulated in his principle of Satya, teaches me the importance of honesty, integrity, and authenticity. He demonstrated that truth isn’t merely about factual accuracy, but about living in alignment with one’s values and doing what is right, even when faced with great adversity. His dedication to truth has inspired me to always seek clarity, make decisions based on principles, and stand firm in the face of challenges.

Moreover, Gandhi’s wisdom—his ability to see the bigger picture, understand the interconnectedness of all people, and approach complex problems with a calm, thoughtful mind—has shaped my own approach to leadership. He emphasized the importance of simplicity, patience, and self-discipline, qualities that I believe are essential for both personal growth and achieving success.

Gandhi’s legacy reminds me daily of the power of empathy, the necessity of living with integrity, and the value of leading with wisdom. He continues to be a guiding light, inspiring me to lead a life of purpose and impact.

9) What would be your future endeavors, and where do you see yourself in the near future?

In the near future, I see myself continuing to grow and evolve as a leader in the supply chain domain, particularly within a Fortune 500 company. My goal is to lead transformative initiatives that drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across global supply chains. As industries become increasingly interconnected and data-driven, I aim to leverage emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and advanced analytics to optimize end-to-end supply chain operations, ensuring they are not only efficient but also resilient in the face of disruption. I envision myself playing a key role in shaping strategies that enable organizations to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

In addition to my work as a supply chain leader, I aspire to contribute at a strategic governance level by becoming a board member of high-impact organizations in the supply chain and broader business community. I hope to bring my expertise and experience to help organizations make informed decisions, foster innovation, and drive sustainable growth. By serving on boards, I want to collaborate with like-minded professionals to tackle complex global challenges, such as sustainability, digital transformation, and supply chain equity.

Ultimately, I aim to be at the forefront of thought leadership in supply chain management, continuously pushing boundaries and making a lasting impact on the industry. Whether through leading transformative projects or influencing policy at the board level, I see my future as one where I can drive meaningful change and inspire the next generation of supply chain leaders.

10) Your journey has been inspiring, and it sets a great example for aspiring leaders. What advice do you have for them?

For aspiring leaders, my journey has been shaped by a few core principles that I believe are essential for growth and success. These principles can be distilled into the 3 Cs: Curiosity, Communication, and Connection.

First, Curiosity and Keep Learning. Never stop being curious. The world is constantly evolving, and the most successful leaders are those who embrace continuous learning. Whether it’s gaining technical expertise, staying informed about industry trends, or seeking feedback from peers, the willingness to learn is what keeps you adaptable and innovative. Cultivate a mindset of curiosity—ask questions, explore new ideas, and never be afraid to challenge your own assumptions. In my own career, this mindset has been key to navigating complex challenges and staying ahead of change.

Second, Communication and Negotiation. Effective leadership hinges on the ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. A leader must be able to articulate vision, provide feedback, and inspire teams. But equally important is negotiation, the ability to navigate different viewpoints, find common ground, and make decisions that balance competing interests. Mastering communication and negotiation can make the difference between simply managing people and leading them towards shared goals. Be open to different perspectives, express your thoughts with clarity, and always be willing to listen before responding.

Lastly, Connection and Impact. True leadership is about making a positive impact, and that impact is amplified when you build genuine connections with people. Take the time to build trust, form meaningful relationships, and understand the strengths and challenges of those around you. Leadership isn’t just about getting results; it’s about inspiring and empowering others to achieve those results together. The most impactful leaders create an environment where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best. Foster a sense of community and shared purpose, and the results will follow.

In summary, my advice to aspiring leaders is simple: Stay curious and never stop learning, hone your communication and negotiation skills, and focus on building connections that drive meaningful impact. Leadership is not a destination, but a continuous journey of growth, collaboration, and influence. Embrace these principles, and you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting difference.

Mr. Joydeb Mandal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joydeb-mandal-b1664b9/