Introducing NSW Fellow member - Sandeep Mathur PgMP FACS FAICD

^Highlights

• Sandeep Mathur is recognised as an ACS Fellow member and is the Head of Data and Engineering at Greenpeace Australia.
• Sandeep shares his extensive experience in the ICT environment and digital transformation, how to upskill and reach your goals. 

• You have extensive experience with digital transformations across different companies. How do you describe digital transformation? What are some essential components of a successful digital transformation?

McKinsey defines Digital Transformation as “the process of developing organisational and technology-based capabilities that allow a company to improve its customer experience and continuously lower its unit costs and sustain a competitive advantage”. It involves rethinking business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet evolving market demands.

While organisations have been digitising their operations since 1980s, the term “digital transformation” gained traction in 2010s when it became clear that merely adopting digital tools was not enough. Organisations needed to fundamentally change their operations, culture and customer engagement strategies to fully leverage technology, data and AI.

Essential components of a successful digital transformation include Strategic Vision and Leadership, Customer-Centric Approach, Agile and Collaborative Culture, Data-Driven Decision Making, Technology Integration, Change Management, Continuous Improvement, and Cybersecurity and Compliance.

In my opinion, digital transformation is no longer optional but a necessity for organisations to survive and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving environment of cloud computing, data & AI.

• You are a leader in the Data and Engineering space. What do you look for and try to foster within your teams to ensure thriving?

For teams to thrive, we need both technical and leadership skills. Technical skills can be acquired through strategic partnerships and training internal resources. Leadership skills are cultivated by fostering collaboration, continuous learning, innovation, adaptability, technical excellence, empathy, and ownership.

By focusing on these attributes, I aim to build and nurture a team that is not only technically proficient but also collaborative, innovative and resilient. This approach ensures that my teams can thrive and consistently deliver high-quality results.

• You sit on many boards and have been recognised as a Fellow by ACS. To our members who would like to get to the next step of their career as decision-makers, what are some of the required characteristics to successfully sit on a board?

To successfully sit on a board, aspiring decision-makers need a blend of strategic thinking, leadership and governance, financial acumen, effective communication, a collaborative mindset, integrity and ethical judgment, industry knowledge, and risk management skills. These competencies can be developed through continuous education, practical experience, and engagement in relevant professional activities. Starting by joining a committee in the nonprofit sector or Australian Computer Society (ACS) committees is a great way to gain valuable initial experience.

Progression to a paid board role in an ASX-listed company typically requires substantial experience. Additionally, courses like the Company Directors Course (CDC) from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) can equip individuals with the foundational knowledge necessary for board roles.

• What are some trends that you follow and you think ICT professionals should upskill in?

As an ICT professional, staying ahead of industry trends is crucial for continuous growth and relevance. I closely follow trends in Program Management, Change Management, Agile Delivery including Scaled Agile, Data Management, and Data Science. These areas are essential for current digital transformation efforts but align with my recent doctoral research. Additionally, the rise of Artificial Intelligence, particularly Generative AI (GenAI), is transforming various sectors, making it imperative for ICT professionals to upskill in AI technologies and applications. Upskilling in these domains can equip ICT professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively lead and adapt in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.