ATOS

Since 2019, IfM Engage has helped the multinational IT company Atos nurture their future leaders through the FUEL for Emerging Leaders programme, drawing on management, policy and education research from the Institute for Manufacturing.

The starting point

Growing international leaders with cross-cultural collaboration skills has become essential to businesses. Issam Haouamed’s experience on the FUEL for Emerging Leaders programme is testament to the influential impact of strategic talent development on professional skills and personal growth.

Issam started his career in the IT industry in 2013, initially joining the Orange group on a work-study basis. He subsequently pursued a Master’s degree, during which he gained work experience at Atos and went on to transition from graduate student to sales assistant in the transport, media, and telecommunications sectors. In 2018, he secured a permanent position in Atos business development for the Defence & Security Business Unit. The role evolved into Head of the Unit, leading over 120 people – the position he held at the beginning of the FUEL programme.

Issam was introduced to the FUEL programme by his Line Manager, who nominated him after HR identified him as a high-potential talent in the organisation.

Despite five years with a major global IT company, Issam’s experience had been confined to the French public sector market, and he yearned for a broader international vision.

“The prospect of training with internationally renowned institutions and gaining more global perspective intrigued me,” Issam said.

In preparation for the FUEL programme, Issam set expectations focused on developing leadership skills in an international context, expanding his global network, and enhancing his business communication skills in English. He saw these as his top areas forimprovement and looked forward to going outside of his comfort zone.

The FUEL Learning Journey

One of Issam’s favourite parts of the programme was the collaborative project work:

“I formed part of a diverse team where there was space to respectfully share perspectives and defend opinions. It was hard work, but incredibly enriching,” Issam adds.

The absolute highlight of the programme for Issam was the last module in Paris with all the preparation and final presentation of his team’s project to the executive panel in Atos headquarters. A powerful culmination of six month’s work carried out by colleagues from five different nationalities and with very diverse skillsets and backgrounds.

“The multicultural enrichment offered by the programme exceeded my initial expectations. I wanted an international experience, but I was not prepared for the intense nature of this full-immersion experience. It really gave me the cross-cultural management and business communication experience I was seeking,” said Issam.

Reflecting back on his FUEL experience, two newly acquired skills stand out to Issam: the ability to demonstrate leadership in an international context, involving compromise, respect, and the willingness to listen, as well as better communication to achieve a common goal. He gained an appreciation for creating consensus and harmony within a diverse team, emphasising the importance of compromise and respect. He continues: “Thanks to the FUEL programme, I have begun to see myself as a leader.”

Programme impact and career acceleration

Since the FUEL programme, Issam has gained a deeper understanding of team dynamics and has improved his communication skills.

“I am applying the lessons and principles learned to manage people with better clarity in a variety of business contexts before moving forward,” Issam said.

Since the programme, Issam has found himself better able to adjust his attitude and ideas to accommodate multiple viewpoints — in short, his mindset has changed.

“The programme allowed me to strengthen the alignment of the company values with a renewed focus on TS (Technology Services Business Line), and I am more committed to serve clients and colleagues than ever before,” he concludes.

The FUEL programme has accelerated Issam’s career. Following its completion, he was promoted and took on the role of Public Sector Sales Director for the Paris region. He is currently focused on growing his unit, but also on his personal development. The aspiration is to take on more international roles within Atos, leveraging his heightened confidence, cross-cultural awareness, leadership and communication skills.