Case study

Transformative learning: building skills for strategic leadership

Atos

Since 2013 IfM Engage, in collaboration with Paderborn University, have helped the multinational digital transformation company Atos nurture their talented technology specialists through the Gold for Technology Leaders (GfTL) programme, drawing on technology, management, policy and education research from the Institute for Manufacturing.

The IfM approach

Solving real problems in cross-company teams provides a rich learning experience throughout the GfTL programme. This enables proven, research-based, structured approaches to be applied, and new mindsets and skills to be developed that can create real business impact.

Judith Shawcross

Head of Executive and Professional Development, IfM Engage

“The GfTL programme has significantly contributed to the professional growth, confidence and networks of the entire intake. As well as the deeper and broader understanding of Atos-focused technologies, I have seen them demonstrate stronger strategic thinking, enhanced stakeholder engagement skills, and impressive innovative and responsible project solutions.”

– Swati Valsangkar, Programme Director, Atos

About the programme

IfM Engage have led the co-design and co-delivery of GOLD for Technology leaders (GfTL) since 2013, in collaboration with the Atos Global Talent Team and Paderborn University. GfTL is a bespoke six-month programme for Atos, designed to empower Technology Leaders to become trusted advisors to colleagues, clients, and partners.

Through a blend of tailored curated content and collaborative team projects, carefully selected participants learn to integrate technology, business, and social responsibility to develop innovative, value-adding solutions. The programme fosters key capabilities for the company while providing individuals with opportunities to enhance their skills and build a diverse, international professional network. In this ever-changing world, the programme evolves each year to stay aligned with shifting company priorities.

The starting point

Having experienced the shift from systems operations to architect, Manoj K Prabhanjan N, Head of Cloud Migrations, recognised the importance of evolving from a ‘problem solver’ to a ‘trusted advisor’. Eager to develop his leadership skills and influence others positively, he saw the GfTL programme as a vital step in his career, leading to a joint nomination from HR and his line manager.

“The GfTL programme is seen as a prerequisite for future leadership roles in Atos, with only the brightest minds being selected, so I was excited to make the most of the opportunity,” says Manoj. “In particular, being able to expand my professional network and learn leadership and business skills from such prestigious universities as Cambridge and Paderborn were stand-out elements of the programme for me.”

Manoj began his journey in IT in 2011 after studying Computer Science at university. He enhanced his credentials with a Business Management diploma and held various technical roles before joining Atos in 2016 as a consultant. His career progressed rapidly, leading him to manage multiple data centre migration projects, ultimately transitioning from operations to a technical role as a global service architect. Currently, he serves as the Head of Migrations for the Atos Cloud Migration Factory.

The GfTL journey

During the six-month blended programme, Manoj and his cohort completed four taught modules, including in-person modules at Paderborn University and the University of Cambridge. Throughout the programme, teams of participants collaborated on in-company projects guided by expert tutors. This culminated in a presentation to Atos senior executives showcasing new technical solutions that solve problems and deliver value to customers and the organisation.

For Manoj, the programme’s emphasis on innovation, leveraging new tools and technologies, and strategic thinking was pivotal.

“A highlight for me were the two in-person modules. Interacting with people face-to-face brought our project team together and allowed us to connect on a deeper level,” says Manoj. “Being able to learn directly from the university researchers was also a transformative experience, the concepts and strategic thinking taught are essential to leadership roles.”

Working in a globally distributed project team with members from Mexico, Egypt, UK, India and South Africa, Manoj discovered the significance of flexibility, adaptability, commitment, and collaboration. His understanding of teamwork deepened through the Emergenetics® tool, highlighting the importance of respecting individual preferences to enhance team cohesion. The structured problem-solving tools and complex scenario navigation strategies introduced during the taught modules proved invaluable in making sure their project progressed successfully.

Manoj’s leadership skills flourished as he learned to appreciate diverse perspectives. He understood that demonstrating commitment and ownership positively influenced team dynamics. By adopting an entrepreneurial mindset and focusing on customer needs, he advanced towards becoming a trusted advisor.

“As executive Sponsor of the Gold for Technology Leaders Programme it is always a great pleasure for me to see the development of our technology leaders. They move from being ‘the expert’ and sole problem solver to be being an expert, leader, facilitator and enabler of teams; growing skills that generate value for Atos and our customers.”

– Darren Austin, SVP Global CTO – Gold for Technology Leaders Executive Sponsor, Atos

Programme impact

Since the programme, Manoj has focused on implementing his GfTL learnings into his current role, welcoming new challenges while ensuring successful outcomes for clients. Lasting impact for him includes:

Strategic, structured, customer-focused problem solving: Manoj now approaches challenges with a strategic and systematic mindset. He recognises the importance of communicating relevant data and analysis to inform senior managers and customers. This increases customer confidence and fosters long-term relationships.

Strategic leadership and team empowerment: His improved strategic mindset is enabling better decisions and team communications. Manoj enhances productivity by assigning tasks according to team members’ strengths, promoting a trusting and an efficient work environment.

Strengthened professional network: The programme has allowed Manoj to build a collaborative network, enabling him to navigate complex projects effectively and exemplifying Atos’s commitment to developing future leaders.

“Learning about road mapping has been very effective in shaping my approach to Cloud Migration R&D” says Manoj. “It helped me understand how to structure innovation efforts across short-term(quarterly), medium-term(yearly), and long-term(4-years) timelines, making complex goals more manageable. It has turned our R&D project from reactive to strategic with a greater focus on value and driving impact.”

“All around, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was truly immersive in nature. We had hands-on learning and a lot of fun.”