From Tradition to Transformation: Ganapathy Shankar’s Journey With ISB Executive Education’s Chief Digital Officer Programme

Greying into a profession or field is no longer seen as an infallible recipe for success or the sole indicator of expertise. While experience matters, in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead requires more than just experience. It demands continuous learning and adaptation. After all, technology is getting faster even as you read this sentence, and thus, skills matter just as much as experience. 

For seasoned professionals like Ganapathy Shankar, CEO and Chief AI Architect at TensorHub Technologies, embracing change is not just a necessity but a passion. With over two decades in the tech industry, Shankar recognised the imperative to evolve, leading him to enrol in the ISB Executive Education’s Chief Digital Officer (CDO) Programme. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of executive learning.

Recognising the Need for Digital Evolution

“Technology waits for no one,” Shankar begins, reflecting on his three-decade-long career. Having held pivotal roles in various multinational corporations, he witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts technology brought to traditional business models. “Despite my extensive experience, I felt the need to bridge the gap between traditional IT roles and the burgeoning demands of digital leadership,” he shares.

The decision to pursue the Chief Digital Officer Programme wasn’t spontaneous. Shankar meticulously researched courses that blended strategic leadership with cutting-edge digital insights. “ISB’s reputation in executive education, combined with the programme’s comprehensive curriculum, made it an obvious choice,” he notes.

Choosing Technology Leadership Over Generic Management

“Today, every business is a technology business. So, the leader of the future has to be a technology leader,” says Shankar, giving us a rather quotable quote! He also clarifies that this is not a new phenomenon. Two decades back, it was common to find CEOs who were from sales or business backgrounds. But all that has changed in the last decade. Now, most of the notable leaders around the world, like Satya Nadella or Sundar Pichai, are hands-on tech leaders who probably started their careers with actual coding work. This was the prototype of a leader that inspires Shankar, and hence, he was clear in his choice of a technology leadership programme instead of a strategic management one.

The ISB Executive Education Experience: Beyond Traditional Learning

Diving into the programme, Shankar was immediately struck by the diversity of the cohort. “Interacting with professionals from various industries provided a 360-degree view of digital challenges and solutions,” he recalls. The collaborative environment fostered rich discussions, enabling participants to glean insights beyond their immediate domains.

One of the programme’s standout features was its emphasis on real-world application. “The case studies were not just theoretical exercises but reflections of actual business scenarios,” Shankar emphasises. He particularly appreciated sessions that delved into leveraging data analytics for strategic decision-making, a skill he found invaluable in his subsequent projects.

Above all, the brand value of ISB Executive Education as an institution of business excellence truly culminates in its faculty. “A huge shout-out to the faculty at ISB Executive Education — Professor Nandu, Professor  S. Ramnarayan, as well as esteemed guest speakers like Venkatesh Natarajan and Karthik Chakkarapani — who made the learning worth its while,” he says. Shankar also makes a special mention of Milind Naik, who started off as a Success Coach for him, but they ended up becoming great friends!

Transformative Projects and Practical Insights

A highlight for Shankar was the capstone project, which required participants to devise a digital transformation strategy for a legacy business. “Working on this project was an eye-opener. It challenged us to think beyond conventional solutions and truly innovate,” he recounts. Collaborating with his peers, Shankar devised a roadmap that integrated emerging technologies like AI and IoT to rejuvenate traditional processes.

These projects weren’t just academic exercises. Shankar was quick to implement several strategies from his capstone project into his professional endeavours. “The immediate applicability of the learnings was astounding. Within months, I could see tangible improvements in efficiency and stakeholder engagement,” he proudly states.

Balancing Act: Managing Work, Study and Personal Life

For many executives, returning to the classroom poses challenges, especially when juggling demanding careers and personal commitments. Shankar was no exception. “Time management became crucial,” he admits. However, the programme’s flexible structure as well as online delivery combined with supportive faculty and peers, eased the journey. “Weekend sessions and online resources allowed me to integrate learning seamlessly into my routine,” he elaborates.

Moreover, Shankar believes that the programme’s rigour instilled a renewed discipline in him. “Balancing work, studies, and personal life taught me the importance of prioritisation and delegation,” skills that proved beneficial beyond the classroom.

Networking: Building Bridges Across Industries

Beyond academic enrichment, the Chief Digital Officer Programme offered unparalleled networking opportunities. “The relationships forged during the programme are invaluable,” Shankar beams. Engaging with a diverse group of professionals opened doors to collaborations and knowledge-sharing.

Post-programme, Shankar continues to stay connected with his cohort. “We have an active alumni network where we discuss industry trends, challenges, and potential collaborations,” he shares. This community has become a sounding board, offering diverse perspectives on pressing digital dilemmas.

Reflecting on the Journey: Key Takeaways

When asked about the most significant takeaways from the programme, Shankar is contemplative. “Adaptability and foresight,” he responds. The programme reinforced the importance of staying agile in a volatile digital environment. “It’s not just about adopting new technologies but understanding their strategic implications,” he elaborates.

Additionally, the emphasis on leadership development was transformative. “Leading digital initiatives requires a blend of technical acumen and people skills. The programme honed both aspects,” Shankar asserts.

Riding the Apollo 13 Spaceship: A Star-Studded Case Study

Who hasn’t watched Apollo 13, Hollywood’s cult space odyssey? Without this OG space movie, which spawned a whole genre of movies to come, we would never have Interstellar! Shankar too, watched this Tom Hank-starrer with wide-eyed wonder in college. “I was drawn to it as a fan of Hollywood films but perhaps couldn’t fully grasp the depth of its narrative,” he says. 

Fast forward 30 years and Apollo 13 appears again as a case study in this executive education programme. The movie is prominently featured in the context of crisis management, strategic decision-making, teamwork, and communication in ISB Executive Education’s CDO programme. “The Apollo 13 case study resonated with me on multiple levels. The parallels we drew between the film and our discussions on these critical business concepts were enlightening, and I believe there are valuable lessons to be applied in our projects,” concludes Shankar, summing up one of the high points from the programme that will stay with him. 

Looking Ahead: The Road to Continuous Learning

For Shankar, the journey doesn’t end with the completion of the Chief Digital Officer Programme. “In the tech world, learning is perpetual,” he muses. He envisions leveraging his newfound knowledge to spearhead transformative projects and mentor budding professionals.

He also hints at exploring further executive education opportunities. “Programmes that delve into AI ethics and sustainable tech solutions intrigue me,” he reveals, underscoring his commitment to growth.

Parting Thoughts: Advice for Aspiring Digital Leaders

To professionals contemplating executive education, Shankar offers sage advice. “Identify your learning objectives and choose programmes that align with them,” he advises. He emphasises the importance of active participation. “Engage deeply with the content, faculty and peers. The richness of the experience lies in these interactions,” he asserts.

Reflecting on his journey, Shankar concludes, “The ISB Executive Education’s Chief Digital Officer Programme was more than a course; it was a catalyst for transformation. It equipped me with the tools, insights and confidence to navigate the complex digital landscape.”

Embarking on a journey of continuous learning, as exemplified by leaders like Ganapathy Shankar, is imperative in today’s dynamic business environment. Programmes like ISB Executive Education’s Chief Digital Officer Programme not only bridge knowledge gaps but also empower professionals to drive meaningful change.

NOTE: The Chief Digital Officer Programme has now been revamped and enriched with AI-related modules. It is now called the Chief Digital and AI Officer Programme by ISB Executive Education.

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