From Technical Veteran to Strategic Leader: Atul Dolas’ Journey with the ISB Executive Education Chief Technology Officer Programme
After 25 years in the IT industry, Atul Dolas found himself at a pivotal crossroads—a place familiar to many seasoned professionals. Despite decades of experience, his resume still cast him in the role of a “technical person,” even when he was unofficially leading transformation projects in London. “I was accomplishing managerial assignments,” he recalls, “but never formally given that title. Somewhere down the line, I either didn’t step forward, or people around me thought I was better off staying technical.”
That internal conflict—between professional aspiration and perception—finally reached a turning point when Atul came across the ISB Executive Education Chief Technology Officer Programme, offered in collaboration with Emeritus. “There was always a reason to delay—family, finances, responsibilities. I postponed upskilling for nearly 24 years,” he admits. “But then I realised it’s now or never.”
Choosing the Right Programme
When Atul finally made the decision to invest in himself, he did his homework. “ISB Executive Education’s programme married technology and business in a way that matched my needs.”
Though AI wasn’t a driving force behind his enrollment, its rapid evolution became an unexpected bonus during the course. “When I enrolled, ChatGPT was just gaining attention. Over the duration of the programme, AI took centre stage, and I got exposure to how it’s shaping the CTO role,” Atul shares. “One of our professors even talked about how to ‘marry’ technology with business. That idea stayed with me.”
The Road Wasn’t Easy
Like many mid-career professionals juggling family and work, Atul’s path through the programme was far from linear. “I initially enrolled in the December batch but had to drop out because my father was hospitalised. I later lost him in July, right in the middle of the course,” he says.
Despite personal loss, work pressures, and health issues, Atul pressed on. “There was a moment when there was no power in my house for 17 hours. My wife thought I wouldn’t complete the assignment, but I did. I said—even if they reject it, I’ll still do it for the satisfaction.”
That moment became symbolic of his entire journey—driven not just by ambition, but by sheer resolve.
Key Takeaways from the ISB Executive Education CTO Programme
When asked to reflect on what stood out the most in the ISB Executive Education CTO Programme, Atul offered a structured response:
1. Flexibility Tailored for Executives
“At this stage in life, we’re managing ageing parents, children entering college, and heightened responsibilities at work,” he says. “The programme’s flexibility helped me survive all of it. I got emails from ISB reminding me to complete assignments, but they also gave me the breathing room I needed.”
2. Meaningful Peer Engagement and Success Coaching
Atul credits his success coach, Sunil Rawlani, for making the online experience truly engaging. “The live sessions, the use-case discussions—they weren’t just checkboxes. They sparked ideas and real dialogue.”
3. The Network and Immersion
The ISB campus immersion turned out to be a defining highlight for Atul, though the journey to get there was anything but easy. At the time, India was gripped by fear and uncertainty following the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash, making the idea of flying daunting. Atul himself considered skipping the experience, but it was his daughter’s encouragement that gave him the confidence to go. Looking back, he describes the immersion as invaluable: “Meeting peers, professors, and mentors in person—that’s what makes it real. The network itself is a return on investment. It’s not about what it brings immediately but what it makes possible in the future.”
A Subtle but Lasting Impact
Atul describes the transformation he experienced as subtle but profound. “I may not see the change myself, but my client—who’s known me since 2013—picked up on it immediately. He said, ‘I can see a difference in how you approach things now.’ That kind of feedback is priceless.”
The course didn’t just give him tools. It gave him vocabulary—the strategic lens and language that defines executive presence. “Sometimes, we already know the solution, but this programme teaches you how to communicate it in the language of leadership,” he explains.
Learning as an Adult: A Mental Marathon
One of the biggest revelations for Atul was how different learning feels later in life. “Back in engineering college, you’re carefree. As an adult, you’re dealing with everything—kids, work, loss,” he reflects. “It took discipline. My wife was sceptical I’d finish. But I did, and I scored better than I expected.”
He likens the experience to a runner overcoming a stumble during a race. “It’s not about winning, it’s about finishing. Once your mindset is clear, the rest follows.”
Advice to Future Learners
For professionals sitting on the fence about upskilling, Atul has one message: “Don’t overthink the investment. If you’re standing at the edge of the water, wondering whether to dive in—just dive. The rewards will come. Maybe not immediately, but they will come.”
He adds, “If my story can help even one person decide to invest in themselves, then it’s worth sharing.”
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you’re a mid-career tech professional looking to pivot into strategic leadership, the ISB Executive Education Chief Technology Officer Programme could be your launchpad—just like it was for Atul Dolas. Learn how to merge technical acumen with business strategy, build a powerful network, and finally make that big switch.
Explore the programme today. Your next chapter awaits.
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