Sumit Shaw

Orchestrating Tech Excellence and Sustainable Innovation

Sumit Shaw

Vice President, IT Managed Services,

Nfinity Global

As the market becomes increasingly competitive, being customer-centric has evolved from a strategic choice to an indispensable imperative. The commitment to understanding and meeting client needs is no longer merely a differentiator but a fundamental driver of success. In his two decades of career, Sumit Shaw has exhibited this tenacity in every action of his. The Vice President of IT Managed Services at Nfinity Global, he has honed his expertise in stakeholder management, business development, P&L ownership, technical support, and people management. His leadership journey embodies a strategic evolution, emphasising a keen understanding of market dynamics and a nuanced approach to problem-solving.
Functioning as a people leader, Sumit has adeptly guided large global teams in crosscultural environments, propelling them towards growth and success within the organisation. His leadership approach is characterised by the creation of a clear and compelling vision for the future, achieved through effective coaching and execution. Sumit stands as a testament to the transformative power of leadership in fostering innovation and collaboration.
Going beyond a conventional career trajectory, Sumit’s story emphasises the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Starting as a team leader at Concentrix, he immersed himself in team dynamics, refining communication and problem-solving skills. Progressing through leadership roles, Sumit acquired a strategic mindset and gained insights into the intricacies of the industry. His journey underscores the need for diverse skills crucial for effective leadership in the ever-evolving business landscape.
As he assumes the current role, Sumit’s ascent reflects more than personal achievement; it embodies an enduring commitment to a customer-centric ethos. His leadership prowess positions him as a driving force behind the success of the IT Managed Services division at Nfinity Global. Sumit, with his vision, experience, and dedication to excellence, emerges as a key player shaping the future of ITMS amidst intensifying market competition.
TradeFlock interviewed Sumit to understand his journey, strategies and more.

What key lessons from your previous tech leadership experience are influencing your current role?

Reflecting on my tenure as a tech leader, my most profound learnings encompass agility, collaboration, and customer-centricity. Navigating the dynamic tech landscape has underscored the significance of remaining adaptable, embracing change, and instilling a culture of innovation. In my current role, these lessons are pivotal in shaping decisionmaking processes and underscoring the value of cross-functional collaboration. Ensuring our strategic initiatives are firmly anchored in meeting evolving customer needs is a priority. This holistic approach not only guides our actions but also positions us to thrive in an ever-changing technological environment, fostering a resilient and forward-thinking organisational culture.

What are your current challenges, and how are you overcoming them?

Our current journey is punctuated by challenges such as market volatility, talent acquisition difficulties, and the need to stay abreast of technological disruptions. Addressing these obstacles directly, I’ve placed a premium on proactive talent development initiatives, establishing strategic partnerships to leverage external expertise, and instituting robust risk management strategies. Through consistent market analysis and active engagement with industry thought leaders, we gain the foresight required to anticipate and navigate potential barriers successfully, ensuring our organisation remains resilient and adaptive in the face of ongoing challenges.

Describe a recent initiative and its benefits to the organisation briefly.

A recent initiative that resonates with me is the introduction of an AI-driven customer service platform. This implementation not only streamlined our operations but significantly enhanced customer satisfaction. Harnessing the power of data analytics and machine learning algorithms, we improved our ability to anticipate and address customer needs promptly, resulting in reduced response times and ultimately cultivating stronger customer loyalty.

Share your best practices for balancing innovation, affordability, and profitability in uncertain times.

My journey as an angel investor has been a continuous learning experience—far more than just investing; it has provided valuable insights into diverse geographies, disruptive technologies, and innovative business models. With a diverse portfolio of investments ranging from consumer internet, fintech, edtech, and marketplaces to deep tech, my awareness of the overall Indian user landscape has deepened immensely. I believe India’s startup ecosystem is on the cusp of its boom, and it’s the most exciting time to be watching it closely.
India has one of the biggest and fastestgrowing tech talent pools in the world. With such rich technology and AI skillset availability, I foresee many core deep-tech solutions being built out of India for the globe in the next two decades. The longer gestation periods with deep tech are no longer a hurdle for global investors. I believe a collaborative platform among startups, industry experts, and investors in India can facilitate idea exchange, positioning India as a breeding ground for cutting-edge innovation and attracting international investments.

How do you anticipate the future and prepare as a tech leader?

Anticipating the future as a tech leader involves a combination of trend analysis, scenario planning, and a forward-thinking mindset. I stay abreast of emerging technologies and market dynamics through continuous learning and networking with industry experts. Embracing adaptability is crucial, and I instill in my team the importance of seeing change as a constant. Through cultivating a culture of innovation, we not only prepare for the future but actively contribute to shaping it. The goal is not merely to lead in technology but to pioneer, forging the path ahead in the ever-evolving landscape.

How do you stay current on technology trends, and how do you share these insights with your team and peers?

Remaining current in the dynamic tech landscape requires a blend of continuous learning, conference attendance, and thorough engagement with industry publications. Fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing within the team, I organise regular sessions to exchange experiences and insights. Additionally, we prioritise access to relevant training programmes, ensuring the entire team stays abreast of technological advancements. The emphasis is not solely on individual growth but on collective progress, fostering an environment where the team and peers are equipped with the latest knowledge and insights to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape.