Shaleen Dadheech

Strategic Visionary and Market Innovator

Shaleen Dadheech

Chief Information Officer

Leo Schachter Diamonds

Transformational leadership is not merely a role but a philosophy that Shaleen Dadheech, CIO at Leo Schachter Diamonds, embodies with exceptional clarity. With nearly two decades of experience as a highly accomplished delivery and programme manager, Shaleen has consistently led by example in navigating the intricate intersections of technology and business. His approach emphasises inspiring teams, fostering effective communication, and creating an environment where innovation thrives. Shaleen’s journey is marked by a profound commitment to delivering complex solutions with unwavering excellence. Proficient in Agile and Scrum methodologies, he has adeptly managed diverse projects, from requirement gathering and project planning to stakeholder management and business process improvement. His collaborative spirit and strategic acumen have forged strong partnerships with business analysts and clients, driving forward-thinking strategies that align technological advancements with organisational goals. Beyond his technical proficiency, Shaleen is recognised for his ability to envision and execute long-term business strategies that propel companies towards sustainable growth. His successful track record includes achieving 100% client satisfaction across all projects, a testament to his dedication to operational excellence and client-centric innovation. Shaleen’s expertise spans a wide array of technologies and domains, including SharePoint, Java, Python, SQL, and more, enabling him to adapt swiftly to evolving industry demands. Moreover, Shaleen’s leadership extends beyond project management. He has played a pivotal role in formulating mission and vision statements in collaboration with top-level management, guiding companies through periods of transformation and expansion. His market research initiatives in New Zealand and Australia have been instrumental in positioning products for global success, underscoring his global perspective and strategic foresight. Talking with TradeFlock, Shaleen unwraps more about his strategies and work.

How have your roles as a software developer and CIO shaped your leadership philosophy?

Transitioning from my roots as a software engineer to the role of CIO has profoundly shaped my leadership philosophy. Early experiences working across diverse projects taught me invaluable skills that continue to influence my approach today. I believe in leading with domain expertise—a quality essential for gaining trust and respect. While my position may imply competence, I believe in demonstrating it through action and results. My leadership mantra centres on coaching rather than dictating. Empowering team members, celebrating their achievements, and fostering an environment of innovation are key to unlocking their full potential. Adaptability to new technologies and encouraging creative problem-solving are also fundamental aspects of my leadership style.

What strengths do you rely on most from your cross-functional team experience, and where are you looking to further develop?

Modern work rarely happens in isolation. More than ever, digital transformation and collaborative technologies have enabled a new era of collaborative work. Navigating cross-functional teams hinges on effective communication for success. Using appropriate channels and tools ensures swift, efficient, and transparent collaboration, which is crucial in dynamic or complex projects. Centralised document repositories foster a unified source of truth, enhancing team accessibility and coherence. I prioritise defining clear roles and objectives for each team member to reduce ambiguity and foster cohesive teamwork throughout project cycles. However, cultivating a culture that embraces risk-taking, iterative processes, and learning from setbacks is essential. Encouraging experimentation allows teams to innovate, discover fresh perspectives, and drive continuous improvement.

How do you balance work demands with your personal life as a successful leader?

Balancing work and personal life as a leader involves prioritising tasks using the 10/10/10 rule for clarity on what truly matters. Clear communication of the boundaries between work and personal time is crucial for maintaining balance and well-being. Empowering my team to take ownership of their responsibilities and involving them in decision-making not only lightens my workload but also fosters a culture of collaboration and shared success. Strategic pauses for reflection and creativity help manage decision fatigue, ensuring I lead effectively while nurturing sustainable work-life harmony and fostering innovation within the team.

How do you integrate Agile and Scrum methodologies into strategic planning for delivering complex solutions effectively?

Integrating Agile and Scrum methodologies into strategic planning empowers teams to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. It begins with a careful assessment to determine suitability based on project complexity and stakeholder engagement needs. Agile planning prioritises flexibility, collaboration, and iterative development, ensuring teams can adapt swiftly to evolving requirements and market conditions. This approach optimises resource allocation and mitigates risks through regular reviews and adjustments. Continuous stakeholder involvement throughout the project lifecycle ensures alignment with business objectives and enhances responsiveness to feedback. Embracing uncertainty and fostering a culture of continuous improvement enable agile teams to deliver high-quality solutions efficiently. By integrating real-time feedback into iterative cycles, Agile methodologies not only streamline development but also enhance customer satisfaction by validating project outcomes against evolving expectations.

How do you use insights from New Zealand and Australian market research to shape strategies at Leo Schachter Diamonds?

Drawing from my market research in New Zealand and Australia, I bring invaluable international insights to shaping strategies at Leo Schachter Diamonds. With a rich background in working alongside global clients and teams, I excel at crafting tailored, growth-oriented approaches for every project. At Leo Schachter, I collaborate closely with internal teams, vendors, and diverse customers worldwide, leveraging data analysis to uncover trends and refine solutions continually. My passion lies in optimising systems to enhance operational efficiency, empowering everyone within the organisation to perform at their best and deliver exceptional results.