Written by Aroha
on 10 September 2024
This blog post is the second in a series of Q&A sessions with some of our leaders at Agilyx Group— starting with Harpal Mattu, the Managing Director of Agilyx Group EMEA. Harpal shares his journey as a leader, highlighting the significance of mentorship, and adaptability in navigating constant change. Through this exchange, we delve into effective leadership strategies, the importance of fostering creativity within teams, and how technology continues to evolve.
Join us in this series as we explore these themes and uncover lessons that aspiring leaders and established professionals alike can apply in their own careers!
What are your biggest challenges that you’re facing right now as a leader?
Leaders in the technology sector are navigating an increasingly complex landscape. Buzzwords such as Web 3.0, AI, regenerative AI, and large learning models dominate discussions, impacting nearly every part of our industry. A fundamental responsibility of leadership is to understand these technologies and their implications for our sector.
Despite these advancements, the core concerns remain consistent. Stakeholders are ultimately seeking enhancements in business process efficiencies, deeper customer insights, improved employee engagement, and more effective connectivity across their organisations. While the methodologies and tools employed in achieving these goals are evolving, the foundational principles driving them remain the same. It’s imperative for leaders to keep up-to-date on technological shifts and to grasp the needs of customers and industry standards to continue to deliver excellence. This will always be the biggest challenge in any leadership role.
Are you finding that the pace of change is changing?
Yes, the pace of change in technology is indeed changing. We are currently experiencing an unprecedented technological revolution. Historically, technology has been a constant presence; however, the current rate of change is unparalleled. Having been in this industry for a long time, it’s always exciting to see any new developments. But, consequently, many skills we’ve acquired over the years – things like coding – are becoming less relevant due to the emergence of advanced AI tools capable of performing them, like ChatGPT.
It’s important to engage in lifelong learning and adapt to these advancements as we position ourselves as trusted advisors for our customers. Staying informed about the latest trends and implementing necessary adaptations in our practices is essential for maintaining relevance in the tech industry.
What do you consider one of the most difficult obstacles you’ve faced as a leader?
One of the most difficult obstacles is dealing with failure. In business, we lose things, people leave us, and it hurts. But success often comes from adversity. Those losses aren’t actually losses; they are stepping stones toward something different. It’s essential to put yourself out there, even if it means risking failure. Staying in your comfort zone and not doing anything is easy, but it doesn’t lead to growth.
Are there any skills or experiences that you’ve found instrumental to your success?
On a personal level, I’ve been on a spiritual journey for many years, which has helped me understand myself better. This self-awareness allows me to stay grounded and understand the environment around me. Leadership positions can make it easy to lose touch with reality, but staying grounded is crucial. The universe has a way of keeping you humble if you don’t do it yourself.
What is the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned and how has that proven invaluable to you?
Change is constant. Nothing stays the same—good times don’t stay, and bad times don’t stay. This lesson applies to all aspects of life, including personal life, family life, and business. For instance, our business in the UK has taken many different shapes and forms in the three years since it was established. We’re small enough to take advantage of these changes, which is an asset. Being fluid and adaptable is key to navigating constant change.
What do you believe is the most significant barrier facing our industry today?
The biggest barrier is leveraging the ongoing industrial revolution, including AI, large learning models, Web 3.0, virtual reality, and RPA. These technologies are real and are coming down the line. Many of our customers and prospects are burying their heads in the sand. Those who embrace these changes will find a lot of opportunities, while those who don’t may be left behind.
Another issue is that many prospects still try to procure solutions in the old ways, like asking irrelevant questions. For example, RFPs often include outdated questions about double-entry bookkeeping and bank reconciliations, which are given features. Customers need to ask the right questions and engage with transformation companies like Agilyx on a deeper level to truly transform their businesses.
How do you foster creative and innovative thinking within your team?
We have a good culture of sharing ideas and valuing diversity of thought at Agilyx. When we face a problem, we bring together people from around the globe with different backgrounds and experiences to solve it. This diversity of thought is powerful and leads to innovative thinking. If everyone looks, talks, and acts the same, you get the same outcomes every time. Our diverse team helps us avoid that and come up with creative solutions.
What are your top strategies for maintaining a work life balance?
I think I gave up working many years ago. I enjoy what I do, so it doesn’t feel like work. I do work long hours, but because I enjoy it, it doesn’t feel like a burden. I also have a family, lots of friends, and interests outside of work, which help me maintain a varied and fulfilling lifestyle. It’s important to enjoy what you do and have new experiences to maintain a balance.
How do you communicate that to the rest of your team?
I lead by example. When talking to my team, I share about my family and outside interests, not just work. This helps convey that it’s okay to enjoy what you’re doing and have a life outside of work. We’re not working in a mining pit; it’s important to inspire and grow.
What books, podcasts, or any other type of resource, have had a significant impact on your thinking and leadership style?
Steven Bartlett’s podcast, “The Diary of a CEO,” particularly his “33 Laws,” has been impactful. The “Law of the Five Buckets” is especially resonant: knowledge, experience, network, resources, and reputation. Filling these buckets in the right order helps in gaining skills and growing. Another concept I’ve found valuable is servant leadership, which is about serving my team and customers. It’s not about me; it’s about how I can help them. This mindset shift has been powerful in my leadership approach.
When did you make that kind of change?
I’m constantly developing, but the change came earlier in my career when I realised that selling solutions isn’t just about the sale. It’s about listening and understanding the customer’s needs. It’s taking the time to get to the point where conversations are more about how we can help rather than just selling. This approach leads to better relationships and outcomes.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs?
Understand your personal “why.” It took me a while to understand my purpose, but knowing why you’re here and what benefits you bring to the world is crucial. Once you know your purpose, the “what” and “how” will follow.
Can you share an example of a significant pivot or adaptation the company had to make?
The transition to SaaS-based solutions was a significant pivot for us. We used to sell traditional consultancy, but it didn’t align with the SaaS model. We had to shift to a subscription-based consultancy model, which was a big change. This new approach has been very successful and aligns with the way customers now procure and use software.
Any final comments?
From a personal perspective, it’s important to work on the business, not just in it. I’m involved in various external roles, such as The Regional Tech Ambassador for the Institute of Directors, this helps me learn, grow and connect/support other budding entrepreneurs. Leadership is about serving others and continuously learning. When you focus on how you can help others, it changes your mindset and leads to better outcomes. I continue to ask the question: How can I serve others?
