Over the course of nearly two decades and traversing various industries and regions, Abhishek has experienced a fascinating evolution. Initially motivated by a deep-seated passion for the transformative potential of technology, he embarked on a journey driven by leadership aspirations. Witnessing firsthand the profound impact of innovation, he then gravitated towards roles that prioritized operational excellence and strategic expansion.
However, Abhishek Saurabh’s vision grew beyond technology. He realized the profound influence of effective leadership on building successful organizations and nurturing employees. His diverse experiences in transforming various businesses and digitizing them using cutting-edge technologies have shaped both his technological acumen and leadership philosophy. Each role reinforced the importance of visionary leadership, digital transformation, collaboration, and adaptability.
Today, as Group Chief Technology Information Officer of Global Marketing Systems and Lila Global, Abhishek Saurabh leverages his cross-industry expertise to inspire and empower teams. He guides them through digital adaptation, tackling challenges and shaping the future of technology.
His focus lies in strategic initiatives, continuous learning, and fostering a growth-driven culture. He is driven by a sense of responsibility to enact positive change across the industries he serves, promoting innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
From Software Engineer to Inspiring Leader
Abhishek Saurabh’s career exemplifies a remarkable ascent in IT leadership, characterized by a blend of technical expertise and global experience. Starting as a Software Engineer and advancing to roles such as Analyst, Solution Architect, he honed his technical skills across a wide array of industries, including services, construction, utilities, oil & gas, environmental services, and maritime. His diverse experience in the United States, United Kingdom, India, Norway, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates has provided him with a valuable global perspective.
With a robust technical foundation, Abhishek Saurabh seamlessly transitioned into leadership roles, where he has excelled in driving strategic initiatives and fostering innovation. His global perspective and diverse experience have shaped a visionary leader capable of inspiring and leading high-performing teams toward success.
Abhishek exemplifies the following set of central principles that showcase his exceptional leadership:
Abhishek Saurabh’s diverse experience and dedication to these core principles make him a leader who delivers results while inspiring and empowering his team.
A Pivotal Moment of Forging Leadership
Early in Abhishek’s professional journey, a pivotal moment struck during a digital transformation project in the oil and gas industry. Leading a global team to optimize operations and enhance cybersecurity, he faced resistance, outdated infrastructure, and complex international factors. Despite meticulous planning, progress stalled, and morale dipped.
This adversity became a crucible, developing his leadership philosophy. He redirected from a purely technical approach to one highlighting empathy and collaboration. Abhishek Saurabh encouraged open communication, actively listened to his team, and empowered individuals to facilitate ownership and a shared vision.
This experience revealed leadership as less about command and more about inspiring, promoting collaboration, and overcoming challenges with integrity and grace.
Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones
“Navigating challenges and setbacks in my leadership journey has been an integral part of my career, spanning various industries and geographies,”
Abhishek Saurabh
At the start of his career, Abhishek Saurabh learned that challenges were not roadblocks but opportunities for growth. He transformed setbacks into opportunities with strength and adaptability. Faced with resistance to change or unexpected technical hurdles, he thrived by strategically analyzing problems, leveraging data for solutions, and uniting with diverse teams.
Every obstacle became a chance for continuous learning. He honed his skills through new technologies, expert feedback, and a pursuit of professional development. Furthermore, clear and transparent communication across all levels promoted trust and aligned stakeholders.
Ultimately, Abhishek recognized that effective leadership is about people. “By prioritizing the well-being and development of my team members, I’ve fostered a culture of resilience, collaboration, and mutual support that enables us to overcome challenges together,” he adds.
Leadership Philosophy: A Recipe for Success
Abhishek Saurabh’s leadership philosophy, honed through diverse experiences across industries and regions, sets him apart by emphasizing a strategic vision and human connection.
By combining strategic thinking with a deep understanding of his team, Abhishek Saurabh creates a unique leadership style that empowers individuals, fosters collaboration, and drives success.
Igniting the Team with Innovation
When we (The Enterprise World Magazine) asked Abhishek Saurabh in a candid interview to address the importance of promoting creativity in the team, he replied — “Nurturing innovation and creativity within my team and organization is a fundamental aspect of my leadership approach, rooted in the belief that innovation is the engine of sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Drawing from my experience, I’ve developed strategies to cultivate a culture of growth and creativity within the organization.”
Building a Thriving Culture with Vision and Adaptability
“Cultivating a positive and inclusive workplace culture is a top priority, as I firmly believe it is essential for organizational success.”
For him, a positive and inclusive workplace isn’t just a nicety but the engine for organizational success. He leads by example, representing the company’s values in his interactions and setting the tone for trust and respect.
Investment in people is essential, with training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities enabling a skilled and engaged workforce. Recognizing the strength of diversity, Abhishek Saurabh actively champions inclusion. He cultivates diversity and inclusivity to drive change and success.
“Maintaining a balance between leading with vision and adaptability is essential, particularly in dynamic industries characterized by rapid changes and market disruptions,” asserts Abhishek, balancing a clear vision with adaptability.
A Tech Revolution
When asked to describe any particularly memorable achievement or milestone in his career, Abhishek replied, “There is a moment in every leader’s career that defines their approach. For me, it was leading a digital transformation initiative – in the Environment and Waste Management industry, of all places.”
This traditionally resistant sector, Abhishek Saurabh explained, was ripe for a technological upheaval. He envisioned a complete modernization of infrastructure, processes, and company culture.
“We deployed state-of-the-art technologies using AI, Machine Learning, IoT, and big data to develop innovative solutions. These encompassed smart waste bin management, live fleet tracking, job fulfillment, and facial recognition attendance. These were supplemented by robust business analytics, live reporting, and financial forecasts. By harnessing real-time data, we monitored various aspects ranging from employee fitness to fleet positions, ensuring efficient coverage across the entire quote-to-order, order-to-cash, and record-to-report cycles.”
Abhishek described a cloud-based platform with mobile applications, creating a seamless, data-driven operation. The impact was undeniable – improved efficiency, significant cost savings, and a complete shift in company culture.
“Employees embraced the new tools,” he said. “There was a sense of novelty and collaboration that hadn’t existed before.”
This accomplishment, Abhishek Saurabh concluded, wasn’t just about revolutionizing an industry. It solidified his leadership philosophy – vision, planning, and perseverance are the keys to driving change, even in the most traditional environments. But most importantly, it reaffirmed his passion for pushing boundaries through technology and leadership — a passion that continues to inspire him today.
His most recent work includes the launch of the world’s first digital ship trading platform, unveiled in 2023, geared specifically to the ship recycling sector. The solution was aimed to revolutionize the ship recycling industry by making the sales and purchase of end-of-life vessels more convenient, transparent, and efficient.
Building a Legacy through Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact
Abhishek is a passionate leader who aspires to leverage his role to drive innovation and leave a lasting impact. He envisions himself as a champion of technological advancements, utilizing AI, Blockchain, and other emerging tools to unlock new possibilities and propel his industry forward. Operational efficiency, improved decision-making, and exceptional value for stakeholders are all cornerstones of his digital transformation vision.
Beyond technological prowess, Abhishek Saurabh prioritizes diversity and inclusion. He believes a vibrant mix of perspectives promotes creativity and success. By championing these values, he hopes to inspire others to celebrate unique contributions and build a truly inclusive environment.
Furthermore, giving back to the community is paramount to Abhishek. He seeks to leverage his leadership platform to address social and environmental challenges through mentorship programs, volunteer initiatives, or local partnerships.
In the end, Abhishek, as a Group Chief Technology Information Officer – aspires to be remembered as a leader who transcended mere business success. He envisions a legacy of innovation, integrity, and positive societal impact. Through persistent values, compassionate leadership, and a clear vision, he is confident in his ability to drive positive change for his industry and the community he serves.
