Human on the Inside with Accenture’s Arun Menon
Human on the Inside. We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Maxme: Welcome Arun, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight!
You’re currently the Managing Director at Accenture, the world's leading professional services company.
In 1 sentence (ok, we’ll give you 3), what does your role entail?
Arun Menon: I am part of a business vertical in my organisation where I work with Fortune 500 clients to re imagine and co create long term, value accretive technology and business transformation journeys that help them stay ahead and future relevant. We then set up the practice and nurture the processes and teams, often across the globe, to deliver these services, while ensuring we are one foot in today and one foot in the tomorrow, so essential to thrive in this ever changing world.
M: You're the Managing Director at Accenture, leading client strategy and delivery in the Comms, Media & Technology sector. With over 20 years at the firm, you’ve built and run large-scale ICT and BPO services across global markets. Previously, you held leadership roles at Dell, EXL, and American Express, and you’re a strong advocate for inclusive hiring and talent transformation.
How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
AM: My work over the past more than 3 decades has helped me work in many parts of the world with marquee companies and top notch professionals where we have built solutions and delivered mission critical work. What drives me as an individual is this feeling of making a real impact on society through my work.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
AM: I have a Bachelors in Business Management from CBS, Delhi University, a top 3 undergrad college in India. I also have completed an onsite Exec Mgt program from IIM Bangalore, again amongst the best in the world. Besides that I am a constant learner and have multiple certifications in Technology, Quality and Innovation and Sustainability.
My formal qualifications and the constant learning I continue to undertake have helped me remain relevant to advise clients, lead people with confidence and contribute to society in a meaningful way. Besides that I also read and generally try to be aware of what's happening around us.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...
AM: Do not look for safety or stability at this age. This is the time to go out there and take a swing and work at the heart of companies or teams solving big real world problems without overthinking. There cannot be a better place to build a career foundation in such a place.
M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace or industry right now?
AM: As I have mentioned before, the world today is changing at an exponential rate and Technology is the lifeblood. With AI and quantum the next waves are here. And there will be more. The companies and professionals who will win and create long term impact are the ones who use Human Skills like EQ, empathy,teamwork, communication to harness Technology and make it our servant. Humans plus Machines/Tech will be the recipe in a world where upto 70% of the jobs that will be there in less than a decade is not even invented.
M: Self Awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. What’s your strongest trait / personal super power?
AM: I think the ability to self regulate and control emotions in professional settings. Plus I am also an ardent believer of upholding one’s core values come what may, and standing up for your teams.
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
AM: I have been given feedback that I am very “direct and transparent/blunt”, when I could have been a bit more “political”.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to work for an organisation like yours, what would it be?
AM: We are at an amazing time when Technology is progressing so fast that it is almost like a genie which can solve any problem for our planet and humanity. So become a specialist in a chosen area and hone problem solving skills so you are at the middle of this action. Finally it is our responsibility that this genie does no harm.
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one Uni graduate to your business, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
AM: Some of the answers to this are already there in my earlier response. What I will add is I will look for honesty, resilience and being a good team player also as essential attributes.
M: In the words of American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”
What’s next on your #learning agenda?
AM: I am looking at learning more about Climate Change and Sustainabilty
Arun Menon
Managing Director at Accenture
Arun Menon is a Managing Director at Accenture, the world's leading professional services company where he has spent two decades living in India and across the globe working with Fortune 100 clients to reimagine, co- create and deliver Managed Services in the field of ICT and BPO: large mission critical multi year transformations that keep enterprises future ready. He has also worked in Australia with Australian companies to help them create more value from their ICT budgets. And a stint in the Philippines to grow the region, where he was part of the country LT there.
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