Sunil Goyal embodies the essence of transformative leadership, currently serving as the dynamic Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sopra Steria India. With a robust portfolio encompassing software delivery, HR, IT, finance, and administration, he orchestrates the symphony of operations across multiple centers in Noida, Chennai, Pune, and Bangalore, housing a formidable workforce of 6000 individuals.
Fueled by an unwavering passion for people, Sunil’s journey is a testament to his visionary prowess. His entrepreneurial spirit blazed brightly when he co-founded Momentum India in 1993, igniting a revolution in the IT landscape with negligible seed capital. Within five years, under his astute leadership, Momentum burgeoned from a humble duo to a thriving team of 40, emerging as the premier channel sales partner for Wipro.
A visionary strategist, Sunil played a pivotal role in Momentum’s strategic acquisition by Newell and Budge, subsequently becoming a cornerstone of Sopra Steria’s global expansion. With the company’s merger with Steria in 2014, Sunil’s leadership continues to steer Sopra Steria towards unparalleled heights, transforming it into a 3.8 billion Euro juggernaut boasting a workforce of 40,000 worldwide.
Sunil Goyal’s indelible imprint on the IT landscape exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making him a luminary in the realm of technology-driven transformation.
During a recent interaction with The Interview World, Sunil Goyal emphasized the importance of ESG aspects for businesses. He highlighted the crucial role of technology in fostering sustainable development. Moreover, he outlined expectations for Indian companies expanding globally and discussed the future of the Indian startup scene. Now, let’s delve into the key insights from his interview.
Q: What is the significance of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects into the operations of a business?
A: It’s imperative to prioritize the comprehensive spectrum of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors, as they become increasingly pivotal. Indian corporations are presently directing their efforts towards these facets, indicative of a deeply ingrained cultural ethos. Historically, social issues have garnered significant attention, but there’s a pressing need to amplify our environmental focus. This entails a concerted push towards adopting renewable energy sources, fostering the use of recyclable materials, and addressing pertinent energy-related challenges. The environmental dimension is poised to assume even greater significance in the coming years.
While strides have been made in social initiatives, there remains ample opportunity for further advancement, coupled with a steadfast commitment to sound governance practices. Encouragingly, these trends permeate various industry verticals, signifying a collective industry-wide drive towards sustainable business practices that not only benefit the bottom line but also contribute positively to society and the planet at large.
Q: What impact will technology have on advancing sustainable development?
A: Technology has always played a pivotal role in shaping our world, and its influence has only intensified with the rapid growth we’re witnessing today. Take artificial intelligence (AI), for example. With the abundance of data at our disposal and the power of AI algorithms, we’re now capable of creating a wide array of materials that are not only diverse but also highly sustainable. This technological synergy promises a brighter future, where sustainability concerns are addressed with unprecedented efficiency.
Moreover, technology facilitates innovation by providing tools and platforms for exploration and experimentation. It’s clear that technology has seamlessly integrated into our ecosystem and has become an inherent part of our very being. As we move forward, technology will inevitably continue to shape our world, driving progress, and innovation in ways we have yet to fully comprehend. Thus, embracing and harnessing the power of technology is paramount for navigating the complexities of our modern era.
Q: What factors will contribute to the global expansion of Indian companies over the next two decades?
A: In the dynamic landscape of the IT industry, there’s a palpable sense of transformation and growth. The emergence of Indian IT companies on the global stage is evident in the comparable scale of players like TCS and Accenture. This parity underscores the industry’s competitiveness on a global scale, where Indian firms are no longer just regional players but formidable contenders in the international arena. This shift is further propelled by the advent of Software as a Service (SaaS) models, which are revolutionizing the way businesses operate. Initiatives such as SaaSBoomi are pivotal in supporting SaaS entrepreneurs, facilitating their access to global markets directly from India.
Crucially, the Indian IT ecosystem is buoyed by a robust influx of top-tier talent. This talent pool, characterized by its exceptional quality and diversity, fuels innovation and drives the industry forward. Moreover, there’s a conducive environment fostered by government support and an increasing appetite for entrepreneurship. This confluence of factors paints a promising picture of the industry’s trajectory, with ample opportunities for growth and expansion.
Beyond the confines of the IT sector, Indian companies are making significant strides in various industries globally. A prime example is Reliance Industries, which has successfully integrated global best practices into its business operations, paving the way for seamless international expansion. This trend signifies a broader paradigm shift wherein Indian companies are breaking barriers and venturing into uncharted territories with confidence and competence. In essence, the Indian business landscape is poised for continued evolution and success on the global stage.
Q: How do you envision the trajectory of the startup movement in India?
A: The burgeoning startup movement in India is poised for relentless expansion. This momentum must transcend the cultivation of a mere 5,000 or 10,000 entrepreneurs; the nation requires the emergence of millions of entrepreneurial minds. This phenomenon should not be confined to metropolitan areas alone; rather, it should penetrate the fabric of tier one, tier two, and tier three cities, fostering a culture of innovation and enterprise at every level of society.
What’s more, this entrepreneurial surge is not limited to one gender; increasingly, women are stepping into the arena, contributing their talents and vision to the landscape of Indian business. These entrepreneurs are not just creating local businesses; they are building scalable ventures with global ambitions, elevating India’s stature on the world stage. However, despite the significant strides made, there’s recognition that India’s startup ecosystem is still in its nascent stages. But there’s hope and optimism that within the next decade, the ecosystem will mature, akin to established hubs like the Bay Area. This transformation should extend across all sectors, ushering in a new era of innovation and prosperity for the nation.
