RAJESH BHAT
Chief Technology Officer for APi Group
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself
I'm currently the Chief Technology Officer at APi Group, a global leader in Safety and Specialty services, based out of Minneapolis. I’ve had the opportunity of living and working in six different countries, which has broadened my perspective.
Over the years, I’ve spearheaded multimillion-dollar global initiatives, managed strategic planning and multi-country programs, and driven AI-backed advancements. I have worked closely with CEOs and leadership teams to create solutions tailored for Fortune 100 companies and beyond, especially during times of growth and transformation.
What path have you taken to your current position?
My journey has been quite diverse. I started in business roles, then made the switch to business consulting, and eventually found my way into the technology world. This blend has given me a unique edge in solving technology challenges.
Within the tech space, I’ve led complex initiatives, managed major transformation programs, and navigated the tricky waters of M&A deadlines. It’s been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey!
Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?
Honestly, not at all! When I started in business roles, I never imagined I’d end up in a technology position. But, as life would have it, one thing led to another, and here I am.
That said, I’ve always had the goal of leading a function or an organization from the moment I entered the corporate world. It just so happens that technology became that function for me.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey? (If you feel comfortable, please share their name and how they helped you)
I’ve had several role models who’ve influenced me along the way. My family has had a huge part in shaping who I am today.
On the professional side, the CEO of the first company I worked for really influenced my thinking and problem-solving approach. My first manager also taught me the importance of standing up for what’s right and the power of effective communication.
I’ve had some fantastic relationships and some challenging ones, but I believe each of them has provided me with opportunities to learn. It’s really up to us to decide what we take away from every relationship.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
Change is the only constant, and it's moving faster than ever. In the next five years, I see technology leaders evolving. They won't just be the go-to folks for keeping the tech running smoothly; they'll be core strategists driving innovation and transformation across their companies.
Think about it: with technology lifespans shrinking and in the rapid race for new developments, tech leaders will have to constantly learn and adapt. They'll be spotting opportunities that can help boost the company's bottom line, leveraging new technologies to gain competitive edges.
And let’s not forget about AI – it's not just offering cool new tools but is also shaking up job markets. Tech leaders will need to foster a culture of continual learning, motivating their teams to step out of their comfort zones and grow their skills.
In essence, the role of a tech leader will blend more into that of a business leader. They'll be champions of both technology and people, ensuring their teams stay ahead of the curve and develop alongside the changing landscape. Quite a dynamic mix.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
Future leaders will need a diverse set of skills to thrive, especially with the rapid pace of technological change.
First off, staying on top of new tech is non-negotiable. We're talking about things like generative AI prompt skills – stuff we never even thought we'd need a few years ago. But it's more than just understanding the latest gadgets and gizmos; leaders will need to continually adapt and learn new tech to keep their teams ahead of the curve.
But let’s not overlook the human side of leadership. Empathy is going to be crucial. Leaders must truly understand and feel what their teams are going through, especially in uncertain times. Being a good listener is part of that – it’s about being fully present and listening to what they are saying AND what they're not saying.
Mentorship will also play a big role. Leaders need to guide their teams, helping them to grow and adapt to changes. It's not just about managing; it's about inspiring and nurturing talent.
So, yeah, future leaders will need a mix of constantly updating their tech skills and honing their people skills – a blend of being tech-savvy and deeply empathetic. Quite a balancing act, but definitely doable!
Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?
I feel like I'm just getting started. There's a whole world of learning, growth, and achievement ahead of me. I love building things and taking on challenges others might see as impossible – that's where the real fun is!
The next step for me is embracing those big, exciting challenges.
The bigger, the better. There’s no shortage of opportunities out there, and I’m eager to dive in and make things happen. Whether it's taking on groundbreaking initiatives or pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, I’m all in.
The journey is just beginning, and I'm ready to see where it takes me!
What advice would you give to aspiring technology leaders who are just starting their careers?
There's so much to share! But here are a few key pieces of advice I’d give to aspiring technology leaders just starting out:
1) No shortcuts: Success takes hard work and persistence, so don’t look for quick fixes.
2) Never stop learning: Technology is always evolving, so keep your curiosity alive and stay open to new knowledge.
3) Embrace ambiguity: Be okay with not having all the answers; It’s a part of the journey.
4) People first: Remember, people come first in "People, Process, and Technology" for a reason. Building and nurturing relationships is crucial.
5) Have fun: Enjoy the ride! Challenges and setbacks are part of the growth process, so find joy in the journey.
Keep these in mind, and you’ll do great!
"Success takes hard work and persistence, so don’t look for quick fixes."
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?
Oh man, there have been quite a few challenges along the way, but if I had to pick one of the most recent, it would be the TSA (Transition Service Agreement) exit for a big global acquisition we just wrapped up. The timeline was crazy tight, and the team on the ground was super lean.
I had to juggle executing the TSA exit, building a new team, drafting new contracts, and setting up an entire technology platform from scratch – and all within this super challenging timeline. It was high stakes, with our investor community closely watching every move.
The morale on the ground was pretty low, so it wasn't just about getting the job done, but doing it right and rallying the team together. We managed to hit our goal on time and under budget, earning us a lot of kudos. It wasn't the effort of just one person; we pulled it off by building a strong team and instilling a belief in every single member that we could do it.
In the end, it was all about teamwork and shared confidence, and we nailed it!
How do you measure and communicate the value and impact of technology initiatives to other business leaders and stakeholders?
It all starts by setting clear goals upfront and defining what success looks like for these initiatives. Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) before and after implementation helps us determine if the technology delivered on its promises.
However, it's important to remember that technology alone isn't a magic bullet; successful outcomes require adoption, change management, and training to work in harmony. By setting clear goals, measuring the right metrics, and ensuring all parts of the puzzle fit together, we can effectively demonstrate tangible results and alignment with business objectives to our stakeholders.
A big thank you to Rajesh Bhat from APi Group for sharing his journey to date.
If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here.
