Raj Iyer : Navigating The Complexities Of Technological Frontiers In It Consultancy And Transformation
Raj Iyer
CTO
During our close interview, Raj Iyer shared insights on his professional journey, leadership approach, valuable advice, and future trends in the IT industry.
Can you summarise the key milestones and challenges that have shaped your professional journey and contributed to your success?
With over 35 years of experience, I have witnessed and contributed to significant tra- nsformations in the IT landscape. My career began in 1989 as a software developer at Indian Express, where I learned to align technology with business needs. In 1996, I expanded my horizons with L&T Infotech in the UK, leading offshore outsourcing initiatives that fueled orga- nisational growth. At Logi- caCMG (now CGI), I managed technology architecture and enhanced offshore capabilities, notably supporting landmark deals like Nokia in Finland. In 2010, I joined Fujitsu to lead their application practice and spear- headed cloud initiatives. By 2016, I became the global product owner of Fujitsu’s Cloud Manage- ment Platform, gaining insights into Japanese business practices. In 2020, I was appointed Application Director at Rackspace, eventually rising to CTO. This journey through diverse global experiences across Indian, European, Japanese, and American organisations has been centred on driving transformative change in IT.
As the CTO, what are the factors you look into when developing strategies for longterm digital trans- formation?
My broader perspective and practical approach to challenges is based on a diverse background covering different geographical regions, vertical domains, technologies and responsibilities I took on. Collaborating with various organisations and clients has taught me that while frameworks and strategies are valuable, adaptability is essential in real-world scenarios. At Rackspace Technology, a $3+ billion startup, I thrive in an agile environment that fosters quick decision making with minimal hierarchy.
My past experiences, especially in offshore services, have shaped my current role, as clients often voiced concerns about control and security. Interestingly, as organisations transition to the cloud, they express similar worries about relinquishing control with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. Many of the challenges I encountered in offshoring and outsourcing mirror those faced in cloud adoption, enabling me to bridge these gaps confidently. With AI driving change, cloud adoption can follow a trajectory similar to offshoring, underscoring the importance of swift adaptation.
What is your anticipation of the upcoming technological developments and oppor - tunities in the market, going forward?
As a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), focusing on future developments is crucial for organisational success. While evaluating current trends is relatively straight forward, anticipating future shifts can be challenging due to rapid technological and market changes. I strategically focused on cloud technology over a decade ago, a decision I take pride in today. IT companies must assist clients in navigating these ongoing changes and keeping them informed about industry trends. Although predicting the next three years may be impractical, making informed judgments about the near future is achievable. Agility is vital, as the traditional five-year planning model is now outdated. Embracing innovation, closely monitoring industry dynamics, and being open to new solutions are essential for thriving in today’s fast-paced environment. Adapt-ability has become a necessity rather than an option, ensuring organisations remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.
My broader perspective and practical approach to challenges is based on a diverse background covering different geographical regions, vertical domains, technologies and responsibilities I took on. Collaborating with various organisations and clients has taught me that while frameworks and strategies are valuable, adaptability is essential in real-world scenarios. At Rackspace Technology, a $3+ billion startup, I thrive in an agile environment that fosters quick decision making with minimal hierarchy.
My past experiences, especially in offshore services, have shaped my current role, as clients often voiced concerns about control and security. Interestingly, as organisations transition to the cloud, they express similar worries about relinquishing control with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. Many of the challenges I encountered in offshoring and outsourcing mirror those faced in cloud adoption, enabling me to bridge these gaps confidently. With AI driving change, cloud adoption can follow a trajectory similar to offshoring, underscoring the importance of swift adaptation.
Embracing change and step-ping outside of comfort zones is crucial for growth
What is your anticipation of the upcoming technological developments and oppor - tunities in the market, going forward?
As a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), focusing on future developments is crucial for organisational success. While evaluating current trends is relatively straight forward, anticipating future shifts can be challenging due to rapid technological and market changes. I strategically focused on cloud technology over a decade ago, a decision I take pride in today. IT companies must assist clients in navigating these ongoing changes and keeping them informed about industry trends. Although predicting the next three years may be impractical, making informed judgments about the near future is achievable. Agility is vital, as the traditional five-year planning model is now outdated. Embracing innovation, closely monitoring industry dynamics, and being open to new solutions are essential for thriving in today’s fast-paced environment. Adapt-ability has become a necessity rather than an option, ensuring organisations remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
Leadership encompasses two key aspects, personal style and the situational environment. While many leaders may identify with a specific style, such as democratic leadership, it’s crucial to recognize that effectiveness can vary across different cultures and organisations. For instance, a leader who thrives in one setting may struggle in another due to differing dynamics and expectations. Personally, my approach emphasises account- ability and empowering my team to solve problems independently, rather than micromanaging their every move. However, I've learned to adapt my leadership style based on the context. My experiences across diverse regions, including Europe, the U.S., Japan, and India, have enriched my under -standing of what works best in varying scenarios. Although I maintain my core values and principles, I acknowledge that flexibility is essential for effective leadership, as no single style is universally applicable. This adaptability has been a vital lesson throughout my journey in leading teams.
What would be your advice to budding tech leaders, from your experience?
The key piece of advice I would offer is that change is the only constant, and individuals must not be constrained by their current knowledge. Embracing change and stepping outside of comfort zones is crucial for growth. For example, I ventured into pre-sales and took on responsibilities for profit and loss management, even though I had no prior experience in those areas. Similarly, in 2014, I committed to understanding cloud technology, despite being unfamiliar with it at the time. Leaders should challenge themselves to explore unfamiliar territories and continuously learn, adapting to the ever evolving landscape. Being open to change and willing to align with global developments is essential for effective leadership, especially for those aspiring to roles like CTO. Sticking rigidly to one's expertise may result in missed opportunities in today’s rapidly changing world.
Raj Iyer, CTO, Rackspace Technology
With over 35 years in the IT industry, Raj Iyer is an exceptional leader known for his technological expertise and global experience. His ada- ptability enriches his perspective, empowering team members to make decisions that drive growth and innovation.
Leadership encompasses two key aspects, personal style and the situational environment. While many leaders may identify with a specific style, such as democratic leadership, it’s crucial to recognize that effectiveness can vary across different cultures and organisations. For instance, a leader who thrives in one setting may struggle in another due to differing dynamics and expectations. Personally, my approach emphasises account- ability and empowering my team to solve problems independently, rather than micromanaging their every move. However, I've learned to adapt my leadership style based on the context. My experiences across diverse regions, including Europe, the U.S., Japan, and India, have enriched my under -standing of what works best in varying scenarios. Although I maintain my core values and principles, I acknowledge that flexibility is essential for effective leadership, as no single style is universally applicable. This adaptability has been a vital lesson throughout my journey in leading teams.
What would be your advice to budding tech leaders, from your experience?
The key piece of advice I would offer is that change is the only constant, and individuals must not be constrained by their current knowledge. Embracing change and stepping outside of comfort zones is crucial for growth. For example, I ventured into pre-sales and took on responsibilities for profit and loss management, even though I had no prior experience in those areas. Similarly, in 2014, I committed to understanding cloud technology, despite being unfamiliar with it at the time. Leaders should challenge themselves to explore unfamiliar territories and continuously learn, adapting to the ever evolving landscape. Being open to change and willing to align with global developments is essential for effective leadership, especially for those aspiring to roles like CTO. Sticking rigidly to one's expertise may result in missed opportunities in today’s rapidly changing world.
Raj Iyer, CTO, Rackspace Technology
With over 35 years in the IT industry, Raj Iyer is an exceptional leader known for his technological expertise and global experience. His ada- ptability enriches his perspective, empowering team members to make decisions that drive growth and innovation.