TheCconnects: Dr. Anil kumar Singh, thank you for joining us today. Your career in the ICT industry spans over two decades with some of the biggest names in the business. Could you walk us through your professional journey and how you arrived at your current role at NTT Global DATA?
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh: Thank you for having me. My journey began with a curiosity for technology’s potential to transform businesses. I started at BPL Telecom, where I cut my teeth in sales and learned the importance of building trust-based client relationships. Over the years, I moved through roles at Alcatel, HCL Infosystems, Reliance Communications, Idea, and Vodafone Idea, each teaching me something new about the ICT landscape, be it channel strategies, solution sales, or navigating competitive markets. A pivotal moment came at HCL, where I drove exponential growth during the nascent stages of several technologies, shaping my approach to blending technical expertise with commercial strategy.
Today, as Senior Director of Sales at NTT, I lead efforts to deliver managed services like cybersecurity, cloud, and network operations. My role is about aligning cutting-edge solutions with client needs while fostering high-performing teams. It’s been a journey of constant learning, adapting to technological shifts, and staying ahead in a dynamic industry.
TheCconnects: That’s an impressive trajectory. Who would you say has been the most influential figure in shaping your approach to leadership and life?
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh: That’s a tough one, but I’d say my mentor from my early days at HCL, a seasoned leader who taught me the value of empathy in leadership. He believed that understanding your team’s motivations and your clients’ pain points is as critical as any technical or strategic skill. His mantra was, “People don’t buy solutions; they buy trust.” That perspective stuck with me. Beyond that, I draw inspiration from industry pioneers like Satya Nadella, whose focus on a growth mindset and cultural transformation at Microsoft resonates with my belief in continuous learning and adaptability.
TheCconnects: Speaking of challenges, what have been some of the biggest hurdles you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh: The ICT industry is a pressure cooker, fast-evolving technologies, fierce competition, and ever-changing customer expectations. One of my biggest challenges was during my time at Idea, where we faced intense market consolidation. The pressure was on to maintain revenue growth while integrating new technologies like IoT and cloud solutions. It was daunting, but I leaned on data-driven strategies and agile sales processes. We revamped our account management approach, using digital tools to improve customer NPS and streamline operations. Building a collaborative team culture was key, empowering my team to innovate and take ownership helped us not just survive but thrive, achieving a revenue milestone in a tough market.
TheCconnects: That’s remarkable. Reflecting on your career, what are the key lessons you’ve learned that you’d pass on to others in the industry?
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh: First, never stop learning. The ICT industry moves at breakneck speed, and staying relevant means dedicating time to understanding emerging trends, whether it’s generative AI or edge computing. I spend over 80 hours a month sharpening my techno-commercial skills. Second, relationships matter. Long-term success comes from building trust with clients and partners, not just closing deals. Finally, embrace adaptability. The ability to pivot strategies in response to market shifts or technological disruptions is what separates good leaders from great ones.
TheCconnects: Let’s talk about the digital landscape. What do you see as the biggest challenge for brands trying to stand out in this space?
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh: The biggest challenge is staying relevant in a world where customer expectations evolve faster than most businesses can keep up. Brands are bombarded with data, but the real hurdle is turning that into actionable insights. Many struggle with fragmented digital strategies, trying to adopt every new tool without a cohesive plan. The result is wasted resources and diluted impact. Success lies in aligning technology with clear business objectives, whether it’s enhancing customer experience through AI-driven personalization or ensuring robust cybersecurity to build trust. It’s about being intentional, not reactive.
TheCconnects: That’s a comprehensive approach. Shifting gears, how do you unwind or spend your free time when you’re not leading high-stakes sales strategies?
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh: I’m a firm believer in balance, though it’s not always easy in this industry! I enjoy reading, mostly non-fiction on technology trends or leadership. I also love trekking; there’s something grounding about being in nature, away from screens. I recently hiked in the Sahyadris, and it was a great reset. Spending time with my family is another priority, whether it’s a quiet evening with my kids or brainstorming new ideas with my wife, who’s my biggest sounding board.
TheCconnects: It sounds like you’ve found a great way to recharge. Given your experience, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the ICT industry?
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh: Start with a clear value proposition, what problem are you solving, and why does it matter? The ICT space is crowded, so differentiation is key. Second, build a strong network. Relationships with mentors, peers, and clients will open doors and provide critical feedback. Third, don’t shy away from failure. My biggest growth moments came from setbacks, each one taught me resilience and sharpened my strategy. Finally, stay curious. The moment you think you’ve mastered the industry, you’re already behind. Invest in learning, experiment with new technologies, and always keep the customer at the heart of your decisions.
TheCconnects: You’ve mentioned generative AI as a game-changer. How do you see it shaping the future of the ICT industry?
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh: Generative AI is a transformative force. It’s not just about automating tasks; it’s about reimagining how we solve problems. For example, in sales, AI can analyze vast datasets to predict customer behavior, enabling hyper-personalized solutions. In cybersecurity, it’s enhancing threat detection by identifying patterns humans might miss. The challenge is ethical adoption, ensuring AI is transparent, secure, and aligned with business goals. At NTT, we’re exploring how generative AI can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences, but it’s critical to balance innovation with responsibility.
TheCconnects: One final question, how do you stay motivated in such a high-pressure role?
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh: It comes down to purpose. I’m driven by the impact we create, whether it’s helping a client secure their operations or mentoring a team member to reach their potential. Seeing tangible results, like a client’s business thriving because of our solutions, keeps me energized. Plus, the ICT industry’s pace is exhilarating, there’s always a new challenge, a new opportunity to learn and grow. That’s what keeps me going.
TheCconnects: Dr. Singh, your insights are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey and vision with us.
Dr. Anil Kumar Singh: My pleasure. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this exciting industry.
