Rajan

Rajan’s Journey at Capgemini: Leading Delivery Through Transformation and Inspiring Growth

In the ever-evolving world of consulting, success hinges on adaptability, vision, and a genuine passion for driving change. Rajan, a Senior Director and Delivery Executive at Capgemini New Zealand, embodies these qualities, navigating the complexities of the financial services sector while championing innovation and delivering value for clients. His 13-year career at the company offers a glimpse into the dynamic world of Capgemini and the qualities that make its people successful.

Wearing Many Hats: A Day in the Life

Rajan’s role is dynamic and multifaceted, blending strategic vision, hands-on execution, and strong client engagement—key elements for successful delivery. Leading in the financial services sector requires deep industry insight to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

“In a delivery role, you take on internal & client stakeholder management, governance, account oversight—including forecasting, budgeting, operations, and staffing,” Rajan explains.

His typical day includes:

• Assessing each project performance to align with client objective and Capgemini’s strategy
• Collaborating with the team to resolve challenges and maintain timelines
• Managing operations & financials to ensure alignment with goals and expectations
• Engaging with clients to anticipate needs & drive actions (or innovation)

Essential Skills: Beyond Technical Expertise

For those pursuing a career in consulting, Rajan shares insights from his own experiences. While technical skills are essential, he stresses the importance of soft skills, calling them “often the key factor in career progression.” According to him, fresh graduates and new hires need the right attitude and passion to succeed.

Beyond technical capability and right mindset, Rajan highlights two key skills:

• Analytical Thinking: Breaking down complex problems, identifying root causes, and developing solutions. Rajan emphasizes the importance of maintaining critical thinking skills while using AI, cautioning against over-reliance on technology.
• Effective Communication & Active Listening: Conveying ideas clearly, adapting to diverse audiences, and, most importantly, listening. As Rajan puts it, “Listening becomes more important than speaking” as one advances. He highlights active listening as key to understanding client needs, recognizing unspoken concerns, and building strong relationships.

Rajan highlights Capgemini’s training programs, which he has personally benefited from and encourages his team to utilize. “Every client is different,” Rajan observes. “So, it is a bit challenging to align ourselves to these diverse stakeholders.” He adds, “Despite the challenge, this diversity provides opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding one’s perspective.”

Contributing to Capgemini’s Promise

Rajan views his work aligned with Capgemini’s mission of helping clients and employees “Get the future you want.” To him, this means driving transformation, fostering innovation, and creating value. Reflecting, Rajan states, “People do matter, and I think Capgemini is helping empower our people through training and through supportive mechanisms so they can grow.” For clients, this means driving innovation, creating value, and enabling them to succeed in a rapidly changing world and transforming to modern platforms.”

The Future of Consulting: A Human-AI Partnership

Rajan sees the future of consulting as a blend of AI, digital transformation, and data-driven insights. “I see transformation,” he says. “I see data-driven [results]…and AI as the future.”  While AI plays a key role, he stresses that human expertise remains essential. “It’s not just about knowing AI,” he explains, “but understanding how to use it—applying analytical and problem-solving skills.” He envisions a human-AI partnership where technology provides insights, but consultants interpret, strategize, and foster relationships. “While AI is helping…we should keep a balance” – striking a balance between leveraging AI and honing human skills like analysis, communication, and ethical judgment will be crucial. Future consultants, he suggests, will act as “translators” between AI and business needs, ensuring value for clients remains the priority. “Clients are keen to understand the value they’re receiving in relation to the cost.”, he observes. Rajan’s story offers a compelling look into the consulting world at Capgemini. It is a world full of dynamic challenges, continuous learning, and the chance to make a significant impact on both clients and colleagues. For those seeking a career that combines intellectual stimulation with real-world impact, Capgemini provides a place for growth and success. His insights emphasise the importance of adaptability, strong communication, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a focus on delivering value in today’s rapidly changing business environment.

Career Paths

Students and graduates

Take the first steps in a bold new direction. A career at Capgemini offers you the opportunity to follow an existing passion or cultivate new ones. Develop your career in the direction you want to take it.

Experienced professionals

Bring your mastery and experience to a global business that values and celebrates its experts, and we will provide you with the opportunity to take the next meaningful step in your career journey.

Executives

Developing our leaders is one of Capgemini’s key priorities. We have designed leading-edge learning initiatives specifically for helping you as an executive to enhance your people and business skills.