Mukul Saxena
Senior Vice President at Sify
Sify Technologies
Mukul Saxena is a member of:
Could you tell us briefly about your family background?
The youngest of three children, I did my schooling from St.Joseph’s Academy in Dehra Dun, and my Engineering B.Tech. in Mechanical Engg from IIT Delhi in 1985. My family valued educational excellence, and integrity in how we lived. Reading widely was a dear hobby.
Degrees that Matter
I was certified in ISO 9001 and SEI-CMM Lev 5 SCAMPI as Auditor and Assessor. Certifications are an excellent source of learning the rigor needed to meticulously go through all aspects necessary for effective tests, reviews and improvements. Process Management and Improvement training is key.
Required Reading
I recommend reading books by Philip Crosby, Watts Humphrey, and Edward de Bono. MindTools.com and the HBR are excellent sources for executive and leadership process improvement references and case studies.
Plans for the Future
I see myself and my company running International Competence Management operations. I already have established operations in the USA and UK apart from India. Growth is an imperative.
The Journey So Far
Started in manufacturing, with Escorts Ltd. as an Apprentice Engr, moved to become Manager Planning for a mfg. company until 1992, when i moved to NIIT Ltd where I was Project Manager, growing to Business Head in 2005. Was CTO at NIS Sparta, a Reliance co. until 2007 when I became an entrepreneur.
Most Important Lessons
Being close to the customer, always listening to the requirements they have is most important. Sensing people and their expectations is as key as being able to get along with everyone. Hard work, and not holding back from any and all value addition that we can do is the key to making our mark.
Points of inflection
The first inflection point (1987) was when I moved into Information Systems Management from manufacturing. The second inflection point (1992) when I moved into IT and Instructional Design industry. 1995 was the third inflection point when I established myself in Process and Quality Improvement.
Tech trends to watch out for
Automation of testing practices, and the analysis of measurement data is the most significant trend that marked the last 15 years. Also, as programs become more complex and users become more demanding, usability analysis and testing is becoming more important to ensure user experience.
Currently working at
I am the Founder and CEO of Jedii Services, a consulting organization focused on Improving Business Performance through design driven interventions in the domains of Human Performance, Processes, Systems and Technology. My role ensures developing Business potential, Expertise, Execution excellence.
Role Model
Vijay Thadani, the CEO and President of NIIT Ltd. has been one of my role models, for the insightfulness and courage with which he has always led the company. I learned the value of speed and innovation, coupled with being close to the customer and measuring rigorously from him.