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Insights from Industry Leaders: What Businesses Want from Future Tech Managers

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  • 4 min read

Why Technology Management is the Future of Business Leadership

The digital economy has fundamentally transformed business operations. Today, companies across various sectors—from finance and healthcare to e-commerce and manufacturing—are deeply integrated with technology. This evolution has created an urgent need for business leaders who possess a comprehensive understanding of both technology and management.

To explore the competencies businesses seek in their next generation of leaders, we examined insights from CEOs, CTOs, and industry veterans from global tech firms. Their perspectives reveal a critical skills gap and highlight the key attributes that will define the Tech Managers of the Future.

In this article
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    The Disconnect Between Business & Technology Leadership

    Traditionally, businesses have maintained two distinct leadership paths:

    1. Technical Leaders (CTOs, Engineering Heads, IT Managers) – Experts in software, data, and emerging technologies but often lacking deep business strategy skills.
    2. Business Leaders (CEOs, Product Managers, Business Executives) – Proficient in strategy, operations, and growth but lacking a deep understanding of technology.

    However, as businesses become increasingly AI-first, technology-first, and digital-first, this division is becoming obsolete. Companies now require leaders who can bridge the gap between technology and business strategy—leaders who understand how to build, manage, and scale tech-driven enterprises.

    What Do Businesses Want in Future Tech Managers?

    Insights from industry leaders indicate that future tech managers should embody the following competencies:

    1. AI & Data-Driven Decision-Making

    “Data has moved from being a byproduct of automation to a first-class citizen in leading enterprises.”

    — Sanjay Srivastava, Chief Digital Officer, Genpact 

    Businesses need managers who can:

    • Leverage AI and machine learning to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences.
    • Utilize data-driven insights to make faster, more informed business decisions.
    • Understand automation and predictive analytics to improve efficiency.
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    2. Digital Transformation Expertise

    “Over time, a CIO becomes technology agnostic.”

    — Vijay Sethi, Former CIO, Hero MotoCorp 

    Tech-driven businesses seek leaders who can:

    • Implement digital-first business models.
    • Drive technology adoption across traditional industries.
    • Manage cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise tech stacks effectively.

    3. Business & Technology Integration

    “The role of CIO today is very different… as the boundaries between business functions and IT function are blurring.”

    — Vijay Sethi, Former CIO, Hero MotoCorp 

    Businesses need leaders who can:

    • Speak the language of both business and technology.
    • Collaborate effectively with engineers, designers, and product teams.
    • Translate tech innovations into business growth strategies.

    4. Innovation & Agile Leadership

    “Great AI results happen when there’s a good data strategy.”

    — Sanjay Srivastava, Chief Digital Officer, Genpact 

    Future tech managers must be:

    • Agile in responding to market disruptions.
    • Skilled in managing product development cycles.
    • Comfortable leading cross-functional, fast-moving teams.

    5. Industry-Specific Tech Expertise

    “Data is the new oil.”

    — The Economist, 2017 

    Businesses now expect leaders to have:

    • Tech expertise tailored to their industry.
    • Hands-on knowledge of AI, blockchain, fintech, or IoT, depending on their sector.
    • Experience working with real-world tech applications.

    Bridging the Gap: The MBA in Technology Management

    Recognizing the growing demand for Techno-Managers, CMR University, in partnership with the Institute of Product Leadership (IPL) USA, has launched India’s first industry-backed MBA in Technology Management.

    This AI-first, digital-first MBA program equips professionals with:

    • AI & Data Analytics Skills – Master AI-driven business strategies.
    • Digital Transformation Leadership – Learn how to manage and scale tech-driven businesses.
    • Product & Technology Management Expertise – Gain hands-on experience in managing tech teams and innovations.
    • Industry Mentorship & Immersion – Work with global tech leaders on real-world business challenges.

    The next wave of business leaders will not just use technology; they will build and manage tech-driven enterprises. 

    The question is: Are you ready to be one of them?

    For further inquiries, please contact our admissions team at [email protected] or call 080-4710-6006.

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