Visionary to vanguard: Redefining leadership in the GPS industry

Urvi Mehta joined Deloitte US-India Offices as a developer 14 years ago. In this blog post, she reflects on her journey from developer to a Senior Manager, where her dedication to providing the high-quality customer experiences has shaped her career and set a standard in the GPS industry. Read the blog for a journey filled with insights, innovation, and relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction.

A 14-year odyssey in tech leadership and innovation

As a developer, my passion for creating solutions and understanding the "why" and "how" of end-to-end processes has been instrumental in my transition from managing to mentoring teams. In my 14-year journey, I’ve embraced learning from industry stalwarts, peers, and juniors alike. This organic progression in my career was greatly influenced by the invaluable mentorship I received, which shaped my thought processes and spurred my professional growth.

In terms of the technology delivery my team and I am responsible for, we have introduced several solutions to our clients ranging from automation through OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and RPA (Robotic Process Automation) to enhance productivity to creating accessible dashboards during COVID-19. These initiatives have not only improved quality and performance but have also generated notable savings for our clients. The takeaway is clear: we all have the potential to make a meaningful impact.

Navigating through technological disruption in management consulting

The landscape of management consulting is continuously evolving under the influence of technological disruption. In my view, important  priorities that are shaping our approach include:

1. Embracing digital transformation through AI, analytics, and automation which are essential for developing new solutions and consulting models.
2. Adapting to hybrid work by exploring digital opportunities for delivery, product models, and collaboration tools.
3. Increasing focus on cyber security and risk management by learning and collaborating on robust frameworks and risk mitigation strategies.

In summary, we will all be impacted and our ability to adapt to these quickly and address the challenges will help us thrive.

Qualities and strategies to thrive in management consulting

I believe success in management consulting is driven by a diverse set of skills and qualities:

1. Deep domain knowledge and subject matter specialization build confidence and credibility.
2. Technology fluency and the ability to visualize solutions are critical for effective project management.
3. Problem-solving skills involve visualizing complex issues, breaking them down into manageable parts, and innovating solutions.
4. Tailored communication, whether verbal or written, is important to engaging different audiences effectively.
   Strong people management skills are fundamental for building trust with clients and fostering motivated teams. Curiosity, integrity, and commitment to continuous learning and self-development are also vital. Engaging in training, gaining practical experience, and seeking feedback are essential for personal growth and professional excellence.

My Monday Mantra

My drive to excel is fueled by a commitment to learning and integrity. I am grateful for the support from Deloitte’s mentors, my collaborative teams, and my family, who make this journey fulfilling. Managing increasing responsibilities requires a clear focus on both immediate and long-term goals. Regularly reviewing these goals ensures alignment with my broader vision. I prioritize time with colleagues to know more about other projects, invest in creating driven teams for shared goals, learn about technological advancements and brainstorm ideas to keep the curiosity alive.

The views expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers or any organization with which she is associated.