Shaping the Future of IT Transformation

Shaping the Future of IT Transformation
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In a recent conversation, seasoned IT executive Shirish Kashinath Borkar shared his insights on leading enterprise-wide digital transformation, managing change, and fostering innovation in complex business environments

Shirish Kashinath Borkar is not just a seasoned IT executive—he's a transformation strategist who thrives at the intersection of technology and business. With over two decades of experience leading enterprise-scale initiatives, Borkar’s career is defined by his passion for driving innovation and his ability to align technology with evolving business goals.

“My background in engineering gave me a strong foundation in structured problem-solving,” Borkar reflects. “But it’s the dynamic nature of digital transformation that truly excites me—the chance to create real, measurable impact by reimagining how businesses operate.”

Holding a Bachelor of Technology in Petrochemical Engineering from a government university in India and a formidable suite of certifications—including PMI PMP, ITIL V3, SAFe Agilist, Salesforce SiteTracker, and PMI Generative AI—Borkar has successfully bridged the worlds of technical proficiency and strategic leadership. He brings a comprehensive approach to managing change across industries, including manufacturing, telecom, and professional services.

“I rely on a structured governance model to manage complexity,” he explains. “Every project begins with aligning business impact, resource constraints, and strategic priorities. Tools like Primavera P6 and modern digital platforms help ensure transparency and accuracy in execution.”

Borkar emphasizes the importance of clarity, particularly when managing global and cross-functional teams. “Regular stakeholder engagements—from steering committees to operational reviews—ensure that everyone is aligned. It’s not just about keeping things on track, but about empowering the team to deliver with confidence.”

A hallmark of his approach is his focus on change management. “Technology alone doesn’t transform an organization—people do,” Borkar asserts. He integrates techniques such as Gemba walks and persona-based training to enhance user adoption, while transparent communication helps manage executive expectations. “Building trust through consistent updates and results is critical,” he adds.

Measuring success, for Borkar, is both qualitative and quantitative. “We track KPIs like budget adherence, delivery timelines, and system performance. But long-term success also hinges on user adoption and feedback. That’s where true transformation happens.”

Innovation is deeply embedded in his leadership philosophy. “I actively encourage teams to think differently, to challenge the status quo,” he says. “Recognizing creative contributions builds a culture of continuous improvement and engagement.”

Looking ahead, Borkar sees technologies like AI and advanced analytics reshaping IT delivery. “We’re entering a phase where intelligent automation will redefine project management and service delivery. It's an exciting time to be in this field.”

At the core of his strategy is a deep belief in stakeholder involvement. “Engagement is not optional—it’s essential. Through performance dashboards, governance meetings, and open communication, we ensure our journey remains collaborative.”

Shirish Kashinath Borkar exemplifies what it means to lead transformation with vision, empathy, and precision—blending innovation with execution to drive enduring business value.

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