If you want to survive in the market make sure you learn, learn and learn, this is a way to succeed: CIO & IT Head, AhujaHIVE (Fosun Group) | CPO INNOVATION

In an exclusive conversation with CPO Innovation, Dr. Chitranjan Kesari, CIO & IT Head, AhujaHIVE (Fosun Group) shares his views on the current real estate tech sector and how technology is playing a crucial role in the success of any business. He also shares some of the key challenges that he faces as a CIO.

Here are the excerpts of the interview.

CPO Innovation: As a way of introducing yourself, can you start off by telling us a little bit about your career and your journey to finding yourself with where you are today?

Dr. Chitranjan Kesari: Started from a village in Bihar, the 8th sibling in my family, a teacher, a proud son, I am Dr. Chitranjan Kesari, a multi-award decorated leader in the corporate world. I hold leadership positions in corporate and have done my education from Doctor of Advanced Studies in Information Technology (Ph.D.) from Azteca University, Harvard Manage Mentor from Harvard Business Publications, Executive Program in Management from Shailesh J. Mehta Institute of Management, IIT, Mumbai, Diploma in Business Management from P.L Welingker Institute of Management, Mumbai and Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi. I have done my graduation from Magadh University, Bodh Gaya and I hold certifications from Microsoft, Cisco and ITIL.

I am working on “Mission – 1,00,000”- Helping beyond Imagination, to help others and give back to society. Currently, I am working in an MNC as Chief Information Officer & IT Head.

CPO Innovation: What are your views on the current real estate tech sector?

Dr. Chitranjan Kesari: Real Estate is a business where companies are investing more on the technology side. Digital transformation helps companies reduce costs and improve timeliness and profitability. So everyone is investing in technology.

CPO Innovation: According to you, what does 21st century IT leadership look like?

Dr. Chitranjan Kesari: Be a fast learner and focus on digital transformation to work and implement new generation tech in your company. If you want to survive in the market make sure you learn, learn and learn, this is a way to succeed.

CPO Innovation: A lot has changed with the adoption of IoT over the years. In a report on digital transformation, the World Economic Forum said that “To succeed in the digital era, (companies) will need to become digital enterprises, rethinking every aspect of their businesses.” How do you think companies especially in real estate have been adopting digital technologies?

Dr. Chitranjan Kesari: I can say that we are first in adopting technology, as I have worked in large real estate companies and some of them are global leaders. We think about every aspect of how we enable our self for IoT and innovation. Those who innovate will succeed, those who not, will be left behind. I have seen companies dying due to non-investment in technology.

If I talk about my current company, it is a tech-driven and tech-enabled company and I am working on some great projects for our company to match with other players in the market.

CPO Innovation: What are the biggest challenges that you face as a CIO?

Dr. Chitranjan Kesari: Convincing CFO for our IT budget. Return on investment, as this is very challenging as whatever investment we are doing is visible in 2 to 3 years. As we know, due to digital transformation everybody wants technology, but during investment, companies want lots of assurance and commitment from IT department. As business wants technology, but the top management of companies gives less priority to the IT department. Fact is, IT plays a transformational role in taking a business to the next level.

CPO Innovation: How do you reconcile key IT initiatives with the bottom line?

Dr. Chitranjan Kesari: Very tough question to reply to, but I believe in teamwork, motivation and due to your devotion success is going to come.

CPO Innovation: What is the one piece of advice you would give to people aspiring to your level of success?

Dr. Chitranjan Kesari: Goal Setting and Time Management. Work on these 2 points to achieve success in life. I want to tell my readers to read my book, Yogic Management – A Leadership Lesson from Village Boy, and Yogic Success. These books will help you achieve your goals. Those who work on these 2 points: goal setting and time management, they will surely get success in their life.