#16 - Akhil Agrawal, Sr. VP - NA Business, Infocepts: The Journey from Data to Leadership

In this episode, Scott Smith hosts Akhil Agrawal, who brings over 20 years of experience in data analytics, business transformation, and customer success. Currently leading North American Business and Customer Success at Infocepts, Akhil has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to executives and business leaders across the globe. In their conversation, Akhil reflects on his career journey, shares insights into his unique leadership style, and discusses the evolving role of AI and data in solving real-world business problems.

Akhil’s path to data and analytics started earlier than most, growing up in a business family where he was introduced to the world of numbers and manual ledgers. He shares how those early experiences laid the groundwork for his career, and how his interest evolved through college and his first professional projects. The episode dives deep into the lessons he has learned from navigating different roles, including the challenges of transitioning from a technical background to leading customer success initiatives.

Tune in as Akhil reveals his approach to leadership, emphasizing the "player-coach" model where he stays hands-on with his teams while setting the direction. He explains how adapting his leadership style to different situations has helped him drive growth and innovation. The conversation also explores the importance of consistency in customer relationships, fostering a culture of trust, and the value of listening over telling.

Scott and Akhil further discuss the rapid advancements in AI and data technology over the past two decades. Akhil provides his perspective on the industry's evolution, from the days of data warehousing to the present, where real-time intelligence and AI-driven solutions are becoming the norm. He emphasizes the need for ethical AI practices, explainability, and responsible adoption to ensure these technologies bring real business value.

For young professionals entering the fields of data or customer success, Akhil offers actionable advice on building expertise, focusing on customer outcomes, and developing a growth mindset. He also reflects on the concept of compounding, encouraging listeners to invest early in their health, habits, and professional networks to maximize long-term benefits.

Key Takeaways:

• The Journey to Data: Akhil shares how his early exposure to business tasks at home sparked his interest in data analytics and shaped his career path.
• Adapting Leadership Styles: Discover the benefits of a "player-coach" model and how Akhil adjusts his leadership style to meet various team and business needs.
• The Transition to Customer Success: Akhil discusses the challenges of moving from technical roles to customer-facing positions and the importance of delivering consistent value.
• The Evolution of Data and AI: Insights into the significant changes in data technology over the past two decades, including real-time intelligence, AI advancements, and the rise of ethical AI practices.
• Strategies for Customer Relationships: Learn why consistency builds credibility, and how listening and understanding customer needs are crucial for long-term success.
• Internal Innovation and Change Management: Akhil recounts a major internal project that drove organizational change, illustrating the power of cross-functional collaboration.
• Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Tips on investing in personal growth, the value of compounding in life and career, and how young professionals can navigate the evolving landscape of data and customer success.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Consistency brings credibility, and credibility brings trust." – On building strong customer relationships.
• "Take pride in your ignorance, not your knowledge. When you do that, you will start asking rather than telling." – On the importance of listening in customer success.