In an oscillating world of IT where ‘Demands create innovations,’ novel technologies hold significant importance that contribute to assisting in customer-centric solutions. In this world, passionate leaders act as key players by providing inventive products and solutions.
One such ardent driver of growth is Gyanendra Kumar, who shares a deep understanding of client needs, becoming the driving force behind his creation—Infotrust Singapore Pte Ltd. Being CEO, Gyanendra provides reliable and industry-specific solutions to his clients with transparency and clear communication.
In an exclusive interview with CIOLook, Gyanendra shared his amazing journey to business success. The snippets are given below:
Please brief us about yourself and what inspired you to embark on this sector.
I am a computer science graduate who started my career in 1992. My entrepreneurial journey began in 2003 in Singapore, driven by my passion for technology and innovation. The idea of creating new products and solutions was not feasible while working for others, which inspired me to establish my own company. My enthusiasm for technology and the endless possibilities it offers continue to drive me.
Could you give our readers an insight into your company and its inception story?
In 2006, I founded Infotrust Singapore Pte Ltd. with a vision to revolutionize IT consulting and services. After starting my entrepreneurial journey in 2003, I realized there was a significant gap in the market for reliable and robust IT solutions tailored to various industries. Driven by my passion for technology and a deep understanding of market needs, I decided to embark on this ambitious venture.
The inception of Infotrust was grounded in the belief that teamwork and innovation are key to success. We started as a small team of dedicated professionals, each bringing unique expertise and a shared commitment to excellence. Our initial focus was on developing and implementing robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems that could cater to the specific needs of different industries. This was a challenging endeavor, but our dedication to quality and client satisfaction set us apart from competitors.
Over the years, Infotrust has faced numerous highs and lows, each serving as a learning experience that strengthened our resolve and adaptability. The dynamic nature of the IT industry requires us to stay ahead of trends and continuously innovate. We embraced these challenges by expanding our services and diversifying our portfolio. Our ability to adapt to the ever-changing market landscape has been a cornerstone of our success.
Today, Infotrust has grown exponentially, with a strong presence in India, Malaysia, the UK, and our home base, Singapore. Our client base has expanded to over 1,000 clients, and we proudly support more than 100,000 users globally. We provide comprehensive IT solutions to a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, finance, education, accounting, logistics, energy, transport, and security. Our services have evolved to include not only CRMs but also advanced data analytics, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and custom software development.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business leader, and how have you overcome them
One of my biggest challenges was losing my partner in a car accident. It was a devastating loss, akin to losing a brother. The pandemic was another significant setback. Overcoming these challenges required immense courage and resilience. With the support of my family, friends, and team, I managed to rebuild and continue our journey. The trust and connections I’ve built over the past 25 years were instrumental in overcoming these obstacles.
How do you prioritize and balance the needs of different stakeholders in your business
Balancing the needs of different stakeholders requires clear communication, transparency, and prioritization. I ensure that our clients’ needs are met by delivering reliable and effective solutions, while also maintaining a supportive and growth-oriented environment for my team. Building trust and fostering long-term relationships with both clients and employees are at the core of our business strategy.
Can you share an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision as a leader, and what factors influenced your decision-making process?
One difficult decision was continuing the business after the loss of my partner. The key factors influencing my decision were my commitment to our vision, the well-being of our employees, and the legacy we had built together. I knew my partner would want to see the company thrive, so I chose to persevere, driven by the support and trust of my team and stakeholders.
How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and incorporate them into your business strategy?
Staying up-to-date involves continuous learning and networking. I regularly attend industry conferences, engage with thought leaders, and follow the latest technological advancements. This knowledge is incorporated into our business strategy through innovation and adapting our services to meet emerging market needs.
Can you discuss a time when you had to pivot your business strategy and how you navigated that change?
During the pandemic, we had to pivot our strategy to focus more on remote solutions and digital transformation. Navigating this change involved rapid adaptation, investing in new technologies, and retraining our team to meet the evolving demands. Our agility and willingness to embrace change enabled us to continue providing value to our clients.
How do you foster a positive and productive company culture, and what role do you play in that?
A positive and productive company culture is built on trust, collaboration, and continuous learning. I lead by example, maintaining open communication, and encouraging innovation. By recognizing and rewarding contributions, and providing opportunities for growth, I ensure that our team feels valued and motivated.
Can you share an example of a time when you had to lead your team through a challenging situation, and how you supported them through it?
Leading the team through the aftermath of my partner’s passing was incredibly challenging. I supported them by maintaining transparency about our situation, providing emotional support, and reinforcing our collective mission. Together, we focused on our goals and relied on our shared strength to move forward.
How do you measure success in your business, and what metrics do you use to track progress?
Success is measured by the satisfaction of our clients, the growth of our team, and our market presence. Key metrics include client retention rates, employee engagement levels, and the successful delivery of projects. Financial performance and expansion into new markets also serve as important indicators of our progress.
What advice would you give to aspiring business leaders, and what qualities do you believe are essential for success in leadership roles?
My advice to aspiring business leaders is to stay passionate, resilient, and adaptable. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and never lose sight of your core values. Essential qualities for success include integrity, empathy, and the ability to inspire and empower others. Building trust and fostering strong relationships are fundamental to long-term success.