Western Digital Corporation is a leading global provider of data storage solutions. Founded in 1970, the company has grown to become a major player in the digital storage industry, offering a full range of products including hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs) and NAND flash memory solutions. Western Digital provides storage solutions for consumers, businesses and individuals. In its most recent fiscal year, it posted sales of more than $12 billion.

In technology-driven companies like Western Digital, being the IT leader can be a challenge. In a sea of ​​technologists, how can the CIO differentiate his team to realize and transform the services offered?

Prioritizing cybersecurity and risk compliance

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, businesses around the world are paying more attention than ever to cybersecurity. For Sesh Tirumala, Western Digital’s CIO, that focus has led to comprehensive scenario planning and testing the resilience of its IT infrastructure and the resolve of its leadership.

One of the key takeaways from his years of experience is that cybersecurity is not just about technology. Tirumala stressed the importance of a holistic approach that includes people, processes, and technology. “If you don’t get the three legs of the stool in order, you’re never secure or you’ve never built enough guardrails into your ecosystem,” he noted. This philosophy has since shaped Tirumala’s IT strategy, with risk compliance and cybersecurity becoming its number one priority.

Building a resilient culture

Tirumala also focused on creating a resilient and collaborative culture within Western Digital’s IT organization. He believes that culture is a critical component of any successful IT strategy.

Tirumala observed that different companies have different cultures, and one of his goals at Western Digital has been to break down silos within the IT department. “One of the biggest questions is how do you avoid silos,” he asked rhetorically. “In IT, culturally, you support a function.” However, Tirumala has worked to shift the focus from a technology-centric approach to a process-centric and outside-in approach, ensuring that IT operates as a cohesive unit. Both of these focuses have helped the organization mitigate the impact of traditional silos.

Tirumala also stressed the importance of accountability and teamwork within the IT organization. He used a sports analogy to illustrate his point. “There’s what’s on the front of the jersey and what’s on the back of the jersey,” he noted. “Always remember to respect the position you hold, but when you represent a stakeholder, you represent all of IT.” This approach ensures that IT functions as a unified team, committed to delivering a world-class experience to its stakeholders.

Developing future-oriented skills

As the technology landscape continues to evolve, so must the skills within IT organizations. Tirumala has implemented a strategic approach to talent management, focusing on both current and future needs.

“One of the critical factors is taking stock of the skills within your organization,” Tirumala said. He stressed the importance of conducting a skills inventory analysis regularly to identify gaps and future needs. This approach helps Western Digital stay ahead of industry trends and ensure its IT team is equipped with the skills needed to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Tirumala also stressed the need for a balanced approach to talent acquisition, bringing in both early-career professionals and seasoned hires. “You have to do a fit and gap analysis based on what you have, what skills are in demand and what you need,” he said. This strategy ensures that Western Digital’s IT organization remains agile and able to drive innovation.

Improving the employee experience

Improving the employee experience is another key focus for Tirumala, especially from a digital perspective. He sees IT playing a critical role in defining the overall employee experience, from recruitment to onboarding and beyond.

“Is there a single team within a company that is responsible for employee experience?” Tiramula asked. “The answer is usually no.” However, he believes IT can play a leading role in this area. Tirumala has worked closely with corporate communications and HR solutions teams to improve the digital tools and processes employees use every day.

Tirumala’s approach to employee experience is holistic and considers every stage of the employee lifecycle. From ensuring new hires are productive from day one to ensuring a smooth onboarding process, their goal is to create a seamless experience that enables employees to perform at their best.

“If someone leaves, how do you exit?” he asked, emphasizing his focus on ensuring a positive experience at every touchpoint. By prioritizing employee experience, Tirumala is helping to create a more engaged and productive workforce at Western Digital.

Under Sesh Tirumala’s leadership, Western Digital’s IT organization has overcome significant challenges and embarked on a transformational journey. From improving cybersecurity and building a resilient culture to developing future-ready skills and improving the employee experience, Tirumala is driving meaningful change that positions Western Digital for continued success in the digital age.

Peter High is President of Métis Strategya business and IT consulting firm. He has written three best-selling books, including his latest Becoming agile. It also moderates the Technovation podcast series and speaks at conferences around the world. Follow him on Twitter @PeterAHigh.