Michael Martin

ExecutiveRoundtable.org, Chairman’s Highlights! We catch up with Namita Jindal, Chief Information Officer at CentralSquare Technologies, a leader in public sector software solutions. Namita has been instrumental in driving innovation and operational excellence at CentralSquare, leveraging her extensive experience in business strategy and technology. Here, she shares her insights on the business climate for the rest of 2025 and the key factors influencing the industry. Namita: "At CentralSquare, we are deeply committed to enhancing the digital presence and operational efficiency of public sector agencies. Our mission-critical software solutions, ranging from Computer-aided Dispatch and Next-Generation 911 to Finance, Asset Management, and Permitting, are designed to help public agencies and their communities flourish in new ways The public sector is increasingly recognizing the value of digital transformation, and we are well-positioned to support this shift with our comprehensive suite of solutions. What excites me the most is the potential for innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics. Our Generative AI initiatives are already showing promising results in improving our customer experience while we continue to innovate. We are investing heavily in cybersecurity and compliance to address the unique challenges of the public sector, including privacy concerns related to GAI. Ensuring that we have the right talent and resources to drive this innovation is essential. The shifting landscape of talent and staffing, especially with the rise of hybrid work, requires us to be agile and adaptive. Artificial intelligence versus human intelligence is another area of interest. While AI can significantly enhance our capabilities, it is crucial to strike a balance and ensure that human expertise remains at the core of our operations. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where AI and human intelligence complement each other to deliver the best outcomes for our customers. At CentralSquare, we believe in giving back to the community. Our social responsibility initiatives include volunteerism and charitable donations, and we strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Personally, I am passionate about driving transformation and innovation, and I am proud to be part of a company that is making a real difference in the public sector." Namita's leadership and vision continue to drive CentralSquare's success, making it a pivotal player in the public sector software industry. Her dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and community engagement sets a high standard for the industry.

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Created a song by using AI for US IT recruitment - https://lnkd.in/gnZ8vKfk Understanding U.S. IT Recruitment The U.S. IT recruitment industry is a highly competitive and dynamic sector, driven by rapid technological advancements and a growing demand for skilled professionals. Companies in the U.S. continuously seek top talent in areas like software development, data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. 1. IT Hiring Process in the U.S. The recruitment process typically follows these steps: Job Posting & Sourcing: Companies list job openings on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Dice. Screening & Shortlisting: Recruiters review resumes, focusing on technical skills, experience, and certifications. Technical Assessment: Candidates often undergo coding tests, SQL queries, or case studies. Interviews: This may include HR rounds, behavioral questions, and multiple technical interviews. Offer & Negotiation: Salaries, benefits, and job roles are finalized. 2. Where U.S. Companies Look for IT Talent Job Portals: LinkedIn, Dice, Glassdoor, and AngelList. Recruitment Agencies: Robert Half, TEKsystems, CyberCoders, and Hays. Referrals & Networking: Many IT professionals get jobs through connections. Freelancing Platforms: Upwork, Toptal, and Fiverr offer contract-based opportunities. 3. Key Skills in Demand for IT Jobs Programming: Python, Java, JavaScript, C++ Data & Cloud: AWS, Azure, GCP, SQL, Big Data AI & ML: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Data Science Cybersecurity: Ethical Hacking, Network Security, SOC Analysis DevOps & Automation: Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD 4. IT Contract vs. Full-Time Jobs Full-Time Employment (FTE): Includes benefits like healthcare, paid time off, and 401(k) retirement plans. Contract Jobs: Higher hourly pay, often managed by staffing firms but with fewer benefits. Remote vs. Onsite: Post-pandemic, remote IT jobs have increased, especially for data science and cloud computing roles. 5. Challenges in IT Recruitment Skill Shortages: Demand often exceeds supply, especially in cybersecurity and AI. Visa Sponsorship: Some candidates require H-1B sponsorship, making hiring more complex. High Competition: Top candidates get multiple offers, requiring quick decision-making from employers. Would you like insights on how to secure an IT job faster in the U.S. or how companies recruit international candidates?

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We held a group therapy session for the ITIL practices… it got intense ↳ Change Enablement said everyone blames them for delays. ↳ Incident Management felt burned out from doing all the firefighting. ↳ Problem Management muttered, “Everyone’s obsessed with incidents. Nobody gives me any attention.” ↳ Knowledge Management whispered, “Please… someone ask me instead of Google. Or ChatGPT.” ↳ Service Request Management sighed, “Everyone still thinks I’m just another incident.” But something shifted. They realized they weren’t the problem (yes, pun intended). They were just working in isolation. ITIL 4 doesn’t work like that. You don’t need to use every practice. But the ones you do use should work together. They’re part of the Service Value System. Designed to connect, support each other, and co-create value. When one practice slips, the rest feel it. When they align, service just works better. Strong ITSM orgs don’t focus on individual practices. They focus on how they work together. Are your ITIL practices working as a team? Or do they need group therapy too?

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If you're banking on an RFP to secure a tech opportunity, your odds of success are slim. Typically, by the time an RFP is out, numerous IT vendors have already leveraged their connections to present their value propositions, and the client may have already selected their partner. RFP, being a procurement process, often entails a lengthy wait of at least nine months before receiving a courteous rejection. To enhance your chances, refine your solution, listen to your customer's needs, and take a proactive approach, especially if you boast a substantial customer base.

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𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 We’re excited to announce that Saicon Consultants, Inc. has officially acquired Valethi Technologies, an innovative IT services firm based in Nagpur and Noida India with a talented team of 500+ professionals. With this acquisition, Saicon now proudly exceeds 1500+ employees worldwide, strengthening our global delivery capabilities and expanding our expertise in IT consulting, staffing, and digital transformation. Valethi’s team brings deep expertise across software development, cloud, AI, data analytics, QA, and enterprise technology, enhancing our ability to deliver world-class solutions with greater agility and scale. Our leadership team which includes Ramesh Lokre (CEO), Swati (Seema) Yelmar (President), Uday Inamdar (CEO, Saicon India), and Raj Cherukumudi (Sr. Vice President) recently met Rajeshwar N., CEO of Valethi Technologies, and his exceptional team in Nagpur. It was great to see such clear alignment in vision, technical strength, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional client outcomes. This acquisition reflects Saicon’s continued focus on:  - Over 28 years of trusted IT services experience in the U.S.  - A robust offshore delivery center in Noida, Nagpur and Pune -  A shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and measurable client success As Saicon continues to grow globally, we’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for our clients, partners, and employees. 👉 Learn more about Valethi: www.valethi.com and Saicon: www.saicon.com #Saicon #Valethi #Acquisition #ITConsulting #DigitalTransformation #GlobalGrowth #OffshoreDevelopment #Leadership #Innovation #Teamwork #India #USA

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Secure your hybrid AI ecosystem and navigate the complex world of data privacy and security with ease. Understand key risks and learn practical strategies to manage and protect your sensitive data and AI models. 🚀 Learn more from this Foundry for AI by Rackspace (FAIR™) article here: https://bit.ly/42gcl8z.

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#𝐃𝐚𝐲052/365 - 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 & 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐓 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠! A disengaged workforce leads to missed deadlines, slow problem resolution, and costly rework 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞𝐬 -𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫-𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤. 1. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦-𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 = 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 A disengaged IT support team follows SOPs mechanically, leading to longer resolution times. An engaged team anticipates issues, collaborates, and proactively resolves client concerns. + Example: A consulting firm struggled with high ticket resolution time (48 hours). After launching an engagement program (training, autonomy, and recognition), employees suggested process automation. Resolution times dropped by 35%, improving client satisfaction. 2.  𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭 = 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Disengaged employees accept inefficiencies, but engaged employees find ways to fix them. + Example: A cloud services firm noticed its deployment pipeline had multiple manual approval steps, causing project delays. Engaged engineers proposed a CI/CD automation framework, reducing deployment time by 40% and cutting costs. 3.  𝐋𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐬 = 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 Disengagement leads to careless mistakes, increasing rework. Engaged employees focus on quality, reducing inefficiencies. + Example: A firm handling ERP implementations had a 25% defect rate in system configurations. By enhancing employee engagement through skill-building and feedback loops, defects dropped by 50%, saving thousands in rework costs. 4. 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 = 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 In IT consulting, cross-functional teamwork is key. Engaged employees break silos, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly. + Example: A software services company improved sprint planning by fostering inter-team collaboration. By engaging developers, testers, and PMs early, they reduced project delays by 20%. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲? Employee engagement isn’t an HR metric—𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫. A highly engaged workforce drives efficiency, reduces costs, and improves client satisfaction. #EmployeeEngagement #EmployeeEngagement #ProcessEfficiency #Leadership #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #GrowthMindset #ContinuousImprovement #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #NeverStopLearning #Innovation #CareerGrowth #Motivation #ERP #GanttCharts #Leadership #Efficiency #DataAnalytics #DigitalTransformation #Automation #BusinessGrowth #ProductOwner #AgileTransformation

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Understanding ITSM processes & practices is crucial for IT leaders and professionals aiming to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, strengthen resilience, and ensuring seamless IT operations within their organizations, from Problem Management to Change Management, each key area plays a vital role. Though ITSM is not limited to the following infographics, the crux is represented here. #ITIL #ITSM #ServiceExcellence #ITGovernance

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Ranjith Kaippada describes the importance of vendor partnerships for Cloud Box Technologies LLC At GITEX 2025, Ranjith Kaippada, Managing Director, Cloud Box Technologies LLC describes what Cloud Box is displaying at GITEX this year and the theme adopted. Kaippada also describes the importance of vendor partnerships and as a Titanium partner of Dell Technologies how Cloud Box is leveraging its relationship with the vendor. Kaippada also describes the strategic importance of cyber security services provided by Cloud Box. GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and AI event, celebrates its 45th edition in 2025. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, the landmark event takes place from 13-17 October at DWTC, featuring over 6,800 exhibitors, including 2,000 startups from 180 countries, alongside 1,200 investors with a combined US$1.1 trillion in assets under management and more than 40 unicorns. Running in parallel is GITEX GLOBAL’s startup showcase, Expand North Star, organised by DWTC and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, from 12-15 October 2025 at Dubai Harbour. Converging one of the largest cohorts of growth and late-stage startups, scaleups, venture capitalists, corporate investors and startup ecosystem operators, the show positioned as the world’s largest startup and investor connector event. In 2026, GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star reunite in a new home at the Dubai Exhibition Centre – Expo City Dubai, with a new format that begins on 7 December with the GITEX Scale Summit, followed by an immersive Exhibition from 8-11 December. Recognised as the world’s largest technology and AI event brand, GITEX now spans 14 cities across multiple continents.

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Poor medical records management affects more than operations — it impacts patient care. In this blog, I share insights on how better backend systems lead to better outcomes. Proud of the work we’re doing at Redial BPO across South Africa, Mexico, the Philippines, and Costa Rica to support healthcare clients in solving this. https://lnkd.in/dUTZ5gUi

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Sustained IT Quality Effort Some thoughts after completing the 4th IT Quality Index assessment for one organization (2019-2025). Improving overall IT quality — or specifically IT governance quality — is not a sprint but a marathon. Along the way, organizations face obstacles such as limited resources, missing skills, shifting priorities, and unexpected changes. However, those who continue investing effort, who can filter best practices rationally (avoiding over-adoption), and who make rules, policies, and processes actionable rather than decorative paperwork or bureaucratic layers, are the ones most likely to achieve a balanced quality–cost level in their IT. And that is the purpose of the IT Quality Index: finding the right balance, contextually and pragmatically. IT quality is multidimensional — “more is better” does not apply. What matters is finding the sweet spot. The very act of performing regular, repeated quality assessments is itself a strong indicator of an existing quality-driven culture. Jan Matula #itQualityIndex #itQuality #COBIT2019 APO11 Managed Quality #itGovernance‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

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