The technological landscape is continuously evolving which has led to the emergence of 5G revolutionizing the telecommunications industry. With its promise of ultra-fast speeds, low latency and high network capacity, 5G has opened up a world of possibilities for businesses and consumers alike.
However, the impact of 5G goes beyond just faster internet connections. The convergence of software and telecom in a cloud-native open architecture has created disruptive network capabilities that are transforming the way we connect and communicate. As the industry continues to evolve, the possibilities of 5G and its impact on our lives are only just beginning to be realized.
Successfully leveraging its expertise to become a distinct player in the services industry, Tech Mahindra is a global technology organisation that boasts a rich heritage in the telecom sector. With a strong focus on harnessing the transformative power of 5G, simplifying operations, modernizing technology stacks and introducing innovative business models, Tech Mahindra helps its customers monetize their assets in the era of 5G.
At the forefront of this transformative wave stands Manish Mangal, a visionary leader who has dedicated over 25 years to the telecom industry. As the Global Business Head of 5G and Network Services at Tech Mahindra, Manish Mangal spearheads initiatives to maximize the value of network assets for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) and Enterprise customers.
Manish is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of leadership and innovation. With over 25 years of experience in the telecom industry, Manish has held various pivotal positions that have shaped the landscape of modern telecommunications.
Manish stands as an inspiring leader at the forefront of 5G and 6G evolution with a wealth of experience, technical expertise and a commitment to continuous learning driving Tech Mahindra’s success. His futurist leadership, effective communication, collaborative approach and dedication to knowledge sharing have positioned Tech Mahindra as a trusted partner in the transformative era of 5G and network services.
As the industry continues to evolve, Tech Mahindra, under Manish’s guidance, remains poised to lead the way with innovation, expertise and a customer-centric approach in the telecom sector.
Let’s explore the inspiring journey of Manish Mangal and how Tech Mahindra’s expertise has positioned the company as a leader in the era of 5G!
A Technocrat’s Tale
Manish shares, “I joined Tech Mahindra with a focus on harnessing the transformative power of 5G in the telecommunications industry.”
Before joining Tech Mahindra, Manish served as the SVP of Network Planning & Engineering and President of Reliance Jio USA at Reliance Jio. His contributions to developing the world’s largest all IP 4G network have earned him recognition as a key player in the industry.
Prior to that, Manish led the Technology Development & Architecture organization at Sprint, a leading US telecom operator. Throughout his career, Manish has been involved in groundbreaking industry firsts, such as launching the first mobile service in India with Bharti Airtel and introducing the first 4G service in the US with Sprint.
As a true technophile, Manish continuously expands his technical expertise to stay at the forefront of the industry. Manish says, “I am a tech enthusiast with a business mindset and a constant thirst for learning”
The kind of techie things Manish likes to learn about include:
- The convergence of software and telecom in a Cloud-native Open Architecture that has forever changed the way networks are design, built and operated.
- Network-as -a-Service Platform that enables new ways to expose network capabilities and create innovative business models to unlock the value of network assets.
- Virtualization and Cloud Technologies are required to deliver scalable and flexible 5G solutions.
- In the era of 5G, robust security and privacy measures are paramount as networks become more prevalent; advanced encryption, authentication protocols and privacy safeguards must be implemented to protect sensitive data and user privacy in an increasingly connected world.
- Network Automation and Service Orchestration to effectively manage and coordinate the delivery of services across multi-vendor and multi-technology networks.
- Emerging AI/ML/GenAI for innovative applications and solutions within the 5G ecosystem.
Furthermore, his extensive portfolio includes over 60 patents issued by the US Patent Office, a testament to his commitment to innovation and intellectual prowess. He adds, “I have a strong track record of leading large organizations and spearheading innovative initiatives and notable achievements.”
The Game Changer
Manish’s passion for the telecom industry began at an early stage in his life. From the moment he witnessed the magic of mobile communications during his electrical engineering studies, he was captivated by the possibilities it held. He annotates, “I thought that was as close to magic as I had ever seen. Being able to talk on the phone without wires was beyond belief.”
This fascination led him to join Bharti Airtel, where he witnessed the launch of India’s first cellular network. Determined to delve deeper into this exciting field, Manish pursued a Master’ of science degree in Telecom & Networking in the United States. He shares, “27 years later, I still find this industry as exciting and vibrant as ever.”
With 5G technology, Manish firmly believes that the convergence of software and telecom has ushered in a new era of innovation. The cloud-native open architecture of 5G has disrupted the network landscape, allowing for unprecedented agility, flexibility and innovation.
As the industry evolves towards 6G and beyond, the integration of ultra-fast networks with AI/GenAI holds the potential to revolutionize human-machine interactions. Manish envisions a future where network connectivity becomes as essential as oxygen, imperceptible in its presence but disruptive in its absence.
Continuous Learning
To remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving technology landscape, Manish Mangal actively seeks out opportunities for learning and professional development. He says, “I am fortunate to have a strong network of colleagues, partners and customers who constantly contribute to my learning.”
With this network of partners, customers and industry experts, Manish consistently enriches his knowledge and skills. This ecosystem includes product vendors, start-up communities, universities, industry analysts, consulting firms, telecom service providers, enterprises and technical and leadership specialists.
Manish firmly believes that anyone can carve their own path to success by embracing a disciplined approach to learning. By proactively seeking information and educational opportunities aligned with professional goals, individuals can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing industry.
He also shares, “By tapping into my extensive network and taking advantage of the wealth of information around us, I continuously enhance my skills and knowledge.” Manish’s commitment to continuous learning enables him to stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and advancements, equipping him with the knowledge needed to drive innovation and deliver exceptional results.
Embracing the Culture of Continuous Development
Manish firmly believes in embracing continuous learning and development to foster professional growth. He actively seeks out workshops, conferences and online platforms to enhance his skills and knowledge. Regular skill assessments help identify areas for improvement and professional development plans with actionable steps ensure progress toward personal goals.
Networking and collaboration within industry communities provide opportunities for knowledge-sharing and learning from experts. Mentors and coaches contribute to Manish’s growth through guidance and feedback. He proactively takes on challenges and seeks new opportunities to expand his expertise. By monitoring industry trends, Manish identifies emerging skills and focuses on developing them.
Reflection and feedback enable continuous improvement, empowering Manish to stay ahead in his field and seize new opportunities for growth.
He shares, “I strongly believe that keeping skills up to date is my personal responsibility that cannot be outsourced. As a rule, I spend 20% of my time learning. Continuous learning and development are huge focus areas for Tech Mahindra, and we always support our associates in their learning journey.”
Collaborative Leadership
Manish says, “Collaboration is indispensable in today’s highly connected world. It involves engaging with various stakeholders both within and outside my organization.” In today’s interconnected world, collaboration is essential for success.
Manish understands the importance of collaborating with cross-functional teams, stakeholders and customers to achieve common objectives. Manish regularly collaborates with peers on cross-dependent projects and engages with technology partners, suppliers and customers to develop tailored solutions that align with their goals.
He mentions, “Moreover, I collaborate with customers to develop tailored solutions that align with their objectives.” Exemplifying the same, Manish adds, “In a recent example, we are deploying a very complicated solution for our customer that included 3 external product partners and 2 internal organizations.”
To ensure effective communication and coordination, Manish establishes clear objectives, fosters open and transparent communication channels, defines roles and responsibilities, addresses conflicts proactively and embraces flexibility and adaptability. By implementing these strategies, he cultivates an environment of effective collaboration, enabling diverse perspectives, innovative solutions and successful project delivery.
Manish says, “Clear objectives, regular communication, active listening, defined roles, conflict resolution, milestone celebrations and flexibility played vital roles in successful collaboration and accomplishing our shared goal.”
The Key to Success
Recognizing the critical importance of communication, Manish Mangal employs various strategies to ensure effective communication with team members, stakeholders and customers.
- Active listening is key, as it demonstrates respect and understanding.
- Open and transparent communication fosters an environment where individuals can freely express their thoughts and concerns.
- Clarity and conciseness in delivering information help minimize misunderstandings.
- Choosing the right communication medium based on the situation ensures the message is conveyed effectively.
- Building strong relationships through rapport and trust encourages open communication.
- Seeking feedback and promoting collaboration enable diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.
- Adaptability in communication style accommodates different preferences.
- Regular check-ins help maintain alignment and connection
By implementing these strategies, a culture of effective communication can be fostered, leading to improved teamwork, trust and positive outcomes in the professional environment.
Knowledge Sharing: The Power of Documentation
Effective documentation and knowledge sharing are deeply ingrained in the culture of Tech Mahindra. Manish and his team follow deliberate principles to ensure effective knowledge sharing:
- Clear documentation guidelines define format, structure and detail expectations.
- A centralized knowledge repository serves as a hub for easy access and contribution.
- Standardized templates ensure consistency and clarity in the documentation.
- Version control and document tracking manage updates and revisions.
- Document review and approval processes maintain quality and accuracy.
- Regular knowledge sharing sessions foster cross-functional learning and collaboration.
- Collaboration tools facilitate real-time collaboration and document sharing.
- Recognition and incentives encourage active participation in documentation and knowledge sharing efforts.
By adhering to these principles, Tech Mahindra creates a culture of effective documentation and knowledge sharing, enabling the organization to leverage collective expertise and drive innovation.
Capitalizing on Business Opportunities
In the highly competitive landscape of 5G network services, Tech Mahindra distinguishes itself by leveraging its deep telecom heritage and software services capabilities. Tech Mahindra’s expertise in both domains positions the company uniquely to assist CSPs and Enterprise customers in unlocking the value of their network assets.
By simplifying operations, modernizing technology stacks and introducing innovative business models, Tech Mahindra helps its customers maximize the potential of 5G technology. Tech Mahindra is one of the very few companies in the industry with such a combination.
Manish annotates, “As a company, we grew from Telecom heritage. So, you can say that Telecom & Network is in our DNA. Having said that, we are also a premium software services provider in the industry with over 150,000 associates that gives us a vast pool of software resources.”
He also adds, “We have been able to combine these two streams of expertise in creating a uniquely differentiated Network Services Competency that is second to none in the industry.”
Problem-Solving for Successful Project Delivery
Technical challenges are inherent in any technology deployment, and 5G is no exception. Manish and Tech Mahindra approach problem-solving through a systematic process. In his words, “We have mastered the art of project delivery through this approach.” They analyze technical challenges comprehensively, involving experts and understanding project requirements.
Manish shares, “The systematic problem-solving process begins with a comprehensive analysis of the technical challenge, involving experts and understanding project requirements.”
Cross-functional collaboration enables diverse perspectives and brainstorming potential solutions. Identifying the root cause addresses core issues, minimizing the likelihood of recurring problems. By implementing structured methodologies like PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) or DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control), Tech Mahindra develops effective solutions and ensures successful project delivery.
The Future of 5G and Network Services
The future of 5G and network services holds transformative potential across various industries and aspects of life. Manish envisions key areas of development where the future is heading:
- Enhanced Connectivity: 5G & beyond will continue to revolutionize connectivity, enabling faster speeds, lower latency and higher network capacity. This will enable seamless streaming, immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences and real-time data transfer, enhancing productivity and user experiences.
- Industry Transformation: 5G will revolutionize industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and entertainment. It will enable remote surgeries, autonomous vehicles, smart factories and ultra-high-definition streaming, leading to increased efficiency, improved safety and enhanced user experiences.
- Edge Computing and Distributed Networks: The future of 5G will see the integration of edge computing and distributed networks. This will enable processing and storage capabilities closer to the end-user, reducing latency and enabling real-time processing for mission-critical applications.
- New Business Models and Services: 5G will drive the emergence of new business models and services. This includes network slicing, where customized virtual networks are created to meet specific application requirements and new service offerings such as cloud gaming, immersive entertainment and personalized healthcare solutions.
- Enhanced Security and Privacy: As 5G networks become more prevalent, ensuring robust security and privacy measures will be crucial. Advanced encryption, authentication protocols and privacy safeguards will be implemented to protect sensitive data and user privacy in an increasingly connected world.
To maintain its leadership position as a leader in the 5G and network services space, Tech Mahindra will continue building technical expertise, forming strategic partnerships, showcasing thought leadership, offering vertical-specific solutions, leveraging global reach and delivery capabilities and embracing sustainability and responsible practices.
By investing in talent, collaborating with key players, demonstrating innovation and promoting ethical conduct, Tech Mahindra will remain a trusted and innovative leader in the dynamic landscape of 5G and network services.
