Digital technologies have been essential to helping solve some of humanity’s most complex challenges in areas from healthcare to climate change, logistics to manufacturing and more. But it’s experts and thought leaders who have been the driving forces behind digital innovations and solutions, and the insights and strategies to apply them effectively.

Kyndryl recently announced its 2024 class of Fellows and Distinguished Engineers in recognition of their contributions to helping solve industrywide challenges and enabling customer innovation and success. Together, they represent the values and expertise that Kyndryl offers to help customers transform their businesses and communities.

Kyndryl Fellows are at the pinnacle of their profession and have demonstrated outstanding, sustained leadership and deep technical expertise across a range of technologies. These thought leaders and hands-on technologists are making a significant global impact for Kyndryl and its customers.

“Our first class of Fellows defines the highest technology and services strategy to be developed and delivered by Kyndryl,” said Antoine Shagoury, Chief Technology Officer at Kyndryl. “They truly embody the attributes of The Kyndryl Way, whether it is being restless about building technical expertise or devoted to their teams’ and customers’ success.”

Kyndryl’s Distinguished Engineers have made significant contributions to accelerate innovation, influence critical design and advance technology solutions globally. They reflect the company’s dedication to investing in the skills and capabilities that address customers’ most pressing business transformation needs.

“Our new class of Distinguished Engineers is at the heart of our progression from transformation to growth and innovation,” said Shagoury. “These individuals are phenomenal examples of how we’re innovating and driving our business forward.”

Here, the seven honorees, who join a distinguished group within Kyndryl, share their secret sauce for innovation at work and beyond.

Prioritize honest conversations with customers

I’ve successfully resolved numerous situations for customers, often involving significant transformation or implementation challenges. I’ve always found it best to establish a robust customer relationship early on, by engaging in candid discussions to cut through to the reality of situations quickly. It is paramount to prioritize transparent communication before we get in deep to resolve a challenge.

Focus on tangible results

Amid the constant barrage of distractions that we all face, what matters most is creating tangible outputs. These could include documents, presentations, code, business cases, designs or architectures. Choosing between being hands-on and leading others is its own challenge, but I believe leading by example is important to building a successful technical career.

Balance progress with purpose

I work in a market that presents a unique set of challenges. These complexities call for creative problem-solving and innovative thinking — especially when addressing unique design needs alongside affordability constraints. My team and I are deeply engaged in building technology that directly impacts the lives of citizens, making transformative strides across various sectors such as fintech, edtech, aviation and telecom. I am a strong advocate of technology for public good.

Focus on hands-on innovation

To remain relevant in a fast-paced world, it is crucial to listen to the market and to innovate continuously. I believe that staying hands-on is crucial for innovation, regardless of one’s role in the organization. This puts you up close to real problems and helps sharpen skills. Embracing this immersive approach fosters a culture where innovation thrives on practical insights.

Find a mentor that’s right for you

One of the many reasons I love working at Kyndryl is the caliber of our people. I am surrounded by smart professionals who want the company to succeed and are always willing to help. I can always find an expert when I need one. I have also been fortunate to have great mentors throughout my career and have thrived the most working with empathetic people and those who have shared my lived experiences. It is definitely worth being proactive to seek mentorship from someone you relate to and admire.

Role model inclusive behaviors

When I started my technology career in the late 1980s, women often didn’t have their own restrooms on the same floor. But the dynamics of this industry have changed for the better — especially over the last 20 years. Even sectors like banking that were historically male-dominated are paving the way for women to contribute and grow. Women still are underrepresented in consulting, but I hope I can demonstrate to the next generation that it is a viable career path. I have also been fortunate to have a strong male ally in my husband who has supported me in following my passion.

Keep your curiosity alive

I visited a local hospital during one of my overseas travels, and ended up asking the staff so many questions about hospital operations that they assumed I was a doctor. Staying curious is integral to who I am, and it keeps me thirsty to learn more about areas, including those that are not directly related to work.

Open your mind to new cultures

As an avid traveler, for both leisure and work, I am fascinated by different cultures. And as a European, my culture may be fascinating to someone else. But when we open our worlds to each other and collaborate, the result is innovation. It is for this very reason that I take my wife and two sons on work trips abroad whenever possible.

Be the human force behind skilling

Technologies are evolving at a rapid pace, so we owe it to the tech community to share our knowledge widely and train aspiring technologists in relevant skills. I find it rewarding to give talks, write blogs and develop training materials for the benefit of anyone who’s looking to learn about cloud and AI.

Plan for success

As much as we like to believe that all innovation is spontaneous, it actually takes the right mindset and meticulous planning. I like to set distinct boundaries between work and personal life, as well as factor in plenty of time for mindfulness and well-being breaks. Maintaining this level of balance requires me to organize my schedule and prepare for activities well in advance.

Be a junkyard dog

Junkyard dogs are scrappy and tough. Even in challenging circumstances, they find innovative ways to power through. By adopting this resilient mentality, we can go far both in our personal and professional lives.

Don’t let age define your life experiences

As an ardent ice hockey player, I have stayed active and fit my whole life. And in recent times, I’ve even taken pride in being the oldest player on a team of 20-year-olds. Competing with them pushes me to stay on top of my game while being inspired by their fresh perspectives.

Leave the tech community richer than you found it

Tech communities evolve and thrive when we share our skills. I contribute by supporting and encouraging 50 professionals and guiding over 800 certified experts in their efforts to advance cloud technologies. As someone who enjoys working with young people, I’ve also found it rewarding to participate in a global grade 9-14 initiative that inspires historically underserved young people to pursue fulfilling careers in STEM.

Be a true partner to your customers

Customers around the world demand high levels of service. After all, Kyndryl operates the ‘hearts and lungs’ of our customers’ critical IT infrastructures. Interestingly, my longstanding passion for Shogi has helped me develop some of my best strategic insights into our customers’ challenges. True partnership is built on our commitment to shared value — our willingness to help our customers chart the best possible pathways to future success.

For more on Kyndryl’s distinguished technologists, check out our 2022 and 2023 honorees.