Meet Elisabetta Spontoni, Executive Vice President, Group Offer Leader for Digital Core, Global Head of Packaged Solutions Portfolio, Communities and Enablement at Capgemini. In this interview, she discusses her multifaceted career, sharing insights on achievements, learning experiences and the importance of fostering diversity in the tech industry.

Interviewed by Sarah Happ

Can you describe your current role as Executive Vice President and Group Offer Leader for Digital Core and Global Head of Packaged Solutions Portfolio, Communities, and Enablement at Capgemini?

I have two roles; the first is Group Offer Leader for Digital Core. This means packaging the service offering around enterprise transformation as well as defining in which way we position in the market. So, it's all about business transformation and what value Capgemini brings to its clients. The other role is Global Practice, which concerns the services we offer around the Packaged Solutions Portfolio. I also take care of Enablement, Learning Certifications and Communications from the Global Packaged Based Solutions Practice.

What has been a challenge you have overcome or an achievement you are proud of whilst you have been in this position?

There are challenges every day, that's what makes the job exciting, right? I am proud of a few achievements. I received recognition for both the delivery aspect of my role and the portfolio side. My career has two main chapters - for the first 16 years, I was really focused on delivery, leading large transformation programs, both local and international. The second part was based on Portfolio and Solutioning as Group Offer Leader. I received awards in both jobs, one delivery excellence award and three different portfolio awards, which I am very proud of.

Can you tell me more about the ‘Flying Squad’ team you are part of at Capgemini? How do you approach missions for critical projects?

Flying squads are unique concepts at Capgemini. It's a team of two senior-level candidates who talk to project teams and clients to identify risks and provide recommendations on how to mitigate or fix problems. After the missions, there is a detailed report with a list of recommendations provided to the team to help them face the situation and anticipate potential risks in the future. I really enjoy doing these missions because I find them to be very good learning opportunities, since you keep discovering what can go wrong.  This is helpful in allowing me to develop my risk management skills.

Your impressive career at Capgemini spans over two decades. From your perspective, what advantages and personal growth opportunities arise from maintaining a long-term association with a single organisation?

Our group can offer a lot in terms of professional growth. We have processes to take care of people individually, but I believe it's important that every person is looking at what they want to do in their career and be proactive in creating opportunities for things to happen. With large groups, there are plenty of opportunities and you just need to find the ones that are good for you, create your network, and of course do a good job to achieve what you want.

With large groups, there are plenty of opportunities and you just need to find the ones that are good for you.

Gender stereotypes can affect the perception of leadership capabilities. How have you perceived and managed gender-related challenges in your career?

Our industry has a prevalence of males in general. Also, I graduated in engineering which was also a very male-dominated domain, so I'm used to being in situations where I'm the only woman.

I'm a strong believer in the value of diversity and in the quality that it brings. I have a team that I design to be as diverse as possible. I really pay attention to getting enough points of view from different genders, regions and practices, and this is what really brings quality to our decisions and the work we do. So, whenever you find yourself in a discussion where you are not necessarily in the majority, it is important that you express your point of view because the fact that you are a minority is in itself valuable for the discussion.

Whenever you find yourself in a discussion where you are not necessarily in the majority, it is important that you express your point of view because the fact that you are a minority is in itself valuable for the discussion

As the mother of two children, how do you manage to sustain a healthy work-life balance while holding a senior leadership position?

First, you need a great organisation. As you design your time for work, you need to design your time for life. People laugh when I say this, but in my calendar, as well as noting down all my meetings, I also have a blocker for Zumba. It's something that I enjoy doing, it keeps me fit and my mind healthy. You need to really give time to your life, otherwise, you quickly become sick, which isn't good for you or the company you work for.

You recently joined the WIL Network as a Member this year. What does it mean to you to be part of a network where you can build alliances with other female leaders?

I think it's a good opportunity to exchange points of view and experiences. I recently attended the Annual Gathering in Rome and found it to be really inspiring. The other thing I like about WIL is the possibility to coach young women and provide good advice on things I experienced myself throughout my career.

What advice do you hope to leave for the next generation of women leaders at Capgemini and in the STEM sector?

That a career in consulting is for everybody and there really is no reason not to go for it as a woman. Also, it's important to raise your voice. I learned that whenever I didn't express my point of view, it was a mistake. So that's what I really encourage everybody to do. You have to follow your passions, that's the most important thing. I have stayed at Capgemini for 25 years because I keep having fun, I do what I like, and I keep learning.

It's important to raise your voice. I learned that whenever I didn't express my point of view, it was a mistake.

Video edited by Claudia Heard