Western Digital’s CIO Drives Cultural And Employee Experience Upgrades

Western Digital Corporation is a leading global provider of data storage solutions. Founded in 1970, the company has evolved into a significant player in the digital storage industry, offering a comprehensive range of products, including hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and NAND flash memory solutions. Western Digital provides storage solutions for personal, business and enterprise use, and in the last fiscal year, reported revenues in excess of $12 billion.

In tech-centric companies like Western Digital, being the chief information office can be a challenge. In a sea of technologist, how can the CIO differentiate his or her team to perform and transform the services offered?

Prioritize Cybersecurity & Risk Compliance

In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, companies across the globe are focusing more than ever on cybersecurity. For Sesh Tirumala, the Chief Information Officer of Western Digital, this focus has led to comprehensive scenario planning and testing the resilience of its IT infrastructure and the resolve of its leadership.

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

Building a Resilient Culture

Tirumala has also placed a strong emphasis on building a resilient and collaborative culture within Western Digital’s IT organization. He believes that culture is a critical component of any successful IT strategy.

Western Digital CIO Sesh Tirumala

Credit: Western Digital

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 things is, how do you avoid stove pipes?,” he asked rhetorically. “In IT, culturally, you are supporting a function.” However, Tirumala has worked to shift the focus from being tech-centric to being process-oriented and outside-in, ensuring that the IT department functions as a cohesive unit. These two foci have enabled the organization to help ameliorate the impact of the traditional stovepipes.

Tirumala also highlighted 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. “Never forget to respect the position that you play, but when you represent a stakeholder, you represent all of IT.” This approach ensures that the IT department operates as a unified team, committed to delivering a world-class experience to its stakeholders.

Developing Future-Ready Skill Sets

As the technology landscape continues to evolve, so too must the skill set 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 about taking stock of the skill set within your organization,” Tirumala said. He emphasized the importance of regularly conducting a skill set inventory analysis to identify gaps and future requirements. This approach allows Western Digital to stay ahead of industry trends and ensures that its IT team is equipped with the necessary skills to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

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

Enhancing the Employee Experience

Improving the employee experience has been another key focus for Tirumala, particularly from a digital perspective. He views IT as playing a critical role in shaping 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 typically no.” However, he believes that IT can play a leading role in this area. Tirumala has worked closely with corporate communications and people solutions teams to enhance the digital tools and processes that employees use daily.

Tirumala’s approach to employee experience is holistic, considering every stage of the employee lifecycle. From making sure that new hires are productive from day one to ensuring a seamless onboarding process, his goal is to create a frictionless experience that empowers employees to perform at their best.

“In the event one does leave, then what’s your offboarding experience?” he asked, highlighting his focus on ensuring a positive experience at every touchpoint. By prioritizing employee experience, Tirumala is helping to build a more engaged and productive workforce at Western Digital.

Under Sesh Tirumala’s leadership, Western Digital’s IT organization has navigated significant challenges and embarked on a path of transformation. From enhancing cybersecurity and building a resilient culture to developing future-ready skill sets 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 Metis Strategy, a business and IT advisory firm. He has written three bestselling books, including his latest Getting to Nimble. He also moderates the Technovation podcast series and speaks at conferences around the world. Follow him on Twitter @PeterAHigh.