Saket Singh, Executive Director at Health Care Service Corporation, is a visionary leader in the IT industry, blending over 25 years of extensive experience with a deep commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration. With a career path defined by a dedication to continuous learning and adaptability, Saket has navigated through various roles to emerge as a highly successful and power-packed leader.
In an interview with Business Frontier, he discusses the emerging trends shaping the future of IT and healthcare, as well as his personal philosophies that guide his professional journey. As he reflects on his journey so far, he emphasises the importance of mentoring and building strong teams, believing that leadership is ultimately about empowering others.
Q. What motivated you to pursue a career in the IT industry?
Growing up in a small town in India, I was heavily influenced by my dad, an engineer, who instilled in me a love for science and problem-solving. When I went to Ramjas College to pursue my college degree, I got deeply involved in plant microbiology and was fascinated by the research tools available. This exposure gave me an early glimpse into the world of technology. Back then, IT wasn’t mainstream, but I could feel it was going to be a game-changer.
These days, what really keeps me motivated is leading teams and creating a collaborative environment where everyone is learning and growing. Seeing technology make a difference, especially when you’re mentoring the next generation of IT professionals, is deeply rewarding.
Q. How have you continued to grow professionally, and what key lessons have you learned along the way?
Growth does not happen by accident, one needs to have a plan and strong intent. I have constantly grown in my career, starting as a systems engineer over 25 years ago , to stepping into executive roles. Early on, I learned that adaptability is absolutely critical. The pace of change in tech is relentless, so being open to new ideas has allowed me to stay flexible and keep evolving. Emotional intelligence has also been invaluable—understanding and connecting with people around me on a human level has helped me grow as well as develop a high-performance environment.
Mentoring has played a big role in my development too. Not only has it allowed me to help others, but it’s deepened my own understanding and skills. Building a culture where everyone is encouraged to grow together has been a big part of what I consider my success.
Q. Can you provide an overview of your core responsibilities at HCSC?
Before joining HCSC, I spent close to 20 years at IBM and Kyndryl, and brought a wealth of IT infrastructure consulting experience with me. My role as IT Infrastructure Strategy & Execution Leader at HCSC covers a lot of ground. I oversee major outsourcing contracts and vendor relationships, and I manage our Mainframe Platform, which is vital for applications like claims processing. I also work across the entire technology stack—Cloud, Network, EUC, and Distributed Platforms—driving key initiatives that align with our strategic goals.
Q. How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over your career?
In the beginning, I saw leadership as something you achieved, almost like a destination. But over the years, I realised it’s not about having a title; it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. I now focus on building genuine connections and empowering my team by enabling them to succeed. Leadership, for me, is more about service than authority. I’m here to enable my team to reach their full potential.
Q. How do you foster collaboration and communication within your team?
Creating a collaborative environment starts with leading by example and building trust. Here are a few principles I keep in mind:
- Create a safe space: I set up informal forums where people can share ideas openly, without fear of judgment.
- Lead by example: I try to model the behaviors I’d like to see in my team.
- Prioritize listening: When people feel genuinely heard, it fosters engagement and collaboration.
- Celebrate successes and failures alike : I encourage everyone to talk about mistakes , missteps and failures in informal meetings. This helps build a culture of learning and trust, breaking down barriers and encouraging everyone to communicate openly and grow together.
Q. What personal habits or practices have contributed most to your success?
Several habits have been my guiding principles over the years:
- Self-advocacy: It’s important to make sure your work is visible.
- Seizing opportunities: I’ve learned to actively pursue responsibilities rather than waiting for them to come to me.
- Consistency and authenticity: Being true to myself and consistent in my actions has helped build credibility.
- Integrity and empathy: At the core, I approach every interaction with a focus on genuine human connection.
Q. What emerging trends do you see shaping the future of IT and healthcare?
Healthcare IT is undergoing exciting changes. Some of the trends I see and hear about are ;
- Data Analytics and AI: These are transforming patient care and driving efficiency.
- Wearable Technology: Health monitoring devices are empowering individuals and supporting preventive care.
- Interoperability: Improving communication between systems enhances patient care across the board.
- Cybersecurity: With digitalization, protecting sensitive health data has become paramount.
- Patient-Centric Care: The shift toward personalized care is mirroring a larger trend of focusing on customer experience.
Q. What are some of your interests or passions outside of work that help you recharge?
Travel, hiking, and reading have always been my go-to activities for recharging. Exploring new places and cultures gives me a fresh perspective, while hiking and time in nature help me clear my mind. These activities don’t just help me unwind; they also enhance my creativity and problem-solving abilities, which I bring back to my work.
Q. Looking ahead, what personal and professional goals do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
In the coming years, I’d like to expand my leadership influence and guide strategic vision at the highest level of an organization. At the same time, I have a personal goal of retiring by age 55, which would allow me to pursue some personal dreams and passions. Ultimately, it’s about finding that balance between purpose in my work and fulfillment in life.
Q. What advice would you offer to young professionals starting their careers?
Here are some key insights for anyone just starting out:
- Commit to continuous learning: Tech moves fast, so stay curious.
- Build a strong network: Mentors and colleagues can open doors and offer valuable support.
- Take initiative: Don’t wait—seek out opportunities.
- Value humility and resilience: True success is about impact, not just titles or salary. Focus on meaningful contributions and keep learning at every step of the way.
