Leading Change: Reflections from a Global IT Leader on AI for Business Leaders program

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When industry leaders invest time in structured learning programs, they bring with them decades of real-world experience, and they leave with something sharper: a framework for turning possibility into practice. Vivek Govind Khedkar is one such leader. With over 25 years at the intersection of IT and industrial operations, he recently completed the AI for Business Leaders program. We spoke with him about what drew him to it, what he learned, and how he's already putting it to work at Ericsson. 

 

What is your background and the work you do?

"I am a Global IT and Business Operations leader with over 25 years' experience in ICT, specializing in transforming manufacturing and supply chain ecosystems through digital transformation. At Ericsson, I am Head of IT Solutions for Manufacturing IT Systems & Services, focused towards driving smart factory initiatives and digital transformation programs powered by emerging technologies like AI/ML, GenAI, IIoT's & advanced Robotics."

Why did you choose this program?

"I chose this program to gain insights from MIT's research and knowledge base around the trends in global AI innovations and to learn alongside a diverse cohort of leaders. It provided a valuable opportunity to broaden perspectives through shared experiences and real-world applications of AI across industries."

 

Vivek G Khedkar"AI's real value lies not in the technology, but in how effectively it's aligned with business outcomes."

Vivek Govind Khedkar
Head of IT Solutions, Manufacturing IT Systems & Services · Ericsson
 

What is your most important insight from the program and what stood out the most?

"I think the most important insight was around where artificial intelligence's real value lies: it's not in just technology but how effectively it's aligned with the business outcomes, mindset changes linked to clear and timely decision making. What stood out most was the critical role of leadership in driving change, especially in reshaping operating models, strengthening governance, improving data readiness, and building the right skills to scale AI successfully."

AIBL-cover-2025

What have you applied in your work that you learnt in the program?

"I started prioritising AI use cases with clear business outcome and value that directly improve efficiency, quality, and decision-making in manufacturing and supply chain. I am also pushing to strengthen our approach towards data quality, availability, governance and ensuring a solid foundation for scaling AI and GenAI solutions across smart factory initiatives. Additionally, I am driving upskilling team members with adoption of AI tools and platforms within the Ericsson ecosystem to accelerate digital transformation."

 

Read more about the AI for Business Leaders program.



 

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