How a global start-up 90,000 strong has managed to thrive

Start-up companies can be difficult to manage as the organisation finds its feet.

When you consider Kyndryl’s story, it shows just how daunting this process can be, as the company has around 90,000 employees in its start-up phase.

 Kyndryl strategic talent acquisition leader Radhika Achwal discussed the challenges and benefits of operating a large, global start-up business.

“We are winning new logos and new clients and expanding our offerings and service lines. So, I think it’s a really exciting part [that] comes with a lot of interesting challenges, but I think that’s where the opportunities lie for an organisation’s personal growth as well. So, it’s very exciting," said Ms Achwal.

Kyndryl operates in about 66 countries worldwide. Having a global workforce brings unique opportunities and challenges as processes need to be aware of a diverse range of cultural values.

“We’ve got an extremely diverse workforce from a cultural perspective. We truly value that. But I think with that comes the opportunity as well as the responsibility to be making sure that all the employees get looked after.”

Ms Achwal continued: “When you have a minority representation in a group or a forum, there are a lot of other people and groups in that forum that actually feel safer to speak up. That just means that more ideas come forward. And I think that’s the best part. That’s how the productivity and innovation in the organisation increases.”

Having a globally diverse workforce not only brings benefits to the productivity of the business and wellbeing of employees but can assist in catering to a worldwide portfolio of clients that can benefit from having an understanding of how different cultures operate.

“We work as an organisation, with a number of clients, which are global accounts and global clients. So, we have a global setup where we are trying to solve problems for customers who are based in different countries,” Ms Achwal explained.

“And with that, a problem that one of our clients could have in Mexico could be completely different to a problem in London, versus a problem in India or in Australia.”

“Having a diverse workforce from a cultural perspective, age perspective, education, you know, all of those things, really brings in that ideation and innovation in terms of how you solve a crucial and a critical problem for a customer.”

In line with Kyndryl’s diverse workforce is its focus on wellbeing. Ms Achwal said it is key to running a successful business.

“There’s a lot of research that has gone on around creating that psychologically safe environment for everyone to work in, which improves people’s productivity, innovation, and their risk-taking abilities. All of those things that are absolutely critical to the success of any start-up and a global organisation like ours as well,” said Ms Achwal.

She added: “It’s about giving people that opportunity to voice their ideas, and actually feel like they’re contributing and making an impact as well. And I think that can actually be a big challenge in such a big organisation.”