Vik Chadalawada, MSc, MBA, MCP, PMP, Cert.APM

Sharpshooter
DISC Type : DC

Director: IT Strategy, Innovations and Digital Transformation at University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Overview

As the Director of IT Strategy and Digital Transformation at the University of Toronto, Vik Chadalawada has over 25 years of experience leading technology initiatives. He holds MBAs from both Kellogg and Schulich business schools. Colleagues describe him as an empathetic, talented, and reliable leader.

Outside of his primary role, Vik is a Governor on the universitys Governing Council. He has started a personal reflection series on "Heart Leadership" and shows a strong interest in supporting student entrepreneurs, sustainability projects, and community well-being initiatives within the university.

Unique fact: He co-authored a report for the universitys Anti-Asian Racism Working Group.

Personality Overview

ROI Driven

Rigorous & Demanding

Fast But Analytical

They like to be in a position where they can control the conversation and terms.  They are very proud of what they do. They like to act fast and expect others to do the same.

Topics They Care About

Digital Transformation
He leads technology strategy and digital transformation for one of the largest student-facing divisions at Canada's biggest university.
Student Experience
His stated mission is to enhance the student experience with innovative and user-friendly IT solutions. He actively promotes student entrepreneurship.
Heart-led Leadership
He recently started a "Heart Leadership Reflection Series" on LinkedIn, sharing personal thoughts on leadership that goes beyond pure strategy.

Media Appearances

Historic moment for Governing Council with two sitting ITS staff members. Featured in University of Toronto IT Services (its.utoronto.ca)

See Now

Work History

10-2023
Director: IT Strategy, Innovations and Digital Transformation at University of Toronto
3-2022 - 10-2023
Assistant Director: Student Information Systems (Office of the CIO) at University of Toronto
5-2013 - 3-2022
Senior Manager - Student Information System & Strategic Plan Implementation Lead (office of the CIO) at University of Toronto
10-2008 - 5-2013
Senior Project & Portfolio Manager at T4G Limited
1-2006 - 2-2008
Senior Consultant at Bell Canada

Education

2002 - 2004
MBA from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
2002 - 2004
MBA from Schulich School of Business - York University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 27 Location : Toronto, Ontario, Canada Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director: IT Strategy, Innovations and Digital Transformation at University of Toronto
URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Vik

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Objectively showcase the impact that your product creates
  • Speak about competitive differentiation that your product offers
  • Use phrases like ‘it’s your decision’, ‘strategic impact’ etc.

DONT's

  • Don’t focus on process and rules, give the impression of being a ‘gets it done’ person
  • Do not hesitate from asking counter questions, just avoid challenging their authority
  • Do not back off when challenged, respond with a confident, objective answer instead

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Vik is

  • Confidence in impact is paramount to them, followed by a sense of achievement and ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Vik

  • If they decide not to go ahead, they will say no without hesitation.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Vik move?

  • They can take decisions very fast if you manage to convince them.
  • Can Vik take some risk or not?

  • The risks don’t matter much to them.

You And Vik

Personality Compatibility


Other University of Toronto Employees

Explore more public profiles from related professionals at the same organization.

More Profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Search more profiles

Looking for someone else? Search here for anyone.

Or visit Humantic AI to know more.