Global connections: 

A CEO's journey into the heart of Unisys

Nothing reveals the true pulse of an organization like face-to-face conversations with the people who power its success. That’s why meeting with key Unisys' stakeholders around the world became one of my first priorities as I assumed the role of Unisys CEO.

My goal was straightforward: assess all stakeholder groups, including investors, industry analysts, third-party advisors, associates, and clients, to ensure I was allocating my attention appropriately. Rather than relying solely on reports and virtual meetings, I chose to visit key operations firsthand, meeting people where they work and serve clients.

This hands-on approach has allowed me to connect with a significant portion of our associate base and meet with dozens of clients across multiple continents, providing invaluable insights as I chart the course for Unisys' future. My journey began half a world away, where I quickly discovered what makes our client relationships special.

Asia Pacific: Where client relationships shine 

In Asia Pacific, I met with nearly a dozen clients across Australia and Singapore, along with industry analysts and third-party advisors. What struck me most was how our clients see Unisys as fundamentally different from our competitors. They specifically mentioned our problem-solving approach, the attention they receive from all levels of the organization and our genuine concern for their objectives. It reaffirmed for me that our clients really feel and appreciate our personalized client centricity. 

My takeaway from the industry analysts and advisors I met with is that our solutions are at the forefront of what our industry has to offer. In their assessments, we stand as either a leader or strong challenger in our core markets. The depth of market awareness in Australian and New Zealand public sector was particularly impressive, providing a solid foundation for our land-and-expand strategy in the region. 

Each city visit included town halls with our associates, revealing teams deeply engaged with our mission despite the distance from headquarters. Their questions demonstrated a workforce invested in our collective future. I had wondered if these widespread teams would feel connected to our core operations. What I found was quite the opposite. Their enthusiasm and commitment exceeded my expectations. 

Singapore: Strategic touchpoints 

In Singapore, our quarterly business review with a key client offered another perspective on our client relationships. Though a brief stopover, this meeting reinforced how leadership presence matters to our clients. The opportunity to connect a client's CIO with our leadership team while discussing future vision and opportunities highlighted the value of these in-person interactions. 

India: The unexpected energy center 

What I discovered across our five locations in India transformed my understanding of our company. With over 4,000 associates across these centers, I encountered more Unisys colleagues in person than at any point in my past 10 years with the company. Walking the floors and speaking with teams highlighted the depth of our expertise and capabilities across the industries we serve, as I spoke with the people delivering our services. 

The cultural engagement was phenomenal. Beyond their professional contributions, our associates have created vibrant communities within Unisys. From sports teams competing against other companies to music clubs and chess tournaments, they've built something that extends beyond the typical workplace. For example, the associates have formed sports teams that compete with other Unisys teams and other companies in the area. They have a music club and four or five councils that manage this. There was a chess tournament going on within the Bangalore office when I was there. These activities make each day so much more engaging for those who choose to partake.

Particularly memorable was my time with our "freshers,” who are recent college graduates beginning their Unisys journey. Their enthusiasm, coupled with the mentorship they receive, demonstrates our commitment to developing the next generation of talent. We're expanding this program from 3% to 7% of our associate population, recognizing its value for both these emerging professionals and our organization. 

When I left India, I felt more energized than when I arrived.

EMEA: Innovation through relationship 

Two weeks later, I traveled to EMEA for our client forum, meeting with more clients and industry experts. Here again, the strength of our client relationships stood out. During a double-decker bus ride through London with clients, conversations flowed naturally beyond business into personal connections. Then later, as clients chatted and learned about each other's “Unisys” experiences, it often inspired many moments of, “I want what they have." 

These forums work because we focus on relationship cultivation rather than sales pitches. When clients share their experiences with each other, it creates opportunities more powerful than any presentation. This approach only succeeds when our associates genuinely care about client outcomes and when our solutions address real business needs. 

Common ground across continents 

Despite geographical differences, consistent themes emerged from these conversations. Clients everywhere face pressure to maximize their technology investments while maintaining or reducing costs. Security concerns remain paramount, driving additional investment even in flat budget environments. Meanwhile, emerging technologies, particularly AI and data management, present both opportunity and complexity. 

Clients value Unisys for technology implementation but also for our approach to problem-solving. When issues arise, they appreciate our focus on fixing problems first and handling paperwork later. This client-first mindset distinguishes us from competitors who may prioritize process over outcomes. 

Looking forward 

I'll continue this global journey, with plans to visit Latin America and the Philippines in the coming months. My goal remains to connect with 75% of our associate base within my first six months, building on the insights I've already gained. 

The energy and passion of our global teams is something I wish I could bottle and share with everyone. It's this spirit among associates who care deeply about client outcomes, who engage fully in both their work and their communities, that will drive our success.

As I continue my journey as CEO, I'm committed to building on these strengths, connecting our global expertise, and ensuring that the client-centric approach that distinguishes Unisys remains at the heart of everything we do.