Executive Research & Advisory · Technology Strategy · Coaching
Manish Jain
Principal Director, CIO Strategy Research & Advisory
ICF PCC-Credentialed Executive Coach
20+ years at the intersection of Strategy, Technology, and Leadership. I research and advise senior technology and business leaders on AI Strategy & Governance, Digital Transformation, IT Strategy, M&A, and IT Financial Management. By combining a practitioner's and analyst's lens to the most complex decisions CXOs face, I bridge strategy formulation, transformation execution, and organisational design, enabling them move the needle strategically.
What I bring to your organisation
Core Focus Areas
AI Strategy & Roadmaps
Authoring research blueprints on Agentic AI Governance and AI Strategy. Advising CIOs on practical AI adoption paths — from opportunity identification through to sequenced delivery roadmaps and value realisation.
IT Operating Models & Governance
Designing AI and IT governance frameworks, organisational structures, and operating models that balance innovation velocity with risk. Workshops for executive teams on decision rights, accountability, and AI policy.
Digital & IT Strategy
10+ research blueprints and notes authored covering Digital Strategy, IT Strategy, Exponential IT, M&A IT Playbook, and Flexible Funding Models. Delivered advisory to public and private-sector firms across the globe.
M&A IT Integration
Hands-on M&A experience spanning technology due diligence, post-merger integration of sales tools and processes, and strategy execution. Advised CxOs on navigating complex transactions through M&A IT Playbook .
Executive Coaching
ICF PCC-credentialed. Partnered with CIOs, technology executives, and senior leaders navigating high-stakes transitions, first 100 days, and large-scale change. Direct, grounded, and purposeful coaching — helping leaders lead with clarity and impact.
IT Financial Management
Flexible and zero-based IT funding models, IT cost transparency, and financial governance frameworks. Helping technology leaders make a compelling business case and align IT investment to strategic priorities.
Career highlights at a glance
Impact & Scale
(last 12 months)
(last 12 months)
Where I've been
Professional Experience
- Authored research blueprints on Agentic AI Governance, AI Strategy, Digital Strategy, M&A IT Playbook, IT Strategy, Flexible Funding Models, Exponential IT, and Digital Identity.
- Delivered advisory & consulting to CIOs of state/provincial agencies (US, Australia, Canada), large universities, and complex enterprises.
- Facilitated AI Strategy, Digital Transformation, IT Strategy, and M&A workshops.
- Delivered keynotes on the Changing Role of CIOs, IT Funding Models, Digital Identity Ecosystem, and IT Strategy.
- Nominated for the Distinguished Analyst designation within 10 months of joining.
- Won a complex Digital Factory 4.0 deal worth €21M (CAD $31M) with a global Pharma client — led full cycle from proposal through contracting.
- Developed and managed C-suite client relationships; coached product owners, scrum masters, and business leaders.
- Built Atos Industry 4.0 (Smart Factory) offering for Life Sciences; over-achieved account target by 15% for two consecutive years.
- Led an Expert Community innovation project — developed the "Carbon Cost of Blockchain" framework.
- Led organisation-wide initiatives supporting a $1B revenue business and $2.5B deal pipeline; delivered 15% Y-o-Y revenue growth.
- Owned Salesforce–MSCRM integration post-M&A; implemented chatbot and improved CRM adoption by over 60%.
- Improved data quality from 65% to a sustainable 95% through sales analytics and continuous process improvement.
- Strategy lead for the BFSI business unit — conceptualised and executed key strategic programmes including CRaaS and Blockchain offerings.
- Mitigated a 40% revenue risk from the largest client through strategic repositioning.
- Led a 28-member cross-functional team at TCS-BMO supporting the payment gateway platform; recognised for driving the fastest engagement growth in TCS Canada.
- Led a $2M digital transformation programme at Ingersoll Rand spanning IoT, middleware, ERP, and CRM — achieved 100% customer satisfaction.
- Directed architecture of the Global Data Services platform for Equifax; led transition of 17 critical applications with a 20-member team.
Topics I advise on
Advisory Scope
Qualifications & credentials
Education & Certifications
ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
International Coaching Federation
Certification Program in Life Coaching (CLC) & Organisational Development Coaching (CODC) — Symbiosis Institute
MBA — Strategy & Finance
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)
Exchange: University of Warwick -Warwick Business School (WBS), UK
B.Tech. — Computer Science & Engineering
U.P. Technical University (UPTU), Lucknow
Board Leadership & Community
Former President of the Board, IIM Alumni Canada (IIMAC) — Canadian non-profit
French (NCLC Level 5)