As technology allows companies to leverage talent from around the world, many are turning to offshore consulting firms to meet growing digital demands. However, successfully managing a distributed team requires unique strategies. Speaking with Christophe Derdeyn, Managing Director of Icon Consulting Group Services, revealed several key lessons learned from building their Vietnam-based business.
Innovating Global Consulting Excellence
Christophe Derdeyn has spent over two decades leading global consulting projects and building shared services teams across Southeast Asia. After successfully launching an SAP systems integrator in the region, he recognized an opportunity to develop the next generation of consulting talent. Recruiting finest performers from Vietnam, Christophe established Icon Consulting Group Services to deliver specialized ERP expertise in a competitive, people-centric model.
Leveraging his extensive experience transforming businesses through offshoring and technological change, Christophe developed novel strategies for Icon’s distributed operating model. During a recent interview, he shared valuable insights honed over many high-profile international engagements. From managing cultural differences to structuring remote collaboration, Christophe’s approach reflects a lifelong commitment to enabling human potential through technical innovation.
Key Strategies for Success
Here are a few key strategies highlighted by Christophe on building a successful consulting business:
Pursuing Excellence Over Mediocrity
Many consulting companies aim to be competitive on price by accepting average work. However, Christophe stresses “we don’t accept mediocrity – we aim for excellence.” At Icon, workers face high standards and the threat of removal if underperforming. “Some say this sounds harsh, but it’s better for getting results,” he notes. By surrounding yourself with finest talent, projects benefit. While costly at first, high performers raise the bar for all.
Effective Communication with Transparency
With distributed teams comes cultural nuances that obscure expectations. To combat this, Icon employs “radical candor” – direct, honest feedback without sugarcoating. “We expect everyone to be bluntly clear on goals,” says Christophe. Issues aren’t hidden but openly discussed. Transparency also extends to clients, treating each project “as if you are the customer.” Clear communication sets the stage for collaboration over self-interest.
The Value of In-Person Interaction
Despite technology enabling remote work, research shows online meetings lack an “empathic part of relationship.” Icon combats this by regularly flying distant staff together. “You build cohesion through personal contact, which is key for relationships leading to outcomes,” explains Christophe. While expensive, facetime every few weeks aids effective long-term teambuilding in a distributed model.
Empowering Human Capital
When valuing a business, Christophe notes too often human assets get overlooked. At Icon, “we recognize and quantify this value.” Training and opportunities unlock potential in talent, becoming profitable “human capital” itself. By helping Vietnamese staff grow skills, they also improve careers and lives – benefiting the individual as much as the company. Development nurtures dedicated, high-achieving teams for consulting success.
Embrace Partnerships for Growth
Rather than chasing “global domination,” Icon takes pride in collaborative relationships. “We work with everyone – Accenture, Infosys, Roche,” says Christophe. The goal is excellence through partnerships, having “fun delivering good outcomes” as reward in itself. In an industry of alliances, cooperation better serves clients – and chances for referrals – over vain claims of primacy. Shared success uplifts all.
These strategies reflect Icon’s people-centric mindset guiding a novel approach to offshore consulting. Clear communication, ample training and balanced remote-local dynamics forge top talent committed to quality results. By focusing outward on service, growth happens organically through value-adding relationships. For firms considering global sourcing models, Icon offers proof positive leadership prioritizing both business benefits and human capital can achieve both social impact and business success.
To learn more about Christophe Derdeyn, visit his website or LinkedIn profile.
Published by: Martin De Juan
