Member Spotlight: CGI

Member Spotlight by John Stephan, CGI

Provide us with a brief summary of your business’ services.

CGI is one of the few end-to-end consulting firms with the scale, reach, capabilities and commitment to meet clients’ enterprise digital transformation needs. Our 77,500 consultants and professionals work side-by-side with clients in 10 industries across more than 400 locations worldwide. We draw upon our global capabilities to help clients identify, develop, implement, and operate effective strategies to meet evolving customer and citizen expectations. Founded in 1976, our continuous growth is a testament to our strong client partnerships.

Tell us about your company’s mission and values.

CGI is built on a foundation of commitment to three equal stakeholders: clients, members (our employees), and shareholders. While most companies have a vision and mission, CGI goes a step beyond. We have a company Dream: “To create an environment in which we enjoy working together and, as owners, contribute to building a company we can be proud of.” Since our founding, our Dream serves as the inspiration for our actions.  Our approach is what sets us apart.

We are also organized based on proximity to our clients, in both the commercial and government sectors. Our proximity model, supported by the depth of our international presence, range of services, and insights, delivers value for clients. Our experts bring industry and technology knowledge to every engagement, helping clients achieve business agility, applied innovation, and financial benefits.

What are the services you use the most (or are looking forward to using) from the Columbus Chamber?
I have been with CGI since 2012, but I am new to the role of Metro Leader at CGI. I am excited about plugging into the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and learning from other business leaders in Central Ohio.

How do you stay engaged with trends that you see in your industry?

In the IT consulting world, nothing stays “current” for long, so it is a constant challenge to stay on top of trends. CGI does a great job of bringing in subject matter experts that are leaders in their fields. CGI has an Emerging Technology Practice dedicated to staying on top of innovation and cutting-edge technology trends. They are partners to our metros who are embedded in our communities. In addition, the value I see CGI bringing to clients is the depth and breadth of operational knowledge for both government and commercial clients. We do not approach an engagement unless we have a deep understanding of the business and truly believe our involvement will make a difference.

What is your company culture like?

Our culture is essential to CGI’s success. We are built to grow and last. We are guided by our Dream, driven by our vision, committed to our mission, and live by our values. Our employees are referred to as “members” and “owners” because over 80% of our members are shareholders. This dedication helps explain our overall client satisfaction score of 9.2 out of 10, reported directly through in-person client satisfaction assessment sessions.

Locally, there are about 100 members working at client sites in and around downtown based out of our Columbus office, with over 400 members living in Ohio. Our local culture is defined by hard work and making sure our clients are satisfied. At the same time, we know how to have fun.

What does it take to be a successful employee at your company?

Respect, curiosity, and initiative.

What makes Columbus such a great place to do business?

Columbus is home, and I want CGI to grow in Columbus, making the city and Ohio the place to be in the Midwest. We’re coming for you, Chicago!

What pieces of advice have you found to be the most helpful since starting your career?

A good friend of mine, Bill Keating, Jr., sent the following advice to his daughter when she started her career. I think it is worth sharing.

As you begin your career, I want to share with you some helpful suggestions that I have learned over the years.

1. Meet and Remember.  You can develop your people network by introducing yourself to others and remembering their names – if you treat everyone with courtesy and respect and try to be helpful, they will also remember you.
2. Listen and Learn.  Treat everyone as your teacher – you can always learn more, you can never learn less.  Take a genuine interest in each person you meet – you will learn something and also build a relationship.
3. Be on Time.  Be respectful of others – show up on time, physically and mentally.
4. Understand How Others Think.  Understanding is a two-way street – you need to consider things from the other person’s point of view.
5. It’s All in the Presentation.  You must communicate in the language of the listener – you can have great ideas, but if you cannot convey them to the listener, you cannot put them into action.
6. Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Good plans shape good decisions – plan your day and work your plan.  Prepare your daily ‘To Do List,” and use it.  Never mistake activity for achievement – ask yourself, “Am I spending my time wisely?”
7. Make Yourself More Useful.  It’s not how valuable you think you are, it is how valuable others think you are – always make yourself more helpful, and give people more than they expect.
8. Life Rewards Results.  Provide solutions, not just answers – the best jobs go to the person who can deliver results without coming back with excuses.  Do better work than others, and keep on doing it.
9. Only You Are Responsible for You. Do not make the mistake of thinking you are working for someone else – it’s YOUR job and YOUR career.  YOUR success is based on YOUR commitment to be the best YOU can be.
10. Most importantly, Play Fair.  All you have in life is your reputation and your integrity – always do what’s right.

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

My first priority is to my family. By making them my priority, everything else falls into place.

Where is your favorite place to have a meeting outside the office?

This is an easy one for me – North Market (my LinkedIn profile picture is me at the North Market).

 

Social Media 

Twitter: @CGI_USA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cgigroup/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cgi/

Instagram: @cgi_us

Website: www.cgi.com/us