Cătălin Bădescu, BSV Romania Head, Capgemini Romania: It’s essential to grasp local market dynamics and consumer behavior to tailor strategies

Outsourcing Today, the business services industry’s community networking and news integrated platform, resumes the series of interviews dedicated to the evolution, expectations and opportunities in business services and related industries.

We invite at the beginning of 2025 business leaders, managers of strategic departments of companies, key voices in their field to share with us their insights depicting the new beginning of this year in business, how it looks, how it is anticipated, what adjustments are included in 2025’s agenda and the perspective of growth.

Find the full series of interviews here

We spoke with Catalin Badescu, BSV Romania Head, Capgemini Romania about the business evolution, trends, expectations of growth. Find below the insights:

Strategic Vision and Market Trends

What are the key trends you believe will shape your industry in 2025?
In 2025, we expect several significant trends to influence our industry. First, the ongoing digital transformation will remain a key factor, with companies increasingly adopting advanced technologies such as Gen AI to improve their operations and enhance customer experiences. Second, sustainability will also play a vital role, as businesses implement green technologies and practices to align with global environmental objectives.

Furthermore, the rise of remote and hybrid work models will require strong digital infrastructure and improved cybersecurity measures. Finally, there will be greater emphasis on personalized customer experiences, utilizing data analytics and AI to better understand and fulfill customer needs.

What major adjustments should a business consider this year, in the context of local market competition and worldwide challenges?Businesses must adapt and stay agile this year to effectively respond to local market competition and global challenges. It’s essential to grasp local market dynamics and consumer behavior to tailor strategies. Additionally, addressing worldwide issues such as supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainties calls for resilient and proactive approaches. Companies should prioritize digital transformation and innovation to remain competitive and meet the changing demands of their customers.

What leadership aspects are you carrying into 2025?
In 2025, visionary leadership will be crucial. Leaders need to articulate a clear vision and strategic direction to steer their teams through uncertain times. Empathy and inclusivity will be vital in creating a supportive and diverse workplace. Promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement will be essential for staying ahead of the competition curve. By embracing these leadership qualities, we can thrive in the future.

People and Sustainability

What steps is your company taking to align with the sustainability goals in 2025?
Sustainability is at the core of our mission at Capgemini Romania. We are fully dedicated to adopting energy-efficient practices and working to minimize our carbon footprint throughout all our operations. Furthermore, we are creating and advocating for sustainable solutions for our clients, assisting them in aligning with global sustainability objectives. Our efforts encompass investing in renewable energy, optimizing resource utilization, and backing projects that aid in environmental conservation.

How do you engage people in your teams to ensure long-term sustainability in your operations? We regularly organize training sessions and awareness programs to keep our employees informed about sustainable practices. Additionally, many of our employees hold Sustainability certifications from Capgemini, which cover essential theories and frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Planetary Boundaries, the Doughnut Model, Carbon Emission Scopes, SBTi and Net Zero, legislation, reporting requirements, and market trends like the movement towards circular economies. These certifications empower our employees with the knowledge and strategies needed to drive sustainable change within the organization. We actively involve them in various sustainability initiatives and celebrate their contributions. By cultivating a culture that emphasizes sustainability, we ensure our teams stay motivated and committed to our long-term objectives.

Which are the main aspects to be considered in 2025 in terms of DEI and ESG? In 2025, we focus continues to be on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Our commitment to DEI will be evident in our hiring practices, efforts to retain employees, and strategies for career advancement. Additionally, we plan to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into our business strategies and decision-making. This holistic approach ensures that we are not only meeting regulatory requirements but also positively impacting society and the environment.

What are the priorities for nurturing talent and building a resilient workforce this year? At Capgemini, we’re committed to nurturing our people’s potential and creating a resilient workforce. We provide continuous learning opportunities and tailored development programs to equip our team with the skills they need to excel. Recognizing that well-being is crucial, we’ve implemented comprehensive programs to support our employees’ mental health and overall wellness. We’ve also designed clear career paths within our organization, showing our team members exactly how they can grow with us. By investing in our people’s development, well-being, and future, we keep our top talent engaged and ready to tackle any challenge. This approach ensures that Capgemini remains agile and innovative, always.

Innovation and Digital Transformation

What role does innovation play in the company’s business strategy for this year? In what kind of business aspects should be more integrated?
For us, innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the engine that propels our business forward. We’re not content with the status quo; instead, we’re constantly pushing boundaries to create real value for our clients. This innovative spirit flows through every aspect of our work, from crafting cutting-edge products to reimagining service delivery and fostering deeper client relationships. By nurturing a culture where fresh ideas thrive, we’re able to stay ahead of the curve and deliver solutions that truly make a difference in today’s dynamic business environment.

What emerging technologies are you planning to leverage for business growth this year? What about AI, how it is anticipated to reshape the business this year? We intend to leverage emerging technologies such as AI, and Gen AI to drive business growth. AI, in particular, is anticipated to have a transformative impact on our business. It will optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and provide personalized customer experiences. By harnessing the power of AI, we can unlock new business models and opportunities, positioning ourselves at the forefront of innovation.