The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced March 28, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person May 10.
Next is Bill Webner, CEO of Capgemini Government Solutions, and finalist in the Private & Public Company CEO category (Annual Revenue Greater than $100M and Less than $500M). Here, he shares key achievements, focus areas going forward, career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2023?
Of all our achievements in 2023, I am most proud of Capgemini’s talent development programs and the way they continue to create a special chemistry that benefits our employees and clients. Our programs are centered on an employee culture and experience that aligns directly with client missions that matter. We ask our employees which capabilities they want to pursue as part of their career path, and we listen to their desires to apply those skills to client business problems that are both challenging and, when solved, directly impact our society.
Our approach fosters a strong and supportive connection between our employees, which is expressed through the care and concern our engagement teams have for the client missions they support. We know supporting the federal mission is a unique honor, and our talent development programs continuously reinforce this privilege. For me, our talent development programs are, every year, the most rewarding part of leading the Capgemini Government Solutions team.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
In 2024 and beyond, we will continue to drive a global public sector business strategy to help our federal clients fulfill their missions. Capgemini works with organizations around the world to help unlock the value of disruptive technologies like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and 5G networking to improve citizen engagement, develop resilient economies, and strengthen population health. Our federal clients already have operational connections with the governments we serve elsewhere and, in most cases, share the same challenges. So, our global public sector business strategy clears the way for us to quickly bring our knowledge, relationships, and experiences to each of our engagements.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Use the Socratic Method to help inspire your professional relationships and daily interactions ⏤ with your manager, your clients, your business partners, and your employees. The method will invariably create a common bond and uncover new opportunities and experiences that neither party could have predicted.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know about?
I am an avid squash player and firmly believe the parallels between squash and business ⏤ and life ⏤ are innumerable. Meet me on the court and you’ll quickly feel the same way!