Business is often said to operate in a state of constant change. This rings especially true in the technology consulting world, where each new advancement birth both challenges and opportunities. For Managing Director Christophe Derdeyn, these industry shifts have illuminated a clear path forward for Icon Consulting Group – leveraging offshore talent and focusing on a vision for the future of ERP consulting.
With extensive experience building shared services and an SAP systems integrator in Southeast Asia, he’s observed both the maturation of traditional offshore hubs and emergence of cloud computing’s new paradigm firsthand. These dynamics have created an opportunity to bring a refreshed approach.
Embracing Cloud Consulting
The cloud represents substantial changes for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP. Historic customization approaches no longer apply in cloud environments, requiring consultants to shift focus from order-taking to negotiation and change management. “The new age ERP consultant needs to be a mix of management consultant, negotiator and technical consultant,” Christophe notes.
At the same time, AI is automating routine configuration tasks. Consultants must raise their game, emphasizing soft skills over button-pushing. For Christophe, this spells opportunity. “There is going to be a very specific, very strong need for this new age ERP consultant. Demand will be off the charts,” he predicts, driven both by industry evolution and an impending SAP system upgrade deadline.
Leveraging Emerging Talent
With opportunity comes the strategic question of “how?” For Icon, the answer lies in Vietnam – a counter to matured traditional offshore hubs. As Christophe explains, “Places like Vietnam still have young populations from a very low base, knowing what it is to be challenged.” Combined with strong English speaking ability and technical skills, he sees potential for high performance at a competitive cost.
Central to Icon’s vision is the development of exceptional talent. “We don’t accept mediocrity – we aim for excellence,” says Christophe. Radical candor and full transparency reinforce goals, while an emphasis on relationships helps distributed teams excel. Outcomes take priority over self-interest, whether in delivery or partnership. The result, Christophe hopes, will be happiness through success and positively impacting lives.
Learning from Past Achievements
Icon Consulting Group brings nearly a decade of experience in technology staffing, with a $25 million annual turnover. An external investment from a Japanese fund further solidified plans for growth. For Christophe, joining Icon Consulting group & leading the startup of Icon Consulting Services represents a natural next step.
Joining brought an opportunity to launch the vision for a new era ERP consulting model. Just 6 months in, early progress gives confidence the approach is ahead of schedule despite inevitable challenges. Language concerns have proven significantly less pronounced than feared, amongst Gen Z English speakers at least.
Relationships with major partners like Accenture, CAP Gemini, EY and end-customers like Roche. BHP and others show Icon takes pride in collaboration over competition. With a clear strategy and the right mentality, his assessment is that Icon can have “fun delivering good outcomes” – success as its own reward.
Going forward, regular reinforcement of team cohesion through both virtual and physical interactions will sustain drive, believes Christophe. With attention to the small details and constant learning, Icon Consulting Group Services is well positioned to leverage opportunity in an industry ripe for change. Delivering on their vision could well make them leaders in defining the future of consulting.
To learn more about Christophe Derdeyn and Icon Consulting Group, check out his website here.
