Meet Shyam Ranchod

The Architect of Connection

Not every impactful career begins with a grand, intentional plan. For Shyam Ranchod, a Partner and Telecommunications Client Leader, his journey into the world of technology, media and telecommunications was a serendipitous discovery, sparked by a pivotal national moment. It’s a journey that has taught him a simple, yet profound philosophy: Impact creates greatness.

A Career Forged in Connection

Shyam's story begins with an obligation. As a young graduate with a bursary from a major telecommunications company, he found himself with a major professional services firm on a project that would define his career. His first assignment? To install and support the satellite network that supported South Africa’s second democratic elections. 

“It's probably still one of my best projects,” he reflects, recalling the fulfilling experience of building the system that collected and displayed election results nationwide. This hands-on, purpose-driven start became the catalyst for a global career defined by finding the links between technology, business, and humanity.

His journey took him to the UK, where he designed operational support systems for some of the world’s most prominent telecommunications companies. He was part of a cohort of co-founders for a spin-off focused on cable TV systems. This entrepreneurial spirit, a trait he inherited from his family of self-made business owners, found its perfect home at our firm. “The thing I like about joining Deloitte is that I get a bit of both worlds,” Shyam shares, appreciating the security of a corporate structure while having the room to be an entrepreneur.

Purpose Beyond Profit

For Shyam, his dedication to the TMT sector runs deeper than professional success. He says he realised his work gives him a profound sense of purpose, because of the impact on people he may never meet. 

He sees his work as directly contributing to the livelihoods, businesses, and daily lives of countless individuals across the continent. “If you look at the history of telecommunications in the African continent, the GDP impact that the introduction of broadband services has had to every African country is more than many other industry,” he asserts. For him, providing accessible connectivity is now "as important to a person's upbringing as water and electricity." This deep motivation fuels his resilience in a demanding industry.

The Collaborative Conductor

Shyam's leadership style is that of a dot connector and an integrator, focused on uncovering shared value for all parties involved. “I like to work with people that are invested in the outcome, not just in the project,” he states.

Rather than seeing the professional world through the lens of competitive sports, he prefers a different analogy, music. "We really should be able to create music together, not be competitive... it's more about inviting others to join the song than to try and be competitive." This philosophy is a testament to his belief in empowering others and deliberately choosing not to be "the hero in the conversation."

Roots, Family, and The Rhythm of Life

Born a first-generation Indian in a tight-knit community in Bakerton during the Group Areas Act, Shyam was raised by a family of self-made business owners. This background, as he describes it, taught him the rhythm of entrepreneurial endeavour and the importance of connecting with people.

At home, that rhythm is guided by his wife, who he credits with providing the stable foundation that allows him to dedicate his energy to work. “Whatever I can achieve in the working world is only possible because she provides a stable foundation at home,” he says. He finds joy in being a father to his two daughters, who provide him with the invaluable perspective of “seeing the world beyond work.”

Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Anchor in Purpose

Looking ahead, Shyam sees the TMT industry evolving from an engineering mindset to a customer-centric one, focused on creating ecosystems of partners to serve customer needs beyond just connectivity. This is a role where our firm, with its deep capabilities and investment in the continent, is perfectly positioned to make an impact.

For aspiring leaders, he offers a powerful piece of advice: while building competence is essential, true fulfillment and resilience come from anchoring your aspirations in a greater purpose.

“At some point in your career you will realise that competence alone is not what fulfils your purpose,” he states. He encourages making a deliberate choice, saying 'yes' to some things and 'no' to others, and ensuring that choice is “embedded in some level of purpose beyond just your personal gain.” 

“When you anchor your aspirations to something greater than yourself, resilience comes naturally, no matter the challenges you encounter.” Shyam concludes. In a rapidly changing world, this deep sense of purpose becomes the stabilising factor, allowing leaders to pivot and adapt with greater ease.