Pictured above: John McCain, CEO of NTT DATA (left) and David Pace, CEO of Jamba Juice (right)
By Todd Short, COO – YTEXAS
March 26, 2018
March 26, 2018 – PLANO – /YTEXAS/ – On Monday, March 26th, technology juggernaut NTT DATA hosted approximately 50 Texas CEOs at its U.S headquarters in Plano. Indiana native and NTT DATA CEO John McCain welcomed his peers with a brief history of the company, including the acquisition of Dell Services, which greatly expanded the company’s local presence and solidified Plano as its U.S. hub.
“Texas is a great place to live and work, and YTEXAS is helping spread the word,” said McCain. “I especially appreciate their efforts with respect to workforce development, because we need skilled and capable workers to make sure this state lives up to its potential.”
NTT DATA CEO John McCain addresses Texas CEOs
During the session, McCain invited participants to tour the company’s new Collaboration Center, which was built to showcase new technologies and help clients visualize how modern IT services can transform their business. The collaboration center features an immersive room with a 360-degree experience utilizing touchscreen technology and high-definition projection that can simulate being in a data center, hospital room, classroom or other interactive environments. This allows prospective NTT DATA clients to visualize current and future aspects of their business.
There was no shortage of glowing feedback from CEOs in attendance, many of whom were new to Texas – hailing from California, New York, Montana as well as overseas.
Pradeep Saha, who recently assumed the CEO position at Signature Systems Group in Flower Mound noted, “I recently moved here from Cleveland, and our company is also new to Texas, so it is helpful to learn about the initiatives NTT DATA have undertaken in order to quickly assimilate to the Texas business landscape.”
Greg Almond, CEO of Furniture Marketing Group (FMG), who was contracted by NTT DATA to furnish the location said, “We may not win all of the deals, but it is an honor to be selected for projects as great as this and see people enjoy the environments FMG can create.”
In addition to the sensory stimulation provided by the NTT DATA offices, YTEXAS shared some of the results of its ongoing CEO studies to ascertain the specific needs and challenges Texas companies are facing with respect to recruiting, hiring and employee retention. Companies surveyed thus far are looking to fill over 1320 positions in the next 12 months.
Top concerns include candidate “soft skills” such as communication, accountability and meeting basic employer expectations. In addition, survey feedback points out the need for technical skill requirements – which highlights the focus Wes Jurey, former Chairman of the Texas Workforce Investment Council, has undertaken to develop industry certifications that are industry recognized, third party accredited and nationally mobile.
Stephen Mooney, President and CEO at Conifer Health Solutions discussed “Conifer University” – an investment his firm has made to further develop current and future leaders for success.
Mark Hays, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development at Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) stated the importance of teaching soft skills at an earlier age. He said DCCCD is implementing early college high schools where students can earn a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously.
YTEXAS showcases NTT DATA HQ to Texas CEOs on March 26, 2018
“YTEXAS is uniquely positioned to be the conduit between employers and college systems to bring forth a comprehensive plan to meet the rapidly growing Texas workforce needs,” said YTEXAS CEO Ed Curtis.
Upcoming YTEXAS events that are focused on workforce and economic development will be hosted at the new Baylor Scott & White training facility in Frisco as well as the Alliance Center in Fort Worth.
