Thomas S : Pioneering Leader In Electronics Design & Entrepreneurial Excellence
Thomas S
MD & CEO
Thomas S., the MD & CEO of Digital Core Techno-logies, exemplifies these leadership qualities through his extensive career journey. After completing his graduation in Electronics & Communication Engineering from the University of Mysore and post graduation from IISc Bangalore, Thomas began his career at Indian Telephone Industries (ITI), gaining valuable insights into indigenous technology and government systems. His next phase, working at CEDTI Calicut and Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT),provided him with the foundational experience in academia and professional team building.
In 2000, Thomas transitioned to Silicon Valley as a design lead at GDA Technologies, where he led product development projects. He later established GDA's India Design Centre in Kochi, focusing on grooming fresh engineering talent. After contributing to VVDN Technologies, Thomas embarked on an entrepreneurial path, co-founding Digital Core Technologies in 2014. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a small team to over 120 skilled engineers, becoming a trusted design partner for global clients. His ability to lead teams, mentor young engineers, and build a world class design organization reflects his commitment to excellence and innovation in the electronics industry. Let’s dive into this interaction to know more.
Can you share the unique experiences the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru offers, and what valuable lessons you gained from the campus beyond academics?
The M.Tech program I pursued at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, was a truly unique experience. Offered by the Centre for Electronics Design and Technology (CEDT), the program was designed with the clear objective of creating skilled electronic system and product designers for Indian industries, bridging the gap between academia and industry to boost the country's electronics sector. The department was established in the 1970s, thanks to the visionary efforts of Mr. Aravind Sha, with support from the Swiss Development Corporation, and Dr. Satish Dhawan, who was the Director of IISc and instrumental in the formation of ISRO. Led by Prof. Sonde and a team of experienced faculty with industrial expertise, the program provided an excellent hands-on learning experience in industrial electronic product design and development.
Beyond academics, IISc’s inspiring environment, coupled with the program’s blend of academic rigor and industrial focus, helped shape my design thinking. The technical knowledge and design skills I gained from IISc have been instrumental throughout my professional journey, from my early days to now. The training methodology I use today to groom fresh graduates into successful system design engineers is rooted in the approach I experienced at IISc, though adapted to modern needs.
Can you describe your leadership style and the principles you adhere to as a leader?
I primarily adopt a blend of 'democratic' and 'coaching' leadership styles. I strongly believe in fostering self managed teams. My role as a leader is to mentor and guide team members, helping them grow and develop their ability to manage themselves. Offering support when needed and empowering individuals to make decisions and learn from those experiences is key to their growth. Since team members have varying aptitudes, skills, and attitudes, I tailor my approach to each individual, which presents the challenge of understanding their unique traits and mentoring them accordingly.
The M.Tech program I pursued at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, was a truly unique experience. Offered by the Centre for Electronics Design and Technology (CEDT), the program was designed with the clear objective of creating skilled electronic system and product designers for Indian industries, bridging the gap between academia and industry to boost the country's electronics sector. The department was established in the 1970s, thanks to the visionary efforts of Mr. Aravind Sha, with support from the Swiss Development Corporation, and Dr. Satish Dhawan, who was the Director of IISc and instrumental in the formation of ISRO. Led by Prof. Sonde and a team of experienced faculty with industrial expertise, the program provided an excellent hands-on learning experience in industrial electronic product design and development.
I tailor my approach to each individual, which presents the challenge of understanding their unique traits & mentoring them accordingly
Beyond academics, IISc’s inspiring environment, coupled with the program’s blend of academic rigor and industrial focus, helped shape my design thinking. The technical knowledge and design skills I gained from IISc have been instrumental throughout my professional journey, from my early days to now. The training methodology I use today to groom fresh graduates into successful system design engineers is rooted in the approach I experienced at IISc, though adapted to modern needs.
Can you describe your leadership style and the principles you adhere to as a leader?
I primarily adopt a blend of 'democratic' and 'coaching' leadership styles. I strongly believe in fostering self managed teams. My role as a leader is to mentor and guide team members, helping them grow and develop their ability to manage themselves. Offering support when needed and empowering individuals to make decisions and learn from those experiences is key to their growth. Since team members have varying aptitudes, skills, and attitudes, I tailor my approach to each individual, which presents the challenge of understanding their unique traits and mentoring them accordingly.
How do you stay informed about industry trends to guide your organization into the future?
I stay updated through continuous learning regular reading, staying informed about new developments and standards, selective internet research, and engaging in discussions with team members, customers, and new contacts. Given the rapid advancements in electronics, it’s challenging yet rewarding to stay current with the latest technology and trends, which is essential for driving the organization forward.
Can you share some of the toughest challenges you've faced in your journey, and how you overcame them? What lessons did you take away?
Every career comes with its share of challenges, and mine has been no different. However, I've managed to overcome them with the help of lessons learned from past experiences and the unwavering support of my family and team. I believe that teamwork and team cohesion are the most crucial strengths when facing professional challenges. Another principle I follow is to avoid being overly aggressive. I focus on sustainable, organic growth, which helps navigate challenges with a calm and steady approach.
What future direction are you aiming for?
My focus now is on developing the next generation of leaders at DCT, who can carry the torch and guide the company through its next phase of growth. My long-term vision is for the organization to thrive and sustain itself for generations without compromising its core values. While the business model may evolve with the ecosystem, the company's culture, philosophy, and value foundation must remain intact. DCT is not for sale that’s the future I envision for the company. On a personal level, I aim to give back to society for everything it has given me.
Thomas S, MD & CEO, Digital Core Technologies
Thomas S, MD & CEO of Digital Core Technologies, holds a degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering from the University of Mysore and an M.Tech from IISc Bangalore. With over three decades of experience, Thomas has worked in both government and private sectors, including roles at ITI, CEDTI, GDA Technologies, and VVDN Technologies. In 2014, he founded Digital Core Technologies, guiding the company towards sustainable growth while focusing on team development and maintaining core values.
I stay updated through continuous learning regular reading, staying informed about new developments and standards, selective internet research, and engaging in discussions with team members, customers, and new contacts. Given the rapid advancements in electronics, it’s challenging yet rewarding to stay current with the latest technology and trends, which is essential for driving the organization forward.
Can you share some of the toughest challenges you've faced in your journey, and how you overcame them? What lessons did you take away?
Every career comes with its share of challenges, and mine has been no different. However, I've managed to overcome them with the help of lessons learned from past experiences and the unwavering support of my family and team. I believe that teamwork and team cohesion are the most crucial strengths when facing professional challenges. Another principle I follow is to avoid being overly aggressive. I focus on sustainable, organic growth, which helps navigate challenges with a calm and steady approach.
What future direction are you aiming for?
My focus now is on developing the next generation of leaders at DCT, who can carry the torch and guide the company through its next phase of growth. My long-term vision is for the organization to thrive and sustain itself for generations without compromising its core values. While the business model may evolve with the ecosystem, the company's culture, philosophy, and value foundation must remain intact. DCT is not for sale that’s the future I envision for the company. On a personal level, I aim to give back to society for everything it has given me.
Thomas S, MD & CEO, Digital Core Technologies
Thomas S, MD & CEO of Digital Core Technologies, holds a degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering from the University of Mysore and an M.Tech from IISc Bangalore. With over three decades of experience, Thomas has worked in both government and private sectors, including roles at ITI, CEDTI, GDA Technologies, and VVDN Technologies. In 2014, he founded Digital Core Technologies, guiding the company towards sustainable growth while focusing on team development and maintaining core values.