In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, technology and leadership go hand in hand. Leaders who embrace innovation while navigating complex global markets are shaping the future of industries. One such leader is Brigitte Roy, Head of Partner Sales Switzerland at Cognizant, whose journey from banking to technology reflects a relentless pursuit of learning, adaptability, and creativity.
In this exclusive interview, she shares insights into her career path, leadership philosophy, and how she is contributing to the transformation of the tech industry.
A Journey Fueled by Curiosity and Determination
From an early age, [Interviewee’s Name] was drawn to international cultures, engineering, and business. Inspired by her grandfather’s adventurous travels and exposed to currency exchange dynamics, she developed a keen interest in global markets. At the same time, her hands-on experiences with her father—building circuits, fixing cars, and tackling new challenges—instilled in her a problem-solving mindset.
While her upbringing encouraged curiosity and resilience, her academic choices reflected her passion for understanding the world. She initially pursued sciences but later transitioned to economics, international studies, and finance, setting the stage for a career in global business.
Her professional journey began in banking, where she worked on optimizing operational efficiency, setting up new offices, and managing M&A transactions. As she engaged with IT-driven projects, she found herself drawn to technology’s transformative potential—despite initially disliking the field. Through countless hours of training and mentorship, she not only mastered IT but eventually made the bold decision to leave banking for Cognizant, a move many of her peers questioned. However, to her, it was a natural step toward enabling modern businesses with cutting-edge solutions.
As a woman in leadership, she faced challenges, including bias and being the only female executive in many rooms. However, she never saw herself as an outsider. Instead, she leveraged her unique perspective to drive diverse solutions, proving that innovation thrives when different viewpoints are embraced.
The Scope of Partner Sales and Its Strategic Importance
As the Head of Partner Sales Switzerland at Cognizant, Brigitte plays a crucial role in bridging business and technology. She collaborates with Cognizant’s commercial teams and technology partners to provide clients with the best solutions. This involves understanding both legacy and emerging tech stacks, tracking industry trends, and co-creating new products when market gaps arise.
Her work spans across multiple industries—banking, financial services, insurance, retail, energy, and manufacturing—while covering an extensive range of technology stacks, including:
- Cloud, Infrastructure & Security
- IoT & Data
- AI & Generative AI
- Customer Experience & Automation
With a global team stretching from India to Europe and the U.S, she collaborates across time zones, industries, and technological domains. The key to success? Continuous learning and a problem-solving mindset that allows her to anticipate future challenges and craft innovative solutions.
Building and Leading High-Performing Teams
For Brigitte, leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about fostering authenticity, trust, and collaboration.
- She values humility and the ability to recognize and leverage the strengths of each team member.
- She encourages openness to new ideas, ensuring transparent communication and shared knowledge.
- She believes in matching the right personalities with the right teams and the right partners, ensuring alignment in work styles and cultures as well.
She also emphasizes the importance of reliability and cultural awareness, citing The Culture Map by Erin Meyer as a key resource for understanding global collaboration. Additionally, she has a strong affinity for individuals with sports backgrounds, believing that discipline, resilience, and a love for challenges translate well into the corporate world.
Her leadership philosophy is simple: “Recognize that everyone is on a journey to become a better version of themselves—including yourself. Be patient with that process.”
Shaping the Future of Business and Technology
As a forward-thinking leader, Brigitte Roy believes we are in the midst of a new Enlightenment era, where technological transformations will redefine how we live and interact with the world. She envisions a future where businesses and people thrive by embracing change, sustainability, and innovation.
At Cognizant Switzerland, her team is pioneering a shift from traditional partner management to a partner sales model. This transformation is driving investments in scalable solutions, co-creating intellectual property, and aligning with global sustainability goals. By participating in prestigious events like WEF in Davos and AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Cognizant is not just providing solutions but shaping the future of technology.
Her ambition is to establish her team as one of the most innovative and sought-after partner organizations in the industry—one that attracts top talent, fosters groundbreaking collaborations, and continuously delivers value-driven solutions.
Striking the Balance: Work, Passion, and Well-Being
Balancing a demanding role with personal well-being is no small feat. Brigitte Roy attributes her ability to stay energized to listening to her mind and body.
- She ensures she is available for collaborations while carving out dedicated time for deep focus.
- She prioritizes physical activity, such as running and walking, as it fuels both her creativity and mental clarity.
- She plans personal time with the same level of intention as work meetings, recognizing that a well-rounded life enhances professional success.
Ultimately, she believes in longevity in career and well-being, knowing that to remain effective for decades, one must cultivate a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.
The Values That Drive Cognizant
Cognizant operates with five core values that shape its culture and business approach:
- Work as One – Collaborate beyond roles to succeed as a team.
- Raise the Bar – Strive for excellence in execution and outcomes.
- Dare to Innovate – Push boundaries and explore new possibilities.
- Do the Right Thing – Act with integrity and ethical responsibility.
- Own It – Take accountability for decisions and results.
These values resonate deeply with Brigitte Roy as she continues to lead her team in a dynamic, fast-evolving industry.
Redefining the Tech Industry: A Call for Diverse Talent
If given the opportunity to change one thing in the tech industry, Brigitte Roy would shift the perception of technology.
She believes that tech is often seen as rigid, overly structured, and reserved for a select few. In reality, technology is a canvas for creativity, much like how a chef views ingredients or a painter views pigments. It is a powerful tool to shape the world, and she calls on artists, visionaries, and diverse talents to explore technology’s potential.
“The world needs people who can imagine and create what doesn’t yet exist. Technology is not boring—it is empowering and beautiful.”
Leveraging Technology to Drive Impact
Cognizant is at the forefront of technological advancements, quickly adapting to new trends and integrating them into solutions. In the past year, the company has:
- Leveraged Generative AI to assist in code development.
- Launched Neuro® AI Multi-Agent Accelerator and Multi-Agent Service Suite.
- Expanded partnerships with Siemens, CrowdStrike, Zscaler, IBM, and Medidata.
- Acquired niche tech firms such as Belcan and Thirdera to enhance expertise.
This commitment to innovation and agility is what allows Cognizant to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Tech
As an advisor and mentor to startups, Brigitte Roy encourages entrepreneurs to:
- Surround themselves with complementary talent—knowledge, personality, and experience make teams stronger.
- Learn the fundamentals of technology, from its history, database management to security and ethics.
- Embrace humility—tech is vast, and continuous learning is essential.
Above all, she assures aspiring entrepreneurs that technology is an exciting and rewarding field, filled with opportunities to innovate and make a lasting impact.
Final Thoughts
With a career shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a passion for solving problems, Brigitte stands as a testament to how diversity in thought and background drives innovation. As she continues to push boundaries in technology and business, her journey serves as an inspiration for future leaders eager to make their mark on the world.
