Publicis Sapient is a digital business transformation partner powered by AI. Sheldon Monteiro is Chief Product Officer at the company and he spoke to us about his daughter’s opinion on his most memorable achievement and how being a introvert has helped him succeed.
Describe your current job role.
As Chief Product Officer at Publicis Sapient, I lead a team of nearly 3,000 talented product and programme management people who are all about making things happen. We’re focused on using technology not just to streamline processes, but to enhance how customers experience and interact with businesses.
For us, the ‘product’ isn’t just something we deliver – it’s a way of thinking. It’s about ensuring that what we create for and with our clients truly meets the needs of their customers and aligns with their business goals. We’re always looking for new ways to innovate, move fast and scale solutions that deliver results.
My job is also about guiding our clients from a project-based approach to a product mindset and ways of working. It’s about helping our joint teams focus on value and work towards outcomes that really make a difference for their customers and their business.
But honestly, one of the most important parts of my role is finding and keeping great people. Our teams are what make the magic happen, and I’m all about helping them grow and succeed.
In the past year and a half, I’ve also been leading our company’s journey into AI. It’s been a fascinating challenge – working across different industries to bring AI into our offerings and to change how we work internally. It’s a big job, but it’s also incredibly exciting to be part of something that’s shaping the future.
What would you describe as your most memorable achievement?
Well, that depends on who you ask. If you ask my younger daughter, she’ll tell you it’s the app we built that guarantees her a smooth ride to nuggets at the drive-thru, no matter where she is. And honestly, she might be right!
But if you ask me, I’d say it’s the executive transformation leadership programmes I helped establish over a decade ago. I’ve been championing these programmes since the start, and it’s been incredible to see the impact they’ve had. The specifics of what we teach evolve continuously, but what really blows me away is how the people who’ve gone through these programmes have taken what they’ve learned and run with it. They’ve gained new purpose, sharpened their influence skills and developed an uncanny ability to see around corners. It’s amazing to see the fearless and forward-thinking leaders they’ve become, and the impact they are making in the world.
But let’s be real – my daughter’s opinion might just take the cake!
What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position?
I’m all about purpose, values and OKR [objectives and key results] discipline. At Publicis Sapient, our purpose – “We help people thrive in the brave pursuit of next” – isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s what gets us up in the morning and drives us to work hard, even when that means shaking things up to create a better future for our clients, their customers and our own teams.
Our core values are just as important. They’re like our North Star, guiding us to be our best selves, whether we’re working together or with clients. Values like openness, inclusive collaboration and a learning mindset aren’t just things we talk about – they’re things we live every day.
When it comes to managing the product team, I lean on OKRs to keep us all on track. It’s about being crystal clear on what really matters so everyone knows how to contribute and support both our goals and our clients’ needs.
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain a C-level position in your industry?
What truly sets senior leaders apart from upper management is their relentless focus on developing amazing leaders who make a remarkable impact in their own right. So, while you’re on your journey, aim to be the kind of leader who not only excels but also creates others who excel just as brilliantly.
Second, get a solid grasp of the business, the technology behind it and human experience. The magic really happens at the intersection of these three areas. Last but not least, never stop learning.
What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why?
I’d say my introversion is a big part of what’s contributed to my success. Being naturally inclined to listen, reflect and work independently has served me well. While business culture often celebrates extroverted traits like sociability and charisma, I’ve found that the real key is versatile influence. It’s about finding the right balance between intellectual, emotional and organisational nudges.
I’ve learned to leverage these different types of influence to navigate complex situations and build strong connections, even if I’m not the loudest voice in the room. It’s not about fitting into a mould but about using your unique strengths to make a difference.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
It’s less of a trick and more of a principle: invest in your people. It might sound straightforward, but it’s incredibly effective. By focusing on attracting and nurturing top digital leaders, I’ve seen firsthand how it boosts productivity, quality, morale and speed-to-market. When you have great people on your team, everything else tends to fall into place. Your biggest asset is always your people.