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Reimagining GCCs: AI, Branding, and the Future of Innovation

Suchita Vishnoi,

Co-founder and CMO,

gatewAI,

Suchita Vishnoi is the Co-founder and CMO of gatewAI, a Certified Woman Independent Director, and the host of The GCC Podcast. She is an expert growth strategist, passionate about technology storytelling, and a respected voice on the evolving role of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in enterprise transformation. In this exclusive conversation with Swati Gupta, Suchita offers deep perspectives on AI-native operating models, brand building within GCCs, and the traits defining tomorrow’s transformative leaders

In conversation with Suchita Vishnoi

AI is redefining how GCCs operate—from automation to decision intelligence. How can businesses maximize their potential?

To truly maximize AI’s potential, businesses must stop treating it as just a tool for automation. At gatewAI, we’ve seen that when AI is positioned as a strategic enabler of innovation and value creation, the transformation is exponential. It starts with embedding AI into every development workflow—not taking it on as an afterthought. 

When organizations integrate AI into their ecosystem, teams naturally shift from repetitive tasks to strategic, high-value work. This unlocks creativity and problem-solving – which eventually leave AI to handle what machines do best. This transformation is fueled by the practice of treating data as a strategic asset, not just an operational byproduct. GCCs that have moved beyond basic data management toward robust monetization and governance frameworks are seeing real impact. Without high-quality data feeding AI systems, even the best models will fail to deliver business value.

Many GCCs struggle to establish themselves beyond operational support. What branding and marketing strategies can help position them as centers of excellence and thought leadership?

Rebranding a GCC as a center of excellence goes way beyond those flashy campaigns. It starts with developing a clear and authentic narrative. That means identifying and articulating your center’s unique value—its core capabilities, breakthrough innovations, and strategic contributions to the parent organization. This story becomes your brand's compass.

Once that's in place, thought leadership becomes a powerful tool. GCCs must consistently showcase their depth through white papers, conference appearances, and expert content. At gatewAI, we encourage clients to identify unique perspectives their teams bring to the table—and share those insights openly with the ecosystem. Participating in industry forums, spotlighting internal innovation, and making your success stories public—that’s how GCCs build reputation capital and earn their place as true innovation engines.

You've had many insightful conversations with industry leaders on The GCC Podcast. Could you share some of the most valuable leadership and business insights you've gained?

It’s been eye-opening. A recurring theme is the importance of balancing strategic vision with execution excellence. The most successful GCC leaders practice what I call “ambidextrous leadership”—they drive efficiency and operational excellence while making space for experimentation and innovation. These leaders see the shift happening across GCCs—rising expectations and deeper accountability. They emphasize talent strategies that go far beyond technical skills. The GCCs that are truly making a difference invest in developing people who think like business owners, not just coders or process managers.

Another noteworthy insight has been on cultural integration. Top leaders don’t try to flatten cultural diversity—they leverage it. GCCs that embrace the strengths of different working cultures are thriving. Those who force uniformity often lose out on innovation. And perhaps the most important takeaway — the future belongs to GCCs that measure value creation, not just efficiency. The shift from cost centers to transformation hubs is already underway—and the adept leaders are guiding that change intentionally.

Looking ahead, what trends will define GCCs over the next five years?

We’re seeing the rise of AI-native GCCs. These centers aren’t running pilot AI programs—they’re entirely rebuilding their operations, keeping AI at the core. They’re automation and at the same time – they’re enabling predictive decision-making and cognitive intelligence. I firmly believe that by 2030, AI-driven GCCs will contribute meaningfully to India’s GDP. Another powerful trend is the shift from horizontal capabilities to domain-led disruption. The most exciting GCCs are those deeply embedded in sectors like financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. 

These trends signal a future where GCCs stop being ‘capability centers’ and start becoming strategic transformation engines. That’s where real competitive advantage lies.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring leaders or entrepreneurs, what would it be to thrive in this dynamic tech-driven world?

One thing — learn to balance a bold,, long-term vision with agile execution. You need a compelling future vision that energizes your team, but you also need to adapt continuously. Technology, markets, customer needs—they all shift. Too many leaders cling to outdated roadmaps, while others jump from one trend to the next. Real leadership is about finding the balance. Stay grounded in your purpose but flexible in your methods. And never stop learning—or unlearning. That insane thirst of dynamism  is the superpower!



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