Deepak Sharma is a seasoned Customer/Client Success and Operations Executive with over 25 years of leadership experience, specializing in crafting scalable frameworks and driving transformative strategies.
Deepak is currently the Chief Client Strategy Officer at Photon. Along with leading the Customer Success/Client Outcomes, Digital Strategy and Pre-sales he works directly for the Co-founders and the company board on key transformational and operational initiatives.
Known for his ability to motivate and inspire, Deepak has consistently delivered exponential growth for organizations through innovative solutions in Customer Success (CS), Gen AI, and digital transformations. His operational expertise, paired with a vision for long-term value creation, positions him as a trusted leader across industries such as B2B, High Tech, Retail, and Hospitality.
As the Chief Client Strategy Officer at Photon, Deepak spearheads initiatives that redefine client success and innovation. He introduced a Customer Value Scorecard that generated a $90M pipeline for the organization while transforming Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) into outcome-driven engagements. He grew the total value delivered by 50%+ at a very healthy gross margin of ~60%. Deepak also led Photon’s Gen AI pivot, creating accelerators and academies with an 85% success rate, contributing $8M in sales within six months and projecting $30M+ in future revenues. He led a companywide transformation effort for the co-founders and board that designed and executed over 100+ initiatives across multiple years to build new capabilities and processes for scale while driving critical change in mindset across functional leaders. His leadership extends to hosting the Digital Strategy Unlocked Podcast, where he collaborates with C-suite thought leaders to demystify transformative strategies.
Before Photon, Deepak spent seven years at Deloitte as a Managing Director, building a $40M/year Customer Success practice from the ground up. He led transformational projects for over 20 companies with a mix of Fortune 500 clients, SMBs and start ups where he implemented XaaS models, grew revenues by over 10% while improving Net Promoter Scores (NPS) by 12 points. Deepak’s leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and his role as a keynote speaker on customer success further reflect his commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity.
Deepak serves as a C-suite advisor across multiple starts up like Eltropy (Fin Tech), IZBA.ai. (Stealth mode) and GroundHog. (Mine digitization and automation platform) providing the CEO/Cofounders and executive management with guidance on strategy, revenue expansion and Customer Success approaches.
At IBM, Deepak served as an Associate Partner, managing complex digital transformation projects and enhancing B2B customer experiences. His early career at Cypress Semiconductor as a Product Marketing Manager saw him overseeing $40M+ in product lines and leading cross-functional teams of 150+ members to achieve sustained growth.
Deepak’s thought leadership is well-documented through his publications in Deloitte Insights, the Wall Street Journal, Photon White Papers and other esteemed platforms. His work on Customer Success, Gen AI, and digital transformation has influenced industry standards and inspired actionable insights across global audiences. He holds a patent for a “System and method for tracking programmable devices that use intellectual property,” showcasing his innovative contributions to technology.
A dedicated advocate for economic empowerment and social services, Deepak has served as a board member for the Community Services Agency and BITSAA International. His pro-bono work with the Taproot Foundation and advisory board member for the MIS program at R.I.T. further underscore his passion for meaningful impact. These roles complement his professional expertise, allowing him to integrate strategic vision with social responsibility.
Internationally experienced in markets across India, the UK, and Europe, Deepak brings a global perspective to his leadership. Fluent in English and Hindi, he bridges cultural and linguistic gaps, ensuring that his strategies resonate across diverse teams and geographies.
Deepak’s life mantra—“Make work-life smoothies every day”—reflects his resilient and balanced approach to personal and professional challenges. As an avid golfer and coffee enthusiast, he finds inspiration in moments of reflection, which fuels his ability to think strategically and lead effectively.
With a rich career spanning decades, industries, and continents, Deepak Sharma continues to shape the future of Customer Success and digital innovation. His expertise and passion make him a driving force for organizational excellence and societal progress.
Character:
Deepak Sharma embodies resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. His balanced approach to leadership inspires teams to embrace challenges, innovate solutions, and celebrate achievements.
Knowledge:
With deep expertise in Customer Success, Gen AI, and digital transformation, Deepak is a trusted thought leader. His insights consistently drive innovation, enhance customer outcomes, and create long-term value for organizations.
Strategic:
Deepak excels in designing and scaling transformative frameworks that deliver measurable business growth. His ability to align strategic initiatives with organizational goals has consistently resulted in exponential outcomes and operational excellence.
Communication:
As a skilled communicator and thought leader, Deepak simplifies complex ideas into actionable strategies. His ability to engage diverse audiences through publications, keynote addresses, and collaborative platforms highlights his exceptional influence.
Digital Strategy Unlocked Podcast:
