Being a talent leader at CSC is more than a job to Priscilla Alice Thomas—it’s a genuine passion. After completing her executive post-grad studies in HR, she’s forged a professional path in learning and development.
“A client said I could do well in corporate HR or learning and development (L&D), and that conversation motivated me to pursue an L&D career,” she says.
Priscilla gained valuable experience as a trainer and eventually became a certified facilitator. Inspired to enrich her knowledge, she pursued a post-grad degree in instructional design. A mentor’s encouragement and support motivated her to dive into a project management role.
“He helped me grow that skill and encouraged me to pursue it full time,” Priscilla explains.
Her determination and hard work paid off—she landed the role of chief of staff, reporting to a chief human resources officer. She continued her career in project management for the next five years, which allowed her to develop and refine her skills. Today, she’s a talent leader at CSC, a leading provider of business administration and compliance solutions.
“Looking back at my career trajectory 18 years later, I’m so glad I followed my passion,” she says.
Priscilla shares what she’s responsible for in her role, why she deeply values CSC’s commitment to professional growth, and how the company cultivates a culture of belonging and inclusion.
What attracted you to your job at CSC, and how did you know the company would be a good fit?
Three years ago, a leader I’d worked with recommended a role that involved managing global impact projects in learning and talent management. What drew me to it wasn’t just the amazing opportunity to do what I love, but the company culture and its people. In every conversation I had during the interview process—whether with my future reporting manager or the chief human resources officer—I could see that everyone was invested in growing the organization and committed to cultivating a culture of belonging and inclusion.
What are your core responsibilities as a talent leader, and why does this work excite you?
My team and I are responsible for the learning and development initiatives of one of our global businesses at CSC. I’m tasked with ensuring we understand the current and future needs of the business. We then design tailor-made solutions for the learners instead of forcing them into a one-size-fits-all conventional intervention. This ensures sustainable, successful outcomes.
What I always find exciting is that I collaborate with colleagues, peers, and leaders from around the globe, who all offer rich cultural diversity and interesting, new ways of working. We’re dedicated to our values of service and agility, and it’s evident when we roll up our sleeves and work toward a common goal.
You’ve been at CSC for nearly three years and recently became a talent leader. Before that, you were in the role of assistant vice president of global talent. What led to this transition, and how did the company personally support your professional growth and development?
Earlier this year, after spending the last few years in project management, I told my leader I was looking for my next adventure. At the same time, a global leadership role opened in L&D and an internal job posting was rolled out. After discussing it with him, I applied for the role and went through a rigorous interview process that I enjoyed because of how challenging it was. I was shortlisted by the hiring panel, and here I am.
I’ve truly appreciated the encouragement and support from my leader, team members, and colleagues. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders, wanting me to do well and succeed. They actively supported me while transitioning from my former role to my new one. It truly embodies our value of teamwork—not just in words but in action.
What’s been your greatest accomplishment or career highlight thus far at CSC, and why?
A year after I joined the organization, I was promoted to assistant vice president. Shortly after, my role was expanded from project managing two portfolios to eight portfolios in global talent. I’m always grateful that my leaders trust in my ability and potential while continuing to offer growth opportunities and recognition, which lets me know that my work is seen and valued.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far in your career at CSC and as a leader? How did you overcome it, and what valuable lessons did you learn?
Our organization went through a merger and acquisition, and our team was responsible for the migration of a tool and everything that came with it. It involved a lot of moving parts and quite a few collaborators from different teams. I managed it along with a colleague. A couple of months into the project we realized that a critical component had been missed while designing the project plan. This presented the possibility of putting a major dent in the delivery timeline. That’s when I saw our value of tenacity come into play. My team and I made quick course corrections that helped us get back on track. Throughout my career, I’ve learned it’s good to take accountability when we’ve erred because we’re human. However, what sets us apart—and what is remembered—is how we handle it.
What learning and development opportunities are available for employees? How have you taken advantage of these initiatives and programs?
At CSC, we foster continuous learning. The global L&D team ensures relevant learning opportunities are made available for self-paced, digital consumption. Learning needs are assessed, leading us to offer programs exclusively designed for leaders and individual contributors, including technical and functional topics at different levels of expertise. There’s something for everyone. There are opportunities to earn external certifications that are relevant to the employee’s specific role. A couple of years ago, the organization sponsored my International Coaching Federation (ICF ACC) certification, which has enabled me to add being a coach to my role at work and my repertoire.
We understand that you’re based in India. How does CSC foster and nurture connections across its global network of employees? How does the company culture promote inclusivity, collaboration, and creativity?
In India, we pride ourselves in the adage “unity in diversity.” I see the same value at CSC. We’re a global organization where all employees are encouraged to bring their individuality to work. My leader speaks about fostering a “brave space,” which means providing the space and courage for employees to speak up, share ideas, and question the status quo without hesitating. I love that this is our way of life at CSC.
We also feel included when country festivals or holidays are celebrated, and colleagues consider time zone differences while planning meetings. What’s cool is that we’re educated on cultural intelligence to remain aware and sensitive in our ways of working internationally.
What advice would you give those—particularly women—striving to pursue a leadership role at CSC? What skills do they need to thrive at the company and in their careers?
I have two guiding philosophies when navigating my professional life, or life in general—go for it, what’s the worst that can happen, and say yes to new adventures. Both have the same underlying message. I believe in volunteering for opportunities without second-guessing myself. Even if I don’t have all the skills required, I still put myself up for a position, role, or project, and then work hard on building them. At CSC, we’re truly an equal-opportunity employer. Nothing holds us back from pursuing our career growth. It’s in our organization’s DNA to want to see each of us succeed.
Outside of work, what was the last thing you read (a book, an online article, etc.) that enlightened your thinking about the world and your place in it?
A while back, I read The Book of Ichigo Ichie by the authors who wrote Ikigai. They talk about making the most of every moment, and they made me see how time is fleeting. We need to ensure we treat it with great care and attention. Reading the book taught me how to slow down and savor everyday life.