In the rapidly evolving world of digital business transformation, technical excellence alone is no longer enough. At Publicis Sapient, we recognize that the true differentiators in successful engineering teams are not just coding prowess or architectural expertise, but the distinctly human skills of empathy, resilience, and collaboration. These "human skills"—once dismissed as "soft"—are now at the heart of how we deliver transformative outcomes for our clients and foster a thriving, innovative culture within our global engineering community.
The language around what were once called "soft skills" is changing. As Kamishwari Rao, Chief People Officer at Publicis Sapient, explains, "What we talked about in the past as soft skills, the words that are now being used are human skills. As a leader, as a manager, it is not enough for you to have soft skills like communication or presentation. What you need to have is human skills like empathy, resilience, and the ability to keep going." This shift is more than semantic. In a world where generative AI and automation are accelerating the pace of change, the ability to understand, adapt, and connect with others is essential for both individual and organizational success.
Engineering has traditionally been viewed as a domain of "hard" skills—logic, mathematics, and technical mastery. Yet, as Marius Hanganu, Managing Director and co-founder of Tremend (now part of Publicis Sapient), observes, "For a transformation project to succeed, it's as much, maybe even more so, about the soft skills. It's about perception, psychology, empathy than the hard skills." The most complex digital transformations are not just technical challenges; they are human ones. Clients and end users must navigate new systems, processes, and ways of working. Engineers who can empathize with these challenges, communicate effectively, and collaborate across disciplines are better equipped to design solutions that truly work for people.
Empathy is not an abstract ideal at Publicis Sapient—it is a practical, learnable skill. Our engineering teams are intentionally exposed to client challenges from the outset, ensuring they hear firsthand the struggles and aspirations of end users. This direct engagement fosters a deeper understanding of the psychology of change. As Hanganu notes, "A more structured way of approaching this would be really understanding the psychology of change, which usually goes hand in hand with understanding a bit about hormones, dopamine, and all kinds of mechanisms that are described in neuroscience. Once you understand the underlying way of functioning, it becomes much simpler."
This approach is reinforced through design thinking workshops, cross-functional collaboration, and a culture that encourages active listening and feedback. Engineers are not just builders—they are partners in transformation, equipped to anticipate resistance, adapt solutions, and support clients through the journey of change.
At Publicis Sapient, collaboration is more than teamwork—it is the engine that drives innovation. Our SPEED framework (Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, Data & AI) brings together diverse experts from the very beginning of every project. Engineering leaders are "in the room" from day one, ensuring that technical perspectives shape strategy and that solutions are feasible, scalable, and human-centered.
This inclusive approach breaks down silos and fosters a culture where all voices are heard. As Sheldon Montero, Chief Product Officer, puts it, "The magic, the core DNA of what makes us special as a company and what makes us different in our delivery of work and our culture are actually very human attributes—patience and trust. Can't get more human than that."
Resilience—the ability to adapt, learn, and thrive amid uncertainty—is a cornerstone of our engineering culture. In the face of rapid technological change, we encourage our teams to "dive in" and experiment with new tools, including generative AI. As Rao advises, "You need to start using it in your work and not kind of keep it to the side and say, I'll get to it. It's moving very fast that we will get left behind."
We support this mindset with robust upskilling programs, mentorship, and a culture that normalizes failure as part of innovation. Leaders share their own stories of setbacks and growth, reinforcing that resilience is built through experience and reflection.
Our commitment to human skills is embedded in our people strategy and training initiatives:
The impact of these efforts is tangible. In client engagements, our teams are trusted partners, able to have open conversations about challenges, pivot when needed, and build lasting relationships based on trust. When unexpected setbacks occur—such as the sudden loss of key team members—our culture of transparency and collaboration enables us to adapt quickly and maintain client confidence.
Our engineers are empowered to contribute beyond their technical roles, shaping strategy, influencing product direction, and co-creating solutions that deliver real value. This human-centric approach not only differentiates Publicis Sapient in the market but also creates a workplace where people can thrive, grow, and make a meaningful impact.
As generative AI and automation continue to reshape the landscape of technical work, the most successful engineering teams will be those that embrace the human skills revolution. At Publicis Sapient, we are committed to helping our clients—and our own people—develop the empathy, resilience, and collaborative mindsets needed to thrive in this new era.
By investing in human skills alongside technical excellence, organizations can unlock the full potential of digital transformation—not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a catalyst for innovation, engagement, and sustainable success.
Ready to elevate your engineering teams for the future of work? Connect with Publicis Sapient to learn how we can help you build a more empathetic, resilient, and collaborative engineering culture.