People, Culture, and What’s Next for Exadel, a Talk with Christian Bailey, Chief People Officer at Exadel

In this edition of “C-Talks”, we spoke with Christian Bailey, Chief People Officer at Exadel, about his professional journey, leadership philosophy, Exadel’s culture, and what the future holds for the company. From delivery excellence to AI strategy and internal transformation, Christian shared insights into how Exadel continues to evolve.

Christian, thank you for joining us. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

Thank you for having me. I’m Christian Bailey, Chief People Officer at Exadel. I’ve been with the company for over four years now. I’m based in a small village in Connecticut, just outside New York, although I’m originally from the UK and have been living in the US for about 15 years. I’m married and have two daughters, aged 19 and 22 (both back in the UK) — and a dog named Hudson who keeps me company while I work from home!

How do you usually start your workday?

Every workday starts with a run — no matter where I am in the world. My alarm goes off at six, and I head out, rain or shine. It’s a chance to get fresh air, clear my head, and either listen to a podcast or reflect on what’s ahead. Focus on the priorities for the day or some mental preparation for any meetings coming up. After that, it’s coffee and straight into the day.

What has your professional journey looked like, and what brought you to Exadel?

My career really falls into two phases. The first 15 years or so were spent in management consulting – working on business transformation projects across a variety of different sectors and industries around the world. I then transitioned into more operational leadership roles, running various support functions within organizations and over the last 15 years or so, I’ve been focused on building and operating organizations rather than consulting externally.

Exadel appealed to me because of its strong reputation for delivery and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a people leadership role to improve our business operations.

What do you personally find most rewarding about leading People and Culture at Exadel?

Exadel is an organization where you can get things done. We’re not overly bureaucratic, which means changes and improvements can happen quickly. Whether it’s refining a process, introducing a new policy, or improving the employee experience, you can see real immediate impact to our employees. That’s incredibly rewarding in a people leadership role.

Was there a moment or experience that shaped how you lead today?

Team sports played a huge role in shaping my leadership style. I’ve played competitive sports from a young age, and being part of a team teaches you a lot—looking out for others, building team spirit, and supporting others. Learning from defeat and celebrating success. Those lessons translate directly into how I think about leadership and teamwork at Exadel.

From your perspective, what part of Exadel’s culture gives us the biggest competitive advantage?

Without hesitation, it’s our delivery excellence. One of the main reasons I joined Exadel was our reputation for delivering consistently for clients. 

What do you value most in the people you work with?

Transparency and accountability. I value people who follow through on what they say they’ll do, and who communicate clearly if something changes or if they need help. Ultimately, it comes down to getting quality work done in a timely way. Creating an environment where people can perform as a team is essential. There’s a quote often attributed to Michael Jordan: “Talent wins games, teams win championships.” That applies just as much in business so it’s about working effectively together to deliver an outcome (or a championship!).

If we looked at your desk right now, what would we always find there?

In addition to my ‘’trusty’’ laptop, there are three things you’d always see. First, photos of my family. Second, a notepad (and pen) — I’m very much a traditionalist and always take handwritten notes in meetings. And third, an Exadel Core Values mug.

Is there a book, podcast, or idea that has influenced you recently?

I read a lot and listen to podcasts regularly, especially when I’m running. I enjoy learning from other people’s experiences, whether they’re from sports or business.

Recently, I listened to a podcast featuring Gordon Ramsay (world famous chef and businessman) , and one quote really stood out to me: “Never fear a storm. Learn to dance in the rain.” That idea of embracing challenge rather than avoiding it really resonated with me.

Looking ahead, what can we expect from Exadel in the coming months?

I am particularly excited about us investing heavily in our AI strategy. We’re pushing boundaries and working closely with our clients in this space. I truly believe that 2026 will be a defining year for Exadel when it comes to AI. Internally we are modernizing how we operate too through the implementation of Workday. So both in the market and within our business we have a transformational year ahead.