Case Study: The Strategic Transformation of UATE – From Crisis to Success

Background: The Situation at UATE

In 2023, the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE), a mission-driven association at the forefront of technology development in Armenia, was facing challenges in keeping pace with the rapid changes in the global tech landscape. While UATE remained a prominent player in the Armenian tech ecosystem, the need for revitalization in areas such as team alignment, organizational governance, and vision refinement had become evident.

Sargis Karapetyan, the newly appointed CEO, recognized that for UATE to reach its full potential, a fresh approach was needed. Having built a solid foundation over the years, UATE’s leadership sought to elevate its capabilities further and embarked on a mission to adapt to new business realities. Sargis turned to Thomas Mazejian, a seasoned IT executive and transformation coach, for his expert mentorship.

Thomas began by conducting an in-depth assessment of UATE's organizational structure, team dynamics, and processes. Through a series of insightful discussions and collaborative sessions with leadership and team members, key areas for improvement were identified. Recognizing the potential within the team, Thomas’s approach was rooted in fostering engagement and alignment around a shared vision.

The process culminated in a two-day workshop held in Aghveran, where Thomas moderated critical discussions between UATE’s leadership, board members, and staff. This immersive experience led to the drafting of a new vision, mission, and governance model—one that empowered every team member to actively contribute to UATE’s future success. This recalibration of purpose and direction not only ignited a new sense of ownership within the organization but also reinvigorated team motivation. The outcome of the workshop was:

New Vision and Mission: After 2 days of discussion, the group crafted new vision and mission statements that were forward-looking and inclusive. The new vision focused on positioning Armenia as a global tech hub, while the mission emphasized collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Governance Model: A new governance model was developed, which included the establishment of cross-functional teams, regular interdepartmental meetings, and a decentralized decision-making process. This model empowered employees by giving them a voice in the organization’s strategic decisions.

Team Engagement: The workshop also focused on breaking down the silos between teams. By the end of the workshop, participants reported a 50% increase in their sense of team cohesion and collaboration.

The Impact: UATE’s Transformation

One year after the intervention, UATE had undergone a remarkable transformation. The data speaks for itself:

Membership Growth: UATE’s membership increased by 100%, from 100 to 200 members. This growth was driven by the organization’s renewed sense of purpose and the active engagement of its members.

Employee Motivation: A follow-up survey indicated that 85% of employees felt engaged in their work, a significant increase from before the intervention. This increase in motivation was reflected in the organization’s productivity, with project completion rates improving by 30%.

Team Expansion and Collaboration: The number of cross-functional projects increased by 60%, indicating a successful breakdown of silos. The team also expanded by 50%, with the addition of new members who were attracted by UATE’s revitalized mission and dynamic work environment.

Successful Event Planning: UATE’s newfound energy and strategic direction culminated in the successful organization of the Digitec WCIT event in October. The event, which attracted over 5,000 participants from around the world, was a testament to UATE’s transformation and its ability to execute large-scale projects.

Under Sargis’s leadership, and with Thomas’s mentorship, UATE successfully transformed into future-ready organization equipped to lead the next wave of technological advancement in the region.

Key Takeaways:

Alignment is Key: Organizations must ensure that their vision and mission are aligned with their strategic goals and the daily work of their employees.

Engagement Drives Success: Empowering employees through inclusive governance models fosters engagement, accountability, and innovation.

Collaboration is Essential: Breaking down silos and fostering collaboration among teams is crucial for the successful execution of projects.

Coaching and Mentorship are Powerful Tools: Strategic coaching and mentorship can help organizations navigate through complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

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