As Indiana’s tech community continues to grow and mature, it’s getting harder and harder to narrow down the winners for our annual Tech 25 Awards program. There is a wealth of tech talent in the Hoosier state, and they are making incredible moves. Join us in celebrating the Tech 25 class of 2021 through this profile series and learn a bit more about each winner.

Patrick Wagner is a servant leader and program consultant with demonstrated experience in guiding digital transformations, implementing new ways of working in high-performing teams, and coaching executive-level sponsors to champion change.

He is currently a Senior Program Consultant on the Digital Strategies and Transformation team at BCforward, where he has worked to deliver tremendous solutions for his clients since 2014.

Patrick is an Indianapolis native, a proud Ben Davis alum, and holds an undergraduate degree from DePauw University as well as a Master’s degree from the Purdue School of Science. Patrick is relentless in his efforts to push the needle towards progress, both for his client teams and for his hometown.

What led you to the tech industry and this occupation? What was your first job in tech?

My entrance into the tech industry is somewhat atypical: I am a scientist by training, and I spent my time at DePauw and Purdue conducting laboratory and clinical research.

Motivated by the opportunity for a more interpersonal career, I accepted an engineering project management position after graduate school, and I was recruited to join the ranks of BCforward soon thereafter. Since joining BCforward, I have assumed the roles of IT Project Manager, Program Manager, and Senior Program Consultant.

Patrick Wagner
Senior Program Consultant at BCforward
“I am infinitely proud to work for Indiana’s largest minority-owned company and the inherent diversity of talent and thought leadership in our firm.”

When you think of a day in your life, what are the main work activities you do or responsibilities you have?

I am responsible for coaching executives and complex programs to navigate through profound change. In addition to working with leaders to understand current business landscapes and recommending proven strategies to transform to an agile-driven future state, I work directly with software and solutions teams to implement these tactical changes. I am proud to mentor junior-level BCforward employees, and I am often called upon to share my experiences more broadly in our Agile Community of Practice.

What resources would you recommend to those who want to learn more or advance their skills in this occupation?

  • The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
  • Project to Product: How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of Digital Disruption with the Flow Framework by Mik Kersten
  • Inclusion: Diversity, the New Workplace & the Will to Change by Jennifer Brown

Patrick Wagner is a Tech 25 winner who is helping to grow and improve the tech landscape of Indiana. He was nominated by his CEO, Justin Christian.

Visit the Indianapolis Business Journal website to see the full listing and celebration of the 2021 Tech 25 honorees in the joint CTO of the Year and Tech 25 Awards supplement. You can also watch a video of the livestream from the CTO of the Year and Tech 25 Awards virtual event.

Read more coverage of the Tech 25 in this Index Feature Story and view and tag the gallery of photos from the event on Facebook.