The 10 Most Dynamic Tech Leaders Leading the Way to Success, 2024

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THE 10 MOST DYNAMIC LEADERS LEADING THE

WAY TO SUCCESS, 2024

IN FOCUS

Building the Future of Work: Leaders Shaping the Transformation of the Workplace

Revolutionizing Cybersecurity: Leaders on the Frontlines of Protecting Our Digital World IN FOCUS

Amarjit Sandhu

Leading Micron Malaysia into the Future of Memory and Storage Solutions

www.ciobusinessworld.com Issue: 27 | 2024
Follow us : www.ciobusinessworld.com Editor in chief Robert Patrick Contents Managing Editor : Smith Collins Design Visualizer : Jack Thomas Arts & Design Director : Adam Jones Associate Designer : Erick Williams Sales Senior Sales Manager : Scott M Marketing Manager : Andrew T Sales Executive : Mark Davis Technical Victor Anderson SME- SMO Research Analyst : Henry Martinez SEO Executive : Daniel Lee Circulation Manager Alexander Nelson

The Tech Titans Editorial Note

he ever-evolving world of

Ttechnology demands a unique breed of leader: the dynamic tech leader. These individuals are not just tech-savvy; they possess a potent blend of vision, agility, and adaptability that propels their companies and industries forward.

In this special edition, we delve into the characteristics that define these leaders and explore the impact they have on the evershifting technological landscape. We are thrilled to feature the stories of ten such dynamic individuals who are shaping the future of technology through their vision and leadership.

Leading by Disrupting

Dynamic tech leaders are not afraid to challenge the status quo. They understand that true innovation often lies in breaking away from established norms. Whether it's pioneering a new

product category or implementing radical changes in company culture, these leaders embrace disruption as a springboard for growth. Take, for instance, companies like Tesla and SpaceX, where Elon Musk's audacious vision for electric vehicles and space travel continues to redefine industries.

Agility in the Face of Change

The tech sector is a whirlwind of constant change. New trends emerge at breakneck speed, and technologies become obsolete seemingly overnight. Dynamic leaders possess an uncanny ability to navigate this turbulent environment. They are quick to identify emerging trends, adapt strategies accordingly, and embrace lifelong learning to stay ahead of the curve. This agility ensures their companies remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Building a Culture of Innovation

Dynamic tech leaders recognize that innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum. They foster a company culture that encourages creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking. They empower their teams to experiment, embrace calculated risks, and learn from failures. This fosters a dynamic environment where new ideas can flourish and transform into groundbreaking products and services.

The Human Touch in a Digital World

While technology is at the heart of their domain, dynamic tech leaders understand the importance of the human element. They prioritize building strong relationships with their employees, customers, and partners. They are effective communicators who can inspire and motivate their teams, fostering a sense of purpose and shared vision.

The Future of Leadership

As technology continues to integrate seamlessly into our lives, the role of the dynamic tech leader will become even more crucial. These leaders will be instrumental in shaping the future of technology, ensuring its ethical development and responsible application. From tackling issues like cybersecurity and data privacy to navigating the complexities of artificial intelligence, these leaders will be at the forefront, steering us through uncharted territory.

Throughout this edition, we showcase the stories of the 10 most dynamic tech leaders who are leading the way. Through their journeys, we gain valuable insights into the qualities that make a leader truly exceptional in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

CONTENTS COVER
14 AMARJIT
ARTICLE 26 Building the Future of Work: Leaders Shaping the Transformation 36 Revolutionizing Cybersecurity: Leaders on the Frontline Protecting Our Digital World
STORY
SANDHU
CXO 28 AI How engaging with schools is key to the future talent pipeline 38 Aurélien Cuellar 46 Top Digital Technologies Shaping Retail in 2024 22 Alexandre Horvath 32 Bernard Wanyama 42 Joyce Sidopoulos 50 Serena SacksMandel BUSINESS PROFILE
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Amarjit Sandhu

Micron Malaysia into the Future of Memory and Storage Solutions

COVER STORY 15 www.ciobusinessworld.com
Leading
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Alexandre Horvath

Pioneering Tech Innovation

nothingismoreobsoletethantheyesterday'svisionofthefuture.attheforefrontofventure building,alexandrehorvathissettingthesamevisionforcryptixag.heenvisionsafuture wheretheventuresarenotjustleadersintheirrespectivedomainsbutalsocontributetoa globalecosystemofinnovation.aboveall,alexandreisthechiefinformationsecurityofficer(ciso)& dataprotectionofficer(dpo)thatturnsvisionaryideasintoreality

wheneveryoneunderstandsthebiggerpicture,theimpactoftheircontributionscreatesashared senseofpurpose.let'sseethewayheseesthefutureatthebusiness.

navigatingthenexusofbusinessandit

inthetapestryofbusinessandit,alexandre'sjourneyemergesasatestamenttoresilienceand mastery.hisearlyyearsweredefinedbyanunyieldingdedicationtounderstandingtheever-shifting landscapeoftechnology,pavingthewayforacareermarkedbycontinuousinnovation.the challengesheencountered,ratherthandeterringhim,becamethechiselshapingaleaderadeptat navigatingtheintricateintersectionofbusinessandit.

asalexandreascendedintoleadershiproles,hiscapacitytoharmonizetechnologicaladvancement withstrategicbusinessimperativesbecameevident.leadingteamsthroughtransformativeinitiatives, hedemonstratedaremarkableabilitytosteertheshipthroughthedynamicwatersoftheitindustry hiscurrentrolesascisoanddpoatcryptixagunderscorenotjusttechnicalacumenbutaprofound commitmenttofortifyingdigitallandscapes,safeguardingdata,andensuringcompliance—a testamenttoaleaderwhonotonlyembraceschangebutdefinesitscourse.

visionfortransformativeventurebuilding

intherealmoftransformativeinnovation,cryptixagstandsasabeacon,dedicatedtocultivatinga dynamicecosystemofventurespoisedtoreshapeindustriesanddefinethefutureofbusinessthrough innovativetechnologieslikeblockchainandthecloud.theirmissionissuccinct—ignitinginnovation oneventureatatime.cryptixagiscommittedtoidentifying,nurturing,andscalingventureswiththe potentialtorevolutionizediversesectors,offeringthenecessaryresources,expertise,andstrategic guidancefortheseventurestoflourishanddrivepositivechangeinthebusinesslandscape. fromavisionarystandpoint,cryptixagenvisionsitselfasapioneerattheforefrontofventure

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building,aspiringtosetthestandardforexcellencein creatingandgrowingsuccessfulbusinesses.theirfuture unfoldsinalandscapewhereventuresnotonlyleadintheir domainsbutalsocontributetoaglobalecosystemof innovation,addressingchallenges,fosteringsustainability, andmakingapositivesocietalimpact.

thecorevaluesthatunderpincryptixag—collaboration, innovation,andempowerment—serveasthebedrockfor theirendeavors.throughacommitmenttocollaborationthat fuelscreativity,anunwaveringdedicationtoinnovation, andanempoweringethos,itchartsacoursewhereventures andtheirteamsaresupportedtoturnvisionaryideasinto tangiblereality strategiesforbuildingandleadingamotivatedteam

craftingahigh-performingteamrequiresastrategic approachthatgoesbeyondmeretaskdelegation.successful leadersunderstandtheimportanceofnurturingapositive anddynamicteamculture.onecrucialstrategyinvolves inspiringasharedvision—clearlycommunicating overarchinggoalsandillustratingtheimpactofindividual contributions.thiscreatesaunifiedsenseofpurpose.open communicationisequallypivotal;fosteringanenvironment whereteammembersfeelcomfortableexpressingideas promotestrustandcollaboration.

collaboration,whenactivelypromotedandrecognized, becomesadrivingforce.acknowledgingbothindividual andcollectiveachievementsreinforcespositivebehavior andinstillsprideintheteam'saccomplishments.providing opportunitiesforgrowth,throughtrainingandmentorship, ensuresteammembersseeapathforadvancement, enhancingmotivation.empoweringindividualswith autonomywithintheirexpertisefostersasenseof ownershipandaccountability.

prioritizingwork-lifebalanceisnotjustaperk;itisa necessityforlong-termmotivationandfocus.leadingby example,exhibitingtheworkethicandattitudeexpected fromtheteam,isfoundational.addressingconflicts promptlyandconstructively,alongwithcreatingapositive workplaceculturethatcelebratesdiversity,contributes significantlytooverallmotivationandteameffectiveness. inthisongoingprocess,leadersmustregularlyreassessand adjuststrategiesbasedonfeedbackandevolvingdynamics, investinginthewell-beingandgrowthoftheirteamfor sustainedsuccess.

unveilingtheethosofcryptixag

atcryptixag,apioneeringforceinthedigitallandscape, everystrideisguidedbyasetofprinciplesdeeplyingrained intheorganization'sethos.innovationstandsasabeacon, steeringthecompanybeyondconventionalboundaries.the cultureatthecompanycelebratescreativity,urgingeach teammembertocontributegroundbreakingideas,fostering anenvironmentwherethepursuitofwhat'spossibleis relentless.

collaborationisnotmerelyastrategybutadefiningaspect ofcryptixag'sidentity.theorganizationthrivesonthe synergyofdiverseminds,emphasizingopen communication,mutualrespect,andcollectiveproblemsolving.trustformsthefoundationofinternalandexternal relationships,builtontransparency,integrity,andreliability. operatingonaglobalstage,cryptixagunderstandsthe significanceoflocalimpact,valuingdiversityandunique perspectives.thecommitmenttoexcellenceisunwavering, settinghighstandardsforthedeliveryofsolutionsand servicesthatconsistentlysurpassexpectations.the company'sworkcultureemphasizescontinuous improvement,viewingeachsuccessasasteppingstoneto thenextmilestone.

prioritizingbalanceandwell-being,cryptixagrecognizes thefundamentalroleofahealthywork-lifeequilibriumin sustainedsuccess.adaptabilityandresiliencearecherished

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qualities,acknowledgingthatchallengesareopportunities forgrowth.inthisdynamicrealmoftechnology,it navigateschangewithagility,turningobstaclesinto pathwaysforsuccess.forcryptix,thesevaluesandwork culturearenotmerewords;theyaretheguidingprinciples shapingeveryproject,partnership,andinnovation.

revolutionofpositiveaichangesincybersecurity

predictivethreatintelligenceemergesasapowerfultool, leveragingaialgorithmstoanalyzeextensivedatasetsin real-time,predictingpotentialthreatsbeforetheymanifest. thispredictiveintelligencenotonlyexpeditesresponse timesbutproactivelyshieldsagainstemergingcyberrisks. dynamicthreatdetectionandresponse,anotherfacetof positiveaichanges,introducesmechanismsthatadaptin real-timetoevolvingattackvectors,outpacingthe sophisticationofcyberthreats.thisdynamicapproach neutralizespotentialrisksbeforetheycaninflictharm, overcomingthelimitationsoftraditionalcybersecurity measures.

ai-drivenglobalthreatlandscapemappingallows cybersecurityprofessionalstocomprehend,anticipate,and mitigatethreatsonaglobalscale.thisinterconnected approachfosterscollectivedefensestrategies,fortifyingthe cybersecuritycommunityasaunitedfrontagainstcyber adversaries.

automatedincidentresponse,facilitatedbyai,enhancesthe swiftnessandefficiencyofthreatmitigation.byautomating routinetasks,cybersecurityteamscanfocusonstrategic aspects,reducingresponsetimesandminimizingtheriskof humanerror.

behavioralbiometricsforidentityverificationintroducesan additionallayerofsecuritythroughaianalysisofuser behaviorpatterns.thisinnovativemethodgoesbeyond traditionalauthentication,ensuringonlyauthorizedaccess. continuouslearningandadaptationformacornerstoneof positiveaichangesincybersecurity.aisystems,endowed withtheabilitytolearnandadapt,refinedefensesagainst evolvingthreats,ensuringtheeffectivenessofcybersecurity measures.

ethicalaiimplementationisintegraltoembracingpositive changesincybersecurity.upholdingtransparency,fairness, andaccountabilityinaialgorithmsbuildstrustand maintainsthehighestethicalstandardsindigitaldefense.

insightsandguidancefromalexandre

fortheaspiringtechtrailblazer,venturingintothedynamic worldoftechnologyisathrillingyetchallengingjourney alexandrehorvathoffersvaluableguidancetothose dreamingofmakingamarkinthetechrealm.

passionandpurposearethefoundationalelementsofthis journey.identifyingatechnichethatalignswithagenuine missionbeyondprofitsetsthestageforsuccess.continuous learningisemphasizedasacrucialmindsetinthefastpacedtechindustry,ensuringthataspiringentrepreneurs stayattheforefrontofinnovation.

buildingastrongnetworkishighlightedasastrategic move.surroundedbymentors,advisors,andfellow entrepreneurs,individualscantapintovaluableinsightsand fostercollaboration.validatingthetechideaearlyonis advisedtosavetimeandresources,emphasizingthe importanceofseekingfeedbackandconductingthorough marketresearch.

thesignificanceofuserexperienceisunderscoredinthe techworld,withtheadvicetodesignproductsorservices withtheenduserinmind.anagiledevelopmentand iterationapproachisrecommended,promotingflexibility andadaptabilityinresponsetouserfeedbackandmarket trends.

prioritizingcybersecurityfromthestartispositionedasa trust-buildingmeasurethatgoesbeyondlegalrequirements. buildingadiverseteamisencouraged,recognizingthe valueofdiverseperspectivesandskillsetsinfostering creativityandresilience.

understandingthebusinesssideisdeemedequallycrucial, ensuringfamiliaritywithbusinessmodels,revenuestreams, andmarketstrategiesforlong-termsustainability

persistencethroughchallengesisemphasized,recognizing entrepreneurshipasajourneyofhighsandlows. asalexandrehorvathguidesaspiringtechentrepreneurs,the messageisclear:embraceinnovation,stayresilientinthe faceofchallenges,andletpassionbethedrivingforce.the worldeagerlyawaitsthetechsolutionsthatindividualslike alexandrehorvathcanbringtolife.

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Building the Future of Work: Leaders

Shaping the Transformation

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Thetraditionalofficecubicleisfadingintothe backgroundasaneweraofworkdawns. Technologicaladvancements,demographicshifts liketheriseofGenZintheworkforce,andevolving employeeexpectationsareallconspiringtoreshapehow andwherewework.Attheforefrontofthistransformation areanewbreedofleaders–thosewhoareactivelybuilding thefutureofwork,brickbydigitalbrick.

LeadingwithVisionandAgility

Theseleadersaren'tclingingtooutdatedmanagement styles.Theypossessaclearvisionforthefutureoftheir organizations,understandingthattheone-size-fits-all approachjustdoesn'tcutitanymore.Theyareopento exploringinnovativeworkarrangements,recognizingthata remoteorhybridworkmodelmightbemoresuitablefor certainrolesorskillsets.Theyarechampionsofflexibility, understandingthatlocationshouldn'tbeabarrierto productivityoremployeesatisfaction.

However,theirvisionextendsbeyondsimplyoffering flexibleworkoptions.Theseleadersrecognizetheeverevolvingskillsetsrequiredinthedigitalage.Automation andAIarechangingthegame,andtheworkforceneedsto adapt.Theseleadersprioritizecontinuouslearningand upskillingopportunitiesfortheiremployees.Thismight involvein-housetrainingprograms,tuitionreimbursement forrelevantcertifications,orevenpartnershipswith educationalinstitutions.Byinvestingintheirworkforce's development,theseleadersensuretheirteamsareequipped tothriveinthedynamicbusinesslandscape.

BuildingaCultureofTrustandEmpathy

Thefutureofworkisn'tjustaboutphysicallocation;it's aboutcreatingahuman-centricworkenvironment. Dynamicleadersrecognizethatbuildingtrustandfostering acultureofempathywiththeiremployeesisparamount. Gonearethedaysofmicromanagement;theseleaders empowertheirteamsbyprovidingautonomyand ownershipoverprojects.Opencommunicationbecomesa cornerstone–informationflowsfreely,fostering collaborationandpsychologicalsafety.

Thisshiftnecessitatesafocusonbuildingastrongcompany culture,eveninaremoteorhybridsetting.Leaderscreate opportunitiesforvirtualteambuilding,fostering connectionsandasenseofbelonging.Theyprioritizeworklifebalance,recognizingthatemployeewell-beingdirectly impactsproductivityandretention.Thistranslatesto flexibleworkhours,paidtimeoffpoliciesthatencourage

employeestodisconnectandrecharge,andageneral understandingthatpersonallivesmatter.

EmbracingTechnologyasanEnabler

Technologyisn'ttheenemyinthisnewworldofwork;it'sa powerfulally.Dynamicleadersleveragetechnologyasa tooltoempowertheirteamsandoptimizeworkflows.They investincollaborationtoolsthatbridgegeographical distances,enablingseamlesscommunicationbetweenteam membersscatteredacrosstheglobe.Projectmanagement softwarekeepseveryoneonthesamepage,fostering transparencyandaccountability.Cloud-basedsolutions ensurethatemployeeshaveaccesstotheinformationand resourcestheyneed,regardlessoflocation.

Technologycanalsoplayacrucialroleinperformance management.Leadersutilizedataanalyticstogainvaluable insightsintoteamdynamicsandindividualproductivity. Thisallowsforpersonalizedfeedbackanddevelopment plans,helpingemployeesreachtheirfullpotential. Additionally,technologycanautomatetedioustasks, freeingupvaluabletimeforemployeestofocusonmore strategicinitiatives.

TheLeadersWeNeed

Theseleadersarenotjustmanagers;theyarecatalystsfor change.Theyinspireinnovation,encouragingtheirteamsto thinkoutsidetheboxandembracenewwaysofworking. Theyfosteralearningenvironmentwhereexperimentation isencouraged,andfailuresareseenassteppingstonesto success.Theybuildstrong,cohesiveteams,wherediversity isvaluedandindividualstrengthsareleveragedtocreatea synergisticwhole.

TheRoadAhead

Thefutureofworkisstillunfolding,buttheroleofthese dynamicleadersisclear:toguidetheirteamsthroughthis transformation,fosteringaworkenvironmentthatisnot onlyproductivebutalsofulfillingforall.Thisnecessitates adaptabilityandresilience–theabilitytonavigatetheeverchangingbusinesslandscape,anticipatechallenges,and implementsolutionsthatensurelong-termsuccess.These leadersarebuildingafutureofworkwherelocationis irrelevant,flexibilityandwell-beingareprioritized,and technologyservesasatoolforempowermentandgrowth. Theyarethearchitectsofanewera,andthefutureofwork istheirstoshape.

Byfosteringanongoingdialogueandcollaboration betweenleaders,employees,andpolicymakers,wecan buildafutureofworkthatbenefitseveryone.

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Thelettersonallourmindsareofcourse AI andwhatitmeansforourbusinesses andourtechnologyteams.Whatskills willbeneededinthefuture,andhowdowe prepareourbusinessesforthatfuture?

While AI mightbebusyrevolutionisinghowwe work,howweinteract,andhowwerunourlives, thereisonecriticalthingit'snotgoingtochange unlessweactquickly.Rightnow,weare experiencingacrisisaroundskillsgapsindigital, techandtechadjacentroles.Allresearch companies,recruiters,andmanagement consultantstellusthatthetechnologyskillsgapis onlygoingtowiden.Simply,morepeopleneed betterdigitalskillsandtheabilitytowork confidentlywith AI asitaugmentsandenhances theirroles.

There'salsoacompellingneedfortechnology anddatateamstobefarmorediversethanthey currentlyare.Themostproductiveand performantbusinessesneedtohaveteamsthat matchthedemographicoftheircustomersand citizens-notjusttobecompetitive,butalsoto avoidunintendednegativeconsequencesinthe AI drivenservicesbeingcreated.Despitemore than20yearsoftargetedinterventionsby progressivebusinessestorecruitinclusively,to createsupportiveenvironments,encourageearly careers,continuouslearningand'squiggly' careers,diversitylevelshaven'treallychanged.

Startingyoung

Didyouknowthatchildrencanmakecareerlevel typedecisionsasyoungasfiveyearsold?Also, betweenleavingprimaryandsecondaryschool children'sviewsonwhichcareersare'forthem' continuetonarrowastheyareinfluencedbytheir families,communities,teachers,andpeers.They thennarrowagainwhentheypick GCSEs, usuallytotryandmatchaverysmallnumberof careeroptions.

Howtomakeschoolsengagementpartofyour talentmanagementprogramme

Acrucialbutoftenunder-developedcomponent ofstrategictalentmanagementprogrammesisthe implementationofavolunteeringschemethat workswithschoolstoinspirenewgenerationsto jointhetechworkforceinthefuture.Notonly canthiscreateabiggerpooltorecruitfrom,buta well-designedschemefocusingonyoungpeople fromdisadvantagedorunder-representedgroups canalsocreatealargeanddiversepipelineof previouslyuntappedtalent.Itcanalsocreatea double-digitsocialvaluereturnoninvestment, nottomentionengaged,confidentandmotivated employees.

Partneringwithorganisationswhoaretrusted adviserstoteachersandschoolscanaccelerate impactbothontheimmediateandlong-term

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talentpipeline,aswellasdelivermeasurable socialvalueatnationalandlocallevelsinterms ofaddressingsystemicissuessuchassocial mobility.

Sustainablevolunteeringprogrammesinschools areeasytoimplementandmanageifan educationalpartnerlike STEM Learningisused. Youdon'tneedtostartfromscratch.Thefreeto use STEMAmbassadorsplatformhasa ComputingAmbassadorschemewhichguides andsupportsindividualsandorganisations throughthevolunteeringprocess.

Youremployeescan:

Ÿ Quicklyregisterandundertaketherequired45 minutesoftrainingwhichincludes safeguardingtraining

Ÿ Getafree DBS checkorsharetheir DBS certificateiftheyalreadyhaveone

Ÿ Freeaccesstoarangeofself-pacedand remotelydeliveredtrainingsuchasplanning anddeliveryanactivity,howtotalk inclusively,howtoengagevirtuallyinan impactfulwayandmanymore

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Ÿ Freeaccesstoadigitalcommunityofother volunteerssupportingeachother

Ÿ Freeaccesstotemplated,triedandtested, impactfulschoolactivities

Ÿ Freeaccesstoa'marketplace'whereteachers askforvolunteerstosupportthemwith specificasks(suchascareerseventsorto supportacompetition),andwherevolunteers cansharetheirofferstoteachers

Ÿ Freepersonalsocialimpactscorebasedonthe activitiesloggedontheplatform

Ifmorethan25ofyouremployeesregisterand logatleastoneactivityevery12months, STEM Learningcancreateadatasharing agreementwhichwillgiveyouaccesstoa consolidatedsocialimpactreportforallthe volunteeringworkreportedbyyouremployees ontheplatform.

Itreallyisthatsimpletogeneratesocialvalue impact,buildadiversefuturetalentpipeline, helpyourearlycareeremployeesdevelopkey businessskills-andultimatelyincreaseboth employeeretentionandproductivity

Tobetterrepresenttheworldwelivein,we needtocontinuetochallengeanddiversify theindustry.Thisstartsinschools.Joinus! employers@stem.org.uk

Bio: Dr Nicki Clegg has over 30 years of experience as a technologist and 15 years as strategist and senior leader. She was a Chief Technology Officer for almost five years before deciding to focus fully on driving social mobility, diversity and inclusion in technology. She is now Industry Stakeholder Relationship Manager for STEM Learning helping deliver the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). Her role raises awareness of the NCCE and increases business engagement with schools and young people to help inspire a new and more diverse generation into careers in technology.

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Director SYNTECH ASSOCIATES Limited

Bernard Wanyama

Navigating the Tech Landscape

Technologyoffersthebestopportunityforpeople, youngandold,whowantstoseekacareer.Leaders herecancontributetotheopeningupofaccessto technologycareersformorepeople.BernardWanyama's journeyinthedynamicrealmofInformationTechnology leadershipreflectsatrajectorymarkedbyexperience, resilience,andacommitmenttotechnologicalinnovation.

Here'saninterviewyoudon'twannamiss:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatSyntechAssociates Limited.Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercometo reachwhereyouaretoday?

IstartedoutasanInformationSecurityOfficeratBankof Africa-Ugandain2006,beforejoiningBarclaysBankthe nextyearinan IT InfrastructureManagementrole. AtBarclaysIspentnearlyfiveyearsaspartoftheteam drivingchangeintheSubSaharanAfricaregion.The transformationwasaroundmodernizingnetwork infrastructure,datacenters,thecorebankingplatformand movingtowardsasharedservicesmodel.

Afterthosefiveyears,Imovedonandstarted SYNTECH alongwithpartnerswhowerefriendsfromuniversity. Wesetouttorun SYNTECH asasystemsintegrationfirm, focusedonnetworks,serversystemsandabitofcustom softwaredevelopment.Ourclientelewaslargelyfinancial institutionsandgovernmententitiesinUganda,aswellas theotherEastAfricancountries.

Atapersonallevel,itwasatransitionfromtechnicalexpert toabusinessleader,somethingthatcamewithmanyhard lessons.

Threethingsstillstandoutforme:

Ÿ thereisimmeasurablevalueinstayingclosetoyour customerswitharelationship-basedapproach

Ÿ partnersandsuppliersmakeitpossibleforany organisationtoaccessresourcesandopportunities

Ÿ people:onehastohaveaneyeforgoodpeopleand workhardtoretainthem

Themoneyaspecthasalwaysbeenthehardesttonavigate, accesstofinance,costoffinanceaswellasbeingableto affordtalent.

Overall,thejourneyhasbeenbothchallengingand rewarding.

TellussomethingmoreaboutSyntechAssociates Limited.anditsmissionandvision.

Wearean IT systemsintegrationfirm,offeringexpertisein cybersecurity,networks,cloudcomputingandsoftware developmenttoclientsintheEastandCentralAfrica market.

Wehavebeeninbusinesssince2010andwerepresent majortechvendorssuchasFortinet,PaloAlto,Cisco, VMwareandmanyothers.

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At SYNTECH,ourmissionis “Toofferpractical,cuttingedgesolutionswithunsurpassedqualityofservicetomeet customerneedsandchallenges”

Ourvisionis“becomethemostcompetent ICT service providerintheEastAfricaregionandbeyondwith dedicationtofulfillingourclients'requirements”.

Howdoyoubuildandmanageamotivatedandeffective team?

Inmyview,it'sabouttakingaconsciousdecisiontolead theteam.Earlyon,whatworkedwellformewasleading fromthefrontandbeingpartofhardwork.Lateron,I learntthatbeingabletocommunicateclearlyandset expectationswasmoreimportantthananythingelse. Ultimately,peoplefitintheteamforaslongasitaligns withtheirneeds,andtherecomesatimetopartwayswhen thatisnolongerthecase.Onemustbeabletohavecareer growthconversationswithteammembersandenablethem tohaveastakeintheirpersonaldevelopment.Iamproudof manyteammemberswhohavemovedontodobigger thingsinotherorganisationsandothercontinents.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforSyntechAssociates Limited?

Evolutionisaquestionweallhavetodealwith,ata personallevel,aswellasatabusinesslevel.Inthefuture, weshalltransitionintoservingtheentireAfricancontinent. Weshalldeepenourexpertiseinareaslikecybersecurity, IoTandcloudcomputing.Wealsoplantodiversifyour serviceofferingintonewareasliketrainingandR&D.

WhatchangewouldyouliketobringtotheTech industryifgivenachance?

Atapersonallevel,myconvictionisthattechoffersthe bestopportunityforpeople,youngandold,seekinga career.IbelieveIcancontributetoopeningupaccessto technologycareersformorepeople.Ispendalotoftime volunteeringfor ISACA andpartneringwithother organisationstoclosetheskillsgapandexpandthetech industryinUgandaandtherestoftheworld.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs aspiringtoventureintoTech?

Techisthemostexcitingplacetoberightnowforsolving socialandeconomicproblems,anditisgoingtoremain thatwayforawhile.Theopportunitytomakeapositive impactisverypronounced,especiallyintheemerging marketswherethereisimmensedemandforsolutionsin areaslikefinance,mobility,educationandhealthcare.Ina seaofopportunities,buddingentrepreneursneedtocarve outanicheforthemselves.

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Revolutionizing Cybersecurity: Leaders on the Frontline Protecting Our Digital World

Intoday'shyper-connectedworld,ourrelianceondigitalinfrastructureisundeniable.From onlinebankingandessentialservicestopersonalcommunicationandentertainment,our livesareintricatelywovenintothedigitalfabric.Thisinterconnectedness,however,comes withasignificantrisk:cyberattacks.

Leadingthechargeinthisever-evolvingbattlegroundarecybersecurityleaders–theguardiansofourdigitalworld.Theseindividualspossessadeep understandingofcyberthreatsandaunwaveringcommitmenttoprotecting ourdataandsystems.Theyarethestrategists,thetechnologists,andthe motivatorswhostandonthefrontline,safeguardingthedigitalrealm.

GuardingtheGates:StrategiesforaSecureFuture Cybersecuritythreatsareconstantlyevolving,with cybercriminalsemployingincreasinglysophisticatedtactics. Leadingcybersecurityprofessionalsareattheforefront ofdefense,innovatingandimplementingnew strategiestocombatthesethreats.

• AdvancedThreatDetectionand Prevention:Gonearethedaysofrelying solelyonfirewalls.Today'sleaders leverageadvancedthreatdetectionand preventiontools.Thesetoolsuseartificial intelligenceandmachinelearningto identifyandblockmalicious activitybeforeitcancause damage.

• RobustSecurityProtocols: Astrongdefenseinvolves morethanjusttechnology Leadersimplementrobust securityprotocolsthatgovern accesscontrols,dataencryption,and passwordmanagement.Regularsecurity auditsensuretheseprotocolsarefollowedand identifyanyvulnerabilitiesthatneedtobe addressed.

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• EmployeeAwarenessTraining: Thehumanelement remainsacriticalvulnerability. Leadersprioritize employeeawarenesstraining,educatingemployeeson commoncyberthreatsandphishingscams.This trainingempowersemployeestoidentifysuspicious activityandreportitpromptly

• BuildingaMulti-LayeredDefense: Cybersecurity isn'taone-size-fits-allsolution.Leadersunderstandthis andbuildamulti-layereddefensesystem,incorporating technology,protocols,andawarenesstraining.This layeredapproachensuresthatevenifonelayeris breached,othersremaininplacetomitigatethe damage.

BuildingaCultureofSecurity

Cybersecurityisn'tjustatechnicalchallenge;it'sacultural one.Effectiveleadersrecognizethisandfosteracultureof securitywithintheirorganizations.Thisinvolvesseveral keystrategies:

• OpenCommunication: Leadersencourageopen communicationregardingcyberthreats.Employeesare empoweredtoreportsuspiciousactivitywithoutfearof reprisal.Thisfosterstrustandallowsforaquicker responsetopotentialthreats.

• SharedResponsibility: Everyoneintheorganization playsaroleincybersecurity.Leadersensurethat everyoneunderstandstheirresponsibilitiesandis equippedwiththeknowledgeandtoolstheyneedto stayvigilant.

• OngoingEducation: Thecyberthreatlandscapeis constantlychanging.Leadersinvestinongoing educationfortheiremployees,keepingthemupdated onthelatestthreatsandbestpractices.

• CollaborationisKey

Cybersecuritythreatsaretransnationalinnature.Nosingle organization,nomatterhowwell-defended,cancombat themalone.Leadingcybersecurityprofessionalsunderstand theimportanceofcollaboration.Theyactivelyshare informationwithpeersinotherorganizations,creatinga knowledge-sharingnetworkthatbenefitseveryone.

• Industry-WideInitiatives: Leadersparticipatein industry-wideinitiativestodevelopcomprehensive defensestrategies.Thiscollaborationallowsforthe

sharingofbestpracticesandtheidentificationof emergingthreats.

• LawEnforcementPartnerships: Cybersecurity leaderscollaboratewithlawenforcementagenciesto trackdowncybercriminalsandbringthemtojustice. Thispartnershipdetersfutureattacksanddisrupts criminalorganizations.

LeadingbyExample

Cybersecurityleaderssetthetonefortheirteams.They demonstrateastrongcommitmenttoethicalpracticesand dataprivacy Thismightinvolveimplementingstrictdata governancepoliciesandensuringtransparent communicationregardingdatabreaches.Theyarealso accountable,takingresponsibilityforanysecuritylapses andensuringswiftremediation.

TheFutureofCybersecurity

Thefutureofcybersecurityisacontinuousarmsrace.As technologyadvances,sotoowillthetacticsof cybercriminals.Leadersneedtobepreparedtoadaptand innovate.

• InvestinginNext-GenTechnologies: Leaderswill needtostayabreastofemergingtechnologiesin cybersecurity,suchasblockchainandquantum computing.Thesetechnologiesholdimmensepotential forcreatingmoresecuresystems.

• BuildingaDiverseWorkforce: Cybersecurityisa complexfield,andadiverseworkforceisessential. Leadersneedtofocusonattractingandretainingtalent fromawiderangeofbackgroundsandskillsets.

• PrioritizingContinuousLearning: Leaders themselvesneedtobelifelonglearners.The cybersecuritylandscapeisconstantlyevolving,and leadersneedtostayupdatedonthelatestthreatsand bestpractices.

• LeadingtheCharge

Cybersecurityleadersareattheforefrontofacriticalbattle. Theirdedication,expertise,andleadershipareessentialin protectingourdigitalworld.Theyaretheguardians,the strategists,andtheinnovatorswhostandbetweenusandthe ever-evolvingthreatlandscape.Byfosteringacultureof security,embracingcollaboration,andcontinuously adapting,theseleadersarebuildingamoresecurefuturefor everyone.

37 www.ciobusinessworld.com ARTILCE

Aurélien Cuellar

Director Technology Omnichannel Operations – Chalhoub Group

ChartingtheCourse:Innovations,

Transformations,andChallengesinthe BusinessRealm

Thebusinesslandscapeisundergoingamonumental transformation,drivenbyaconvergenceofemerging technologies,revolutionaryadvancements,andunforeseen challenges.Thisdiscoursedelvesintotheintricate dynamicsamongthesefactors,examiningtheopportunities andobstaclestheypresentacrossdiverseindustriesand scales.

EmergingTechnologies:CatalyzingChange

Attheheartofthisevolutionliesawaveofgroundbreaking technologies.Artificialintelligence(AI)israpidly permeatingvarioussectors,automatingtasks,optimizing processes,andrevolutionizingdecision-makingthrough data-driveninsights.Machinelearningalgorithmsanalyze extensivedatasets,revealinghiddenpatterns,and forecastingfuturetrendswithunparalleledprecision.

TheInternetofThings(IoT)isinterconnectingphysical entitieswiththedigitalrealm,facilitatingreal-time monitoring,remotemanagement,andtheestablishmentof intelligentecosystems.Fromindustrialautomationtosmart homes,theIoTblurstheboundariesbetweenphysicaland digitalrealms,usheringinaneraofunparalleled connectivity

Blockchaintechnology,withitssecureandtransparent ledgersystem,isdisruptingtransactionalnormsanddata managementpractices.Itspotentialtorevolutionize

industrieslikefinance,supplychainmanagement,and healthcareisimmense,promisingenhancedtransparency, security,andtraceability.

Thesearejustglimpsesofthetransformativetechnologies reshapingthebusinesslandscape.Theirimpactis multifaceted,usheringin:

•HeightenedProductivityandEiciency:Automation streamlinesoperations,reduceserrors,andliberateshuman resourcesforhigher-valueendeavors.

•TailoredCustomerExperiences:AI-driventoolsanalyze customerdata,enablingbusinessestocustomizeoerings, anticipateneeds,anddeliverpersonalizedexperiences.

•InformedDecisionMaking:Insightsderivedfrom extensivedatasetsempowerbusinessestomakestrategic decisions,optimizeresourceallocation,andmitigate risks.

•InnovationandNovelBusinessModels:Emerging technologiespavethewayforentirelynewproductsand services,disruptingconventionalmodelsandoering enticingprospectsforentrepreneurs.

Transformations:RedefiningBusinessParadigms

Theadoptionofthesetechnologiesinstigatesfundamental transformationsacrossvariousbusinessdomains:

•TheAscendancyoftheDigitalWorkspace:Remotework andcollaborationtoolsarebecomingubiquitous,fostering

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flexibilityandagility.Thisnecessitatesashifttowards digital-centricmindsetsandinfrastructure.

•EvolvingCustomerExpectations:Empoweredby technology,customersdemandseamless,personalized,and omnichannelexperiences.Businessesmustadaptswiftlyto meettheseexpectationsorriskobsolescence.

•DataastheCornerstoneofSuccess:Theabilitytocollect, analyze,andleveragedataisbecomingadecisive competitiveadvantage.Businessesproficientindata utilizationwillseizethelead.

•EmphasisonSustainability:Consumersand investorsincreasinglyfavorenvironmentally consciouspractices.Businessesmust integratesustainabilityintotheir operationstoremainviable.

Challenges:Navigatingthe Unforeseen

Yet,thebusinesslandscapeisfraught withchallenges.Unforeseencrises, suchastherecentglobalpandemic, havelaidbarevulnerabilitiesand compelledbusinessestopivot swiftly Thesecrisesoften:

•DisruptSupplyChains:Globalized supplychainsaresusceptibleto disruptionsfromnaturalcalamities, geopoliticalunrest,andeconomic fluctuations.Businesses mustcultivateresilienceandagility toweathersuchstorms.

•ExacerbateTalentShortages:Rapidtechnological advancementscreateademandfornewskillsets,resulting intalentshortagesincriticalareas.Businessesmustinvest inreskillingandupskillingtheirworkforce.

•IntensifyCybersecurityThreats:Asbusinesses increasinglyrelyontechnology,theriskofcyberattacks escalates.Robustcybersecuritymeasuresareindispensable tosafeguardsensitivedataandinfrastructure.

•RequireEthicalDeliberations:Therapidadvancementof AIandothertechnologiesraisesethicalquandaries regardingdataprivacy,algorithmicbiases,and potential jobdisplacement.Businessesmust navigatetheseissuesresponsiblyand transparently.

ChartingtheCourse:AWay Forward

Inthisdynamicandoften turbulentmilieu,businesses mustadoptastrategicstance tonavigatetheinterplayof emergingtechnologies, transformations,and challenges.Herearesome pivotalconsiderations:

•FosteraCultureofLifelong Learning:Therapidpaceof technologicalevolution necessitatesacultureof continuouslearningand adaptation.Businesses

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shouldinvestintrainingand developmentinitiativesto equiptheirworkforcewith requisiteskills.

•CultivateAgilityand Resilience:Developingagile andresilientbusinessmodelsis imperativetoweather disruptionsandcapitalizeon emergingopportunities.This entailsadaptableprocesses, diversifiedsupplychains,anda steadfastfocusoninnovation.

•HarnessthePowerofData: Leveragingdataeectivelyis paramountforinformed decision-making,risk mitigation,andinnovation. Businessesshouldinvestin robustdataanalytics capabilitiesandfosteradatadrivenculture.

•UpholdEthicalStandards:As technologyevolves,businesses mustprioritizeethical considerations.Thisentails safeguardingdataprivacy, mitigatingalgorithmicbiases, andaddressingthesocietal implicationsoftechnological advancements.

Byembracingtheseprinciples, businessescannavigatethe intricaciesofthecontemporary businesslandscapeandemerge stronger,moreadaptable,and betterpoisedtothriveamidst emergingtechnologies, transformations,and unforeseenchallenges.The futureofbusinessbelongsto thosewhowieldtechnology responsibly,navigate disruptionsadeptly,and perpetuallyadapttothe evolvingterrain.

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MassRobotics 42
CoFounder & Chief of Operations

Briefusaboutyourcareerpathasastaunch

womanleaderupuntilyourcurrentpositionat MassRobotics.Whatwerethechallengesthat youhadtoovercometoscaleyourprogress?

MyjourneyfromengineeringschoolatCornellUniversity tomycurrentroleastheCo-FounderandChiefof OperationsatMassRoboticshasbeenfilledwithadventure, andmarkedbybothtriumphsandchallenges,particularly asawomaninthetechfield.

ItallstartedduringmytimeatCornell,whereIpursueda BachelorofScienceinElectricalEngineering.Therewere veryfewwomeninmyclasses,whichinitiallyposedsome challenges. Myexperienceinhighschoolphysicsand calculusclasseshadalreadypreparedmeforthis,soitwas afamiliarsituation. Ratherthandwellingonthe challenges,Ichosetofocusonbeingateamplayerand contributor.Ittaughtmetheimportanceofnotaskingfor specialtreatmentbutinsteadworkingtogethertocreate opportunitiesforeveryone.I'veusedthis“teamplayer” attitudethroughoutmycareerandithasservedmewelland theengineeringeducationalbackgroundlaidthefoundation formycareerintechnology

FollowingCornell,mypathledmetoa14-yearcareerin civilservicewiththeUSN'sNavalUnderseaWarfare

BUSINESS PROFILE

Center.Here,Iencounteredasimilarsetofchallenges,now intheworkforceinapredominantlymale-dominatedfield.I hadtocontinuallyprovemyselfandmytechnicalexpertise, butagain,wasdeterminedtobeateamplayerand contributor.Iservedinvariousroles,includingservingas theChiefScientistforAcousticPredictionSystems, Systems&TestEngineer,andSonarSystemsAnalyst. Duringthispartofmycareer,Ifoundmyselfaboardnaval ships,whereIwasoftentheonlyfemalepresence.This presentedauniquesetofobstacles,fromnavigatingthe dynamicsofanall-maleenvironmenttoensuringthatmy contributionswerevaluedandrespected. Atthispointthe projectsandnewequipmentwewereinstallingwere excitingandfirstoftheirkind,somyfocuswasontesting andteachingthecrewhowtousetheequipment.This periodnotonlyrefinedmytechnicalskillsbutalsoinstilled inmeapassionforinnovation.

Mycareerthentransitionedtotheprivatesector,whereI heldseniorpositionsinBusinessDevelopmentand Engineering&TechnicalResourceManagementatGeneral Dynamicsandotherdefensecontractors.Thechallenges continued,butIpersisted,steadilybuildingareputationfor myexpertiseandcommitmenttoinnovation.These experiencesbroadenedmyperspectiveandexposedmeto differentfacetsofthetechnologyindustry.

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ApivotalmomentinmycareeroccurredwhenIdecidedto leavethegovernmentcommunityandleadtheInnovation& RoboticsCommunityfortheMassachusettsTechnology LeadershipCouncil.Inthisrole,Iplayedacrucialpartin fosteringinnovationandcollaborationwithinthetechand roboticssectorbringingthecommunitytogether.

Thehighlightofmycareerhasbeenthelaunchingof MassRobotics,whereI'vededicatedmyselftonurturingand advancingthenextgenerationofrobotics,AI,and connecteddevicecompanies. Thisgroundbreaking organizationisthefirstofitskind,attractingstartup companiesfromaroundtheworld. AtMassRobotics,I haveledinitiativestoexpandtheroboticsecosystem's breadthanddepthanddevelopedhigh-impactprogramsthat spotlightstartuptechnologies,connectstartupswithfunders andcustomers,andadvocatefortheglobaladoptionof roboticstechnology Thiswasnotdonesinglehandedly,but wasatrueteameffort.

Myjourneyisnotjustapersonalone;it'satestamenttothe importanceofdiversityintechnologyandthepowerof determination.Frommyearlydaysinengineeringschoolto mycurrentleadershiprole,Ihopetocontinuetoshapethe futureofthetechindustryandcontinuetodiversifythe landscape.

TellussomethingmoreaboutMassRoboticsandits missionandvision.

MassRoboticsisanindependentnonprofitorganization whosemissionistohelpgrowroboticstechnology companiesandadvocateforadoptionofthesetechnologies intoindustryandbythepublic. Wearebestknownforour headquartersinBostonwherewehaveaninnovationcenter

housingdozensofroboticsstartupsfromacrosstheglobe, offeringthemtheresourcesneededtogrowandscaletheir companies. Inthisstate-of-theartfacility,innovatorsand entrepreneurshaveaccesstoalltypesofroboticplatforms (includingAMRs,collaborativearms,grippers, humanoids),amachineandelectronicsshop,CADand simulationsoftware,cloudservices,programmingspecific torobotics,facilitatedintroductionstopotentialfunders, customers,talentandmore. MassRoboticsoffersaspace forlike-mindedinnovatorstobeunderoneroof,toshare challenges,collaborate,andworktogethertoachievetheir goalsandmilestones.

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

AtMassRoboticswestriveforanopenandinclusive environmentthatencouragescollaborationbetweenstartups aswellaswithourindustrypartners. Wehostworkshops andgatheringstoaddresscommonchallengesstartupsface, introducethemtonewproducts,andhosthighlycurated eventsthataddvaluetotheircompanyandnetwork. Our wholisticapproachtreatsourresidentstartupsandindustry partnerseachonapersonallevel,defininggoals,and workingwitheachtohelpachievethosegoalsand milestones. Weseethesuccessofourstartupsasasuccess forourorganizationaswellasfortheindustrywesupport.

Whatdoyoubelieveisthesignificantfactorforwomen inthetechindustry,andwhatisthemostimportant aspectofyoursuccessinadheringtothese fundamentals?

Ibelieveasignificantfactorforwomeninthetechindustry istheoftenisolatedexperienceofbeingoneofthefew

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womeninaroomfullofmen.Inmyexperience,beinga teamplayerisessential,fosteringacollaborative environmentwhereeveryone'scontributionsarevalued, helpstobridgethegendergap.

Additionally,animportantaspectofmycareersuccessis recognizingtheimmensepowerofnetworkingwhichhas allowedmetoconnectwithpeersandmentorswhoprovide invaluablesupport,guidance,andsenseofbelonging. Buildingastrongnetworkhasnotonlyprovidedcrucial supportbuthasalsoopeneddoorstoopportunitiesand insightsthathavebeeninstrumentalthroughoutmycareer.

Whatchangewouldyouliketobringtoyourindustryif givenachance?

Thefieldofroboticsisgrowingrapidlyandwillhavean impactonnearlyallindustriesinthefuture. The professionalsinthisindustryarecurrentlynottoodiverse. Bringinginmorediversitytotheroboticsfieldand technologyfieldsingeneralissomethingthatneedstobe cultivatedinearlyeducation. Thisincludesbothwomen andpeopleofcolor WeatMassRoboticsareworkingon this,withlocalhighschoolsandprogramsforyouthand youngwomen,toworkingwithHBCUs,mostrecently HowardUniversity. Weenjoyencouragingandinspiring anyonewithaninterestintechnologyandrobotics.

WehavedevelopedthehighschoolJumpstartFellowship Programwiththegoaltosupportamorediversetechnical workforcebypreparingunderservedfemalehighschoolers topursuecareersinSTEMandrobotics.Theprogram includestechnicalcurriculum,exposesthefellowsto careersinroboticsandtechnology,andconnectsthemwith

theaccomplishedwomenmentorsthroughskillstraining, networking,professionaldevelopment,andpaid internships.

I'mextremelyproudofthisprogramandthefellowswho havecompletedit,manyofwhomarenowpursuing engineeringdegreesatuniversities. Wearecurrently th solicitinghighschoolstudentsforour4 cohortand workingtoexpandtheprogramtoanotherlocation.

Whatadvicewouldyougivetothenextgenerationof womenleaderswillingtoventureintothemodern businessarena?

Iwouldloveyoungerprofessionalsenteringatechnology focusedorganizationtounderstandhowpowerful networkingcanbe. AtMassRoboticswehostseveral women'sevents,fromourWomeninRoboticschapterto ourresidentwomen'slunches. It'sagreatwaytomeet otherwomenandpotentialmentorswhocanhelpyouwith challengesyoumayfaceinyourcareer. Weworkhardto showcasewomeninroboticsandMassRoboticshas initiatedaRoboticsMedalandRisingStarawardto celebratewomeninroboticsresearch.Highlightingthe achievementsofwomenintheroboticsfieldoffersterrific rolemodelsforthenextgeneration.

Myultimateadvicetoyoungwomenistojustbeyourself andbelieveinyourideas.Workhardtodemonstrateand validatethoseideas. Andmostofall,beateamplayer, collaborateandworktogetherwithateamtoachievea commongoal–it'ssorewardingtoshareachievements withyourpeers!

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Top DigitalTechnologies ShapingRetailin2024

The retail sector is a dynamic landscape, evolving in

response to new technological developments. According to recent data, investments in retail technology soared to an impressive $40.2 billion in 2020, reflecting the sector's commitment to innovation. With the rise of omnichannel customers who shop 1.7 times more than single-channel clients, staying ahead of the curve in technological advancements is not just an option but a necessity for retailers. This is my thoughts on key digital technologies that will shape the development and investments for retailers in their stores during 2024.

Firstgetthebasicsinplace:

-Modern POS:Acornerstoneofretailoperations.Beyond transactionprocessing,thesesystemsareoftencloud-based, integratedwithinventory,staffdevicesand CRM systems. Theysupportdiversepaymentmethods,includingmobile andcontactlesspayments.Theyalsoserveasabasefor clientelingsolutionsandtransactioninotherareasofthe storelikeEndlessaisleandFittingrooms.

-Inventorymanagement:Anefficientdigitalinventory managementsystemcantrackstocklevelsinreal-time, preventingout-of-stocksituationsandhelpingretailers makeinformeddecisionsaboutreorderingandrestocking. RFID playsakeyroleinthisformanyretailers.

-Online,Click&collectandreturnsinstore:Inthedigital age,retailersmustensureaseamlessintegrationbetween onlineandofflinechannels.Thisincludesofferingservices likeclick&collect,wherecustomerscanorderproducts onlineandpickthemupin-store,andeasyin-storereturns foronlinepurchases.Theseservicesbridgethegapbetween onlineandphysicalshopping,providingcustomerswiththe convenienceofonlineshoppingandtheinstantgratification ofaphysicalstore.

-DigitalSignage:Displaydynamiccontentsuchas advertisements,productinformation,orspecialpromotions. It'saversatiletoolthatcanenhancein-storemarketingand communication.Smartersystemsthatutilizedataand AI to provideconditionalplaylists,personalizingcontent,and interactivescreens.

-Queueingsolutions:ifyouhavemorethantwopersons standinginlineyouarelosingsales.Providingprebooking servicesandmobileticketsolutionsletthecustomersbrows thestoreincreasingsalesandpreventdropout.

- CRM andLoyaltysolutions:Isessentialforunderstanding customerbehaviorandpreferences.Itcancollectand analyzecustomerdata,helpingretailerstopersonalizetheir offerings,increasesalesandimprovecustomerservice.

Establishedsolutionsreadytoscale:

-FrictionlessShoppingExperiences:Retailerswill increasinglyadoptself-serviceelementssuchasselfcheckout,autonomouscheckout,smartfittingrooms,and endlessaislekioskstomeetimmediateshopperneedsand provideafrictionfreeandmorepersonalizedshopping experience.ThefullmergeofOnlineandstore,always creatingandoffering OMNI solutions.

-EmpoweringRetailStaff:Toolsprovidingproductand stockinformation,clientelingwithcustomerpurchase history,recommendations,andcheckoutcapabilitieswill empowerretailstaff.Taskmanagement,notification,and collaborationtoolswillfurtherenhancestoreoperations.

-SustainabilityInitiatives:Retailerswillincreasingly embracesustainabilityinitiativessuchasrental,resell,and repairservices.Advancedsizeandfit,andvirtualtryon solutions,includingfootandbodyscanners,willreduce returnratesonlineandcontributetosustainabilityefforts.

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-StoreExperience:Retailerswillcontinuewithflagship storesandpop-upstobuildthebrandandcreateawareness. Mallsarenotforshoppingit'sforsocializing,alifestyle. Makingthestoremoreofamarketingchannelthenthe placefortransaction.Createinteractiveengagementzones withintheirstorestoattractandengagecustomers.These couldincludeselfiemirrorsequippedwith AR technology forcustomerstovirtuallytryonclothes,sharetheirlooks onsocialmedia,orevengetstylerecommendations.Other coolfeaturescouldincludeinteractiveproductdemos, touchscreendisplays,andimmersive VR experiencesthat allowcustomerstoengagewithproductsinnewand excitingways.Thesezoneswillnotonlymakeshopping morefunandengagingbutalsoencouragecustomersto visitthephysicalstore.

-Reducingcostandincreasingefficiency:Toenhance operationalefficiency,retailerswillincreasinglyadoptrealtimedatadashboards.Thesedashboardswillprovidestaff withinstantaccesstokeyinformationsuchasinventory levels,salesdata,andcustomerfeedback.Thiswillallow stafftomakequick,informeddecisions,improvingstore operationsandcustomerservice.Weseeacontinuationof smallerstoreformats,pop-up,andsolutionstokeeprent andstocklevelsdown.

-Curation:Withsomanyoptionsforeverything,customers wantpersonalandtailoredrecommendations.Social sharingandinputwhenyoushop,guidesandtutorialsetc. Solutionstoprovidehelpinexplorationphaseofthe customerjourneys,selectingdinnersandprovidegrocery basketforpickup,tinderyourstyleforfashionandonline subscriptionmodels.

MovingfromTesttoProduction:

-Sophisticated AI andMachineLearning: AI'sroleinretail issettoexpandin2024,withadvanced AI algorithms drivingpersonalizedcustomerexperiences. AI-powered virtualassistantswillprovidepersonalized recommendationsandassistance,supplementinghuman representatives. AI-createdproductson-demandmightalso gaintraction.

-ExtendedReality(XR):ThefusionofAugmentedReality, VirtualReality,andMixedRealityintoExtendedReality willredefinecustomershoppingexperiences. XR will enablecustomerstovirtuallytryonclothes,visualize furnitureintheirhomes,andeventourvirtualstores, bridgingthegapbetweenphysicalanddigitalshopping.

-Hyper-Personalization:Thetrendtowardspersonalized shoppingexperienceswillintensifyin2024.Advanced AI andmachinelearningalgorithmswillanalyzevastamounts ofdatatoprovidehighlypersonalizedrecommendations, enhancingcustomerengagement,loyalty,andsales.

EmergingTechnologiestoKeepontheRadar:

-BlockchainandSupplyChainTransparency:Thiswill becomeincreasinglyimportantinensuringsupplychain transparency.Retailerswilluseblockchaintoauthenticate productsandensureethicalsourcing,addressinggrowing consumerconcernsaboutproductoriginandsustainability

-Autonomouslastmiledelivery:Thisisrapidlyevolving, withadvancementsinautonomousvehiclesanddrone technologymoreandmoreretailerstestthisfordelivery,for nowmostinhard-to-reachareasbutwillsoonbemore widespread.Itwillreducecost,increaseefficiency,increase customersatisfactionandeasytoscaleupanddown dependingonneed.

-TheRiseoftheMetaverse:Followingthetrendin2023, theMetaversewillcontinuetobeanintriguingtrendto watch,potentiallyshapingtheretaillandscapein2024. Retailerscancreateimmersiveandinteractivevirtual shoppingexperiencesintheMetaverse,reachingcustomers inentirelynewways.

Conclusion:

Aswestarttoplanfor2024,theretailindustryisonthe cuspofexcitingtransformations,withdigitaltechnologies playinganinstrumentalroleinshapingitsfuture.Retailers mustnotonlystayabreastoftheseemergingtrendsbutalso strategicallyimplementthesetechnologiestostay competitive.Byleveragingtheseadvancements,theycan enhancecustomersatisfaction,streamlineoperations,and fosterbusinessgrowth.

Moreover,thesetechnologieswillnotonlyredefinethe shoppingexperiencebutalsopushtheboundariesofwhatis possibleintheretailsector.Theywillallowretailersto explorenewbusinessmodels,createnovelcustomer experiences,andmaketheiroperationsmoresustainable andefficient.Aswelookforwardto2024,it'sclearthatthe futureofretailisnotjustaboutsurvivingbutthrivinginthis newdigitalera.Thisexcitingjourneyoftransformation promisestounlockunprecedentedopportunitiesforretailers readytoembracethesenext-generationtechnologies.

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AGlobalLeaderinEducationandInnovation

FromResiliencetoSuccess:TheImpactofWomen

Leaders

Whatdoesittaketobeasuccessfulleaderinthe technologyindustry?Howdowomenovercomethe challengesandstereotypesthatoftenlimittheir opportunitiesandpotential?ForSerenaSacks-Mandel,the answerissimple:beresilient,notcomfortable.Shebelieves whenweareresilientandpersistent,whilepursuing excellenceandlearningfromfailures,whilemakinga positivedifferenceintheworld,webecomesuccessfulon ourownterms.

AstheChiefGlobalTechnologyOfficerforEducationat Microsoft,SerenaSacks-Mandelhasawealthofexperience andexpertiseintransformingtheeducationsectorwith technology.Shehasbeenrecognizedforherleadershipand achievementsasaformerCIOforFloridaVirtualSchool andFultonCountySchools,wheresheimprovedstudent outcomesandsupportedwomenintechnology.Sheisalso anauthor,speaker,andmentor,whoispassionateabout inspiringthenextgenerationofleaders,especiallywomen intech.

Inthisarticle,wewillexplorehowSerenaSacks-Mandel rosetothetopofherfield,whatdriveshermissionand vision,andwhatadviceshehasforaspiringwomenin technology.

LeadingtheWayinEducationandTechnology

SerenaSacks-Mandelhasbeenworkinginthetechnology andbusinessfieldsforoverthreedecades,startingasa marketingrepresentative,programmanagerandthen progressingtoseniorexecutiveroles.Shehasalwaysbeen fascinatedbythepoweroftechnologytosolveproblems, createopportunities,andenhancelives.Shehasalsobeena lifelonglearner,constantlyseekingnewknowledgeand skillstostayaheadofthecurve.

Herpassionforeducationandtechnologyledhertojoin Microsoftin2020,wheresheisresponsibleforproviding end-to-endeducationsolutionsandcontributingto Microsoft'sinvolvementintheAIrevolution.Sheworks closelywitheducatorsandlearnersaroundtheworld, empoweringthemwiththetoolsandresourcestheyneedto achievemore.Sheisalsofinalizingherinauguralbook, dedicatedtoinspiringthenextgenerationofleaders, particularlyfocusingonwomenintechnology.

EmpoweringEveryIndividualtoAchieveMore

Microsoft'smissionistoempowereveryindividualand organizationontheplanettoachievemore.Thisisnotjust aslogan,butaguidingprinciplethatshapeseverythingthe companydoes,especiallyintheeducationsector.Serena

51 www.ciobusinessworld.com BUSINESS PROFILE

Sacks-Mandelsharesthismissionandvisionandstrivesto makeameaningfulimpactinthefieldofeducation. Shebelievesthateducationisthekeytounlockinghuman potential,andthattechnologycanplayavitalrolein enhancinglearningoutcomes,fosteringcollaboration,and promotinginclusion.Shealsobelievesthateducationisa humanright,andthateveryoneshouldhaveaccessto qualityeducation,regardlessoftheirbackground,location, orcircumstances.

Toachievethisgoal,sheworkswithateamofexpertsand partnerstodeliversolutionsthatalignwiththeneedsand aspirationsofeducatorsandlearners.Shelistenstotheir feedback,learnsfromtheirexperiences,andadaptstotheir changingexpectations.Shealsoadvocatesfordiversityand inclusion,recognizingthatdifferentperspectivesand backgroundscontributetoinnovationandexcellence.

ThrivingintheTechnologyIndustry

Thetechnologyindustryisadynamicandcompetitivefield, wherechallengesandopportunitiesabound.Forwomen, thechallengesareoftenmagnifiedbythelackof representation,recognition,andsupport.SerenaSacksMandelacknowledgesthatthereisnoone-size-fits-all formulaforsuccess,andthateverywomanhasherown uniquestrengths,interests,andgoals.

However,shealsoofferssomeinsightsandtipsbasedon herownjourneyandexperience.Sheemphasizesthe importanceofhavingagrowthmindset,wherepotentialis nurturedratherthanpredetermined,andwherechallenges areseenasopportunitiestolearnandimprove.She encourageswomentobecurious,ambitious,andresilient, andtopursuetheirpassionsanddreams,regardlessofthe obstaclesorsetbackstheymayface.

Shealsostressesthevalueofhavinganetworkofallies, mentors,andsponsors,whocanprovideguidance, feedback,andadvocacy.Sheurgeswomentoseekoutand cultivaterelationshipswithpeoplewhocanhelpthemgrow, bothpersonallyandprofessionally.Shealsoadviseswomen tobesupportiveofeachother,andtocelebratetheir achievementsandsuccesses.

AManifestoforWomeninTechnology

SerenaSacks-Mandelhasaclearandcompellingmessage forwomenintechnology:Youbelonghere.Youhave somethingtooffer Youcanmakeadifference.Shewants womentoembracetheiridentityandpotentialasleaders,

innovators,andchangemakers.Shewantswomentobe confident,courageous,andcompassionate.

Shealsowantswomentobeawareofthebarriersand biasesthatstillexistintheindustry,andtochallengethem withfacts,evidence,andaction.Shecitesresearchthat showsthepositiveimpactofwomeninexecutivepositions andcorporateboardsonacompany'sperformanceand profitability.Shealsopointsoutthebenefitsofhavinga diverseandinclusiveworkforcethatreflectsthediversityof thecustomerbaseandthesociety

Shecallsforaculturechangethatgoesbeyondslogansand policies,andthatembedsdiversity,equity,andinclusionin everyaspectoftheorganization.Sheadvocatesforaculture thatvaluesandrespectsdifferences,thatfosters collaborationandinnovation,andthatempowersanduplifts everyone.Sheinvitesmentojointhecauseandtobeallies, sponsors,coaches,andcolleaguesforwomenintechnology

Shealsourgeswomentotakechargeoftheirowndestiny, andtopursuetheireducationandcareergoalswith determinationandenthusiasm.Sheremindswomenthat theyarenotalone,andthattheyhaveacommunityof supportersandrolemodelswhocaninspireandmotivate them.Shealsoencourageswomentobetheherooftheir ownstory,andtousetheirpowerandinfluencetohelp others.

Sheconcludeswithaquotefromoneofherfavorite authors,AdamGrant,thatcapturesherphilosophyoflife andwork:“ThemoreIhelpout,themoresuccessfulI become.ButImeasuresuccessinwhatithasdoneforthe peoplearoundme.Thatistherealaccolade“

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