The 10 Most Experts Security Leaders Creating Global Impact, 2024.

Dwayne Natwick

Editorial Note

The Architects of Trust

In the digital Wild West, where

data flows freely and threats lurk in the shadows, security leaders face a unique challenge: building fortresses against unseen enemies. They are the architects of trust, crafting something extraordinary – impenetrable defenses – from seemingly nothing.

These leaders aren't content with simply reacting to breaches. They understand the power of a proactive approach. They weave security into the very fabric of a company, embedding it from the design phase of every product and process. Gone are the days of reactive patching; these visionaries are building a culture of security awareness, empowering employees to become active participants in defense strategies.

Cybersecurity threats transcend borders. These leaders recognize this, fostering a global network of information sharing. Imagine a world where nations and organizations work together as a united front against cyberattacks. These architects of trust are breaking down silos, fostering collaboration between financial institutions, healthcare providers, and tech giants. They understand that the strength of the defense lies in the unity of its defenders.

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, but these leaders are always a step ahead. Their teams of cyber threat intelligence specialists meticulously analyze attack patterns, anticipating the next move. They are constantly on the lookout for new threats, investing in cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered threat detection. By predicting the future, these leaders can neutralize threats before they even have a chance to cause damage.

The cybersecurity workforce is facing a critical skills gap, but these leaders are looking towards the future. They recognize the importance of fostering the next generation of defenders. They champion educational initiatives, encouraging women and minorities to enter the field and bridge the cybersecurity skills gap. These leaders understand that a diverse workforce brings diverse perspectives, strengthening the overall defense posture.

These leaders are more than just security professionals; they are shaping the future of information security. They champion groundbreaking research in areas like intrusion detection and vulnerability assessments, constantly pushing the boundaries of defense. They actively collaborate with universities and research institutions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the cybersecurity landscape.

Building something extraordinary from thin air requires not just technical expertise, but also vision, foresight, and a spirit of collaboration. These leaders are the architects of trust, weaving a future where businesses can operate with confidence, patients' data remains safe, and critical infrastructure is protected. They are not simply defenders, but trailblazers, crafting a digital world where innovation and security go hand in hand. Through their unwavering dedication, these leaders are building a future where trust thrives in the digital age.

Dwayne Natwick

Dwayne Natwick

Pioneering the Future of Cybersecurity with Captain Hyperscaler, LLC C O V E R S T O R Y

DwayneNatwick'sjourneytothepinnacleof thetechnologyandcybersecurityworldisa compellingnarrativeofdedication,passion, andstrategicvision.AstheCEOofCaptain Hyperscaler,LLC™,Dwaynehasbuiltacompany thatnotonlyfocusesonhigh-qualitytechnicaland professionaltrainingbutalsoembodieshisdeeprootedvaluesofmentorshipandinnovation.This profiledelvesintoDwayne'sremarkablecareer, hisvisionforCaptainHyperscaler,andhis thoughtsonthefutureofcybersecurity.

EarlyBeginningsandFirstStepsinto Technology

DwayneNatwick'sforayintotheworldof technologybeganalmost40yearsago,atthetender ageof13.Hisfathermanagedacompanythat installedphonecablesfornotableclientssuchasthe USPostalServiceinWashington,DC,andNASAon WallupsIsland,VA.Duringschoolbreaksand summers,Dwaynewouldassistintheseinstallations, gaininghands-onexperiencethatwouldlaythe foundationforhisfuturecareer Thisearlyexposureto thetechnicalaspectsoftheindustrysparkedapassion thatwoulddrivehimforward.

In1989,Dwayne'sfatherventuredouttostart hisowncompany.Dwaynecontinuedto workwithhim,learningthe ropesofthebusiness duringhigh schooland

collegebreaks.Thisperiodwasinstrumentalinshapinghis workethicandtechnicalskills.

TransitiontoManagementandLeadershipRoles

AfterearninganundergraduatedegreeinBusiness Management,Dwayneworkedfull-timeforhisfather, installingcomputerandtelephonecabling.Hiscareertooka significantturnin1995whenheenteredthemanagement trainingprogramforanetworkandtelecomdistribution company ThisrolerelocatedhimfromMarylandto Michigan,wherehewastaskedwithopeninganew location.StartingastheAssistantManager,Dwayne quicklyrosetothepositionofManager,overseeingthe hiringanddevelopmentofstaff.

Despitehisevidentleadershipabilities,Dwaynefound himselfoftenplayingtheroleofadefactosupervisor withouttheofficialtitle.Thispatterncontinuedforyearsas heheldvariousroleswithindifferentteams.Although recognizedasaseniormemberandmentor,formal leadershippositionsseemedelusive.

BreakingThroughtoLeadership

TheturningpointcamewhenDwaynejoinedaMicrosoft trainingprovider.Here,heworkedcloselywiththeCEOas theTrainingArchitectLead,managingateamoftechnical trainersandcustomersupportmanagers.Underhis guidance,theteamdeliveredhigh-qualitytrainingto clients,showcasinghisleadershipandstrategiccapabilities. Thisrolesolidifiedhispathtowardsleadershipinthe technologyandcybersecuritytrainingsectors.

Dwayne'snextsignificantrolewaswithaglobalsystems integrator'smanagedsecurityserviceproviderteam,where heservedastheGlobalCloudSecurityLead.Hisexpertise andstrategicvisionwerecriticalinshapingthecompany's cloudsecurityinitiatives.

FoundingCaptainHyperscaler,LLC™

InAugust2023,Dwaynemadeaboldmovebyfounding hisowncompany,CaptainHyperscaler,LLC™.This venturewasbornfromhispassionforsharingknowledge andhisdesiretomentorthenextgenerationoftechnology professionals.CaptainHyperscaleraimstoprovidehighqualitytechnicalandprofessionaltrainingthatgoesbeyond merecertification.Thecompany'smissionistooffer coursesthatnotonlypreparestudentsforexamsbutalso impartvaluableknowledgethatcanbeappliedtotheir organizationalneeds.

CaptainHyperscaler,LLC™:Mission,Vision,and Values

ACommitmenttoHigh-QualityTraining

CaptainHyperscalerwasestablishedwithaclearmission: todeliverawhite-glove,high-touchtrainingexperience. Dwayne'sextensiveexperienceinthetrainingindustryhas shownhimthatmanycoursesareoverlyfocusedon certificationcontent,neglectingthepractical,transitive valuethatbenefitsorganizations.CaptainHyperscalerseeks tofillthisgapbyprovidingtrainingthatpreparesstudents forcertificationexamswhilealsoequippingthemwith practicalskillsthatenhancetheirorganizational contributions.

BuildingaRisk-AwareCulture

OneofthecoreobjectivesofCaptainHyperscaleristo fosterarisk-awareculturewithinorganizations.Dwayne believesthatcybersecuritytrainingshouldnotonlyfocus ontechnicalskillsbutalsoonbuildingawarenessand understandingofsecurityrisksacrossalllevelsofan organization.Thisholisticapproachaimstocreateaculture wheresecurityisasharedresponsibility.

InclusivityandOwnership

CaptainHyperscaler'svaluesaredeeplyrootedin inclusivityandasenseofownership.Dwayneemphasizes thateveryonewithintheorganization,fromtrainerstoclient directorstostudents,shouldfeelasenseofbelongingand ownershipinthecompany'ssuccess.Thisinclusiveculture isdesignedtomotivateandinspire,ensuringthatevery teammemberiscommittedtothecompany'smissionand vision.

TheImportanceofAttitudeandPassion

Dwayne'sapproachtobuildingandmanagingteamsis centeredonattitudeandpassion.Hebelievesthattechnical skillscanbetaught,buttherightattitudeandagenuine beliefinthecompany'smissionarecrucial.Byfocusingon thesecharacteristics,heensuresthathisteammembersare notonlyskilledbutalsodeeplycommittedtotheirroles.

TrainingandDevelopment

Asaleaderinthetrainingindustry,Dwayneplacesastrong emphasisoncontinuouslearninganddevelopment.He ensuresthathisteamhasaccesstotheresourcesand trainingtheyneedtostayaheadofindustrytrendsand

developments.Thiscommitmenttoprofessionalgrowthisa cornerstoneofCaptainHyperscaler'ssuccess.

CreatingaMotivatingCulture

Aclearmissionandamotivatingculturearevitalfor organizationalsuccess.Dwaynehaswitnessedcompanies falterduetoalackofdirectionandanuninspiringculture. AtCaptainHyperscaler,hestrivestocreateanenvironment whereemployeesaremotivatedbythecompany'smission andfeelvaluedfortheircontributions.Thiscultureof motivationandrespectisakeydriverofthecompany's achievements.

VisionfortheFuture Long-TermGoalsforCaptainHyperscaler

Overthepastfiveyears,Dwaynehasfocusedonbuilding hispersonalbrand,whichhasnowevolvedintoCaptain Hyperscaler.Hislong-termvisionforthecompanyincludes expandingitsservicestodelivercomprehensivetraining thatencompassesbothtechnicalskillsandcybersecurity awareness.Byfosteringarisk-awareculturewithin organizations,CaptainHyperscaleraimstobecomea leadingproviderofholisticcybersecuritytraining.

ExpandingImpactandAwareness

DwayneenvisionsCaptainHyperscalerasacatalystfor changeinthecybersecurityindustry.Heaimstoworkwith othercybersecurityleaderstobuildawarenessabout cybersecuritythreatsandethicaluseofinformation.This includesaddressingissueslikecyberbullyingandeducating usersofallagesaboutsecurityrisks.Bydoingso,hehopes tocreateamoresecureandinformeddigitallandscape.

BalancingProfessionalandPersonalLife LessonsfromExperience

Balancingprofessionalcommitmentswithpersonallifeisa challengethatDwaynehasmasteredoverhis26-year marriageandtheraisingofthreechildren.Heemphasizes theimportanceofmakingtimeforfamilyandensuringthat professionalresponsibilitiesdonotovershadowpersonal commitments.Thisbalanceiscrucialforlong-termsuccess andpersonalwell-being.

CoachingandFamilyTime

Dwayne'scommitmenttofamilyisevidentinhis involvementinhischildren'sactivities.Hehascoached sportsteamsforhischildrenoverthepast15years,most

recentlyhisyoungestson'sbasketballteam.This involvementnotonlystrengthenshisfamilybondsbutalso provideshimwithafulfillingbreakfromprofessional responsibilities.

ImpactontheSecurityIndustry EducatingandEmpoweringTeams

BeforefoundingCaptainHyperscaler,Dwaynemade significantcontributionstothesecurityindustryasthe GlobalCloudSecurityLeadforamanagedsecurityservices division.Hisroleinvolvededucatingandempowering globalteamstoeffectivelyaddresscloudsecurityneeds.By sharinghisknowledgeandexpertise,heenhancedthe capabilitiesofteamsworldwide,helpingthembetterserve theirclients.

ThoughtLeadershipandCommunityEngagement

Dwayneisanactivethoughtleaderinthecybersecurity community.Hehasspokenatmajorconferencessuchas AWSre:InforceandGrrCon,sharinginsightsontopicslike managedsecurityandbuildingarisk-awareculture.His presenceonpodcasts,usergroups,andotherplatforms furtheramplifieshisimpact,makingcybersecurity knowledgemoreaccessibletoabroaderaudience.

ContributionstoLiteratureandMedia

Dwaynehasalsocontributedtothefieldthroughondemandcoursesandpublishedbooksoncybersecurity.His statusasaMicrosoftMVPandAWSCommunityBuilder enableshimtoleveragesocialmediaandhispodcastto disseminatevaluableinformationandengagewiththe community Thesecontributionshavepositionedhimasa respectedvoiceinthecybersecurityspace.

ValuesandWorkCultureatCaptainHyperscaler InclusivityandOwnership

CaptainHyperscaler'svaluesarecenteredoninclusivityand asenseofownership.Dwaynebelievesthateverymember oftheorganizationshouldfeelvaluedandinvestedinthe company'ssuccess.Thisinclusiveculturefosters collaborationandinnovation,drivingthecompanyforward.

CommitmenttoQualityandIntegrity

Thecompany'scommitmenttoqualityandintegrityis reflectedinitstrainingprograms.Byensuringthatcourses providetransitivevaluetoorganizations,Captain Hyperscalerupholdshighstandardsofexcellence.This

commitmentextendstoallaspectsofthebusiness,from customerinteractionstointernaloperations.

AdvocatingforChangeintheSecurityIndustry PrioritizingRiskAwareness

Dwayneisastrongadvocateforbuildingarisk-aware culturewithinorganizations.Hebelievesthatmany companiesstilldonotprioritizesecurityadequately,often actingwithoutathoroughunderstandingofrisks.By encouragingorganizationstotakeastepbackand reevaluatetheirsecuritystrategies,hehopestopromote moreeffectiveandproactivesecuritypractices.

EthicalUseofArtificialIntelligence

Theriseofartificialintelligencepresentsbothopportunities andchallengesforthesecurityindustry.Dwayne emphasizestheneedforethicaluseofAIandproper trainingtounderstanditsimplications.CaptainHyperscaler ispreparingtobeattheforefrontofthischangeby incorporatingAI-relatedsecuritytrainingintoitsprograms, ensuringthatorganizationscannavigatetheevolving technologicallandscaperesponsibly.

PreparingfortheFutureofSecurity TheImpactofArtificialIntelligence

Dwayneviewstheongoingadvancementsinartificial intelligenceasatechnologicalrevolutionakintothe industrialrevolutionoftheearly1900s.Ascompanies continuetointegrateAIintotheiroperations,theneedfor robustsecuritymeasuresandethicalguidelinesbecomes increasinglycritical.CaptainHyperscaleriscommittedto providingthenecessarytrainingtohelporganizations understandandmanagethesechallenges.

BuildingaRisk-AwareCulture

Arisk-awarecultureisessentialfornavigatingthe complexitiesofmoderntechnology.Bypromotingsecurity awarenessfromtopexecutivestoeverydayusers,Captain Hyperscaleraimstocreateanenvironmentwhereeveryone understandsandvaluessecurity Thisapproachnotonly mitigatesrisksbutalsoenhancesoverallorganizational resilience.

AdviceforAspiringEntrepreneurs PursuingPassionOverTrends

Dwayne'sadvicetobuddingentrepreneursistopursue areastheyarepassionateaboutratherthanfollowingtrends.

Successinsecurity,AI,cloud,oranyotherfieldrequiresa deepcommitmentandgenuineinterest.Entrepreneurs shouldidentifyareasofneedwithintheirchosenindustry anddevelopaclearmissionandvalueproposition.

BuildingaMotivatingCulture

Creatingamotivatingandinclusivecultureiscrucialfor long-termsuccess.Dwayneemphasizestheimportanceof buildingaculturethatothersrespectandareinspiredby. Thisinvolvesclearcommunicationofthecompany's mission,fosteringasenseofownershipamongteam members,andensuringthateveryonefeelsvaluedand included.

InSummary:

DwayneNatwick'sjourneyfromayoungtechnicianhelping hisfathertotheCEOofCaptainHyperscaler,LLC™isa testamenttohisdedication,expertise,andvisionary leadership.Hiscommitmenttohigh-qualitytraining, buildingarisk-awareculture,andpromotinginclusivityhas positionedCaptainHyperscalerasaleaderinthe cybersecuritytrainingindustry.Ashecontinuestomentor othersandadvocateforbettersecuritypractices,Dwayne's impactontheindustrywillundoubtedlygrow,shapingthe futureofcybersecurityforyearstocome.

The expanded growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning has created a need for a new level of understanding around ethical use of information that I have been trying to build additional awareness

Leading the Charge

Cybersecuritythreatsarenolongerlurkingshadows; they'reaconstantforcetobereckonedwith. Forward-thinkingleadersunderstandthisreality andaretakingsecurityawarenesstonewheights. Here's howtheseleadersareelevatingsecurityawarenesswithin theirorganizations,propellingthemtowardsasaferdigital future:

SettingtheCourseforSecurity

Leadersatthehelmdon'tjusttalkthetalk,theywalkthe walk.Theydemonstratetheirunwaveringcommitmentto securityawarenessthroughtheiractions.Thistranslates intousingrobustpasswords,steeringclearofdubiousemail links,andreportinganypotentialsecuritybreachesthey encounter.Bysettingastrongexample,theseleaders empoweracultureofvigilanceandproactivesecurity acrosstheorganization.

WeavingSecurityintotheFabricoftheCompany Securityawarenesscan'tbeaone-shottrainingsession. Leaderswhochampionsecurityareweavingitsprinciples intotheveryfabricofthecompanyculture.Thismight involveintegratingsecuritybestpracticesintoonboarding programs,employeehandbooks,andcodesofconduct. Regularsecurityawarenesscampaigns,designedtokeep employeesinformedandengaged,becomeanaturalpartof thecompany'srhythm.

InvestinginTrainingthatSoars

Effectiveleadersrecognizethattheiremployeesarethefirst lineofdefenseinthefightagainstcyberattacks.Toequip themforthiscrucialrole,theseleadersinvestinimpactful andengagingsecurityawarenesstraining.Gonearethe daysofdrytechnicaljargon.Moderntrainingprogramstake flightwithreal-lifescenariosandinteractivesimulations, makinglearningrelevantandmemorable.

FosteringCommunicationThatTakesOff

Leadersunderstandtheimportanceofcreatingan environmentwhereemployeesfeelempoweredtoreport suspiciousactivityorsecuritybreaches.Fearofreprisalhas noplacehere.Leadersestablishclearreportingchannels andfosteropencommunicationbetweenemployees,IT

teams,andsecurityprofessionals.Thispsychologicalsafety ensuresconcernsarevoicedpromptly,leadingtofaster detectionandmitigationofthreats.

PromotingAccountabilityforaSecureFuture

Leaderswhochampionsecurityholdeveryoneaccountable forit. Thisdoesn'tmeanpunishment;itfostersaculture whereeveryoneembracestheirroleinprotectingcompany dataandassets. Regularsecurityawarenessassessments becomethelaunchpadforcontinuousimprovement. Leadersusetheseinsightstorefinetrainingprograms, updatepolicies,andadapttotheever-evolvingthreat landscape.

TheRewardsofaSecurity-ConsciousWorkforce Leaderswhoprioritizesecurityawarenessunlockatreasure troveofbenefitsfortheirorganizations:

• ReducedRiskofCyberattacks:Avigilantworkforce canidentifyandreportsuspiciousactivitybeforeit escalatesintoacostlycyberattack.

• EnhancedDataProtection:Employeeswho understandtheimportanceofdatasecurityhandle sensitiveinformationwithutmostcare.

• ComplianceatNewHeights:Strongsecurity awarenessprogramshelporganizationssoarthrough industryregulationsanddataprivacyrequirements.

• IncreasedEmployeeTrust:Fosteringacultureof securityawarenessdemonstratesacommitmentto protectingemployeedata,buildingtrustandloyalty

Conclusion

Cybersecurityisadynamicandever-evolvingbattleground. However,byprioritizingsecurityawarenessandleadingby example,organizationscansignificantlyreducetheircyber risk.Effectiveleaderswhosetthecourseforsecurity,invest inimpactfultraining,andfosteracultureofaccountability createarobustdefensemechanism,propellingtheir organizationstowardsasecureandprosperousdigital future. Thejourneytosecurityawarenessmaybeongoing, butwiththerightleadership,organizationscancontinueto innovateandgrowwithconfidence,leavingthefearof cyberattacksfirmlyontheground.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Articial Intelligence or Human Intelligence?

Taaleem, Director of Education

Aswechargetowardsanuncertainfuture,Artificial Intelligence(AI)hasbecometheprimaryfocusof thetechworld.Investorsarekeentoidentifythe mostpromisingventures,seekinganswerstoquestionslike: Whattoinvestin?Whatnewapproachwillincrease profitability?What'sthenextunicorn?

Inmostindustrysectors,thelion'sshareofinvestmentis beingpouredintoAI.Assomeonewhohasworkedin educationformostofmycareer,Ican'thelpbutponder:if 80%ofR&Dfundingisbeingpushedintothedevelopment ofanartificialentity,whatthenforthedevelopmentof humanintelligence?Don'tgetmewrong;Iamnota naysayer.IvaluetheprogressmadewithAIand acknowledgethatitwillbeinstrumentalinourfuture. However,aswenavigatethisnewroad,therearesome considerationsweneedtotake.

Duetotherapidpaceofchangeanddevelopmentsinthe raceforthenextnewapp,product,orbreakthrough, organizationsaredrowninginexaminingthe“whatnext.” Onemustaskiftimeisbeingappropriatelyspentto examinewhatweshouldlooktoreplaceandwhatwe shouldn't.Inwhatinstancesarewethrowingoutthebaby withthebathwater?Whereistheprocessmoreimportant thantheproduct?

Weknowthedevelopmentsinthepipeline,andinsome casesalreadyinplace,willincreaseefficiencyandensure betterqualityproductsthanthoseproducedbyteachers,

students,andleaders.However,byhavingAIgenerate them,weoftenlosetheprocessesthatareessentialin developingcollaborationskills,researchskills,deeper contentknowledge,andmore.

MicrosoftUAEGeneralManager,NaimYazbeck,recently likenedAItoelectricity,emphasizingthesubstantial changeswewillencounterinourliveswithitsadvent.Ifwe consideraworldpre-AIandpost-AItobesimilarinterms oftransitionandchangetotheworldpre-electricityand post-electricity,werealizethemagnitudeofthisshift.Our childrenwillexperienceaworldcompletelyforeignfrom theoneweknewgrowinguporliveintoday,inalmost everyfacet.

Whilechangeistheonlyconstant,andthischangeis inevitable,itiscrucialforeverycountry,ministry,and organizationtoexaminethepotentialchangeindetailand considerwhattheywanttoholdonto.Whataspectsofthe curriculumshouldberetained?Whatlearningandskills shouldremainpartoftheexpectationofhuman intelligence?I'mnotparticularlybotheredthatpostthe inventionofelectricitymostofushavenotretainedthe knowledgerequiredtomakecandlessuccessfully,butI believeasweheadintothischange,weneedtoconsider whatskillsandknowledgewedonotwishtolose.

Onesignificantconcernisthepotentialdeclineinessential humanskills.Criticalthinking,creativity,andemotional intelligencearejustafewareaswherehumanintelligence

currentlyexcelsoverAI.WhileAIcanprocessdataat unimaginablespeedsandoffersolutionstocomplex problems,itlackstheinnateabilitytounderstand context,nuance,andhumanemotionfully Theseare skillsthathavebeenhonedthroughcenturiesofhuman experienceandeducation.

Educationsystemsworldwidearealreadyfeelingthe pressuretoadapttoamoreAI-centricworld.Schools areintegratingmoretechnologyintotheclassroom, andcurriculaarebeingupdatedtoincludecodingand dataanalysis.Whilethesechangesarenecessary,they shouldnotcomeattheexpenseoftraditional educationalvalues.Reading,writing,andarithmetic arestillfoundationalskillsthateverychildneeds. Additionally,subjectslikehistory,philosophy,andthe artsplayacrucialroleindevelopingwell-rounded individualswhocanthinkcriticallyandappreciatethe humanexperience.

Ifwedon'tpumpthebrakesandexamineeachstepof theway,ifwelandinaworldwithanoverrelianceon AI,thatcouldleadtoadiminishedcapacityfor problem-solving.Whenstudentsorleadersrelytoo heavilyonAItoprovideanswers,wemissoutonthe criticalthinkingprocessinvolvedinarrivingatthose answers.Ifwearenotmindful,thiscouldresultina generationofindividualswhocanoperateadvanced technologiesbutlackanyunderstandingofthe principlesbehindthem.

Additionally,ethicalconsiderationsmustbeaddressed asAIcontinuestodevelop.Issuessuchasdataprivacy, algorithmicbias,andthetransparencyofAIdecisionmakingprocessesarecriticalareasthatrequirecareful oversight.EnsuringthatAIisdevelopedanddeployed responsiblywillbeessentialtoharnessingitsbenefits whilemitigatingitsrisks.

ThedevelopmentofAIisundoubtedlyexcitingand holdsimmensepotentialbenefits,however,itiscrucial thatwedonotlosesightoftheimportanceofhuman intelligence.BalancingtheadvancementofAIwiththe nurturingofhumanskillsandknowledgeisessential forcreatingafuturewheretechnologyenhancesrather thandiminishesourlives.Aswechargetowardsthis uncertainfuture,letusinvestnotonlyinartificial intelligencebutalsointhelimitlesspotentialofhuman intelligence.

-GlenRadojkovich

Navigating the Evolving Landscape

Thedigitallandscapeisconstantlyevolving,and

withit,theever-presentthreatofcyberattacks.As werelymoreheavilyoninterconnected technologiesandstoresensitiveinformationonline,the needforrobustcybersecuritymeasuresbecomes paramount.Butwhatdoesthefutureholdforthiscritical field?Let'sdelveintosomeofthekeytrendsand advancementsshapingthefutureofcybersecurity:

TheRiseofArtificialIntelligence(AI)andMachine Learning(ML)

AIandMLarerevolutionizingcybersecuritybyoffering advancedthreatdetectionandpreventioncapabilities.These intelligentsystemscananalyzevastamountsofdatainrealtime,identifyingpatternsandanomaliesthatmightindicate apotentialattack.AI-poweredfirewallscanlearnandadapt tonewthreats,whileMLalgorithmscanpredict cyberattacksbeforetheyevenhappen.

However,AIincybersecurityisadouble-edgedsword. MaliciousactorscanalsoleverageAItolaunchmore sophisticatedandtargetedattacks.Thisnecessitatesa continuousarmsrace,wherecybersecurityprofessionals stayaheadofthecurvebydevelopingrobustAIdefenses andethicalframeworksforitsuse.

TheExpandingAttackSurfacewiththeInternetof Things(IoT)

Theproliferationofinternet-connecteddevices,knownas theInternetofThings(IoT),createsavastandvulnerable attacksurface.Fromsmarthomesandconnectedcarsto industrialcontrolsystems,thepotentialentrypointsfor cyberattacksaremultiplyingrapidly.Securingthesediverse devicesrequiresrobustauthenticationprotocols,secure communicationchannels,andongoingsoftwareupdates. Additionally,fosteringacultureofcybersecurityawareness amongusersiscriticaltomitigaterisksassociatedwith personalIoTdevices.

TheGrowingThreatofCloudSecurity

Cloudcomputingoffersnumerousadvantages,butitalso introducesnewsecuritychallenges.Asbusinessesstoreand managesensitivedatainthecloud,ensuringitssecurity becomesasharedresponsibilitybetweenorganizationsand cloudserviceproviders. Implementingrobustaccess controls,encryption,anddataresidencypoliciesarecrucial forprotectingcloud-basedinformation.Moreover, organizationsneedtobevigilantaboutpotential vulnerabilitiesincloudplatformsandservicestheyutilize.

TheHumanElement

Despitetechnologicaladvancements,thehumanelement remainsacriticalfactorincybersecurity.Socialengineering attacks,phishingscams,andmalwaredisguisedas legitimatesoftwarecontinuetobemajorthreats. Organizationsmustinvestinongoingtrainingand awarenessprogramstoeducateemployeesabout cybersecuritybestpractices. Thisincludesfosteringa cultureofcyberhygiene,whereemployeesareempowered toidentifyandreportsuspiciousactivity.

TheEvolvingRegulatoryLandscape

Ascyberthreatsbecomemoresophisticated,governments areenactingstricterdataprivacyandsecurityregulations. Theseregulationsmandatespecificcompliancemeasures forbusinessesstoringandhandlingsensitivedata. Staying abreastoftheseevolvingregulationsandimplementing necessarysafeguardswillbeessentialforbusinessesto operateinanincreasinglydata-drivenworld.

TheFutureofWorkandtheDecentralizedWorkforce

Theriseofremoteworkposesuniquechallengesfor cybersecurity. Withemployeesaccessingcompany resourcesfromvariouslocationsandpotentiallyusing personaldevices,securingtheremoteworkenvironment becomescrucial.Implementingmulti-factorauthentication, secureaccesssolutions,andcloud-baseddatastoragecan aidinsecuringadecentralizedworkforce.Additionally, establishingclearpoliciesandguidelinesforremotework canhelpmitigatepotentialsecurityrisks.

TheRoleofBlockchaininCybersecurity

Blockchaintechnologyoffersintriguingpossibilitiesfor enhancingcybersecurity.Blockchain'scoreprinciplesof immutabilityandtransparencycanbeleveragedtosecure datastorageandtransactions. Forexample,blockchainbasedsystemscanbeusedtocreatetamper-proofaudit trails,makingitmoredifficultforattackerstomanipulate data.

TheRoadAhead

Thefutureofcybersecurityisacollaborativeeffort. Governments,businesses,cybersecurityprofessionals,and individualusersallhavearoletoplayincreatingamore securedigitallandscape.Continuousinnovation,fosteringa cultureofsecurityawareness,andstayingaheadof evolvingthreatswillbecriticalinthisongoingbattle.By leveragingemergingtechnologies,adaptingtochanging threatlandscapes,andprioritizingusereducation,wecan navigatetheever-evolvingworldofcybersecuritywith greaterconfidence.

Josean Siqueira Santos

Pioneering Cybersecurity Leadership at Sapore SA's

Changetakesplacetwice,onceontheinside, thenontheoutside.JoseanSiqueira Santos,aseasonedprofessionalwithover twodecadesofunwaveringdedicationintherealm oftechnologyhasbroughtthischange.Josean's journeybeganasatechenthusiast,thenturned educator,teachingITbasicstopeersand schoolmates.Hiscareertransformedattheageof 16whilehewasworkinginadairyindustry,where hediveddeeperintoITandInformationSecurity Now,withmorethanayearastheHeadofCyber andISatSaporeSA,hehastransitionedfrom beingaserviceproviderinlargecompaniestoa corporateclient.

TrailblazingTechnologist

JoseanSiqueiraSantosemergesasaseasoned technologistwithanillustriousjourneyspanning morethantwodecades.Fromhisearlydaysasan

ITeducatorandtechnicalsupportprofessionalto hiscurrentroleastheHeadofCyberandISat SaporeSA,Josean'spassionfortechnologyhas remainedunwavering.Histransitionfromaservice providerinlargecompaniestoacorporateclient reflectsnotonlyhisadaptabilitybutalsohis commitmenttonavigatingchallengeswith resilienceanddetermination.

InthecomplexlandscapeofSaporeSA,Josean's strategicleadershipshinesthroughasheaddresses challengesinbudgeting,culture,processes, governance,andteamdynamics.Undeterredby thesehurdles,hesteerstheorganizationtowards continuousimprovement,raisingthematurityof CyberandIS.Hisrelentlesspursuitofresultsand hisdedicationtoaddingvalueunderscorenotjust hisprofessionalprowessbutalsohisvisionfora technologicallyadvancedandsecurefuture.

JourneyfromBraziltoColombiaandBeyond

SaporeSA,a100%Brazilianculinarygem,was foundedin1992byPresidentDanielMendez. Renownedfordeliveringdelicious,homestyle mealsofexceptionalqualityinCorporate Restaurants,thecompany'sinfluencespansBrazil andextendsintoColombia.Boastingaremarkable dailyproductionof1.5millionmealsanda dedicatedteamof18,000employees,Saporehas emergedasaformidableforceintheindustry,with anannualrevenueofnearly2.8billion.Positioned asareferenceinitsfield,Sapore'srelentless commitmenttosuperiorserviceforits1.5thousand customersfuelsitsambitionsforbothnationaland internationalexpansion.

EmployeeDedicationandTechnologicalProwess

ThesynergybetweenSaporeSA'sdedicated employeesandtheseamlessoperationofits technologyinfrastructurereflectsacommitmentto excellence.Employeesatisfactionisevidentintheir enthusiasmtoservecustomers,recognizingthe profoundimpactondailylives.Thewell-structured Technologyareaplaysapivotalrole,supporting numerousconnectionsnationwidetomaintainthe operationalintegrityofERPandITSM.

Strategicdepartmentalseparationensuresprecision andpromptnessindeliveringservicesandsolutions, underpinnedbyeffectivetaskmanagementand well-designedstrategies.Uniquecommunication practicesenhancecohesion.IntheroleofCyberand ISresponsibility,consistentpraiseandfeedback amplifythepositiveimpactacrossallareasofthe company,fosteringacultureofcontinuous improvement.

CulinaryExcellenceandEthicalInnovation

AtthecoreofSaporeSA'sethosisanunwavering commitmenttogeneratingandcapturingvalue daily,craftingmemorableexperiences,and enhancingthequalityoflifewithinSapore

environments.Themissionrevolvesaround innovatingthedailylivesofcustomersand deliveringqualityfoodexperiencesinahealthy, safe,andsustainablemanner.

Embracinguniquenessisaconstant,ensuringa distinctiveimpact.Aspiredleadershipand recognitioninthefoodmarketarepursuedwith tirelessdedication,underpinnedbyintegrity,ethics, andanunyieldingquestforserviceexcellence.

Saporevaluesaspectrumofprinciples,including:

Ÿ Qualityofproductsandservices

Ÿ Teamwork

Ÿ Qualityoflife

Ÿ Delightourcustomers

Ÿ Humandevelopment

Ÿ Integrity,ethicsandtransparency

Ÿ Trusting,healthyandlastingrelationships

Ÿ Creativity,innovationandtechnological evolution

Ÿ Sustainability

WisdomforAspiringEntrepreneurs

Josean'sadvicefortheaspiringentrepreneursis

“study, study and study, when you think you already know a lot about a subject, that you have mastered this subject well and feel comfortable within your Company on a daily basis, then study some more.

Listening to the "older" people is always a great honor to learn not to make mistakes like most people do. Always be humble and close to all sectors of the Company, be friends with all employees, no matter what they do, because this way you become more human”.

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.

-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.