Know-How
How Tech Leaders are Driving Transforma ons in the Dynamic Business Arena?
Quality A ributes
Comprehending the Aspects of Leadership
Building the Next Genera on AI and Asset Management Solu on in the Civil Infrastructure Industry
Claus Klint Worldwide Industry Sales Leader IBM
As technology becomes more and more
prevalent, it is important to find great leaders in the field. New tech leaders often take inspiration from others whose styles and techniques they admire. They look at the successes of those who came before them and emulate approaches that make sense to them.
As they evolve more deeply into their roles, they can learn what is working for them and adapt their methods as needed. Vision, communication, innovation and empathy are some of the principal qualities a leader needs to successfully direct a tech organization.
The most successful tech leaders are able to communicate effectively with their teams. They know how to articulate their vision, listen and take criticism in stride, and are comfortable making decisions that will affect other people's lives. They are also skilled at communicating with people who don't share their technical expertise.
They find ways to translate complex concepts into language that non-technical people can understand, and they make sure that everyone on the team understands their role in achieving goals. The admirable leadership skills of tech leaders as individuals, combined with their visionary approach to
resolving business problems, set them apart in a highly competitive industry. Their achievements have had a huge impact on people from all walks of life.
With a huge push to modernize business processes by implementing the latest IT advancements, technology talent is in high demand, making the unemployment rate for technology pros low. Great tech leaders take risks because they know that failure is part of successand.
If you never fail at anything, then you've probably chosen not to try something challenging enough. They are constantly curious and always asking questions, and they make it a point to be well-versed in the latest technologies, trends, best practices, and industry standards.
Mapping the journey of these tech leaders, CIOLook sheds light on " Most Impressive Leaders in Tech, Making Waves in the Industry 2023," who are enabling advancements and enhancing the facets of the dynamic industry.
Flip through the page and indulge in the journey of sheer innovations with leadership attributes. Have a delightful read!
Abhishek Joshi A b h i s h e k J o s h i
CONTENT
Senior Editor Alan Swann
Executive Editors AbhishekJoshi
Alex Spellman
DESIGN
Visualizer Dave Bates
Art & Design Director Revati Badkas
Associate Designer Ankita Pandharpure
SALES
Senior Sales Manager Sihanee M., Rouniyar A.
Customer Success Manager Jack Ryan, Prathamesh
Sales Executives John, Rohit
TECHNICAL
Technical Head Prachi Mokashi
Technical Consultant Victor Collins
SME-SMO
Research Analyst Eric Smith
SEO Executive Ravindra Kadam
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April, 2023
Featured Person
Angela Jenkins Founder, President and CEO
Charity Chitalu Mwanza
Chief Executive Officer
Claus Klint Worldwide Industry Sales Leader, Civil Infrastructure
Eva Rijser CMO
Giuliano Liguori Co-founder
Brief Company Name
Spectrum spectrumpartners.net
Digital Shared Services Limited digitalpaygo.com IBM ibm.com
Angela is offering the capabilities to design, deploy, operate, sustain and optimize Enterprise IT infrastructure, including Emerging Green and Smart Technologies within a wired and wireless environment.
Charity is a transformational leader with a demonstrated history of working on digital transformation projects, Business efficiency programs and system implementations in the financial services industry.
Claus's ambition is to digitize the entire industry for the benefit of society and sustainability.
Density density.io
Eva is a creative, passionate and adept leader who always acts in the best interest of her clients.
Giuliano's expertise lies in the fields of project management, business process optimization, analytics, and data-driven decision making. Kenovy kenovy.com
Claus Klint
Worldwide Industry Sales Leader IBM
Photo Credits :Thomas Roger Henrichsen
Building
I have always valued the inspira on I get from clients and being able to build strong rela onships. Passion, curiosity, and delivering value to the clients have always been the main driver for me.
the Next Genera on AI and Asset Management Solu on in the Civil Infrastructure Industry
When Claus Klint, IBM Worldwide Industry Sales Leader, Civil Infrastructure, started to work with Danish infrastructure operator Sund & Bælt in 2017, he had no idea that the civil Infrastructure industry would become the most exciting chapter in his career and he would go on to become of the key drivers in the digitization of the industry.
Sund & Bælt owns, operates and maintains the fifthlargest suspension bridge in the world. The Great Belt bridge opened in 1998, and its structure is an engineering marvel. The tops of the Pylons are 833 feet above the sea (making it the two highest points in Denmark). It is carried by two anchor blocks, each weighing 720 million lbs. (almost the same weight as the entire population of Denmark with its 5.8 million inhabitants). 18,648 steel wires are inside the cables –which is enough to go around the world more than three times.
This construction is Civil Engineering at its finest, but how is it related to IBM, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Asset Management?
Claus explains, “Sund & Bælt spends a significant amount of money and resources on inspection, operation, and maintenance. They wanted to use digital tools to improve productivity. They wanted to move from time-based maintenance to predictive maintenance.”
In order to fulfill Sund & Bælt’s wishes, much innovative work needed to be done. First, a digital asset management platform based on IBM Maximo was built and then connected to integrate the data from the bridge’s sensors, as well as using visual inspection AI to analyze drone images.
The project was successful. From 2017-22 Sund & Bælt has had a 2% savings each year, and they are projected to continue this saving percentage until 2025.
In the process, they found another important benefit. Claus explains, “The bridge was designed, dimensioned, and built to last 100 years. After Sund & Bælt have digitized and gained insight into the condition of their infrastructure, they have been able to double the expected lifetime from 100 to 200 years. Together with their civil
engineering advisors, they have done the sustainability impact calculations. It is equal to 2.2 billion lbs. savings in CO2 emission.”
Along the way, IBM realized the need for a global solution for all civil Infrastructure operators.
The idea for the IBM Maximo Civil Infrastructure product was born. Claus says, “It became clear that our ability to integrate data to the Maximo Asset Management platform was unique, so we decided to build an industry solution specifically for operators of civil infrastructure assets – roads, bridges, tunnels, rail, ports, airports and transit transportation.”
All industries face the same challenges. First, they need to minimize the risk of failures and accidents; second, they have rising maintenance costs and want to improve productivity; third, they want to extend the expected lifetime of the structure and improve sustainability; and finally, they also need to be ensured compliance with rules and regulations.
The launch of Maximo Civil Infrastructure in October 2020 was a great achievement for Claus. “It was amazing that IBM decided to launch the product in all countries in the world where we operate, based on innovation that I had personally been involved in. I specifically asked Kareem Yusuf, General Manager of IBM Sustainability Software, if I could lead sales of the product worldwide. Luckily, he said yes, and I shifted to my current role in January 2021.”
“It is the best job in my entire IBM career. It is my dream job. I worked with innovation and partnership with Sund & Bælt for four years to build the foundation of the Maximo Civil Infrastructure product.”
For Claus, working with organizations and people is truly inspirational. “The magnitude and the talented people and organizations in Civil Infrastructure are staggering. In general, it is an industry with aging infrastructure, analog procedures, and the need for intelligent asset management is immediate and universal.”
It is our ambi on to digi ze the en re industry for the benefit of society and sustainability, and I cannot find a be er purpose in my working life.
Every fourth year, the American Society of Civil Engineers publishes a report on the state of the infrastructure in the US. The last report was in March 2021, which mentioned that the state of the infrastructure had not improved overall since the last report in 2017. The grading was roads C, bridges D, Rail B, Ports B- and Transit D-.
Claus says, “This is not really grades any of us would like to get if we were still in college, and it clearly shows the need for investments and intelligent asset management. The Bipartisan Infrastructure act was approved last year with total funding of $ 1.2 Trillion ($ 1,200,000,000,000.00).”
Reliable and trustworthy civil infrastructure is the base of any modern society. Keeping infrastructure safe requires extensive maintenance. Recent technological development has made it possible to reduce the extensity of that maintenance with new digital solutions. By using IoT sensors, drones, and AI, it’s possible to bring down the risk of accidents, expand the infrastructure’s lifetime, reduce CO2-emission and increase productivity. To achieve these goals, there has the be an industry-wide shift from asset maintenance to asset management.
Claus says, “It is our ambition to digitize the entire industry for the benefit of society and sustainability, and I cannot find a better purpose in my working life. It is a pleasure to work with this ambition every day.”
IBM aims to digitize the entire industry and use AI and Asset Management technologies for operations and maintenance of bridges, tunnels, roads, rail, and ports to avoid accidents, expand lifetime and reduce CO2 emission and increase productivity and reduce costs.
One of the most obvious use cases for digitalization is the inspection of bridges.
Claus says, “On a global scale, more than $50B are spent on manual inspection of bridges. That’s engineers going to a bridge with a paper-based inspection form, filling in the information based on their observations. Imagine if you can capture the data from drones, map into a digital twin, apply artificial intelligence – then you are able to not only detect defects but also see their development over time.”
A crack in a concrete structure is not necessarily a problem, but if prior inspections or the next inspections show a development, it might require actions to be taken. The innovative technological functions of Maximo for Civil Infrastructure provide this information.
Transforming an industry to fit into a digital world requires skilled leadership.
Claus Klint proudly celebrated his 36-year anniversary at IBM in January 2023.
Claus adds, “Wow. Time flies when you are having fun. What a fantastic company to work for, and what a ride. I have always been blessed with exciting job opportunities.”
When Claus had his first day as a student worker driving a truck in IBM’s Software and Publication Center warehouse, the Soviet Union still existed, Germany was divided into East and West, and Ronald Reagan was president.
After graduating from Copenhagen Business School in 1992, He got his first professional job as an international project manager. He worked on some cool innovations like preload of Power servers. Software customer orders were received in Copenhagen and transmitted electronically to the plant in Italy, where it was loaded on the corresponding server. As Claus states, “Yes, Cloud computing existed in the mid 90s.”
“In 1997, I got the opportunity to move to Sales, and I have never looked back. In my 25 years in sales, I have had many fantastic achievements with clients, ecosystem partners, and colleagues.”
I have had diverse and exciting sales leadership roles with domestic, regional and global responsibilities. Along the way, IBM funded my MBA from Henley Management College, and I got the opportunity to live two years in London on international assignment.
A common theme for Claus has been to work with innovation and leading-edge technologies and be dedicated to client success.
“I have always valued the inspiration I get from clients and being able to build strong relationships. Passion, curiosity,
and delivering value to the clients have always been the main driver for me.”
Claus an experienced marathon runner with 16 races completed and personal best on 3 hours 11 minutes expresses, “The entire industry is not going to be digitized overnight. It is more like a marathon race. I have trained and prepared well. I have the best equipment, started the race, and am full of energy. Everything looks good. IBM has momentum with many client engagements and a strong base of Maximo clients eager to take asset management to a new level.”
For Claus, it is truly inspirational to work with the ambition to digitize the civil infrastructure industry for the benefit of our clients and society at large.
He says, “To have a job where technology is used to minimize the risk of accidents, improve productivity and sustainability is a true pleasure. At the same time, IBM has a product Maximo Civil Infrastructure, that makes this possible. I feel privileged to lead our efforts and am eager to help our clients achieve their goals and objectives.”
The en re industry is not going to be digi zed overnight. But IBM has momentum with many client engagements and a strong base of Maximo clients eager to take asset management to a new level.
In today's hyper-connected world, organizations
need to have robust and reliable technology infrastructures to stay competitive. But building, managing, and optimizing these systems is no easy feat and requires a high level of expertise and experience. From software development to cybersecurity, organizations of all sizes rely on IT service and consulting firms to provide strategic guidance and technical expertise, providing end-to-end solutions that enhance business productivity and ensure interoperability of legacy and emerging technologies.
At the helm of innovation at Spectrum Partners LLC is Angela Jenkins (Founder, President and CEO), dedicated to delivering exceptional results for clients, with a passion for staying ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies. Angela possesses the skills and experience to navigate complex challenges and deliver remarkable results.
Founded on a deep commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction and technical excellence, Spectrum Partners LLC, an IT service and consulting company is a trusted partner for organizations of all sizes. With a focus on enhancing business productivity and ensuring the interoperability of legacy and emerging technologies offer integrated solutions that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. From assessment and design to deployment and operations, the expert team provides comprehensive services that enable clients to achieve their goals and stay ahead of industry trends.
We at CIOLook interviewed Angela on emerging developments in the information technology industry and executing active operations at Spectrum Partners.
Let's delve into the intercepts of the interview!
Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at your company. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today?
The phrase "Breaking the Glass Ceiling" came about in the previous millennium. I was attending the College of Insurance at that time, but I knew leadership in tech automation was my goal and that the so-called glass ceiling would not impede my success. There have been brick walls: gender bias, challenging corporate culture, lack of female role models, and no support network. It was difficult and, some days, overwhelming.
This is when I discovered a small network of women boasting about the people and leadership skills I needed to develop further. Collectively, we navigated through the conflict, created our own brand of success and developed long-lasting relationships. Today, our credibility speaks for itself.
Tell us something more about your company and its mission and vision.
Spectrum Partners LLC is a full-service Enterprise Information Technology Management and Consulting Firm.
We care about our clients and the future of their companies.
Our mission is to offer a wide range of tech solutions that can increase their ability to conduct business regionally, nationally and globally.
Spectrum Partners LLC is an organization that provides top-notch services as a trusted advisor for all
Spectrum will continue to encompass Information Security automation through every viable signal stream technology and infrastructure, delivering the new generation of automation as one of its reliable solutions that is consistently delivered, protected and sustained.
Enterprise Information Technology needs. With the capability to provide overall programmatic support, they assess, design, deploy, and sustain data, voice, video, and converged technologies seamlessly within wired and wireless infrastructures. Spectrum Partners has strategic relationships with the industry's best providers, enabling recommendation services that best match customers' needs.
The company offers services in Emerging Technologies, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Unified Communications, Unified Messaging, Network Unified Storage, VoIP, and DoD Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) Approved Product List (APL) Solutions. While also managing and implementing support and upgrades for legacy voice systems while offering plans to modernize telecommunications infrastructures and options for hosted solutions. Spectrum Partners designs, implements and maintains the latest in 802.11 wireless technologies and mobility with a key focus on FIPS 140-2 compliance. The consultants are experienced in planning, designing and installing a cable plant management system that allows clients to manage the complex cable and fiber infrastructure required by today's networks.
Moreover, Spectrum Partners offers services in cost containment, including Telecom and Energy Expense Management, providing audits of wireline data and voice, and wireless billing on a contingency basis resulting in cost savings and/or refunds of past overbilled telecommunications invoices. Additionally, providing customized energy cost containment to the small, medium and large-sized commercial, industrial and government customers throughout the United States to help clients manage, control and reduce electricity and natural gas costs by working with all suppliers of natural gas and electricity on behalf of the clients.
Enlighten us on how you have impacted your niche through your expertise in the market.
I have always been active in advancing
telecommunications technology. During my term in graduate school, my capstone was a footprint for today's telehealth solution. I have developed contact (or call) centers for companies with locations nationwide, pioneered hosted solutions (today's cloud) and implemented automation allowing customer service reps to increase productivity.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.
Our company values include integrity, accountability, diversity and teamwork.
These core values direct every person on our team toward common goal-measurable actions that lead to client satisfaction and trust. They remind us that we share a bigger purpose.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you leveraging technological advancements to make your solutions resourceful?
Education! Spectrum updates its own internal systems, replaces outdated tools and trains team members on best practices. It's important to know and have experience with the technology we recommend.
What change would you like to bring to your industry if given a chance?
According to McKinsey & Company (2001), "The next generation of telcos will be defined by leaders who act now, risking short-term advantages to seize untapped growth with a holistic approach to transformation." My goal is to become one of those leaders and mentor others in the industry so they can realize their own business success.
What, according to you, could be the next significant change in your sector? How is your company preparing to be a part of that change?
I view the next significant change as the technology deliverables are expedient with secure delivery of all telecommunications paths. This rapidly approaching transformation requires Spectrum to plan strategically, maintaining its place as a forward-looking business centered on growth, security and sustainability.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for your company?
I envision myself navigating Spectrum through the trends and advances in the telecommunication industry and increasing its share in the tech sector. Spectrum will continue to encompass Information Security automation through every viable signal stream technology and infrastructure, delivering the new generation of automation as one of its reliable solutions that is consistently delivered, protected and sustained.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into your sector?
Ÿ Don't be shy––attend events and network
Ÿ Maintain your best work-life balance
Ÿ Welcome feedback; view constructive criticism as seeds for growth
Ÿ Never stop learning!
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape,
technological advancements have become essential for companies to stay competitive and adapt to changing market dynamics. Tech leaders, who possess the vision, expertise, and strategic mindset, play a crucial role in driving transformations within organizations. They are instrumental in harnessing the power of technology to propel businesses forward and create new opportunities. This article explores how tech leaders are shaping the dynamic business arena by leveraging innovative solutions and driving digital transformations.
Tech leaders understand the significance of digital transformation and its potential to revolutionize traditional business models. They recognize the need for companies to adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and big data analytics. By championing the integration of these technologies, tech leaders drive organizational agility, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experiences.
Innovation is a cornerstone of success in today's business world, and tech leaders are catalysts for fostering a culture of innovation within their organizations. They encourage their teams to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and embrace a mindset of continuous learning. By creating an environment that values and rewards
innovation, tech leaders empower their employees to develop groundbreaking solutions and drive business growth.
In the age of big data, tech leaders understand the immense value that data holds. They champion datadriven decision-making processes by implementing robust analytics frameworks and leveraging business intelligence tools. By extracting actionable insights from vast amounts of data, tech leaders enable organizations to make informed strategic choices, optimize processes, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Tech leaders recognize that successful transformations require collaboration and cross-functional integration across different departments. They bridge the gap between IT and other business units, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment between technology initiatives and overall business objectives. By breaking down silos and encouraging crossfunctional teams, tech leaders create synergies that drive innovation, efficiency, and improved communication within the organization.
Tech leaders understand that their success is directly tied to the capabilities of their teams. They focus on nurturing talent, building diverse and agile teams, and
fostering a learning environment. They invest in upskilling and reskilling initiatives, mentorship programs, and leadership development to ensure their organizations have the necessary expertise to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape. By empowering their teams, tech leaders cultivate a culture of growth, collaboration, and adaptability.
Embracing Disruptive Technologies:
Tech leaders are at the forefront of identifying and embracing disruptive technologies that have the potential to reshape industries. They keep a pulse on emerging trends and evaluate their strategic implications for the business. Whether it's blockchain, augmented reality, or quantum computing, tech leaders understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve and positioning their organizations as industry leaders in the face of disruptive innovation.
Encouraging Agile and Iterative Approaches:
Tech leaders understand the importance of agility in today's fast-paced business environment. They promote agile methodologies, such as Agile and DevOps, to enable faster and iterative development cycles. By embracing these approaches, tech leaders ensure that their teams can quickly respond to market changes, adapt to customer feedback, and deliver highquality solutions in a timely manner.
Emphasizing Cybersecurity and Risk Management:
With the increasing reliance on technology, cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses. Tech leaders play a crucial role in driving cybersecurity initiatives and ensuring robust risk management practices. They understand the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with technological advancements and work towards implementing comprehensive security measures to protect sensitive data, systems, and customer information.
Navigating Regulatory and Compliance Challenges:
In an era of evolving regulations and compliance requirements, tech leaders must navigate the complex landscape to ensure their organizations remain compliant. They stay informed about industry-specific regulations, such as data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), and work closely with legal and compliance
teams to develop strategies that meet regulatory standards while enabling innovation and growth.
Collaborating with External Partners and Startups:
Tech leaders recognize the value of external partnerships and collaborations with startups and technology vendors. They actively seek opportunities to leverage the expertise and innovations of external partners to accelerate transformation efforts. By forging strategic alliances, tech leaders can tap into specialized knowledge, access cutting-edge technologies, and explore new market opportunities.
Promoting Ethical and Responsible Technology Use:
As technology continues to advance, tech leaders understand the importance of ethical and responsible technology use. They prioritize ethical considerations in the development and deployment of technologies, ensuring that they align with societal values, respect user privacy, and avoid biases. By championing responsible technology practices, tech leaders build trust among customers, stakeholders, and the wider community.
Tech leaders are pivotal in driving transformations in the dynamic business arena. Their ability to embrace digital transformation, foster innovation, leverage data, drive collaboration, nurture talent, and navigate emerging trends and disruptions enables organizations to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and leading with vision, tech leaders shape the future of businesses and drive sustainable growth in the everevolving business landscape.
Aleader is someone who realizes there is always room for improvement, even if they are already skilled in a particular area. In order to effectively solve problems, leaders need to have strong analytical and critical thinking abilities as well as the capacity to remain composed under pressure. They must also be able to quickly recognize original solutions that make the best use of the resources at hand.
In addition to being a crucial leadership skill, the capacity to deal with issues as they arise while remaining upbeat and mission-focused can set a great example for workers. No matter how well we plan, things can still go wrong.
These traits exemplify the leader who envisions enabling eternal innovations and developments towards new betterments. This is where Charity Chitalu Mwanza , CEO of Digital PayGo, excels in the spotlight.
Digital PayGo is a mobile-first Fintech company with a base in Zambia; it offers solutions for digital financial inclusion. These solutions aim to build a digital ecosystem by focusing on users of mobile wallets, people who are financially excluded, financial institutions, and service providers.
In an interview with CIOLook, Charity Chitalu Mwanza shares valuable facts highlighting her journey and professional tenure in the dynamic business arena.
Following are the excerpts from the interview:
Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at your company. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today?
Information Technology Helpdesk Coordinator was where I began my journey. In this role, I was providing end users support post-core banking system upgrade. The development of my problem-solving abilities to promote change started at an early age in my professional life.
I spent my first nine years at the bank working in the information technology department before moving on to transaction banking, project management, and digital transformation. I finished my amazing tenure at the bank by leading the Strategy and Innovation department where my enthusiasm for innovation and change was harnessed.
The need for change gave birth to the concept of founding a fintech business to provide solutions for digital financial inclusion. From the conception of the
At Digital Paygo, we are firm believers in the possibility of cooperative alliances and interoperability to achieve our goal of eliminating barriers to financial inclusion.
idea to the launch of the Digital PayGo brand, it took 13 sleepless months.
There have been detours along the way. I have encountered conflicts in the workplace, prejudice against women, self-doubt, toxic workplace politics, unsuccessful product developments, compliance issues, and the stress and workload that comes with starting up Fintech operations.
Tell us something more about your company and its mission and vision.
At Digital Paygo, we are firm believers in the possibility of cooperative alliances and interoperability to achieve our goal of eliminating barriers to financial inclusion. Digital PayGo is a marketplace for mobile payment solutions with the goal of taking a concentrated approach to expand the digital ecosystem.
Our digital products include a Virtual Farmers Market (MAANO), Payment Aggregation Services, Shared Agent Banking, Merchant Mobile Payment Solutions, and a Kid's Money Management App. (MYJUBA). By 2025, Digital PayGo desires to be Zambia's top provider of digital shared services.
Enlighten us on how you have impacted your niche through your expertise in the market.
Many value chain activities have been made simpler by our Virtual Farmers market, a mobile platform that connects smallholder farmers to markets and linkages access.
Quick and simple farmer onboarding is provided, along with transaction tracking and pricing transparency. After 7 months of the product debut, we onboarded 21K+ farmers from 178 rural districts of Zambia.
The platform offers value-added services like weather index insurance, making it simple for smallholder farmers to protect their crops.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.
Innovation and agility are ingrained in all we do. We frequently go above and beyond because we are passionate about solving community problems.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you leveraging technological advancements to make your solutions resourceful?
The team ensures that technology is used to simplify the customer journey or solve a specific problem. Digitalize 100% of the MSMEs.
What, according to you, could be the next significant change in your sector? How is your company preparing to be a part of that change?
With the rise of AI, robotic process automation, smart contracts, and virtual reality, the future is exciting. As Digital PayGo, our mid to long-term technology strategy positions the organization to exploit the business opportunities resulting from these technologies.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for your company?
Continue to use technology to solve community challenges for Zambia and Africa at large. I envision a time when all smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa will adopt smart farming.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into your sector?
Identify a problem and deliver a customer-centric solution with passion and tenacity, and then the money will follow.
Leadership is a multifaceted concept that
encompasses a wide range of skills, traits, and behaviors. Effective leadership is vital for organizations to achieve their goals, inspire their teams, and navigate through challenges. In this article, we will explore and comprehend the various aspects of leadership, shedding light on the key components that contribute to successful leadership.
Leadership begins with a clear vision and the ability to think strategically. Exceptional leaders have the capacity to envision a future state for their organization and develop a roadmap to achieve it. They possess a deep understanding of the industry landscape, anticipate trends, and identify opportunities. By aligning their teams with a compelling vision and strategic goals, leaders inspire and motivate their members to work towards a shared purpose.
Communication lies at the heart of leadership. A leader must be able to articulate ideas, convey expectations,
and provide feedback effectively. Excellent communication skills enable leaders to connect with their teams, build trust, and foster a collaborative environment. Leaders who listen actively, encourage open dialogue, and ensure clarity in their messages create a sense of belonging and enable effective decision-making.
Emotional Intelligence and Empathy:
Leadership is not solely about technical skills; it requires emotional intelligence and empathy. Leaders with high emotional intelligence understand their own emotions and those of others. They can navigate through complex interpersonal dynamics, build strong relationships, and motivate their teams. Empathy allows leaders to understand the needs and perspectives of their team members, demonstrating care and support while making decisions that consider the well-being of individuals and the organization.
Leading by Example:
Leaders must embody the values and behaviors they expect from their teams. Leading by example is a
powerful way to inspire and influence others. When leaders demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic, they set the tone for the entire organization. By consistently exhibiting the desired attitudes and behaviors, leaders create a culture that fosters high performance, trust, and professionalism.
Effective leaders understand the importance of building strong teams and investing in their development. They recognize the unique strengths of their team members, assign tasks accordingly, and empower individuals to contribute their best work. Leaders also provide support, mentorship, and opportunities for growth, fostering a learning environment that nurtures talent and promotes continuous improvement.
Leaders are frequently confronted with complex decisions and challenging problems. They possess strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, enabling them to evaluate options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions. Additionally, leaders embrace a proactive problem-solving approach, encouraging their teams to think creatively, experiment with new solutions, and learn from failures. They foster an environment where problems are seen as opportunities for growth and innovation.
In a rapidly changing world, leaders must be adaptable and resilient. They are open to new ideas, embrace change, and guide their teams through transitions effectively. Resilient leaders maintain a positive attitude, bounce back from setbacks, and inspire resilience in others. By embracing change and navigating through uncertainties, leaders position their organizations for success in dynamic and challenging environments.
Leaders understand the importance of delegation and empowering their team members. They recognize that they cannot do everything themselves and trust their team to take ownership of tasks and projects. By delegating responsibilities and providing the necessary authority, leaders not only lighten their own workload
but also foster growth and development within their teams. Empowered team members feel valued and motivated, resulting in increased productivity and better outcomes.
Leadership involves taking responsibility for one's actions and holding oneself and others accountable. Effective leaders set clear expectations, establish performance metrics, and provide regular feedback to their team members. They promote a culture of accountability where individuals take ownership of their work and are responsible for delivering results. Transparency is also crucial, as leaders openly communicate information about decisions, strategies, and challenges, fostering trust and credibility among team members.
Great leaders are lifelong learners who consistently seek opportunities for growth and self-improvement. They stay updated with industry trends, seek feedback, and actively pursue professional development. Leaders encourage a culture of continuous learning within their teams, supporting their members in acquiring new skills, knowledge, and experiences. By demonstrating a commitment to personal growth, leaders inspire their teams to strive for excellence and adapt to evolving circumstances.
Leadership encompasses a diverse range of aspects, including delegation, empowerment, accountability, transparency, continuous learning, influencing, motivating, ethical decision-making, risk-taking, and innovation. Effective leaders leverage these aspects to inspire, guide, and empower their teams, fostering a culture of excellence, trust, and growth. By understanding and embracing these multifaceted aspects, individuals can develop their leadership skills and make a significant impact within their organizations and beyond.
Commencing his journey as a business leader over
two decades ago, the first few years of Giuliano Liguori 's career were spent in IT consulting, followed by stints as CIO of government agencies, passenger transportation companies and manufacturing firms.
He worked on various complex projects, which gave me a deep understanding of the industry. In January 2022, He Co-founded Kenovy with a vision to help businesses leverage digital technologies to transform their operations.
Since then, the company has grown from a small startup to a leading player in the digital transformation space. Overcoming challenges is an integral part of any entrepreneur's journey. For Giuliano and Kenovy, it was about establishing a quality benchmark in a highly competitive market and building a team that shares its vision and values.
In an interview with CIOLook, Giuliano shares valuable facts that highlight the significance of Kenovy in the dynamic business arena.
Tell us something more about your company and its mission and vision.
At Kenovy, we're passionate about technology and its transformative role in businesses of all sizes. Our focus is on digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence because these areas have enormous potential to help businesses achieve their goals and realize their full potential.
Our mission is to help businesses achieve success by leveraging the power of technology. We believe that technology can be a powerful enabler for growth and innovation, and we work with our clients to design and
implement customized solutions that meet their unique needs.
Our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative digital solutions that empower businesses to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Enlighten us on how you have impacted your niche through your expertise in the market.
We have impacted our niche by delivering high-quality digital transformation services that help our clients streamline their processes, improve their productivity, and drive growth.
Our expertise in the market has allowed us to develop innovative solutions that leverage the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics.
We have also established ourselves as a thought leader in the industry, regularly publishing content and participating in events to share our insights and knowledge.
Our culture is characterized by collaboration, openness and continuous learning.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.
At Kenovy, our values are centered around innovation, excellence, and inclusivity. We strive to be at the forefront of technological innovation and to deliver excellence in everything we do. We also believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity, and we actively work to create a work culture that values and supports every member of our team.
Our culture is characterized by collaboration, openness and continuous learning. We encourage our team members to share their ideas and perspectives and provide them with the tools and resources they need to grow and develop their skills. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in their growth and development.
Technology is at the core of our business, and we leverage the latest technological advancements to make our solutions more resourceful. We use technologies such as AI, machine learning, and automation to deliver innovative solutions enabling businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
We constantly explore new technologies and invest in research and development to stay ahead of the curve. We also faced challenges in scaling up our operations and expanding into new geographies.
But through sheer determination and hard work, we have been able to overcome these challenges and achieve our goals. And it has been a fulfilling and challenging experience so far.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you leveraging technological advancements to make your solutions resourceful?
We are leveraging technological advancements by constantly researching and experimenting with the latest tools and platforms. We have a team of experts who are constantly seeking out new technologies and methodologies that can help us deliver more value to our clients. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique requirements and develop solutions that are tailored to their needs.
Our approach is agile, and we stay on top of the latest technological trends to ensure that our solutions are innovative and effective. We also invest heavily in training and development to ensure that our team members are up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices.
By staying on the cutting edge of technology, we are able to design and implement solutions that are not only resourceful but also sustainable and scalable.
What change would you like to bring to your industry if given a chance?
As a technology company, Kenovy recognizes the growing importance of ethical and responsible AI. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize many industries and aspects of our lives, but it also presents significant ethical challenges. For example, AI can perpetuate biases and discrimination, invade privacy, and erode human autonomy if not developed and implemented responsibly.
Therefore, if given the chance, I would like to bring a greater focus on ethical and responsible AI to Kenovy. This includes not only ensuring that our solutions adhere to ethical standards but also proactively promoting and advocating for ethical AI principles within the industry and among our clients.
At Kenovy, we believe in building solutions that are not only innovative and effective but also ethical and socially responsible. We understand that ethical considerations need to be integrated into the development and implementation of AI from the outset rather than as an afterthought. This requires us to consider issues such as data privacy, bias, and transparency throughout the entire AI development lifecycle.
To achieve this, we prioritize ongoing education and training for our team members and collaborate with ethics and human rights experts. We also engage in discussions with our clients to ensure that their ethical considerations are incorporated into the design and deployment of our AI solutions.
I believe that promoting ethical and responsible AI is critical to building trust in AI and unlocking its full potential for positive impact.
What, according to you, could be the next significant change in your sector? How is your company preparing to be a part of that change?
As the CEO of Kenovy, I believe that the next significant change in our sector will be the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. We are already witnessing the immense potential of AI and ML in transforming various industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. At Kenovy, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these emerging technologies and leveraging their power to deliver even more value to our clients.
To prepare for this change, we are investing heavily in research and development to further enhance our expertise in AI and ML. We are also continuously expanding our partnerships and collaborations with leading technology firms to ensure that we can provide the most cutting-edge solutions to our clients.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for your company?
In the long run, I envision Kenovy as a global leader in digital transformation and AI-powered solutions. Our goal is to become the go-to partner for businesses looking to leverage technology to stay ahead of the curve and drive growth. We plan to achieve this by continuing to invest in our people, processes, and technology, while staying true to our core values of innovation, excellence, and collaboration.
We also aim to expand our reach and bring our solutions to businesses across the world through strategic partnerships and collaborations. We believe that technology has the power to transform lives and businesses, and we are committed to being at the forefront of this transformation.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into your sector?
Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the digital transformation and AI sector should stay curious, focused, and true to their vision. This field evolves quickly, so it's essential to understand the latest technologies, market trends, and business needs.
To succeed, entrepreneurs should invest in their teams and foster an innovative, collaborative culture. They should also be willing to take risks, experiment, and learn from failure, which can help them deepen their knowledge of the industry and develop strong leadership skills.
For those interested in the tech sector, agility and innovation are key. As the industry continues to change rapidly, entrepreneurs must be adaptable and open to change.
Overall, success in the tech industry requires prioritizing innovation, customer satisfaction, and employee well-being. Innovation helps entrepreneurs stay ahead of the competition, while prioritizing customer satisfaction fosters loyalty.
Building a motivated team that cares about the company's success requires prioritizing employee wellbeing. Finally, entrepreneurs must be able to adapt to change quickly in this dynamic industry.
