TOP GLOBAL CIOs
to Digital models. To do this, IT and business strategy must be aligned, and age-old traditional process driven methods will be replaced with adaptability and agility. Our team will work on technologies like Cloud Computing, Advanced Analytics and use of AR/ VR solutions to enhance user experience, accelerate product development.
HOW DO YOU BUILD YOUR TEAMS?
Its important to build your team for the right attitude. A good add to our team is someone who can blend in and add to the company’s culture and values and can easily learn new skills. With ever changing technologies, demands of customers, hiring for only skills is a thing of past.
CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT A TIME YOU LEAD A CULTURALLY DIVERSE TEAM?
I’ve have been extremely fortunate to have always worked in extremely diverse teams. Especially in an environment which is looking for innovative and creative solutions, a diverse team can bring great insights on solutioning. It is important though when leading a culturally diverse team to recognize the differences, have open clear methods of communication and encourage adoption.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT COLLABORATION ACROSS DEPARTMENTS?
Be transparent and communicative. It’s a simple rule. Most of us are looking for positive collaborative efforts, however sometimes we have pre-notions and that can create barriers. Understand the challenges and be empathic, when entering a meeting don’t already go with a solution but the ability to understand the process and challenges.
WHAT ENERGIZES YOU IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND WHAT DEPLETES YOU?
and that this would change the way we work in the future. We setup a task force which examined every little aspect of our function and identified an action plan to adopt to the future proof model of IT. From cutting down costs on operational topics and investments on technologies for remote working and digitalization.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT DECISION THAT YOU HAD TO MAKE AS A CIO? WHAT RESULT DID IT YIELD?
I took my current role in the middle of Pandemic and everything standard about IT operations required a re-boot. Changing the mindset of our stakeholders towards IT as the digital partner and changing the focus of internal teams to work on these topics is the most challenging task. Our refocused initiatives could save millions for the business, but also helped our employees and customers to adopt better to the remote working environment.
DO YOU SEE MORE CIOS TAKING UP BOARD POSITIONS?
Without a doubt, the significance of CIOs in evolving the digital business model is already getting recognized in many organizations and this will continue.
WHO IS THE ‘CIO OF TOMORROW’ AND WHAT QUALITIES WILL HE/ SHE IMBIBE?
The most energizing thing in my role is to see all stakeholders on the same page and willing to put the required efforts to adopt to new technologies and be a part of Digital Transformation. On the other hand, lack of in person social interactions with teams during these pandemic times can sometimes deplete me.
The CIO of tomorrow will take the role of the “Digital Partner” - driving sales and customer experience and directly responsible for this Digital Transformation.
WHICH WAS YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IN YOUR CURRENT COMPANY AND HOW DID IT IMPACT OR INFLUENCE THE BUSINESS?
Do – Be the first to adopt to new technologies. Don’t – Stop innovating
Siemens was able to recognize quite early the “The New Normal”
11. ONE DO AND DON’T FOR 2021
MAY 2021
THE TITANS
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