Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 10 | Page 73

A DAY IN THE LIFE GET TO KNOW... On the lighter side of things, we ask the industry-experts what makes them tick. . . . Marko Salic, CEO of Argility Marko Salic, CEO of Argility – a leading technology innovator of customer-centric enterprise software solutions for over 30 years – brings a young, innovative and vibrant attitude to doing business in the South African technology arena. Here is an opportunity to ‘Get to Know’ him. What would you describe as your most memorable achievement? It’s difficult to single one out but the time I represented South Africa at the 2002 World Cyber-Olympic Games in Korea is one of my more memorable achievements. What first made you think of a career in technology? I’ve always been passionate about technology and its wider applications. I could spend days reading and learning about advances in technology, IT and different networks. I feel the understanding comes naturally to me and I knew this is where I would end up. What style of management philosophy do you employ in your current position? Lead by example, be ethical and accountable and people will come with you. www.intelligentcio.com What do you think is the current technology trend of 2017 and why? There are a number, but I would say that the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are right at the top of the list. IoT because most ‘things’ today are connected, and these ‘things’ and the data they produce are at the core of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. AI is popular and currently trending because it can be used to enhance so many aspects of our personal and professional lives. It is a disruptive technology with the potential to disturb and unsettle a variety of different industries. Combining IoT and AI is the future. These are the technologies that will drive the adoption and development of smart cities, self-driving cars, robotics, self- diagnosing healthcare and more! How do you deal with stress and unwind outside of the office? Sport and spending time with my girls is how I unwind. In my experience, exercise and pushing oneself physically is unmatched when it comes to managing the stress of one’s busy life in our fast-paced world. If you could go back and change one career decision, what would it be? Pay more attention in accounting classes! n INTELLIGENTCIO 73