GET TO KNOW...
On the lighter side of things, we ask the
industry experts what makes them tick. . . .
Ziaad Suleman,
Chief Operating Officer at IBM South Africa
What would you describe as your
most memorable achievements?
Representing IBM as the managing and lead
lawyer for Sub-Saharan Africa, looking after
24 countries. I was involved in establishing
entities in these countries, a task which was
both challenging and rewarding. My COO
role spans a wide spectrum of responsibility
over multiple business units covering
strategy, transformation and operations,
special investments and projects, real estate,
procurement and BEE.
What first made you think of a
career in technology?
After studying my law degree and having
always had a flair for business, the natural
route for me was to move into a corporate
or commercial organisation where my
academic knowledge could blend with my
natural business acumen. My first technology
related adventure was being involved in the
establishment of the SNO (Second Network
Operator) which has evolved into Neotel. My
affinity for technology and innovation grew
and I started working for IBM 11 years ago.
IBM is now a leading technology innovator
that has positively enhanced corporates and
the lives of individuals for over 100 years.
Today it remains current and continues to
positively transform business and society for
the better, using emerging technologies such
as Big Data and Analytics, IoT, Blockchain
and Quantum computing.
www.intelligentcio.com
What style of management
philosophy do you employ with your
current position?
I have a flexible management style which
is circumstantially adaptable. Regardless of
the situation, I always remain professional
and respectable. I generally allow my team
the space and freedom to get on with
their work, but I do expect to see thought
leadership and results. If these attributes
are lacking then I move into a consultative
style of co-creating the path, strategy and/
or action plan.
Should the results still not manifest, then as
all good leaders, I roll up my sleeves and get
involved to ensure that the best interests of
the business are always served and that we
get the job done well.
“
I GENERALLY
ALLOW MY
TEAM THE
SPACE AND
FREEDOM TO
GET ON WITH
THEIR WORK,
BUT I DO EXPECT
TO SEE THOUGHT
LEADERSHIP
AND RESULTS.
INTELLIGENTCIO
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