GET TO KNOW
for growth, development and innovation
on the continent. This, however, requires
that the private and public sectors
support these young businesses as they
set out to introduce innovations which
could potentially change not just the
livelihoods of communities, but entire
countries and regions. Access to the
market in the sense of larger business
providing partnering opportunities with
and procuring from SMMEs.
What changes to your job role have
you seen in the last year and how
do you see these developing in the
next 12 months?
What do you think are the current
hot technology talking points?
Big Data and Analytics – firstly managing
the vast quantity of data and secondly
utilising such data to provide meaningful
insights using analytics.
The effective usage of data is a powerful
market differentiator because people and
businesses who understand data and utilise
the data insights meaningfully will have an
improved understanding of the customer
requirement in order to influence consumer
and social behaviour. Blockchain is also a
hot talking point.
The underlying benefit of this platform
enthuses shared value and allows for the
creation of new innovative business models,
thereby boosting economic growth and
provides for complete transparency and
trust. At IBM, we believe that Blockchain will
revolutionise the world just as the Internet did.
How do you deal with stress and
unwind outside the office?
Spending time with my family and
watching my daughters play competitive
sport. I also play squash and golf and
like to keep fit. I also collect sports
memorabilia and expanding my vintage
toy collection which includes a Marklin
train layout, large Scalextric track and a
Lego city.
72
INTELLIGENTCIO
If you could go back and change one
career decision what would it be?
I have no regrets. I am a firm believer that your
path has been laid out for you and that you
should make the best of every opportunity.
What do you currently identify as
the major areas of investment in
your industry?
On the technology front, I would say
cloud, security, data science and analytics,
Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
On the people front, skills development is key
for new collar jobs. All people, especially the
youth, must be equipped with the correct skills
set to solve real world problems in order to
take advantage of the opportunities presented
by the emergence of the Fourth Industrial
revolution. The enablement and support of
smaller business is critical to growing the
economy and reducing unemployment.
What are the region-specific
challenges when implementing new
technologies in Africa?
Connectivity. While the world of work is
changing, we need to do a lot more to give
people (youth especially) access to these
technologies. With access, they can realise the
opportunities they present and apply them
to new innovations the continent so needs. I
believe entrepreneurship is a major catalyst
Agility and innovative transformation
have become more important now than
ever before. I see this trend continuing as
customers and the general market demand
increased efficiency and optimisation using
the emerging technologies. Additionally,
the Net Promoter Score Index continues
to gain momentum and is growing in
significance as the yardstick balancing
expectation against delivery.
What advice would you offer
somebody aspiring to obtain a
C-level position in your industry?
Substance and technical knowledge is key and
will allow one to positively influence and guide.
Thought leadership and problem solving – all
within a team environment – will drive your
growth. The best leaders are accountable and
deliver results. Tenacity, resilience, good work
ethic, structure and discipline will get you to
where you want to go. n
“
AGILITY AND
INNOVATIVE
TRANSFORMATION
HAVE BECOME
MORE IMPORTANT
NOW THAN
EVER BEFORE.
www.intelligentcio.com