Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 28 | Page 72

GET TO KNOW What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in Africa? When we look at Africa, it’s easy to see how fast we are moving forward. By 2050, it is estimated that Africa will boast a US$29 trillion economy. It will have the largest youth labour market in the world that, if empowered through the correct education and skills development initiatives, could be the engine that propels the future global economy. Africa is modernising at an unmatched rate. The challenge will be to train our youth and have them prepared for what many are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution. see AI as ‘amazing innovation’ and not an ‘anxiety index’. AI-powered ‘no collar’ workers will undeniably change the nature of work and some jobs are likely to disappear. Africa needs to embrace AI in pursuit of productivity in non-differentiating areas of the business so that human talent can be directed towards activities such as building customer relationships, solving complex problems and creating new opportunities – all things which AI cannot do. How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office? I can strike a balance between my career and my family, with thanks to a loving husband and two daughters. Quality family time and entertaining friends and loved ones over a good meal is how I break away from the pressures and stress of work life. I also love to travel. If you could go back and change one career decision what would it be? Every choice and decision I have made in my career, good or bad, has led me to where I am today. Occasionally I wonder, ‘what if I had chosen differently or fate had dealt me a slightly different hand?’ but where I stand today, working for an amazing international organisation and surrounded by creative, driven and caring colleagues, I am more than fulfilled with my career and happy with the choices I have made to be where I am today. 72 INTELLIGENTCIO What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry? The word ‘experience’ has taken over the software market, and for good reason. The customer experience is a driving force behind SAP’s own Digital Transformation efforts and is of the highest priorities for success in building a seamless digital journey for our customers. As we’ve delved deeper into SAP’s Digital Transformation, we’ve been laser focused on championing a customer-centric ethos and being available to our customers wherever they are. “ EVERY CHOICE AND DECISION I HAVE MADE IN MY CAREER, GOOD OR BAD, HAS LED ME TO WHERE I AM TODAY. 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? The most significant change I have seen is the heightened importance of building trust. In the last few years we have seen a convergence of change happening across Africa and in our industry at a pace that is staggering. Strategies around digitisation and what many are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution plus the acceleration of cloud offerings are some examples of the changes taking place in our industry. What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain C-level position in your industry? Aspiring to the C-Level position means one needs to take more risks and be prepared to take on more challenging roles. One of the greatest obstacles we face is staying in the C-suite. By default, if you can get there, you need to stay there, and then reach back and inspire others to follow suit. Surprisingly, one of the key challenges I have seen over the years is a lack of support. My belief is that we need to support and empower each other much more, laying the foundation for our progress through our work. n www.intelligentcio.com