GET TO KNOW
“
these technologies, as a business we have to
look at the reality versus hype and identify
where we can implement these today and
how we should be gearing ourselves to
implement them in the future. You have
to take a step back from the ‘excitement’
as executing and implementing new
technologies can be difficult when they
are still in a ‘hype’ cycle. That said, as
innovators, Axis is always looking at how
new technology will positively impact the
solutions we provide our customers.
How do you deal with stress and
unwind outside the office?
I enjoy a nice glass of wine and I love sports,
movies and exercise. I always feel that the
best ideas come to you when you are taking
time out to relax. My family is exceptionally
important to me and I enjoy spending
time with them, which is why I place such
emphasis on a work-life balance.
If you could go back and change one
career decision what would it be?
I have a deep love for sustainability matters,
including conservation of our planet and the
climate issues facing us today. In addition, one
of my passions is looking for ways to better
conquer the waste management crisis facing
our planet. I would love to get more involved
with CSR activities that drive awareness and
support the fight in tackling these issues.
What do you currently identify as
the major areas of investment in
your industry?
Analytics is really the next step in the
development of advancing chip sets in our
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INTELLIGENTCIO
business. At Axis, we are always looking to
optimise the usage of the infrastructure
already in place, and one way that this
will really come to fruition is by making
the cameras and the software solutions
managing them more intelligent.
What are the region-specific
challenges when implementing new
technologies in Africa?
Africa is an exceptionally innovative region,
however there are still some markets where
there is a dearth of quality infrastructure
and some lack the fibre speeds that are
the catalysts needed for innovation. These
challenges make technology expensive as in
some instances you can’t leverage a legacy
environment to build a solution.
That said, I have seen some of the most
creative concepts come out of the continent,
as challenges often breed creativity and
as Africans are eager to compete on a
global stage, they are constantly looking at
different ways of doing things to achieve
their goals.
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 technology market in general is facing
challenges and as a result there is a fair
amount of uncertainty which then shrinks
the available investment.
Remember, a stable industry and
environment breeds growth, and while the
market is in a bit of flux, we are also facing
AFRICA IS AN
EXCEPTIONALLY
INNOVATIVE
REGION,
HOWEVER
THERE ARE STILL
SOME MARKETS
WHERE THERE
IS A DEARTH
OF QUALITY
INFRASTRUCTURE
AND SOME
LACK THE FIBRE
SPEEDS THAT ARE
THE CATALYSTS
NEEDED FOR
INNOVATION.
myriad political and economic challenges
across many regions. This makes it difficult
for businesses to make decisions about their
future and to invest in a market.
What advice would you offer
somebody aspiring to obtain a
C-level position in your industry?
Build a network of contacts with
influential people and do not be afraid of
approaching people at a higher level than
you and having a discussion with them. I
also suggest you listen to leaders in your
field and ask them the tough questions
you have. On a personal level, you must
be open to advice and constructive
criticism. Ask the people in your networks
for guidance and use the experience you
glean to grow yourself. Remember, it is
also important to have a network of peers
outside of your work environment that you
can tap into. n
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