On the lighter side of things , we ask the industry experts what makes them tick . . . .
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Collin Govender , Managing Director , Altron Karabina
wWhat would you describe as your most a memorable achievement ?
Although I ’ ve spent the bulk of my career as a technical professional , my most memorable achievement came during my time as VP of Human Resources at T-Systems South Africa . At the time , the HR team that I took over was rated in the bottom 10 % of Deutsche Telekom ’ s worldwide subsidiaries . Within a three-year period , I travelled to Germany where I was recognised for transforming this team into one of the top three
Altron Karabina is a Microsoft Gold Partner in South Africa and Africa that helps organisations to enable the modernisation of their business strategy by bringing Digital Transformation and technology together . We hear from Collin Govender who discusses his career in the IT industry and solution provider space , and how he likes to relax and unwind outside the office .
HR Departments within Deutsche Telekom ’ s global network . This role and experience really underscored that leadership matters . Instead of replacing people , I learned to work with them and to make sure that I was enhancing their individual strengths – along with implementing solid stakeholder management across the rest of the business .
What first made you think of a career in technology ?
I ’ ve always been interested in computers and I set out to study computer science at university . However , I ran out of funding in year two and joined a logistics company instead – where I worked in the warehouse as
forklift driver . With my interest in computers still very much intact , I was soon co-opted to join the ‘ computer room guys ’ in the IT department at this company and began to learn about everything from running network cables to coding and solving highly technical IT problems . I was forced to learn everything from scratch , which for me , provided a better education than attending university . This experience definitely laid the foundation for the highly pragmatic and get-the-jobdone approach that I have embodied ever since !
What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position ?
The core of my leadership style is a pragmatic and nononsense attitude . I wear my heart on my sleeve and always look to empower people and provide them with opportunities rather than replacing them . My task as a leader is to drive outcomes and remove obstacles for teams and individuals , instead of trying to make everyone ‘ perfect ’, I strive to cater to individual strengths and talent . I believe this is where the energy comes from : identifying and enhancing existing strengths ( instead of putting energy where there is likely to be little return ).
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