Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 56 | Page 72

GET TO KNOW across varied content formats stored in disparate digital repositories ( i . e ., file shares , cloud storage , cloud applications , etc .), including inside storage boxes and backup tapes – which makes it difficult to quickly and easily extract critical business information . These diverse storage systems make it much harder to leverage information for the purposes of driving revenue , enhancing customer experiences , achieving greater efficiencies , collaborations , and managing compliance .
At Iron Mountain , we believe technologies such as Artificial Intelligence ( AI ), Machine Learning ( ML ) and low code development techniques are crucial in delivering a flexible platform for companies to rapidly and strategically modernise their information systems while providing a federated search across multiple repositories to better extract value on from their data .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office ?
Family is very important to me . I spend most of my time with my family and I enjoy watching my daughters compete in sports and push themselves to be the best versions of themselves .
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
I wouldn ’ t change anything , each role I have held has presented a learning opportunity for me to upskill myself and has provided the building blocks for my current position .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
In today ’ s world , most organisations have embarked on their digitisation journeys , and this requires added investments in technologies that assist with moving the physical to digital . Today ’ s digital enterprises are confronting a growing universe of content , often siloed in legacy systems across multiple applications and business users . Highly regulated and process-driven industries – in particular financial services , healthcare and the public sector – are feeling the pain and an investment in cloud- based content services can deliver operational efficiency , ensure data security and address the changing business climate .
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in MEA ?
In South Africa , the global pandemic has brought about huge challenges to businesses who must now grasp the new ways of working . Businesses are now prioritising budgets to survive this period which means realigning strategies according to how customers are responding to the current climate .
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 ?
Legacy enterprise content management systems have evolved into content service platforms ( CSP ).
CSPs are much better equipped to assist organisations unlock the hidden value of their content wherever it resides through modern , AI-infused content-driven applications . They also assist to better facilitate operational efficiencies and ease compliance with new and more demanding regulations and security requirements such as the General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ) and Protection of Personal Information Act ( POPIA ).
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain C-level position in your industry ?
To always act with integrity and genuinely value people you work with and the customers you serve . p
72 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com