Throughout our more than 40 years in existence , SAS has partnered seamlessly with global system integrators , consulting firms and local system integrators . partner companies will earn a specialisation badge that can be used to promote and differentiate their organisation ’ s capabilities .
What are the latest trends you see emerging across the channel ?
The COVID-19 induced global shift to remote working has yielded new learnings in business agility and has paved the way for advanced technological solutions . Organisations are increasingly reliant on digitally-simplified , value-added , strategic support as they increase their investments in cloud computing . To engage and meet partners and customers from various sectors at every level , it is crucial to provide tools that provide insights into customer demands , market opportunities , and enterprise priorities . Simplifying and enhancing the move to the virtual , at a time when consumers and vendors went online with their transactions , paves the way for data to become the biggest commodity to be harnessed .
Another trend is related to the education and embedding of data analytics and AI solutions within a companies ’ business framework , which is encouraged and thankfully becoming more prevalent . The focus on these learning stages especially in emerging markets is the key to unlocking significant impact and accelerated adoption of AI and analytics solutions .
What is your management philosophy ?
Personally , differentiating between leaders and those who lead is a crucial aspect of any management role . Simon Sinek , who was a part of SAS ’ s virtual Global Forum in 2020 , says that leaders hold a position of power or influence , while those who lead seek to inspire . My management philosophy has evolved over the years and will continue to do through the engagement within this diverse region that we operate in . I have been geared towards inspiring others , by empowering , supporting and making them dream big . To be able to demonstrate competence , we need to embrace trust and integrity , which are at the core of my philosophy . I believe that it is only when we start dreaming big that we start achieving big things and impossible actually means nothing .
What made you think of a career in technology ?
Technology is the past , present and future . This industry is potentially the most challenging and inspiring sector . As an industry , technology ’ s core purpose is breaking new ground and reimagining how anything – old or new – is or can be done . With the vision , support and encouragement from people in my life , a career in tech and an opportunity to play a role in shaping the future were motivators for me to pursue it . I fully believe that it keeps your mind young and fresh , allowing you to have an all-access pass to organisations and initiatives worldwide .
What do you think will be the hot technology talking point of 2021 ?
Apart from the technologies that address the need for remote connectivity and efficiency , undoubtedly Artificial Intelligence , Machine Learning , Blockchain , virtual reality and cloud computing will continue to dominate the conversation among demographicallydiverse segments of society . Also , the rollout of 5G worldwide will be a game-changer for nations , people and governments . If 4G created the mobile app business , which honestly has changed all our lives , I see 5G as the start of a brave new future . •
The rollout of 5G worldwide will be a game-changer for nations , people and governments .
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