Top 10 Tech Leaders Driving Technological Transformation in 2024

VOL 01 I ISSUE 09 I 2024 Top 10 Tech Leaders Driving in 2024 Technological Transformation Eng. Khalid Farooq Group Chief Information Officer Light Current Systems Planning Consultant Shefaa Al Orman Foundation & Hospitals Digital Health Pioneer: Eng. Digital Health Pioneer: Eng. Khalid Khalid Faroo Faroo Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Through Technology Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Through Technology

The only constant in the technology industry is change

Agility of the Adaptive Minds echnology plays a pivotal role in driving Innovation rarely occurs in isolation, and effective innovation and shaping the future of industries. tech leaders foster a culture of collaboration. They T Behind these transformative changes are tech encourage cross-functional teamwork, value diverse leaders who possess a unique set of attributes that perspectives, and create an environment where propel their organizations to new heights. employees feel empowered to share ideas. By promoting collaboration, tech leaders harness the Tech leaders driving innovation possess a clear and collective intelligence of their teams, driving creativity forward-thinking vision. They can anticipate future and innovation. trends, understand emerging technologies, and envision how these elements can be integrated into Effective leadership is crucial for driving innovation. Editor's Editor's Editor's their business strategies. They inspire their team by Featuring the enthralling stories of the Top 10 Tech painting a compelling picture of the future, aligning Leaders Driving Technological Transformation in everyone towards a common goal. 2024, CIOLook features the charismas who are not merely managers; they are visionaries who navigate The pace of technological change is relentless, and the complexities of technology and business with a successful tech leaders are agile and adaptable. They keen eye on the future. embrace change, encourage experimentation, and are confident to pivot when necessary. This flexibility Their adaptability, analytical prowess, collaborative enables them to navigate uncertainties, capitalize on spirit, continuous learning mindset, risk-taking Note Note Note emerging opportunities, and steer their organizations resilience, and customer-centric focus are the driving through evolving market conditions. forces behind the transformative changes. By embodying these attributes, they inspire their teams, Tech leaders rely on data-driven decision-making to foster a culture of innovation, and propel their inform their strategies. They leverage analytics and organizations to success in an ever-changing data insights to understand customer behavior, landscape. market trends, and performance metrics. This analytical mindset enables them to make informed Flip through the page and explore their odyssey of choices, minimize risks, and optimize their innovation excellence! initiatives for maximum impact. Anish Miller

Y R 22 O 08 Digital Health Pioneer: Eng. T S Khalid R Faroo E Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Through Technology V C O C O Visionary Futures and Breakthrough Dream Makers N A R T I C L E S T E 18 N T 32 S

Featured Person Company Name Brief Anne Clarke Wolff is a 30-year transformational leader in the financial services industry with expertise managing large scale Anne Clarke Wolff Independence Point global businesses and working with companies through Founder & CEO independencepoint.com financial life cycles – from initial public offerings to mergers and acquisitions. Avik Sarkar Avik focuses on engaging diverse stakeholder groups Indian School of Business Senior Research Pooja M Bansal recognizing the need to broaden participation beyond the elite isb.edu Consultant & Indian population currently active in these conversations. Editor-in-Chief Visiting Faculty C CO ON NT TE EN NT T Claire Cockerton is a specialist in designing, building and Claire Cockerton Cockerton + Co F FO OL LL LO OW W U US S O ON N operating innovation centres. Deputy Editor Anish Miller Founder & CEO cockertonand.co www.facebook.com/ciolook Managing Editor Katherine Debora www.twi?er.com/ciolook Emily Dulin is an accomplished leader and corporate administrator with over 25 years of experience in management, WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON Emily Dulin Brooke USA strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, advertising, public D DE ES SI IG GN N relations, community/corporate outreach, special events and Chief Executive Officer BrookeUSA.org promotions. Visualizer Dave Bates Art & Design Director Davis Mar?n Jason Rothberg, CEO The expertise of the trio makes Xavatar a standalone Xavatar C CO ON NT TA AC CT T U US S O ON N Associate Designer Jameson Carl production company and redefining what Web3 entertainment Kevin Sharpley, COO & xavatar.co looks like. Gianfranco Bianchi, CCO Email info@ciolook.com S SA AL LE ES S Jeff help organizations take control of their service requests, For Subscrip?on Senior Sales Manager Wilson T., Hunter D. eWorkOrders work orders, preventive/scheduled maintenance, assets, Jeff Roscher www.ciolook.com employee, inventory, vendors, and much more and save money BrookeUSA.org President Customer Success Manager Sco? Burton doing it. Copyright © 2024 CIOLOOK, All Sales Execu?vesTim, Smith rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine Kevin Parikh is the CEO and Chairman of Avasant and the Kevin Parikh Avasant Group should not be reproduced or T TE EC CH HN NI IC CA AL L Avasant Foundation. transmitted in any form or by any CEO and Chairman avasant.com means, electronic, mechanical, Technical Head Peter Hayden photocopying, recording or Technical Consultant Victor Collins otherwise, without prior permission Eng. Khalid Farooq With a rich background and extensive experience, from CIOLOOK. Shefaa Al orman Hospitals Group Chief Information Khalid is emerging as a trailblazer in the intersection of Reprint rights remain solely with Officer, Light Current S SM ME E- -S SM MO O shefaorman.org healthcare and technology. CIOLOOK. Systems Planning Consultant Research Analyst Eric Smith SEO Execu?ve Alen Spencer Taryn aims to higher female-led tech & also social impact Taryn Andersen Impulse4women entrepreneurs' investments, connecting them with investors. CEO impulse4women.org sales@ciolook.com Todd Inskeep has delivered security leadership and innovation for over 25 years, and currently leads Incovate Solutions, January, 2024 Todd Inskeep Incovate Solutions focusing on executive engagement for cyber risk management Founder incovatesolutions.com and security program leadership throughout digital transformations.

C O V E Digital Health Pioneer: Eng. R S Eng. Khalid Farooq T Group Chief Information Officer Light Current O Systems Planning Consultant Khalid Shefaa Al Orman Khalid R Foundation & Hospitals Faroo Y Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Through Technology I fostered a culture of innovation, championed agility, adapting to the ever-shifting winds of the industry.

Novel Perspective Role of Technology in the Implementation of Augmented Marketing Approaches n the rapidly evolving landscape of marketing, businesses are continually seeking innovative approaches to engage I customers and gain a competitive edge. Augmented marketing, the fusion of traditional marketing with cutting-edge technology, has emerged as a game-changer. Leveraging technology in the implementation of augmented marketing approaches has proven instrumental in driving customer engagement, personalization, and overall business success. Enhanced Customer Experience through Augmented Reality (AR) Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes computer-generated content onto the user's real-world environment. Marketers have embraced AR to deliver immersive and interactive experiences to customers. For instance, retail brands have introduced AR try-on experiences, enabling customers to virtually try on clothing, makeup, or accessories before making a purchase. This enhances customer satisfaction and confidence in buying products online, reducing return rates and increasing conversions. Virtual Reality (VR) for Immersive Storytelling Virtual Reality (VR) takes customer engagement to another level by offering entirely immersive experiences. Marketers leverage VR to create compelling brand stories, transporting customers to virtual environments where they can explore, interact, and connect with products or services on a deeper level. From real estate virtual tours to virtual travel experiences, VR is transforming the way businesses engage and connect with their target audience. Personalization with AI and Big Data Analytics Data-driven marketing has become a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies. With the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics, businesses can gather, analyze, and 18 19 www.ciolook.com | January 4 202 | www.ciolook.com | January 2024 |

environment that values technological proficiency, Investing in Emerging Technologies leaders empower their teams to harness the full potential of emerging technologies. Innovation is often synonymous with the adoption of emerging technologies. Leaders need to stay informed Fostering Collaboration about the latest technological trends and be willing to invest strategically in innovations that align with their Effective integration of technology often requires organizational goals. Whether it's artificial intelligence, cross-functional collaboration. Leaders must break blockchain, or the Internet of Things, leaders must down silos within organizations, promoting assess the potential impact of these technologies on collaboration between departments to ensure seamless their industry and position their organizations adoption of technological solutions. By fostering an accordingly. environment where diverse perspectives converge, leaders harness the collective intelligence of their User-Centric Technological Integration teams, driving innovation and maximizing the impact of technological advancements. Leadership should prioritize user experience when implementing new technologies. Whether it's internal Ethical Leadership in the Digital Age tools for employees or customer-facing applications, a user-centric approach ensures that the technology As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven adds value and is embraced by its intended users. decision-making processes, leaders must prioritize Leaders should seek feedback from end-users, ethical considerations. Ethical leadership involves fostering a culture of continuous improvement in the setting a precedent for responsible use of technology, design and functionality of technological solutions. safeguarding privacy, and ensuring fair and unbiased Reskilling and Upskilling Initiatives practices. Leaders who prioritize ethical considerations in the adoption and implementation of technology not only build trust with stakeholders but also mitigate As technology evolves, leaders must address the skills potential risks associated with misuse of data. gap within their organizations. Implementing reskilling and upskilling initiatives is crucial to ensure that Agile Leadership employees possess the necessary competencies to work with new technologies. By investing in training The pace of technological change demands a shift programs, leaders not only enhance the capabilities of towards agile leadership. Leaders must be agile in their their workforce but also demonstrate a commitment to decision-making processes, responsive to market employee development, fostering a positive and dynamics, and open to feedback. Agile leadership forward-thinking organizational culture. empowers organizations to adapt quickly to emerging technologies, seize opportunities, and navigate The integration of leadership aspects with challenges with resilience. By fostering a culture of technological innovations is not a choice but a necessity agility, leaders create a competitive advantage in the for organizations aspiring to thrive in the digital era. rapidly evolving digital landscape. Visionary leaders who embrace change, build tech- savvy teams, foster collaboration, prioritize ethical Data-Driven Decision Making considerations, and exhibit agility are better positioned to navigate the complexities of the technological Leadership in the digital age requires a shift towards landscape. As organizations continue to evolve, the role data-driven decision-making. Leaders should of leadership in shaping the relationship between encourage the use of data analytics and insights to people and technology will be pivotal in determining inform strategic choices. By leveraging technology to success and sustainability. By proactively addressing gather and analyze data, leaders gain a deeper the intersection of leadership and technology, understanding of market trends, customer behaviour, organizations can pave the way for a future where and internal operations, enabling informed and innovation and adaptability are at the core of their strategic decision-making. strategic endeavours. 20 www.ciolook.com | January 4 202 |

As a technology Avik Sarkar policy explorer, my Transforming Governance and Business goal is to contribute among people. “ to a better through Data Mastery “ world-diminishing inequalities and vik Sarkar is a Senior Researcher and Visiting about its relevance in the professional landscape, fostering happiness Faculty at the Indian School of Business, whose particularly in industries where students eventually Avik Sarkar A expertise lies at the nexus of data, emerging find employment. The common perception jokes about technologies, and inclusive social discourse. In a world corporate life revolving around Excel and PowerPoint, Senior Researcher and where social media is a prominent arena for shedding light on the potential misalignment between Visiting Faculty discussions, Avik focuses on engaging diverse academic rigor and practical workplace demands. Indian School of stakeholder groups recognizing the need to broaden Recognizing this gap, I encounter academically Business participation beyond the elite Indian population proficient students who struggle to translate their currently active in these conversations. knowledge into solving real-world problems. Avik's work in data and emerging technologies unfolds In my teaching approach, I strive to bridge this divide by as an advocate for inclusivity for the involvement of a imparting knowledge that is immediately applicable to broader citizenry in critical discussions. Acknowledging the industry. With a professional background spanning the potential of various social media platforms, he over a decade, I delve into emerging domains like envisions them as tools to facilitate opinions on pivotal Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, sharing insights into issues like AI regulations, data privacy and e-commerce the challenges and intricacies encountered when regulations. implementing these technologies in a business setting. While social media has proven effective for those Beyond the classroom, my involvement in data science digitally connected and proficient in English, Avik and policy-based projects with government bodies, identifies a challenge in reaching the wider citizen multilateral agencies and companies reflects a community, especially those who communicate in commitment to practical application. Drawing from languages like Gujarati or Bengali. His forward-thinking hands-on experiences in policy formulation, such as the approach emphasizes interventions in developing recent Data Protection Bill and AI regulations, I bring a Indian language technologies and voice-based services nuanced understanding of stakeholders' perspectives. to foster a more inclusive social media landscape. This alignment between theory and practice equips students with not only academic excellence but also a Let's explore Avik's vision which encapsulates the essence pragmatic understanding crucial for a successful career. of democratizing digital discourse and bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront of decision-making processes! Being involved in various government committees, such as the Bureau of Indian Standards and Analytics Your work spans diverse domains, from academia to Advisory committee for Government e-Marketplace, government advisory roles. How do you balance the what significant changes or advancements in academic rigor with the practical requirements of policymaking have you witnessed that deeply policy-making and technological implementations in impacted the intersection of technology and society? your day-to-day activities? Formulating technology policies involves a nuanced and The term 'academic rigor' raises pertinent questions extensive process, requiring input from diverse 22 23 www.ciolook.com | January 2024 | www.ciolook.com | January 2024 |

stakeholders and user groups. As a part of Artificial enormous benefits while addressing potential harms In your role as a product strategist and researcher, Intelligence (AI) initiatives, I collaborate with AI experts and the lack of transparency in the technology's understanding customer needs is crucial. How do you globally, contributing to the standards-setting efforts functioning. approach understanding the diverse needs of led by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Indian different sectors, such as the public sector, retail, counterpart of the International Standards The landscape of Responsible AI is evolving, with agriculture, and health while also tailoring your Organization (ISO). Our work spans various sub-groups nations like the European Union and the USA technological solutions accordingly? addressing foundational standards, data governance establishing legislation. However, achieving consensus and use cases, aiming to establish trustworthy AI globally remains a challenge, with ongoing efforts to Effective product design is integral to the sustained frameworks. For instance, in response to the rising develop principles and regulations, such as those viability and functionality of a product over the long popularity of Generative AI, the group focuses on emerging in India and other nations, to ensure AI term. My approach spans diverse sectors, with a crucial defining boundaries and standards for this technology. applications demonstrate trustworthiness, ethics and initial step involving stakeholders in the process. These safety in all circumstances. stakeholders encompass product users, developers, While BIS/ISO plays a crucial role, other entities marketing teams, and those involved in product contribute to shaping India's AI landscape. NITI Aayog Teaching plays a significant role in your portfolio, deployment. Collaborating with stakeholders elicits formulated the National AI Strategy in 2018 and especially in areas like Big Data, AI and Data Science varied perspectives and requirements, shaping the subsequent Responsible AI frameworks. The Ministry for Social Good. What teaching methods or specifications and aspects of the product. This extends of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) approaches do you find most effective in conveying beyond technical design, encompassing considerations intervenes in data, compute availability, financing AI complex technological concepts to your students, for product rollout such as pricing, citizen access points projects, and responsible development. Globally, the ensuring they grasp both the technical and societal and awareness campaigns. Global Partnerships on AI (GPAI) unites around 30 implications of these technologies? countries to develop regulations and frameworks, For instance, the healthcare sector presents an arena emphasizing innovation, future work, responsible AI, At the Indian School of Business, my focus is on where AI can profoundly impact challenges in the and data governance. Despite diverse origins, these nurturing practitioners with 5-10 years of industry Indian healthcare ecosystem, addressing issues like a groups converge to create a comprehensive AI experience, exposing them to the intricacies of shortage of trained doctors, delayed disease detection landscape fostering innovation, societal benefits and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and big and escalating healthcare costs. To navigate AI business impact. data. While many courses delve into the technical integration in India's healthcare landscape, I'm positions, developing technologies for governments in aspects of AI development, my teaching emphasizes the conducting a survey involving perspectives from India and across Asia Pacific. Your expertise includes areas like AI ethics, post-development journey. I guide students through patients, medical professionals, hospitals, and transparency and regulation. Given the rapidly finding the right market, developing revenue- government entities. The survey delves into the Heading the first Data Analytics Unit at NITI Aayog, evolving landscape of AI, what ethical considerations generating mechanisms, aligning solutions with target awareness levels and perspectives of these India's premier policy think tank, expanded my horizons do you find most critical, especially concerning data populations, assessing risks and ensuring ethical and stakeholders, aiming to address challenges such as into the realm of policymaking. This experience privacy and the responsible use of AI technology? societal standards. patient awareness of AI treatments and the need for underscored the importance of considering various education programs. Importantly, the survey stakeholder perspectives, a lesson I carried into In recent years, data privacy has gained paramount Using industry and startup case studies, I provide a recognizes the pivotal role of doctors in championing AI subsequent roles in government and academia. importance as individuals extensively utilize digital holistic understanding of technology's impact on solutions, emphasizing the necessity of fostering Recognizing that solutions impact stakeholders platforms for their everyday activities, ranging from society, emphasizing the unique complexities of the awareness and adoption within the medical community. differently, especially in diverse contexts like India, shopping for groceries to entertainment. The Indian ecosystem. Discussing local cases is crucial, I navigate the complexities of policy-making, balancing dominance of search and social media giants in utilizing considering India's digital divide, linguistic diversity and In your journey, you've transitioned from technical the needs of multinational businesses, small personal data for targeted advertising has reshaped the the need for technology in regional languages. roles like pre-sales to advisory positions and enterprises, artisans, workers, and citizens. business landscape. With an influx of companies academia. How has this diverse experience shaped entering this competitive arena, new business models Beyond traditional teaching, I engage with senior your perspective on leadership and what advice do In the data and emerging technologies space, where like data-sharing partnerships are emerging. Ideally, government officers through modular courses, you offer to emerging leaders in the technology and uncertainties abound, I leverage my expertise to foster individuals expect digital platforms to honor their shedding light on global technological innovations. data science fields? consensus and propose solutions aligning with diverse privacy once personal information is shared. Actively involved in state and central government stakeholder interests. As a technology policy explorer, projects, I share international and domestic case Leadership, to me, involves integrating diverse my goal is to contribute to a better world—diminishing Simultaneously, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ushering in studies, bridging the gap between theory and practical perspectives from within and beyond the organization. inequalities and fostering happiness among people. transformative changes, challenging the traditional implementation. Working on a book highlighting With a master's and PhD in Computer Science, my early human role in intelligent decision-making. As this successful data science projects in governance, I aim to career focused on technology development and responsibility shifts to machines, ensuring ethical inspire confidence in government officers to adopt research, leading to the creation of innovative data- behavior becomes a pressing challenge. Governments transformative technologies. based solutions for business challenges. Transitioning grapple with the dilemma of regulating AI to balance its from deep technology roles, I ventured into corporate 24 25 www.ciolook.com | January 2024 | www.ciolook.com | January 2024 |

Jason Rothberg, Kevin Sharpley & Gianfranco Bianchi It’s certainly what Visionary Futures and Breakthrough Dream Makers we’re pushing to do at Xavatar, connectivity and storytelling are at mmersive technology is where technology meets variety talk show all about films and music. Featuring the core of the company creativity, creating interactive and sensory conversations with some of the biggest names in I experiences. It transcends traditional boundaries, entertainment. Hosted by film star and musician, Colin and just wait until you allowing users to engage with content in O’Donoghue (best known for his portrayal of Captain see what we have in unprecedented ways. From virtual reality to Hook in Disney’s “Once Upon A Time”), Rose Ganguzza augmented reality, immersive technology transforms (one of the biggest producers of indie films) and Jason P. store! storytelling, gaming and education offering a dynamic Rothberg (who’s portfolio includes working with icons fusion of the digital and physical worlds. like Peter Gabriel, David Lynch and Quincy Jones). Gianfranco Bianchi Xavatar is a visionary XR/Web3 startup with offices in Let’s explore how Xavatar is rewriting the rules, reducing CCO Ireland, Miami, and London, shaping the future of the mundane and enhancing the extraordinary with Xavatar Ltd. interactive experiences with immersive technology in immersive media and cross-platform storytelling! Hollywood and entertainment sector at large. The 3 founders bring decades of experience spanning the Crafting the Avatar realms of music, film and television, is part of the driving force behind Xavatar, an innovative venture at “The birth of Xavatar didn’t come until the pandemic the intersection of entertainment and immersive lockdown,” reveals Jason. With the world isolated and technology. As the CEO of Xavatar, Jason leverages’ his dependent on video calls for communication, the Hollywood experience as a record label executive, artist entertainment industry ground to a halt. However, manager, event producer and music supervisor, COO Jason being a seasoned manager with tour dates and Kevin Sharpley brings his background as an award- film projects, faced cancellation after cancellation. The winning filmmaker and multimedia experience and only job offers coming in were for Zoom webinars, but CCO Gianfranco Bianchi defines the look and feel of Jason’s severe camera anxiety made him turn most of Xavatar with his talents in graphic design, animation, them down. This anxiety, a lifelong struggle, became a VFX and XR expertise culminating in a powerhouse trio roadblock during a panel discussion invitation at the that makes Xavatar a standalone production company 2021 Cannes Film Festival. Determined to overcome and redefining what Web3 entertainment looks like. this challenge, Jason sought a solution. Through the pandemic, the 3 partners have curated Jason reached out to Gianfranco Bianchi who has a conversations at The Sync Report, bridging the worlds background in multimedia production, animation, XR, of independent filmmakers and songwriters offering and tech. Their collaborative efforts resulted in the first real SYNC opportunities to indie artists. Featuring sync Xavatar, a real-time reactionary avatar. Within three Kevin Sharpley opportunities for indie film and documentaries such as weeks, the prototype was ready for its debut and it COO Move Me No Mountain (currently available to stream became an instant hit at the Cannes panel. Recognizing Xavatar Ltd. via Amazon Prime), The Boys of 742 and Tillie (a film its potential, Rothberg and Bianchi immediately about civil rights activist Tillie Bing Bryant). reached out to Sharpley, knowing they had a business Jason Rothberg on their hands and together launching Xavatar. The CEO Their latest production, The Xavatar Show (TXS) utilize combination of their skills and vision has driven Xavatar Ltd. all their skill sets to produce the first terrestrial TV Xavatar’s rapid growth, offering a promising solution series based in the metaverse. TXS is an animated for individuals like Jason who face camera anxiety. 26 27 www.ciolook.com | January 2024 | www.ciolook.com | January 2024 |

Warping Realities about bilateral communication and community,” says Jason, underlining the essence of meaningful In the pulsating realm of immersive and experiential connections. media, creativity knows no bounds. “It allows content creators the ability to tell their stories in new and inventive Crossroads of Possibilities ways,” says Sharpley who is a passionate filmmaker and content creator. In the expansive realm of immersive media, Rothberg and his partners at Xavatar are pioneering For him, this dynamic landscape opens doors to groundbreaking initiatives making a profound impact unparalleled storytelling possibilities. Traditional on lives. “We’re currently working with one of the biggest mediums like films, TV shows, books, or comics are just telethons in the world,” Bianchi shares with enthusiasm, the beginning. With immersive media, he can breathe detailing their project aimed at empowering children life into his narratives, enabling audiences to explore with disabilities. the depths of his imagination. “Users can look around the entire space and feel what is happening in a different way,” The telethon’s ambitious dance event becomes he enthuses. inclusive through Xavatar’s innovation, enabling kids with limited mobility to participate effortlessly. With Virtual spaces offer unique, immersive encounters, just a finger or eye movement, their avatars come alive, For Xavatar and their upcoming show, The Xavatar Each hurdle, in his perspective, serves as a moment for while augmented reality lets users actively engage with dancing joyously in the virtual spaces. It’s a feat that Show, the focus remains on people and connections. personal reflection inspiring not only self-improvement the story in real environments, be it at home or resonates deeply with all three of the partners: “It’s “It’s a peek into the lives of the people we interview and but also those around. “Nothing can ever really stop you,” anywhere in the world. something we’re really excited about because it allows just a deep dive into the music that makes films work,” he asserts, “just slow you down for a bit.” Pausing about anyone to participate.” Rothberg explains. While cutting-edge tech plays a becomes a chance to catch one’s breath, strategize and The Fusion of Tech, Tales and Tradition role, the essence lies in the profound connectivity find the best way to continue the journey. This inclusivity, Sharpley emphasizes, is at the heart of between the audience, the artists and the broader Sharpley is a visionary at Xavatar in the dynamic world immersive media’s evolution. “That’s one of the biggest community. Gaming Mindsets, Hollywood Heart฀ parts of the growth in immersive and experiential media, of entertainment and he emphasizes the supremacy of captivating narratives over flashy technology. “Put the connectivity and giving people the ability to reach in ways From Mantra to Mastery In the intricate world of convergent, immersive and technology in the back and the story in the front. The they may have not been able to previously,” he explains. experiential media, Sharpley imparts wisdom. “Talent technology is just a tool,” he asserts passionately. In the relentless journey of progress, Rothberg, shines no matter the medium,” he asserts, drawing from He paints a vivid future where augmented reality Sharpley and Bianchi’s combined wisdom echoes, “Keep his diverse background as an actor and model. His For the three, it’s about crafting compelling content seamlessly integrates with daily life—offering it moving.” Amid setbacks and daunting challenges, he journey is marked by evolution and adaptability that resonates, regardless of the screen—be it TV, directions, enabling global friendships, fostering recognizes the power of continuous motion. Even when resonating with his peers. theatres, phones, or gaming consoles. At Xavatar, their worldwide collaborations, and even revolutionizing faced with obstacles or forced to navigate detours, the mission is clear—creating experiences they love and industries. key lies in perseverance. Over the years, he’s witnessed colleagues branching hope others will cherish too. One such venture is The into new territories supplementing their skills to meet Xavatar Show, an animated variety and talk show that “Scientists and doctors will be able to collaborate on “If you stop and don’t start again, there will be no progress,” project demands. Sharpley’s approach is rooted in promises thrilling adventures with cast and crew, projects from different places in the world in virtual and Sharpley emphasizes. Progress may demand understanding emerging technologies, even beyond his engaging interviews with industry giants, exciting augmented space,” he envisions, underlining the limitless unconventional paths including sideways, upwards, expertise. His insistence on comprehending diverse contests, and more. potential of this transformative technology. Through downwards, and occasionally, a momentary pause for areas fosters mutual respect and amplifies productivity Xavatar’s vision, the boundaries between physical and reflection. Yet, within that perpetual movement, kinetic within his team. The innovation lies in diverse interactions. “There are a digital worlds blur, ushering in an era of unparalleled energy sparks, birthing new possibilities. lot of ways to intersect with the show,” Rothberg explains. connection and opportunity. Recently, at the prestigious SIGGRAPH conference, From watching on cable to attending as an avatar, Sharpley’s words serve as an inspiration to embrace Sharpley delved into the cutting edge of the engaging with celebrity-referenced environments, Tech Breakthroughs resilience, understanding that amidst life’s hurdles, the entertainment and tech industries. From Jensen playing video games, meeting the cast, and diving into next breakthrough might be just inches away. He also Huang’s lightning-fast tech strides to breakthroughs in augmented reality—the options are vast. Bianchi shares profound insights about where says, “Keep moving.” Challenges, he believes, are movies like ‘Into The Spiderverse’ and ‘Avatar,’ he technology melds seamlessly with human interaction, valuable teachers guiding one towards education and absorbed knowledge, connecting seemingly disparate Yet, amidst these technologies, the heart of Xavatar “When technology is in the background and people are in growth. Viewing obstacles as signals to find alternative dots. Armed with insights, he empowered his team remains its stories. These narratives connect the front, people often forget about the tech.” History routes and setbacks as opportunities to forge new shaping their collective understanding of the ever- celebrities, the Xavatar team and the audience proves this point from smartphones transforming lives pathways, he advocates resilience. changing industry landscape. fostering a vibrant community. “The new media age is all to smartwatches becoming indispensable. 28 29 www.ciolook.com | January 2024 | www.ciolook.com | January 2024 |

When Bianchi speaks of his experiences, he does more replace the irreplaceable. Personal, priceless moments than share stories—he advocates a holistic perspective. like seeing loved ones in three-dimensional space hold “I’m relaying, even pushing for others to think in a broader immeasurable value, transcending any gadget’s way,” he says. His words echo far beyond his immediate capabilities. “There’s no price that I could pay to have had circles inspiring professionals to envision the bigger that experience,” he reflects. These immersive picture, encouraging them to see how their individual technologies, he believes, don’t replace live experiences pieces intricately intertwine into the great world of the but enhance them, offering a chance to explore the industry’s future. depths of the ocean, journey to the moon, or marvel at the cosmos. Dreaming Forward At Xavatar, Sharpley’s vision becomes tangible. He The three partners marvels at the groundbreaking shares, “It’s certainly what we’re pushing to do at Xavatar, Apple Vision, “It’s revolutionary,” Sharpley exclaims, connectivity and storytelling are at the core of the company captivated by its seamless integration of life, business, and just wait until you see what we have in store!” entertainment and experiences. Acknowledging its initial price tag, he recognizes the enthusiasm of Apple’s pioneering adopters. For him, the device signifies a gateway to increased productivity for businesses, deeper connections among families and friends along with the unparalleled entertainment and gaming experiences. Sharpley is particularly enchanted by the device’s ability to bring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse into the living room making the extraordinary accessible. Yet, what truly excites him is the broader ecosystem taking shape. While products like Meta Quest 3, augmented reality glasses and immersive games dazzle the market, Jason sees a future where these technologies seamlessly blend into daily lives. Drawing parallels with the early days of smartphones and smartwatches, he envisions a world where these immersive experiences become as indispensable as breathing. “Soon enough, people will forget it’s future-leaning tech and it will just fit into people’s daily lives,” he predicts as it may result in enabling connections and adventures previously unimaginable. However, Bianchi maintains a grounded perspective. While technology opens incredible possibilities, he believes it can’t 30 www.ciolook.com | January 2024 |

Saga of Advancements Integrating Leadership Aspects with the Technological Innovations n the fast-paced and dynamic landscape of the 21st century, organizations are constantly challenged to adapt to technological I innovations. The integration of leadership aspects with these technological advancements has become imperative for sustained success and growth. In this article, we will explore the symbiotic relationship between leadership and technology, emphasizing the essential role leaders play in navigating their organizations through the complexities of the digital era. Embracing Change Technological innovations bring about rapid changes in the business environment. Leaders must cultivate a culture of adaptability and resilience within their teams. This requires a proactive approach to change management, where leaders not only acknowledge the inevitability of technological disruptions but also actively seek opportunities for innovation. By fostering a mindset that embraces change, leaders create a foundation for their teams to thrive in an ever- evolving technological landscape. Visionary Leadership Successful integration of technology requires visionary leadership. Leaders must possess a clear vision of how technology aligns with the overall strategic goals of the organization. This vision serves as a roadmap, guiding the implementation of technological solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. A visionary leader communicates this vision effectively, inspiring confidence and commitment from the team, fostering a shared sense of purpose. Building a Tech-Savvy Team Leadership in the age of technological innovation involves building and nurturing a tech-savvy workforce. Leaders should encourage continuous learning and upskilling to keep pace with evolving technologies. By investing in employee development programs and creating an 32 33 www.ciolook.com | January 2024 | www.ciolook.com | January 2024 |

environment that values technological proficiency, Investing in Emerging Technologies leaders empower their teams to harness the full potential of emerging technologies. Innovation is often synonymous with the adoption of emerging technologies. Leaders need to stay informed Fostering Collaboration about the latest technological trends and be willing to invest strategically in innovations that align with their Effective integration of technology often requires organizational goals. Whether it's artificial intelligence, cross-functional collaboration. Leaders must break blockchain, or the Internet of Things, leaders must down silos within organizations, promoting assess the potential impact of these technologies on collaboration between departments to ensure seamless their industry and position their organizations adoption of technological solutions. By fostering an accordingly. environment where diverse perspectives converge, leaders harness the collective intelligence of their User-Centric Technological Integration teams, driving innovation and maximizing the impact of technological advancements. Leadership should prioritize user experience when implementing new technologies. Whether it's internal Ethical Leadership in the Digital Age tools for employees or customer-facing applications, a user-centric approach ensures that the technology As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven adds value and is embraced by its intended users. decision-making processes, leaders must prioritize Leaders should seek feedback from end-users, ethical considerations. Ethical leadership involves fostering a culture of continuous improvement in the setting a precedent for responsible use of technology, design and functionality of technological solutions. safeguarding privacy, and ensuring fair and unbiased Reskilling and Upskilling Initiatives practices. Leaders who prioritize ethical considerations in the adoption and implementation of technology not only build trust with stakeholders but also mitigate As technology evolves, leaders must address the skills potential risks associated with misuse of data. gap within their organizations. Implementing reskilling and upskilling initiatives is crucial to ensure that Agile Leadership employees possess the necessary competencies to work with new technologies. By investing in training The pace of technological change demands a shift programs, leaders not only enhance the capabilities of towards agile leadership. Leaders must be agile in their their workforce but also demonstrate a commitment to decision-making processes, responsive to market employee development, fostering a positive and dynamics, and open to feedback. Agile leadership forward-thinking organizational culture. empowers organizations to adapt quickly to emerging technologies, seize opportunities, and navigate The integration of leadership aspects with challenges with resilience. By fostering a culture of technological innovations is not a choice but a necessity agility, leaders create a competitive advantage in the for organizations aspiring to thrive in the digital era. rapidly evolving digital landscape. Visionary leaders who embrace change, build tech- savvy teams, foster collaboration, prioritize ethical Data-Driven Decision Making considerations, and exhibit agility are better positioned to navigate the complexities of the technological Leadership in the digital age requires a shift towards landscape. As organizations continue to evolve, the role data-driven decision-making. Leaders should of leadership in shaping the relationship between encourage the use of data analytics and insights to people and technology will be pivotal in determining inform strategic choices. By leveraging technology to success and sustainability. By proactively addressing gather and analyze data, leaders gain a deeper the intersection of leadership and technology, understanding of market trends, customer behaviour, organizations can pave the way for a future where and internal operations, enabling informed and innovation and adaptability are at the core of their strategic decision-making. strategic endeavours. 34 www.ciolook.com | January 2024 |

Technology empowers people to Technology empowers people to Technology empowers people to do what they want to do do what they want to do do what they want to do

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Top 10 Tech Leaders Driving Technological Transformation in 2024

Top 10 Tech Leaders Driving Technological Transformation in 2024

Presentation Transcript

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