10 Visionary Leaders Shaping Digital Transformation In 2024 (1)

VOL 03 I ISSUE 10 I 2024 Top 10 Visionary Leaders Shaping Digital Transformation in 2024 Enabling Progression Strategies for Successful Digital Transforma?on in Tradi?onal Industries Glendon Schmitz The Dynamics Chief Informa?on Impact of Leveraging Emerging Security Officer Technologies and Leading Towards Virginia Department of Digital Transforma?on Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Learning and Leading The Cornerstone of Glendon Schmitz's Cybersecurity Leadership

Digital transformation is not a destination—it is a journey of perpetual innovation.

Editor’s Note Technological Acumen Integrated with Strategic Vision eadership plays a pivotal role in driving organizational success and societal progress. While different leadership styles exist, leadership in digital transformation is exploring new L approaches to bringing about meaningful change and inspiring followers to reach their full potential. Leaders possess a clear and compelling vision for the future. They are able to articulate a purpose that resonates with others and inspires them to join in the pursuit of a shared goal. These leaders can see beyond the present challenges and envision a better future, and they effectively communicate this vision to their followers, fueling their motivation and commitment. Authenticity is a fundamental trait of transformative leaders. They are genuine, transparent, and true to their values and beliefs. By leading with authenticity, they build trust and credibility with their followers, fostering an environment of openness and collaboration. Authentic leaders also encourage others to embrace their own authenticity, creating a culture that values diversity and individual strengths. With a high degree of empathy and emotional intelligence, they understand the emotions and perspectives of their followers and demonstrate genuine concern for their well-being. By empathizing with others, they build strong relationships and create a sense of belonging. These leaders are skilled at active listening and are responsive to the needs and concerns of their team members. Tech leaders must excel in building relationships and collaborating across teams and departments. They should possess strong interpersonal skills and the capability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. By fostering collaboration, tech leaders break down silos, drive cross-functional initiatives, and promote a culture of knowledge sharing and innovation within the organization. They lead with integrity and prioritize ethical considerations. They understand the ethical implications of technological advancements, protect customer privacy and data security, and ensure responsible use of emerging technologies. By championing ethical and responsible leadership practices, tech leaders establish trust, enhance reputation, and contribute to the sustainable development of their organizations and society. By cultivating competencies such as technological acumen, strategic vision, adaptability, collaboration, emotional intelligence, innovation, and ethical leadership, aspiring tech leaders can equip themselves with the essential skills to thrive in the tech industry. Through continuous learning, self-reflection, and practical application, Top 10 Visionary Leaders Shaping Digital Transformation in 2024 are shaping the future of their organizations and effectively harnessing the transformative power of technology. Flip through the pages and have a delightful read! Anish Miller E

Learning and Leading 08 The Cornerstone of C Glendon O Schmitz's V Cybersecurity Leadership E Profile R Edwin Sugianto 18 Naviga?ng the Confluence of Technology and Leadership S T Articles Enabling Progression O 14 Strategies for Successful Digital Transforma?on in Tradi?onal Industries R The Dynamics 22 Y Impact of Leveraging Emerging Technologies and Leading Towards Digital Transforma?on

Featured Person Company Name Brief Ajit Jaokar Ajit is a renowned expert in the field of artificial Course Director: University of Oxford intelligence (AI) with a focus on cloud and edge Artificial Intelligence: conted.ox.ac.uk Cloud and Edge implementations. implementations Pooja M Bansal Andreas Mattsson Andreas' dedication to fostering a positive company Editor-in-Chief Evaxion Biotech A/S Chief AI & Culture culture and empowering employees has contributed to the evaxion-biotech.com Officer and Founder at company's success and reputation in the industry. Evaxion Biotech A/S CONTENT FOLLOW US ON Bhavana Bhagat Bhavana is a seasoned leader in the field of talent Genpact Vice President, development, with a focus on data and artificial genpact.com Talent Development - intelligence (AI). Data & AI WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON Edwin Sugianto AXA Insurance Edwin's journey is a fusion of a lifelong passion for DESIGN Chief Operating, IT, technology and a strategic vision for business Indonesia Health, Marketing and leadership axa.com Digital Officer Florin collaborates closely with stakeholders to identify CONTACT US ON opportunities for leveraging AI to solve complex business Florin Rotar Avanade challenges, enhance customer experiences, and drive Chief AI Officer avanade.com operational efficiencies. SALES Virginia Department of Glendon Schmitz Glendon's odyssey is a narrative of strategic foresight, Behavioral Health and Chief Informaon deft leadership and a relentless commitment to fortifying Developmental Services the digital frontier. Security Officer dbhds.virginia.gov Kate Carruthers As the Head of Business Intelligence at the UNSW AI UNSW Head Of Business Institute, Kate plays a pivotal role in shaping the TECHNICAL unsw.edu.au Intelligence - UNSW institute's data strategy and initiatives. AI Institute Lisel is a distinguished leader in the field of data Lisel Engelbrecht engineering, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI), Executive Head : Standard Bank South Africa renowned for her strategic vision and expertise in Data Engineering, standardbank.co.za leveraging data-driven insights to drive organizational SME-SMO Analytics and AI success. Nektaria Efthymiou Nektaria is a dynamic leader in the telecommunications BT industry, currently serving as the Network Strategy Network Strategy bt.com Director at BT. Director With a wealth of experience and expertise in network sales@ciolook.com Serve Bunnik CITIC Telecom International infrastructure and operations management, Serve plays a Deputy Director, CPC Limited key role in driving CITIC Telecom's operations and March, 2024 European Operations citictel-cpc.com business growth across Europe.

Learning and Leading The Cornerstone of Glendon Schmitz Chief Informa?on Security Officer Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Glendon Developmental Services Schmitz's Cybersecurity Leadership Only by partnering with the business units early in projects are we able to fully secure the environment, drive down risks and enable the business to realize their objectives without being a hindrance. Cover Story

lendon Schmitz is the Chief Information Glendon's impact is not confined to conventional the implementation of robust guardrails to safeguard Security Officer at the Virginia Department of measures. As the overseer of cybersecurity at 12 businesses. G Behavioral Health and Developmental Virginia state mental health institutions, he leads a Services emerging as a trailblazer in the intricate team of information security officers, diligently Crucially, Glendon underscores the need for security to Build a network of other landscape of cybersecurity. His journey is a narrative of monitoring and orchestrating a comprehensive collaborate closely with the business, understanding its strategic foresight, deft leadership and a relentless vulnerability management program that achieved risk appetite. "Security needs to work alongside the cybersecurity professionals commitment to fortifying the digital frontier. remarkable risk and threat mitigation. His executive business to secure solutions that align with the whom you can discuss your role extends to being a key leadership team member, organization's risk appetite," he emphasizes. This challenges and ideas for Amidst the dynamic evolution of technology, Glendon's providing critical insights into evolving cybersecurity balanced perspective encourages businesses to reputation as a global cybersecurity visionary is not just risks, threats and strategies. embrace the potential of AI while prioritizing security solutions. a title but a reflection of his impactful trajectory. measures tailored to their unique risk profile. As AI Hailing from a distinguished background in the U.S. Air Glendon's approach extends beyond conventional continues to shape the future, His insights provide a Force and government agencies, he has steered the measures. His strategic implementation of a strategic compass for navigating the intersection of development and management of security systems with DevSecOps program and collaboration with the IT innovation and security. unparalleled success. His expertise lies in crafting and department to establish an IT Investment Board The culmination of these efforts propelled executing forward-looking support structures, scalable showcase innovation in tandem with industry best Building Trust, Leading Remotely cybersecurity from the shadows of the back office to infrastructures and robust architectures aligning practices. This intersection of security and business the forefront of daily operations. His approach, seamlessly with business imperatives while fortifying objectives is further underscored by his introduction of Upon assuming his current role, Glendon encountered grounded in relationship-building and strategic security measures. a risk management framework, deploying AI and a cybersecurity landscape that was initially relegated to collaboration, not only elevated cybersecurity championing synthetic data solutions. an afterthought with organizational maturity at a awareness but also positioned it as an integral minimal level. Compounding the challenge was the component of the organization's overarching However, Glendon's impact reaches beyond geographical dispersion of the organization across the objectives. As Glendon aptly puts it, "It's through these technological fortification. A driver of continuous Commonwealth of Virginia. Reflecting on the early trusting relationships that cybersecurity professionals will improvement, he instituted an enterprise-wide asset days, He remarks, "When I first came on board in my find success within their organizations." inventory management program ensuring meticulous current role, cybersecurity was an afterthought and the documentation and evaluation of IT and application maturity level of the organization was barely existent." Symbiosis of Success inventory. His commitment to awareness and privacy is reflected in the execution of a comprehensive The timing presented an additional hurdle as the onset Glendon underlines the imperative for his teams to cybersecurity awareness and HIPAA privacy training of COVID-19 mandated an abrupt shift to remote work. align with the broader organizational goals reflecting program for thousands of employees across dispersed For Glendon, this meant addressing three pivotal exceptional leadership. "My job is to take the strategic facilities. He is sculpting a resilient and secure digital challenges swiftly. "I had three primary challenges to work objectives of the organization and translate them into landscape for the Virginia Department of Behavioral through very quickly," he recalls. Firstly, he embarked on operational and tactical tasks for my teams," he affirms. Health and Developmental Services. building trust not only within his team but also with IT The translation of strategic vision into actionable tasks leadership across 12 hospitals and the Central Office. is crucial for success requiring seamless collaboration Let's delve into a narrative of innovation, collaboration and The emphasis on relationships was foundational. He with cross-functional teams. a relentless pursuit of excellence in safeguarding sensitive underscores, "By cultivating healthy and trusting data and infrastructure! relationships, I was able to raise cybersecurity awareness Glendon highlights the symbiotic relationship between across the organization." the success of security teams and the overall prosperity Unlocking Growth of the organization. "Only by fully understanding and Secondly, the shift to remote work necessitated a translating the strategic goals and working together with Artificial Intelligence is evolving very quickly and its recalibration of leadership strategies. Glendon adeptly cross-functional teams within the organization will my disruption is causing all businesses to refocus on how navigated this by learning how to lead from a distance security teams be successful," he stresses. they will achieve their objectives both in the short and and fostering a highly efficient remote security team. long term. Glendon highlights the pivotal role of The third challenge involved securing the remote Glendon underscores the necessity for agility and GenerativeAI in accelerating business growth when workforce environment, a task he addressed through flexibility in the dynamic realm of cybersecurity. The harnessed judiciously. He cautions against outright collaboration and strategic alignment with the Chief security teams must remain agile and flexible to be able denial of these emerging AI technologies urging a Information Officer (CIO). "I worked extremely closely to meet these objectives. This adaptability is measured approach. These new AI technologies should with the CIO to ensure that both of our objectives and paramount in navigating the complex and ever-evolving not be denied for the sake of security. Instead, he efforts were aligned," he notes. global threat landscape, ensuring not just defense but advocates for a comprehensive assessment of risks and strategic resilience for the organization's sustained success.

Elevating Security Culture He recognizes the invaluable insights gained from interactions with other Chief Information Security Security is a support function of the business. In Officers (CISOs) across various industries. transforming cybersecurity into a business enabler, Glendon asserts, "By introducing a risk management The underlying principle in Glendon's philosophy is a approach, my teams go beyond the support function." steadfast commitment to learning and seeking advice. My job is to take the Recognizing the pitfalls of neglect, he emphasizes the In his exact words, "Never stop learning and never stop strategic objectives of the importance of avoiding shadow IT and reducing overall seeking advice and help from others." In acknowledging organization and translate the importance of reaching out for assistance, he business risk. In the decision-making process, he involves key stakeholders fostering collaboration. reframes it as a sign of strength, not weakness. This them into operational and willingness to seek help and recognize the limits of tactical tasks for my teams. one's knowledge, according to Glendon, is a crucial step "We brief the overall risks the solution presents to the business," he explains. The emphasis on careful towards becoming a more effective leader. As the evaluation, risk mitigation and collective agreement technological landscape continues to evolve, his approach serves as a guiding principle for cybersecurity ensures that solutions are implemented with the business owner's informed acceptance of residual risk. professionals encouraging a mindset of perpetual security and IT, Glendon accentuates the importance of This approach, as Glendon notes, strikes a balance learning and collaborative knowledge exchange. collaboration. "Partner with the IT teams and understand securing the environment at the right level to empower their challenges and how the cybersecurity team can help the business without impeding its objectives. The Business-Driven Security solve them," he advises. Highlighting the reciprocal collaborative involvement of the business in impact of their actions, he stresses, "Remember, what Glendon champions the vital principle of C-Suite cybersecurity decisions contributes to an elevated you do as a security team affects the IT team and what the security culture within the organization. In his engagement. "By reaching out and meeting regularly with IT team does affects security." perspective, it's not just about securing systems—it's other C-suite executives, I am able to gain insight into what the other business units' objectives are," he affirms. This about fostering a collective responsibility for the Crucially, Glendon advocates for humility and a organization's security. proactive engagement not only fosters trust but collaborative mindset. He asserts, "Check your ego at the positions his teams at the inception of projects, door. Build a network of other cybersecurity professionals Mitigating Risks ensuring that security is seamlessly integrated rather whom you can discuss your challenges and ideas for than retroactively added for compliance purposes. solutions," he suggests. Trust emerges as a cornerstone In revolutionizing data security, Glendon shares a Glendon underscores a critical distinction, stating, "As a in his philosophy. This trust, coupled with collaboration becomes a swift recovery solution. He stresses that this game-changing strategy, stating, "We have deployed an security professional, compliance doesn't equal security." and creativity, not only empowers the cybersecurity not only enhances security but also expedites the AI solution that can generate synthetic data, a true The essence lies in partnering with business units from team but contributes to the collective success of the business's return to operational status. The integration representation of our production data." This innovative project initiation, a strategy that not only secures the team, the leader and the overarching business of synthetic data not only fortifies data security but also approach significantly mitigates the risk of breaches by environment comprehensively but also diminishes objectives. positions the organization at the forefront of resilient two-thirds in lower environments. Collaborating with risks. and efficient data management practices. the business, he aims to shift from traditional data sharing to providing partners with synthetic data sets The collaborative approach advocated by Glendon Guiding Principles ensuring a realistic depiction of production data. This enables cybersecurity to align with business goals, transition not only safeguards against breaches but also facilitating the realization of objectives without Glendon accentuates the critical need for continuous minimizes the exposure of Personal Identifiable impeding progress. "Only by partnering with the business learning in cybersecurity in the ever shifting tech realm. Information (PII) and Personal Health Information units early in projects are we able to fully secure the "Continuous learning is an absolute must if today's (PHI). The move from data sharing to data use environment, drive down risks and enable the business to cybersecurity professional is to be successful," he asserts. agreements accelerates the data provisioning process realize their objectives without being a hindrance," he for partners. emphasizes. In embracing this approach, Glendon not Glendon adopts a proactive approach personally only bolsters security but establishes a foundation for a delving into new technologies to comprehend not just Furthermore, Glendon reveals a proactive stance harmonious intersection of cybersecurity and their functionality but also their potential applications against ransomware and breaches, asserting, "We are organizational success. within his organization's business units. This proactive exploring the use of synthetic data only within systems for stance positions him to assess potential threats and analytic purposes." This strategic shift to exclusively Building Trust, Breaking Egos guide his teams in risk mitigation. To stay abreast of the employ synthetic data ensures a risk reduction to zero. ever-changing technological horizon, Glendon actively In the event of system compromise, wiping and "Be bold! Be creative at finding solutions to your problems," participates in conferences, both in person and virtually. recreating environments with new synthetic datasets he encourages. Recognizing the interdependence of

Enabling Progression Strategies for Successful Digital Transformation in Traditional Industries igital transformation has become a critical imperative for traditional industries looking to stay competitive in today's rapidly evolving D business landscape. While these industries may face unique challenges, embracing digital technologies can unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation. This article explores strategies that traditional industries can adopt to successfully navigate and leverage digital transformation. Embrace a Digital-first Mindset: To initiate a successful digital transformation, traditional industries must foster a digital-first mindset across the organization. This entails a cultural shift that embraces innovation, agility, and a willingness to experiment with new technologies and business models. Leadership plays a crucial role in driving this change and should champion digital initiatives while ensuring employees have the necessary resources, skills, and support to embrace digital transformation. Conduct a Comprehensive Digital Assessment: Before embarking on digital transformation initiatives, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of the organization's existing digital capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. This assessment should involve evaluating the current technology infrastructure, processes, and skills gaps. Understanding the digital landscape enables organizations to develop a tailored roadmap for transformation that addresses specific challenges and goals. Customer-Centric Approach: A customer-centric approach is vital in digital transformation. Traditional industries should leverage digital technologies to understand customer needs, preferences, and expectations better. This involves gathering and analyzing data to gain insights into customer behavior, conducting market research, and implementing customer feedback mechanisms. By understanding customers' evolving demands, organizations can develop digital solutions that deliver personalized experiences and meet their expectations. Invest in Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Data analytics and AI are key enablers of digital transformation. Traditional industries should invest in robust data analytics capabilities to gather, analyze, 14 15 www.ciolook.com | March 2024 | www.ciolook.com | March 2024 |

and derive actionable insights from large volumes of safeguards. Organizations should also develop incident data. AI technologies can automate processes, improve response plans to address potential cyber threats and decision-making, and enhance operational efficiency. ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By harnessing data and AI, organizations can uncover patterns, optimize operations, and develop data-driven Continuous Innovation: strategies. Subscribe Subscribe Digital transformation is an ongoing journey, and Agility and Iterative Approach: organizations must foster a culture of continuous innovation. This involves creating innovation labs or Digital transformation requires an agile and iterative digital centers of excellence, encouraging cross- approach. Rather than pursuing large-scale, time- functional collaboration, and promoting a mindset of T To odda ay y T To odda ay y consuming projects, traditional industries should adopt experimentation and learning from failures. By an agile methodology that allows for incremental fostering a culture of innovation, organizations can stay improvements and quick iterations. By breaking down ahead of the curve, adapt to market disruptions, and transformation initiatives into smaller, manageable capitalize on emerging digital trends. projects, organizations can minimize risks, adapt to changing market dynamics, and continuously improve User Experience (UX) Optimization: Focus on CHOOSE OUR SUBSCRIPTION their digital capabilities. improving the user experience across digital touchpoints. This includes optimizing websites, mobile Collaborate and Foster Partnerships: apps, and other digital platforms to ensure they are 1 Yea« 6 M·h¯ user-friendly, intuitive, and aligned with customer Collaboration and partnerships are vital for successful expectations. Conduct user testing and gather 12 I¯¯¼e¯ 6 I¯¯¼e¯ digital transformation in traditional industries. This feedback to continuously refine and enhance the digital includes partnering with technology providers, user experience. $250 $130 startups, industry experts, and ecosystem partners. Collaborations can bring in external expertise, Agile Organizational Structure: Consider adopting accelerate innovation, and provide access to new agile methodologies and organizational structures to 3 M·h¯ 1 M·h technologies or markets. By forging strategic foster collaboration, flexibility, and faster decision- partnerships, organizations can tap into a broader making. Agile frameworks, such as Scrum or Kanban, 3 I¯¯¼e¯ 1 I¯¯¼e ecosystem and leverage shared resources and can help break down silos, empower cross-functional knowledge. teams, and enable rapid iterations and delivery of $70 $25 digital initiatives. Upskill and Reskill the Workforce: Cloud Adoption: Embrace cloud computing to enhance Digital transformation necessitates upskilling and scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. Moving reskilling the existing workforce. Traditional industries infrastructure and applications to the cloud allows Stay in the known. should invest in training programs to equip employees traditional industries to leverage on-demand resources, with the necessary digital skills and competencies. This access advanced technologies, and streamline IT includes training on emerging technologies, digital operations. Cloud-based solutions also facilitate S¼b¯c«lbe · CIOLOOK literacy, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Empowering remote work and enable seamless collaboration. employees to embrace digital tools and processes helps Get CIOLOOK Magazine in print, and drive adoption, enhances productivity, and encourages Internet of Things (IoT) Integration: Explore digital on www.ciolook.com a culture of continuous learning. opportunities to leverage IoT technologies to improve operational efficiency, optimize supply chain Security and Risk Management: management, and enhance product offerings. IoT devices and sensors can provide valuable data insights, Digital transformation brings new risks and security automate processes, and enable predictive challenges. Traditional industries must prioritize maintenance, leading to cost savings and improved cybersecurity and establish robust risk management customer experiences. practices. This includes implementing cybersecurity measures, data protection protocols, and privacy 16 www.ciolook.com | March 2024 |

Edwin Sugianto Chief Opera?ng, IT, Health, Marke?ng and Digital Officer AXA Insurance Edwin Sugianto Indonesia Navigating the Confluence of Technology and Leadership business objectives, provides the team with a dwin Sugianto's journey in the rapidly do you balance your technical expertise with a clear guideline on where to go in terms of moving transforming landscape of technology is a broader strategic vision, especially in steering digital forward with innovations, including the E testament to the profound impact that childhood transformation efforts at AXA Insurance Indonesia? technology-driven ones, which nowadays are passion can have on shaping a successful career. From called digital innovations. Users or customers tinkering with a green-screen personal computer at the I found that the expertise I have developed in multiple must be the center of everything we do. tender age of seven to creating animations in Basic disciplines has equipped me with more integrated during junior high school, Edwin's trajectory was set. thinking when it comes to digital transformation. As an Another equally important topic is change Fast forward to today, as the Chief Operating, IT, example, project management skill enables me to see management and go-to-market strategy. In too Health, Marketing and Digital Officer at AXA tasks and initiatives starting from the end objective, like many ways business leaders, product owners and Insurance Indonesia, Edwin leads the charge in the the 2nd habit of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly project managers keep their focus on delivering digital transformation and business innovation arena. Effective People. This skill is enriched with agile the solution, without a clear change management delivery, which enables me to be more agile in adapting plan, which is equally important, to make sure Edwin's journey is a fusion of a lifelong passion for to different circumstances and in walking around that the solution is being well adopted by the technology and a strategic vision for business various roadblocks and challenges throughout the target users. On this topic, I relentlessly leadership. His aspirations, cultivated since childhood, delivery of every transformation program. When encourage my team members to make sure that crystallized into a dream of becoming a multinational combined with the Design Thinking framework, I am change management and go-to-market actions company's CIO. The 2015 award he received for driven to always see the innovation work from the are integral parts of solution delivery. leading enterprise project services at Commonwealth customer’s perspective, both internal and external Bank Indonesia served as a pivotal moment. The customers. Moreover, it is very important to make sure that recognition reinforced his commitment to integrating all decisions are made based on factual data and the company's vision and business objectives with Moreover, the study in general insurance and financial not based on intuition. When applied to strategic technology implementation, propelling him planning domain has equipped me with sufficient innovation, although it is not easy, I encourage my further into the realms of technology and digital business acumen, to translate business and customer team and my colleagues to do proper market innovation. needs into a technology-enabled solution. research, customer behavior assessment, and feasibility study through a number of activities, Beyond the confines of traditional IT roles, Edwin's You hold certifications in Design Thinking and User such as surveys, questionnaires and focus group leadership extends into marketing, company strategy Experience. How does incorporating user-centric discussions, to make sure that the solution we are and the health insurance sector at AXA Insurance. His approaches influence your decision-making processes, delivering is viable, feasible and desirable. approach underscores the belief that technology and particularly in the realms of digital strategy and business are inseparable, with distinguished leaders technology implementation? As a Qualified Chief Risk Officer, how do you comfortably conversing about both. navigate the intersection of risk management Design thinking framework teaches something very and innovation, ensuring that digital Let’s delve into Edwin’s approach of seamlessly integrating specific, namely all innovations we do, whether it is transformation initiatives align with regulatory diverse functional areas into a comprehensive strategy, digital or non-digital, must focus on the users of the requirements and business sustainability? solidifying his position as a true leader in technology and product or service. The framework starts with digital innovation within the financial services industry! understanding the user needs, before coming up with In all innovations we do, especially since I am the right idea, designing the solution, then prototyping, operating for a financial services organization, Certified in various domains from General Insurance and coming back to the users for testing. This risk management must be an integral part of the to Project Management and Agile methodologies, how framework combined with a clear understanding of activities. Like in driving a car, proper risk 18 www.ciolook.com | March 2024 |

lessons from each type of organization. Local Certified as a Professional Scrum Master, how do you management taught me the lessons of discipline, instill agility and adaptability in your teams, especially persistence, financial efficiency, and the ability to in the fast-paced and dynamic landscape of the handle pressure amid competing work priorities. insurance and financial services industry? On the other hand, working for multinational Whilst the Professional Scrum Master certification organizations has given me global exposure to working focuses more on solution delivery under agile with colleagues from various cultural backgrounds, as methodology, the knowledge serves far beyond well as access to global assets of technology, brand and technology. The learning has instilled an agile way of working culture. At the same time, I enjoyed learning working throughout multiple circumstances. Being the world-class standards being applied by the agile in the business translates to chunking the work international organizations I have been working for. into smaller workpieces and delivering the most When combined with the local wisdom of the local priority ones with tangible outcomes, while at the same organizations, both experiences create a unique value time, being flexible to change whenever a higher proposition. business priority comes into place. Over the years, I have developed a management style, This mindset and way of working play a pivotal role in that focuses on people, process and technology. At the the dynamic landscape of the insurance industry. One same time, I have been developing both result and evidence of success is that we managed to achieve process-oriented leadership styles, which are double-digit growth of revenue during the pandemic attainable through role modeling, servant leadership, while placing the health and safety of our people as our being accessible, attention to detail, and genuine care utmost priority. for people. and vice versa. How business priorities can drive the identification and management serves as a brake, which gives us the confidence to move faster. Therefore, in implementation of technology and digitalization. With every delivery of innovation and digitalization, I always this understanding, I can make sure that the digital transformation strategy is fully aligned and well- value the involvement of the Risk team, Compliance team, Legal team, as well as the internal audit team, as integrated with the business priorities. necessary. At the same time, in the organization, we With customer experience as the anchor of the ensure the proper segregation of responsibility, between the first, second and the third layer of defense. transformation program, we also cater to the most crucial business challenges, such as winning the competition through leadership in service quality and Your role involves managing both IT and Health aspects. How do you approach the integration of turn-around time, developing the most effective health-related initiatives into digital strategies and internal processes, as well as, improving the profitability towards profitable and sustainable growth. what impact do these initiatives have on both employees and customers? As of this year, one of our key priorities is the adoption of AI at the right level, towards internal process optimization and further enhanced customer Today I manage diverse roles as Chief Operations, Chief Information, Marketing, Digital, and Chief Health experience. Officer. For health business, my responsibility includes Your career includes working in international managing the end-to-end business operations from sales, underwriting and claims to insurance policy organizations. How has exposure to diverse cultures management. Apart from that, I am also involved in and working environments influenced your leadership style and how do you leverage this experience in a sales and distribution, partnership along with strategy definition of the company. multinational company? I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to The wide span of control equips me with a broad horizon on how technology can contribute to the work for local and multinational organizations, acceleration of the company’s business performance including overseas working experience. I learn valuable 20 20 21 21 www.ciolook.com www.ciolook.com | March 2024 | | March 2024 | www.ciolook.com www.ciolook.com | March | March 2024 | 2024 |

The Dynamics Impact of Leveraging Emerging Technologies and Leading Towards Digital Transformation n today's rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations across industries are recognizing the transformative potential of emerging technologies. By I embracing these technologies and embarking on a journey of digital transformation, businesses can unlock new opportunities, optimize processes, enhance customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge. This article explores the impact of leveraging emerging technologies and leading towards digital transformation, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and key considerations for organizations. Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and Internet of Things (IoT) can significantly enhance operational efficiency. AI-powered algorithms can automate repetitive tasks, analyze large datasets, and provide actionable insights, enabling businesses to streamline processes, reduce errors, and optimize resource allocation. RPA enables the automation of manual and rule-based processes, freeing up human resources for more strategic activities. IoT devices and sensors can collect real- time data, enabling organizations to monitor and manage operations more effectively. Improved Customer Experiences: Digital transformation empowers organizations to deliver enhanced customer experiences. By leveraging emerging technologies like data analytics, machine learning, and personalized marketing tools, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer preferences and behavior. This enables them to tailor products, services, and marketing campaigns to meet individual needs. Chatbots and virtual assistants enhance customer support and engagement by providing instant and personalized assistance. Digital channels enable seamless interactions and transactions, fostering convenience and satisfaction for customers. Accelerated Innovation: Digital transformation opens doors to accelerated innovation. By embracing emerging technologies, organizations can foster a culture of innovation and agility. Cloud computing and collaborative platforms facilitate rapid prototyping, experimentation, and collaboration, enabling organizations to bring new products 22 23 www.ciolook.com | March 2024 | www.ciolook.com | March 2024 |

and services to market faster. Crowdsourcing and open future outcomes. This can lead to improved forecasting, innovation platforms allow businesses to tap into risk management, and strategic planning. external expertise and ideas, driving breakthrough innovation. With digital transformation, organizations Collaboration and Connectivity: Digital transformation can iterate, adapt, and respond to market demands with fosters collaboration and connectivity within greater speed and efficiency. organizations and across different stakeholders. Collaborative platforms, communication tools, and Enhanced Decision-making: digital workspaces enable seamless collaboration, knowledge sharing, and real-time communication Emerging technologies provide organizations with among teams and partners. This enhances teamwork, robust data analytics capabilities, enabling data-driven innovation, and overall organizational efficiency. decision-making. Advanced analytics tools and AI algorithms can process and analyze vast amounts of Flexibility and Remote Work: Digital transformation data, uncovering valuable insights and patterns. This has become even more crucial in recent times due to enables organizations to make informed decisions, the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations that have identify market trends, optimize strategies, and embraced digital technologies were able to quickly mitigate risks. Real-time analytics dashboards provide adapt to remote work setups, ensuring business up-to-date information, empowering leaders to continuity. Cloud-based collaboration tools, video monitor key performance indicators and respond conferencing platforms, and virtual project promptly to changing market dynamics. management systems have facilitated remote work and enabled teams to stay connected and productive. Agile and Collaborative Workforce: Challenges and Key Considerations: Digital transformation fosters an agile and collaborative workforce. Cloud-based collaboration While the benefits of leveraging emerging technologies tools, project management platforms, and virtual and leading towards digital transformation are workspaces enable teams to collaborate seamlessly, significant, organizations must navigate certain regardless of geographical locations. Emerging challenges and consider key factors: technologies facilitate remote work, enabling organizations to tap into a global talent pool. Change Management: Digital transformation requires a Automation and AI technologies augment human cultural shift and change management strategies to capabilities, allowing employees to focus on higher- ensure buy-in and adoption across the organization. value tasks that require creativity, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Digital skills training programs help Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: Organizations must upskill employees for the digital era. prioritize cybersecurity measures and adhere to data privacy regulations to safeguard customer information Scalability and Global Reach: Digital transformation and mitigate cyber risks. enables organizations to scale their operations quickly Digital transformation: and reach global markets. With cloud computing and Scalability and Integration: Scalability and seamless digital platforms, businesses can expand their services integration of new technologies with existing systems and products to a broader customer base without the and processes are crucial for successful digital Where need for physical infrastructure in every location. This transformation. creativity opens up new growth opportunities and allows organizations to tap into previously untapped markets. Talent Acquisition and Retention: Organizations need to attract and retain digital talent with the skills and Data-Driven Insights and Predictive Analytics: By expertise to drive digital initiatives effectively. meets technology harnessing the power of emerging technologies like AI and big data analytics, organizations can gain valuable Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Digital insights from their data. Predictive analytics algorithms transformation is an ongoing journey that requires can identify patterns, trends, and correlations, helping organizations to embrace a mindset of continuous organizations make proactive decisions and anticipate learning, adaptation, and innovation. 24 www.ciolook.com | March 2024 |

10 Visionary Leaders Shaping Digital Transformation In 2024 (1)

10 Visionary Leaders Shaping Digital Transformation In 2024 (1)

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