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Ireland's Most Innovative CTOs to Watch
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The CTO is no longer just a TECHNOLOGIST . They are a strategic BUSINESS LEADER , driving digital transformation and INNOVATION .
Editor’s Note echnological innovation is the lifeblood that keeps businesses growing in the current progressive T digital age. And when it comes to driving that innovation forward, there's no role more crucial than the Chief Technology Officer. These are the visionary leaders charting the course, creating cultures of creativity, and reimagining what's possible. CTOs are the architects of technological strategy, ensuring their organizations stay ahead of the curve by embracing Impac?ul Tech cutting-edge solutions. They possess a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and forward-thinking mindsets that enable them to identify emerging trends and Innovators seize opportunities that others overlook. Beyond mere implementation, CTOs foster environments conducive to innovation. They empower teams to think outside the box, encouraging calculated risk-taking and experimentation. By breaking down silos and fostering cross-functional collaboration, they unlock the collective ingenuity of their organizations, catalyzing breakthroughs that redefine industries. This issue of The CIO World shines a spotlight on the innovators directing the future of technology in Ireland. From revolutionizing industries with futuristic solutions to promoting a culture of innovation within their
organizations, these CTOs are leaving an everlasting mark on the nation's tech scene. As you flip through these pages, you'll get an inside look at the minds, methods, and mindsets that make Ireland's top CTOs so successful. Their stories are equal parts fascinating and motivating – proof positive that with the right mixture of vision, talent, and tenacity, there's no limit to what can be achieved. In an era where technology is the driving force behind progress, Ireland's most innovative CTOs are paving the way, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of digital transformation. Their dedication to excellence and their ability to anticipate and adapt to emerging trends have earned them well-deserved recognition on the global stage. We hope this edition, titled 'Ireland's Most Innovative CTOs to Watch' will inspire the next generation of tech leaders and entrepreneurs. Prepare to be amazed by the ingenuity and forward-thinking of Ireland's most innovative CTOs as you explore this compelling edition. Have an enlightening read ahead! - Alaya Brown Managing Editor
Editor-in-Chief Thanh Truong Sam Carter Deputy Editor Alaya Brown Managing Editor Maria Evans Assistant Editor Visualizer Chris Carter Millie Simon Art & Design Head Judy Smith Art & Design Assitant Phoebe Jacob Business Development Manager Aisha, Olivia Business Development Executives David Walker Technical Head Mia Rodricks Assitant Technical Head Helena Smith Digital Marketing Manager Eric Smith Research Analyst Richard Martinez Circulation Manager Follow us on www.facebook.com/thecioworld www.twitter.com/thecioworld We are also available on RNI No.: MAHENG/2018/75953 Copyright © 2024 The CIO World, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from The CIO World. Reprint rights remain solely with The CIO World.
Company Featuring Descrip?on Mohammed Ghassan Zekrallah, Co-Founder and CTO at Mohammed Ghassan Cura, defied societal norms to pursue financial freedom Cura Zekrallah www.cura.healthcare.com and entrepreneurship, breaking free from the constraints Co-Founder and CTO of a salaried life. Renan Diniz Renan is responsible for developing and execu?ng the XP Inc. organiza?on's data strategy, ensuring the effec?ve Chief Technology - xpinc.com management, analysis, and u?liza?on of data assets. Data Officer Richard Baird Richard Baird, Senior VP and CTO at Kyndryl, leads with Senior Vice President Kyndryl exper?se and vision, driving innova?on in IT infrastructure and CTO www.kyndryl.com globally, ensuring transforma?ve solu?ons for clients and (Core Enterprise, and zCloud) society. Rodrigo specializes in designing and implemen?ng machine Mercado Libre Rodrigo Abt learning algorithms and models to solve complex business mercadolibre.com CTO problems. With a remarkable 16-year tenure in IT, Shiras elevates Enext Enext Informa?on to unprecedented levels, blending visionary tech passion with Shiras Ahamed Technology LLC. He orchestrates tech strategies in alignment with business CTO www.enex?echnology.com goals, fostering an innova?ve culture.
Contents Cover Story 08. Richard Baird An Eminent Personality Shaping the Future of Technology
Contents PROFILES Mohammed Ghassan Zekrallah The Rebel's Quest for Financial Independence 16. Shiras Ahamed A Leadership Journey De?ned by Innovation 24. CXO Who's Looking Over Your Shoulder? Protecting from the Dangers of Friendly Fraud 32. - By Kyle Rutherford ARTICLES CTO Challenge Checklist! Are You Prepared for the Evolving Tech Landscape? 20. Integrating Emotional Intelligence! The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in 28. Building a High-Performing Tech Team
n today's technology-driven business environment, being a CTO requires a blend of technical expertise, I strategic thinking, leadership skills, and business acumen to drive innovation and success. Meet Richard Baird who brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Vice President and CTO, Core Enterprise & zCloud for Kyndryl. In this capacity, he oversees the strategy, development, integration, and testing of mainframe services, capabilities and offerings provided by Kyndryl. As the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, Kyndryl designs, builds, manages and modernizes the mission-critical information systems that organizations depend on every day. Kyndryl serves thousands of customers in more than 60 countries around the world. Kyndryl’s Core Enterprise & zCloud global practice helps organizations manage and modernize their complex mainframe systems, which are often part of hybrid cloud environments, and Richard is at the helm of the practice from a technology perspective. Prior to his current position in Kyndryl, Richard held several management and technical positions within IBM throughout his distinguished career spanning over 25 years. His most recent role was VP of IBM Global Technology Services Client Technology Enablement. In this capacity, he was responsible for client solutioning and production reviews globally across all infrastructure technologies, demonstrating his breadth of expertise and technical leadership. In recognition of his contributions and expertise, Richard is honored as a Fellow of the British Computer Society, highlighting his significant impact and influence within the field.
His leadership, strategic vision and extensive experience make him a valuable asset to Kyndryl and the broader technology community. Richard's journey in the technology sector began after graduating from Bradford University, UK, with a BSc (Hons) in Computing and Data Processing. His academic background laid the foundation for a successful career, complemented by his continuous dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. Early Aspirations As a kid growing up, Richard initially dreamed of becoming a history teacher. However, his path took a turn entirely separate entity. With Martin Schroeter at the helm when he discovered his passion for computer science as CEO, Kyndryl embarked on a new journey, free from its around the age of 13. He found himself drawn to former parent company's influence and with the autonomy technology and made the decision to switch to the IT to chart its own course. Despite being relatively young, industry at a relatively young age. Kyndryl quickly established itself as a desirable workplace, earning recognition as one of the top 100 companies people Richard's journey into the world of technology began with want to work for and securing position #225 among the his exploration of computing magazines and his own Fortune 500 companies. Kyndryl is often cited as one of the computer at home, which fueled his excitement and led him world’s largest startups. to write his first commercial application—an accounting application—at just 15 years old while still in school. His Kyndryl's success is built on core principles centered love for technology and continuous learning propelled him around its ‘3As’ strategic initiatives: Alliances, Advanced forward, shaping his career in IT from a young age. Delivery, and Accounts. Through its strategic alliances with the leading hyperscalers Microsoft, AWS and Google, and Focus on People its broad ecosystem of technology partners, Kyndryl leverages its advanced delivery methods including the AI- Richard explains that Kyndryl emerged as a spin-out from infused Kyndryl Bridge open integration platform, to IBM in November 2021, branching off from the Global provide cutting-edge managed and modernization services. Technology Services unit to become an With a focus on serving Fortune 100 and Fortune 50 clients, Kyndryl plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation for its customers. At the heart of Kyndryl's operations are its people, who bring the necessary skills and capabilities to deliver on the company's goals. Despite being technology driven, Kyndryl recognizes the importance of its workforce in driving its success. As it continues to grow and evolve, Kyndryl remains committed to its people-centric approach and its mission to lead in the rapidly changing landscape of IT services. Modernizing Mainframe Environments As the global CTO of Kyndryl’s Core Enterprise and zCloud practice, Richard oversees all services related to ® mainframe platforms (IBM Z and IBM i) including the relationships with the alliances and technology partners.
He manages partnerships with various suppliers and works may not stand the test of time. In the early days of the closely with customers undergoing digital transformations internet and Java, technologies were constantly changing, on these platforms. Kyndryl's strategy focuses on helping and it was essential to be open to innovation. customers to modernize their mainframe environments and define the right platform for the right workload, whether Richard advocates for a leadership style that encourages they want to modernize workloads on the mainframe, innovation, curiosity, and thoughtful exploration of new integrate them with cloud or distributed environments, or technologies. He believes in providing teams with the move workloads off the mainframe to the cloud. Richard freedom to experiment while ensuring they operate within a and his team provide technical guidance to customers, safety net to mitigate risks. Rather than imposing strict assisting them in making informed decisions about platform limitations, leaders should empower their teams to explore and technology choices and workload placement. new approaches and technologies while providing guidance and support along the way. Richard's responsibilities also include nurturing technical skills growth within Kyndryl, particularly concerning these By fostering an environment where teams feel encouraged platforms. This involves initiatives such as a robust college to innovate and take calculated risks, leaders can ultimately hiring program and ongoing skill development for drive success for their organizations. Richard believes that employees at all career stages. Additionally, Richard is by supporting and enabling their teams' efforts to embrace deeply involved in shaping the future strategy of Kyndryl new technologies and approaches, leaders can pave the way and its customers. This entails identifying emerging trends for both individual and organizational success. and technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and determining how they can be applied to help customers Contributing to Strategic Discussions address their digital transformation initiatives where the IBM Z and IBM i platforms are involved. Richard ensures Richard has always been passionate about playing around that Kyndryl provides insights to customers about future with technology, starting from his teenage years. Even trends and helps them make strategic decisions about today, he makes it a point to dedicate time to exploring and workload placement and platform utilization in hybrid understanding new technologies, albeit not as frequently as cloud environments. he'd like. He believes it's essential to have enough knowledge to engage in meaningful conversations with his Embracing New Technologies team and offer valuable insights. By staying informed about emerging trends and industry developments, Richard Richard's experience with older programming languages ensures he can guide his team effectively and contribute to such as COBOL and RPG and application runtime strategic discussions. environments like CICS and the evolution of Java, as well as the adoption of internet technologies from the '90s into In his role, Richard doesn't just focus on the technology the 2000s, taught him valuable lessons about embracing itself but also considers how it intersects with various new technologies. He emphasizes the importance of not industries and market trends. He recognizes that different being afraid to try out new technologies, even though some sectors move at different paces when it comes to adopting IT innovations.
Addressing the misconception that he's solely focused on mainframe technologies like COBOL, Richard acknowledges the broader skills challenges facing the IT industry. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing skills across various technologies, including those perceived as legacy. Kyndryl's efforts to cultivate COBOL skills demonstrate its commitment to addressing these challenges. Richard believes in fostering a collaborative relationship between industry and academia to shape the future of tech education and ensure professionals are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the evolving landscape. Informed Technology Decisions Richard shares Kyndryl's ambition to maintain its position as the top IT infrastructure services provider worldwide. The Therefore, he spends time analyzing how technology is company's goal is to help customers achieve their strategic transforming industries like retail banking or travel and objectives by leveraging technology effectively. Kyndryl aims transportation, allowing him to anticipate future trends and to be the partner of choice for customers seeking to harness adapt Kyndryl's strategies accordingly. technology to meet their goals. By immersing himself in both the technical and strategic One of the significant challenges Richard faces in his role is aspects of technology, Richard maintains a balanced ensuring that customers make informed technology decisions perspective and can effectively lead his team. He finds that aligned with their strategic vision. This involves providing this approach not only keeps him up-to-date with the latest guidance and insight to help shape these decisions and advancements but also enables him to connect with his ensuring that technologies, particularly emerging ones like team members on both a technical and leadership level. AI, are deployed safely and in accordance with best practices. Continuous Skill Growth Richard also highlights the importance of problem-solving within his team. This includes staying abreast of new Richard underscores the importance of continuous skill technologies, acquiring skills, and gaining project experience. growth and experience accumulation in the tech industry. Whether customers require revolutionary changes or His own background, a mix of computing, accounting, and evolutionary adaptations, Richard's team adopts a pragmatic economics, exemplifies the value of a diverse skill set. He and informed approach, challenging norms and providing advocates for ongoing education and career development, input to decision-making processes. citing programs like the British Computer Society's continuous education initiative as vital for keeping Also, Richard emphasizes the importance of fostering a free professionals up-to-date and preventing stagnation. He and open environment where conversations can occur, ideas likens professionals' career journeys to carrying a "virtual can be exchanged, and decisions can be made collaboratively. backpack," filled with both formal skills acquired through By doing so, Kyndryl can continue to excel in helping education and experiential learning gained through work. customers navigate the evolving landscape of technology and Periodically, individuals should examine their backpacks to achieve their business objectives. identify areas for growth and seek guidance from mentors or coaches. Richard's involvement with university review Industry Leadership boards and as a visiting professor highlights his commitment to bridging the gap between academia and Richard believes that as the world's leading IT Infrastructure industry, ensuring that educational programs align with the services provider, Kyndryl has a responsibility to contribute needs of the tech sector. to shaping the future of the industry. With its extensive skills, background, and experience, Kyndryl is well-equipped to
fulfill this role. The company's role will involve serving as an advisor, implementer, and provider of ongoing managed and modernization services to customers as they navigate their chosen paths. Kyndryl aims to power the direction of both the broader industry and the specific industries of its customers, helping them achieve their business objectives. Eventually, Kyndryl's success is intertwined with the success of its customers. By acting as a trusted advisor and partner, Kyndryl ensures that its customers thrive, thereby solidifying its own success. Sharing the Excitement of the Future Richard finds the future incredibly exciting because it's like an undiscovered country, full of possibilities and opportunities. While we can use our crystal balls to make predictions, the outcome will always be different from what we anticipate. What excites Richard most is the idea that we have the power to shape the future, but he also emphasizes the importance of learning from the past. Reflecting on his own career aspirations in history, Richard recognizes the value of looking back at the history of the IT industry. By understanding what worked well and what didn't, we can make more informed decisions about where to go next.
Ireland's Most Innova?ve CTOs to Watch Escaping the Matrix, Defying the System, and Redefining idea that could define or destroy one's life. Zekrallah saw Success! the virus of this idea spread within, creating a defining moment. he traditional 9-5 job can be fulfilling. You spend long hours working, meeting deadlines, staying up- The journey of Zekrallah, from the confines of a corporate T to-date with certifications, and attending endless cubicle to the world of entrepreneurship, represents a meetings. Although this routine may seem satisfactory, have testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a story you considered something? In the midst of dedicating of breaking free from the mold, refusing to be defined by yourself to these long hours, you may find that you have societal expectations, and embarking on a journey to stopped living for your own dreams. You become so financial independence. accustomed to your role as an employee that you neglect your own ambitions. Now, there is nothing wrong with Below are the highlights of the interview: being an employee; you have undoubtedly worked hard to get there. However, settling into comfort and neglecting Could you please tell about yourself and what motivated personal growth beyond your 9-to-5 job is not the path a you to embark on this sector? rebellious spirit would choose. Convinced by these beliefs, I started talking a lot about my In a world where conformity often seems to be the norm, interest in launching a startup with friends and there are those who refuse to stay within the lines, those acquaintances, and I indulged in startup building culture, who pursue a life outside the box. Meet the rebel, which I think attracted the right people that came into my Mohammed Ghassan Zekrallah, Co-founder and CTO at life later, but the right time hasn't yet come. Cura, whose insatiable hunger for freedom and financial independence ignited a transformational journey. This is the Nothing happened for another 2 years. I'm now in the 7th story of an individual who dared to break free from the year of my very successful but boring software engineering career. I started to get really frustrated working on corporate constraints of a salaried life and rewrite the script of their government projects, mostly implementation projects, and own destiny. as a “builder”, I always wanted to ‘build’ a software product Life, for many, can often feel like a puzzle where we're of my own vision. Since working on products is completely expected to fit into predetermined spaces. But for him, different from working on projects, I definitely wanted to existence was synonymous with resisting the status quo. A create a technically challenging product that I could be nagging feeling of being enslaved to a life that lacked proud to have built myself. fulfillment served as a constant reminder that a different path must be carved. Compounded by the weight of One day at the end of 2014, I got a call from my friend financial stress and the responsibility of caring for beloved Wael Kabli, who was a SharePoint consultant at Microsoft parents as the sole provider, his heart longed to offer a Saudi Arabia (now co-founder and CEO of Cura). He said, better quality of life, especially during their golden years. You know, since you're obsessed with this startup thing, I Around the fourth year of their career as successful have an idea to create a medical app where patients and software engineers, his desire to "escape the matrix" began doctors interact and do diagnoses online. Let me explain it to consume his thoughts. The yearning for financial to you. Three months later, I quit my job and joined Cura as freedom and the pursuit of assets outside the confines of a co-founder, CTO, and employee #1. I worked from my very salaried employee's existence grew stronger with each small 1-bedroom apartment for 1.5 years, left my apartment passing day. As the idea took root, it evolved into for Friday prayers only, and gained 40 kilos of weight, but something akin to the inception of a powerful concept—an eventually, I built and launched all Cura products myself 16 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
Mohammed Ghassan Zekrallah Co-founder and CTO Cura 17 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
(iOS, Android, Backend, AWS). After gaining initial We have extended our offering to include corporate traction, we got a seed investment round for $1 million in wellness to achieve health and wellness goals at the 2016. Wael was able to join full-time as CEO then, and organizational level for all our mployees as well. Cura was officially born as a company. What strategies do you employ to drive innovation and Fast forward years later, and Cura is the leader in telehealth technological advancement within your organization, in Saudi Arabia, powering over 3 million telemedicine and how do you prioritize technology projects and consultations to date. Backed by Saudi Aramco and ELM initiatives to align with the company's goals and VC as lead investors in our $4 million Series-A round. objectives? Cura’s mission is to enhance the healthcare delivery model and bridge the gap between in-person and online healthcare I have a clear set of principles when it comes to technology services. Cura provides reliable 24/7 access to the best advancement within the organization. I’m not a believer in licensed and certified doctors instantly, so you get your the ‘hype’ and I don’t jump immediately on adapting trendy medications and proper advice as fast as possible. For technologies, as I know these are promoted for you by the example, if you have the flu and feel sick, open the Cura vendor’s sales and marketing teams to make you feel like app and request an instant consultation. You will be you are lacking something. I always assess very carefully matched with a family consultant and get a guaranteed what the actual value is and what the actual benefits are response in less than 5 minutes. You will get diagnosed and being delivered from a certain new technology in contrast get an e-prescription accepted in all Saudi pharmacies. to what we have already. If you follow this, you will find Better yet, we get the e-prescription delivered to your home yourself investing in worthy stuff only and saving your the same day. All without you having to leave your home. organization time and money. You are sick already; why should you bother? That’s how we want healthcare to be, and that’s what we are already Can you share an example of a successful technology doing today. implementation that you have overseen and its impact on the organization? We also provide psychiatry and psychology counseling online with doctors and therapists to treat different mental One project I remember is revamping our entire website health disorders and concerns using real-time messaging architecture and technology to use React.js with Next.js. It and video calls. We also provide wellness programs that are was a huge project filled with many challenges, especially 5 to 8 weekly scheduled sessions with therapists to help you around server-side rendering and SEO optimizations, but achieve certain health goals like coping with depression, we reaped all the investments we made in it and had a great dealing with your anxiety, and changing your negative website launch. thinking patterns, which involve structured work and assignments you have to deliver to your therapist to further progress on your program. 18 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
What steps do you take to stay up-to-date with the latest them, they tend to always be in continuous learning and trends and advancements in technology? professional development mode themselves without you having to enforce this at the organization level. I’m lucky to I always google ‘the future of xxx’ to understand where a have had great hires in my career and only a few bad ones. I certain technology is headed and in what ways it's replacing know this may not apply at a larger organizational level, but old ones. I then follow the most influential subject matter that’s my experience so far. experts on those technologies on LinkedIn, and I follow all YouTube channels around these topics. This way, I find What are your thoughts on emerging technologies such information about the latest trends always being pushed to as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of me instead of having to pull them. When I notice the rise of Things, and how do you see them impacting your a certain technology and lots of talk about it, I increase my industry? priority to learn and read about it to understand it further. The amazing recent advancement in Artificial Intelligence How do you foster a collaborative and productive is definitely introducing a huge shift in the way technology relationship between the technology team and other leaders should think when approaching the implementation departments within the organization? of their software, products, and services. I see AI impacting the healthcare industry in a big way. It can greatly help in A balance between being a little bit protective of the scaling primary care services, early disease detection and engineering team and not wasting their time in countless prevention by analyzing large genome datasets, pattern meetings with business departments is needed while also recognition to detect genetic disorders, cancer detection, not fully abstracting them so they understand the business and mutation. The use cases are endless. end-user and the challenges they face. This is important to change engineers’ perspectives and mindsets about how Please give us a few testimonials from your clients and they approach solving customers’ problems. If you don’t awards or recognition that accurately highlight your hear it from the source, you will not really understand the achievements in the corporate niche. frustration behind it, and therefore you won’t solve it correctly. This can’t happen without having clear, open, and Awards: consistent communication channels between departments, which needs to be part of the organization's culture. • Cura – Saudi Arabia’s leading telehealth startup, announces a SAR 15 million Series-A investment from Can you discuss any challenges you have faced as a ELM and CTO and how you have overcome them? Waed.https://company.cura.healthcare/en/series-a/ • Entrepreneurship World Cup Saudi Finals 1st Place I think being a CTO in a technology company delivering Winners: software products is different from being a CTO in a non- • https://innovation.kaust.edu.sa/ewc-cura tech company. I have to do both jobs of CTO and CIO in a • Sheikh Salem Al Ali Al Sabah Informatics Award 2017 technology company, so I need to take care of our product's Winners:https://company.cura.healthcare/ar/alsabahawa software architecture and source code implementation, rd2017/ which is our core business, in addition to ensuring • Step Conference 2017 1st place winners customers’ data and information privacy, security, and data • Arabnet Riyad 2016 -3rd place winner: redundancy. Mixing both mindsets is challenging https://www.arabnet.me/english/editorials/business/ind sometimes, as you may like doing one job more than the ustry/meet-all-the-winners-from-arabnet-riyadh-2016- other. This taught me the importance of balance and how to train my mindset to adapt quicker to these situations and Website: leave personal preferences aside. https://cura.healthcare/ar/ How do you promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development within your technology https://company.cura.healthcare/en/ team? https://www.linkedin.com/in/waelkablli/recent- To be honest, I don’t invest much in this because I don’t activity/shares/ have to. The best solution to a problem is to never have the problem in the first place. When you invest in your hiring https://twitter.com/AppCura process and hire great software engineers that are analytical, smart and have this ‘curiosity mindset’ built into https://www.linkedin.com/company/13197258/ 19 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
Are You for the Tech Landscape? re You Prepared for the the latest security patches. These communication. Implement Evolving Tech Landscape? patches address vulnerabilities communication platforms like A CTO Challenge Checklist! identified by developers and can Slack or Microsoft Teams to foster significantly reduce the risk of real-time collaboration and The role of a Chief Technology Officer cyberattacks. information sharing. (CTO) is no longer confined to • Securing Remote Access: With the • Clear Communication Channels: managing internal systems. Today's rise of remote work, securing Establish designated channels for CTOs are strategic partners, driving access to company data and different types of communication. innovation and ensuring their resources is crucial. Implement Urgent issues might require instant organizations stay ahead of the ever- secure Virtual Private Networks messaging platforms, while evolving technological curve. But with (VPNs) that encrypt data detailed discussions might be constant change comes a unique set of transmissions. Additionally, utilize better suited for emails. This challenges. This checklist provides a end-to-end encryption for data in streamlines information flow and roadmap for CTOs to navigate the transit and ensure remote work reduces confusion. dynamic tech landscape and ensure policies uphold strict security • Open Door Policy: Encourage their organizations are well-equipped standards. team members to voice concerns, for the future. ask questions, and share ideas. Building a Culture of Collaboration This fosters trust, prevents Security: Building a Fortress and Communication misunderstandings, and leverages the collective knowledge of the Today's cyber threats are a constant Effective communication and team. concern. Here's how CTOs can fortify collaboration are essential for a their organization's defenses: successful tech team. Here are some Staying Ahead of the Curve: strategies CTOs can employ: Embracing Emerging Technologies • Robust Incident Response Plan: Establish a clear procedure for • Regular Check-ins: Schedule The tech landscape is constantly identifying, containing, and frequent meetings with key evolving. Here's how CTOs can stay recovering from security breaches. stakeholders and team leads. informed and embrace new This plan should outline roles, These meetings keep everyone technologies: responsibilities, and aligned on goals, expectations, and communication protocols for project progress. • Continuous Learning: Encourage a minimizing damage and restoring • Embrace Tech for Collaboration: culture of continuous learning operations swiftly. Utilize project management within the team. Provide • Patching is Paramount: Regularly software like Asana or Trello to opportunities for professional update software and systems with keep track of tasks, deadlines, and development through conferences, 20 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
CTO Challenge Checklist! 21 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
workshops, and online courses on • Create a Culture of Recognition: emerging technologies like Recognize and reward employee Artificial Intelligence (AI), achievements. This fosters a sense Machine Learning (ML), and of accomplishment, motivates Cloud Computing. employees, and reduces turnover. • Invest in Innovation: Allocate • Promote Work-life Balance: Tech budget and resources for exploring jobs can be demanding. Promote a and experimenting with new healthy work-life balance by technologies. This could involve offering flexible work setting up a dedicated innovation arrangements and encouraging lab or partnering with startups to employees to take breaks and explore potential applications for disconnect. the organization. • Future-proof Infrastructure: Conclusion: Evaluate the scalability and flexibility of current IT The tech landscape will continue to infrastructure. Consider cloud- evolve at a rapid pace. By proactively based solutions that offer greater addressing security challenges, agility and scalability to fostering a collaborative culture, accommodate future growth and embracing emerging technologies, and technological advancements. building a strong tech team, CTOs can • Embrace Open Source: Open- ensure their organizations are well- source software offers a wealth of equipped to navigate the dynamic world of technology and thrive in the cost-effective solutions and fosters years to come. collaboration within the tech community. Carefully evaluate open-source options alongside Remember, this checklist is a starting traditional vendor solutions to find point. Each organization has unique the best fit for the organization's needs and challenges. As a CTO, it's needs. crucial to continuously assess your tech strategy, identify areas for The Human Factor: Building a improvement, and adapt to the ever- Strong Tech Team changing technological landscape. A strong tech team is the backbone of any successful organization. Here's - Alaya Brown how CTOs can build and retain top talent: • Hire for Skills and Culture Fit: Technical skills are important, but don't underestimate the value of cultural fit. Look for individuals who are passionate, collaborative, and eager to learn. • Invest in Upskilling and Reskilling: Technology is constantly evolving, and so should your workforce's skill set. Provide training programs to help employees stay current with the latest trends and technologies. 22 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
Leadership is not about being in charge, Its about taking care of those in your charge. - Simon Sinek
Ireland's Most Innova?ve CTOs to Watch Shiras A Leadership Journey Dened by Innovation Empowering Digital Transformation Through Strategic Vision, Diverse Expertise, and Inspirational Leadership! Encourage open communication by eadership, often compared to a journey, mirrors the establishing regular channels for dynamic interplay between the navigator and the interaction, such as cross-functional L cartographer. While some leaders adeptly steer their teams through the known, it is the rare few who embark on meetings and collaborative project a mission to redraw the maps of possibility. These sessions. This promotes transparency trailblazers are not content with simply following and ensures that information ?lows established routes; they carve new paths, unveiling seamlessly across teams. unexplored vistas of potential. Meet Shiras Ahamed, the Chief Technology Officer of Enext Information Technology LLC., a driving force behind Dubai's technological renaissance. As the driving force behind Enext's digital transformation initiatives, he ensures that the company remains at the With an impressive 16-year legacy in the IT industry, he has forefront of technological innovation. His strategic acumen, steered Enext to new heights through a passion for coupled with a deep understanding of emerging technology that borders on the visionary. At the helm of the technologies, positions Enext as a trailblazer in the IT company's technological strategies, he orchestrates a sector. seamless alignment with business objectives, fostering a culture where innovation is not just encouraged but In a rapidly changing IT landscape, Ahamed's strategic embedded in the company's DNA. vision has proven to be a guiding light for Enext. His ability to not only adapt to change but to anticipate and capitalize Ahamed's skill set is a formidable fusion of expertise on emerging trends sets him apart as a luminary in the spanning software development, digital growth hacking, industry. Under his leadership, Enext Information project management, and strategic planning. This diversity Technology has become synonymous with agility, equips him not only to identify industry trends but also to innovation, and excellence. lead Enext through the intricate and ever-shifting landscape of the IT world. While Ahamed is undeniably a tech-savvy leader, he is equally recognized for his emphasis on the human aspect of At the core of his leadership philosophy lies the cultivation leadership. His team-centric approach fosters collaboration, of a culture marked by continuous learning and innovation. creativity, and a sense of shared purpose. This people-first This approach empowers his team to consistently deliver philosophy contributes not only to Enext's success but also exceptional results. His inspirational leadership style is to the professional growth and satisfaction of its employees. recognized for his ability to convey intricate technical As the Chief Technology Officer, he exemplifies the perfect concepts to non-technical stakeholders, facilitating well- blend of technical prowess, strategic foresight, informed decision-making. 24 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
and empathetic leadership. His journey is not just a testament to personal success but also a beacon for the entire IT industry, showcasing the transformative power of technology when led by visionaries. Below are the interview highlights: Could you please brief about ENEXT Information Technology and its inception story? ENEXT Information Technology stands as a prominent force in the IT and Digital Growth Hacking landscape. Our company's inception story is rooted in a commitment to delivering and upholding top-tier IT services for businesses and corporate entities. At our core, we specialize in Web and Mobile App Development, Digital Marketing, e-commerce Solutions, Travel Agency Solutions, WhatsApp API solutions, Cloud and Dedicated Hosting Solutions, Business Email Solutions, and more. Our comprehensive suite of services is designed to cater to the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring their digital presence is not only established but Shiras Ahamed also optimized for success. Chief Technology Officer ENEXT INFORMATION With a foundation built on expertise and a relentless pursuit TECHNOLOGY LLC. of excellence, ENEXT Information Technology continues to be a trusted partner for those seeking high-quality solutions in the ever-evolving realms of IT and Digital Growth Hacking. • Tech Assessments: Regularly assess the organization's tech landscape to identify areas for optimization or What strategies do you employ to drive innovation and modernization. Prioritize projects based on potential technological advancement within your organization, impact and alignment with strategic objectives. and how do you prioritize technology projects and initiatives to align with the company's goals and • Roadmap Development: Create a comprehensive objectives? technology roadmap aligned with the company's strategic plan. Prioritize projects that have the highest • Cultivate Innovation: Instill a culture of innovation by impact on key business objectives. encouraging creative thinking, experimenting with emerging technologies, and promoting continuous • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate closely with learning among team members. stakeholders to understand their needs and involve them in decision-making. Communicate project • Stay Tech-Savvy: Keep abreast of industry trends benefits and expected outcomes to ensure alignment through conferences, networks, and publications. with overall organizational goals. Apply this knowledge to identify opportunities for technology-driven value within the organization. • Optimize Resource Allocation: Efficiently allocate resources based on budget, timeline, and potential • Encourage Collaboration: Promote cross-functional return on investment. Consider agile methodologies for collaboration through regular meetings and workshops, effective project management. allowing employees to share ideas, propose solutions, and collaborate on technology initiatives. • Measure and Evaluate: Establish KPIs and metrics to measure project success. Regularly evaluate the impact • Forge Partnerships: Establish partnerships with tech on organizational goals, using feedback and data- vendors, startups, and research institutions for access to driven insights to refine technology strategies cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate on projects to continuously. leverage external knowledge and expedite innovation. 25 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
How do you ensure the security and integrity of the • External Audits: Engage external auditors to conduct organization's technology infrastructure? periodic security assessments, providing an objective evaluation of the organization's security posture and Robust Security Measures: Implement robust security identifying areas for improvement. measures, including firewalls, encryption, and antivirus software, to fortify the organization's defense against • Monitoring: Utilize advanced monitoring systems to potential threats. detect anomalies and potential threats in real-time, enabling proactive responses to mitigate security risks • Risk Assessments: Conduct thorough risk assessments promptly. to identify vulnerabilities and proactively apply mitigations to safeguard the integrity of the technology What steps do you take to stay up-to-date with the latest infrastructure. trends and advancements in technology? • Access Controls: Enforce stringent access controls by As the Chief Technology Officer, maintaining a leading- implementing strong authentication mechanisms and edge perspective on technological advancements is regularly reviewing user privileges to limit potential paramount. To achieve this: security risks. • Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing learning • Employee Education: Conduct comprehensive training through industry publications and tech blogs, ensuring programs to enhance employee awareness of security a current understanding of the latest trends and protocols, ensuring they actively contribute to innovations. maintaining a secure technology environment. • Networking: Actively participate in conferences and • Incident Response: Establish and consistently update events to glean valuable insights, establish connections, protocols for incident handling to swiftly and and stay attuned to emerging developments in the tech effectively respond to any potential security incidents, landscape. minimizing potential damage. • Vendor Relationships: Cultivate robust relationships • Data Backup: Regularly back up critical data and with tech vendors to receive firsthand information conduct routine tests of data restoration procedures to about their latest offerings, facilitating informed ensure data integrity and availability in the event of decision-making. unforeseen incidents. • Collaboration with Institutions: Collaborate with • Stay Updated: Stay abreast of the latest security best organizations and research institutions to explore practices and frameworks, incorporating them into the innovation opportunities and gain exposure to cutting- organization's security strategy to address evolving edge technologies. threats effectively. 26 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
How do you foster a collaborative and productive relationship between the technology team and other departments within the organization? • Open Communication: Encourage open communication by establishing regular channels for interaction, such as cross-functional meetings and collaborative project sessions. This promotes transparency and ensures that information flows seamlessly across teams. • Cultural Emphasis on Understanding: Foster a culture of mutual understanding and respect. Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions where team members from different departments can learn about each other's roles and responsibilities, enhancing overall comprehension. • Inclusion in Strategic Discussions: Involve technology team members in strategic discussions and decision- making processes. Ensuring their perspectives are valued not only enhances collaboration but also contributes to well-informed and inclusive organizational decisions. • Cross-Functional Training: Provide resources and support for cross-functional training and skill development. This empowers team members to broaden their skill sets, facilitating a more versatile and adaptable workforce. • Recognition of Contributions: Celebrate successes and recognize contributions from both the technology team and other departments. Acknowledging achievements fosters a sense of unity and shared accomplishment, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts. By implementing these measures, you create an environment that not only promotes collaboration but also enhances productivity and innovation across all facets of • Independent Research: Conduct independent research the organization. on emerging technologies, leveraging both internal and external expertise to stay ahead of industry advancements. • Industry Associations: Participate in industry associations and forums, engaging in discussions and knowledge sharing to stay informed about industry trends and best practices. • Technology Roadmap: Develop a comprehensive technology roadmap, incorporating Research and Development (R&D) initiatives, to proactively integrate advancements into the organization's long- term strategies. This ensures that the organization remains agile and adaptive to the evolving technological landscape. 27 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
he tech industry thrives on Effective communication is the innovation, complex problem- cornerstone of any successful team. T solving, and cutting-edge Tech projects often involve complex ideas. While technical skills are ideas, tight deadlines, and pressure. undoubtedly crucial, a new frontier is Here's where EI shines. Team emerging in the quest for building truly members with high EI can: exceptional tech teams: Emotional Intelligence (EI). • Actively listen: They pay close attention to what others are saying, Traditionally, IQ (Intelligence both verbally and nonverbally, Quotient) has been the gold standard fostering a sense of being heard for measuring potential. However, and valued. research by Daniel Goleman and others • Communicate clearly and has shown that EI – the ability to concisely: They tailor their understand, use, and manage your own message to the audience, ensuring emotions in positive ways to achieve everyone is on the same page. your goals – plays an equally, if not • Provide constructive feedback: more important, role in success. This is They deliver criticism in a way especially true for tech teams, where that's helpful and focused on collaboration, communication, and improvement, avoiding navigating diverse personalities are defensiveness and fostering a essential for peak performance. growth mindset. • Manage conflict productively: Let's delve into why EI is a game- They can de-escalate situations, changer for tech teams, exploring its identify underlying issues, and impact on key aspects of team find solutions that work for dynamics: everyone. 1. Communication: Building Bridges, Strong communication nurtured by EI Not Walls creates a safe space for open dialogue, 28 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
Integra?ng Emo?onal Intelligence! where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback. This transparency fosters trust, a key ingredient for high-performing teams. 2. Building Strong Relationships: The Power of Empathy Tech teams are a melting pot of diverse personalities, backgrounds, and working styles. EI empowers team members to: • Practice empathy: They can see things from another person's perspective, fostering understanding and building stronger relationships. • Celebrate individual strengths: They recognize and appreciate the unique skills and perspectives each member brings to the table. • Offer support and encouragement: They create a sense of camaraderie and psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable taking risks and learning from mistakes. By fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect, EI creates a strong support system within the team. This, in turn, leads to increased motivation, engagement, and a willingness to go the extra mile for each other. 3. Innovation: The Spark of Creativity The tech industry thrives on constant innovation. Here too, EI plays a vital role: • Emotional regulation: Team members with high EI can manage stress effectively, which is crucial for creative thinking. • Openness to new ideas: They are receptive to diverse perspectives and willing to consider unconventional solutions. • Embrace challenges: They view roadblocks as opportunities for 29 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
• learning and growth, fostering a Here are some ways to foster EI within Conclusion resilient and adaptable team spirit. your tech team: Emotional intelligence is no longer a By creating a psychologically safe • Self-awareness workshops: soft skill; it's a vital competency for environment where ideas can flow Encourage team members to success in the tech industry. By freely, EI fuels the fire of creativity. reflect on their own emotions and prioritizing EI development within Team members feel comfortable how they impact their behavior. your team, you're not just building a brainstorming, experimenting, and • Team-building exercises: team of skilled individuals; you're taking calculated risks – the perfect Activities that promote fostering a high-performing unit that recipe for groundbreaking communication, collaboration, and thrives on collaboration, innovation, innovations. empathy can strengthen emotional and a shared vision for success. In a world driven by constant change and bonds within the team. rapid advancements, tech teams with 4. Leadership: Guiding the Way with • Mentorship programs: Pairing strong emotional intelligence are the Emotional Agility experienced team members with ones best equipped to navigate newer ones can provide guidance challenges, seize opportunities, and Exceptional tech teams need and support in developing emotional intelligence skills. stay ahead of the curve. exceptional leaders. EI is a critical • Feedback culture: Create a safe leadership skill, enabling leaders to: space for constructive feedback, - Alaya Brown • Motivate and inspire: They both positive and negative, to understand and connect with team nurture continuous improvement members on a deeper level, in emotional intelligence. fostering a shared vision and commitment to goals. The ROI of Emotional Intelligence • Delegate effectively: They can assess strengths and weaknesses, Investing in EI for your tech team is assigning tasks that leverage not just about fostering a feel-good individual skills and promote work environment; it's a strategic move growth. with a strong return on investment • Navigate difficult conversations: (ROI). Studies have shown that teams They can address performance with high EI demonstrate: issues or conflicts with empathy and emotional intelligence, Increased productivity: Improved leading to positive outcomes. communication and collaboration lead • Adapt to change: They can to faster project completion times and manage their own emotions during fewer errors. challenging times and guide the Reduced conflict: Effective conflict team through periods of resolution minimizes wasted time and uncertainty. fosters a more positive work environment. Leaders with high EI set the tone for Enhanced innovation: A safe space for the entire team. Their emotional agility creative expression leads to a higher creates a positive work environment volume of innovative ideas. where team members feel valued, Improved employee retention: empowered, and motivated to excel. Employees who feel valued, supported, and part of a team are more likely to Building an Emotionally Intelligent stay with the company. Team The good news is that EI is not a fixed trait – it can be learned and developed. 30 April, 2024 www.thecioworld.com
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