On the lighter side of things , we ask the industry experts what makes them tick . . . .

Geoff Schomburgk ,

Vice President for Australia and New Zealand at Yubico

From a professional perspective , working on projects to deliver business outcomes for customers across transport , telecommunications and government is hugely rewarding .

But more broadly to have played a part in the global development of the technology industry , particularly the evolution of the mobile phone sector , is a highlight .

I ’ ll be able to sit back ( one day ) and regale stories to my grandchildren about life before mobile phones and the Internet . And with pride say that I was part of the generation that built that technology .

What first made you think of a career in technology ?

I have a long-held fascination with how things work and solving problems , which led me to study engineering . I started doing mechanical engineering but quickly switched to electrical and electronics . I was never particularly good with high voltage equipment and after a couple of ‘ zaps ’, I decided a pursuit of electronics would be safer .

At the time , significant technological developments were happening each year , technologies such as data communications , the Internet and mobile telephony made technology an exciting industry to be part of . My first job was building a new state-wide mobile communications network for the emergency services and I was hooked .

What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position ?

I have always focused on delivering results and never been a fan of micro-management . So , for me , an outcomes-driven approach comes naturally . Now , working with a virtual team across several continents requires a flexible and trust-based style , but still

holding the team accountable for results . With the exceptionally talented team at Yubico , I think that style of working brings out the best in the team . And our results support that .

What do you think is the current hot technology talking point ?

Protection and security of data has become increasingly important but even more so in the current COVID-19 adjusted world . It is really disturbing to see an increase in cyberattacks , exploiting the situation www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO

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