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

Having worked in small web application and SaaS businesses for 20-plus years , my most memorable achievements have always been to do with being the underdog and winning deals when there are big incumbents in the mix .

Coming out on top , against the odds , is generally the result of an innovative approach , a high level of knowledge and expertise and end-to-end continuity , from pre-sales right through to the support phase . We experienced one of these triumphs back in 2016 , shortly after I joined NextMinute , when the company scored a breakthrough deal with PlaceMakers , New Zealand ’ s largest builders ’ merchant .

What first made you think of a career in technology ?

Coming through university in the mid-nineties I chose to go down the management systems route because I saw what the Internet and e-commerce could offer businesses and people . Back then it was all still quite unknown but exciting . One of the key things for me was the way this new technology could overcome location and geography barriers . The concept of being able to work anywhere in the world , virtually , really appealed .

Some people never thought it would be possible – and it ’ s taken a bit longer than I thought it might – but we ’ re there now . Almost every job has a flexible component .

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

I ’ ve always run with a high trust , high responsibility model . You can get the most and the best out of people when they feel that they ’ re responsible for something and that you trust them to deliver . It ’ s a modus operandi that also encourages people to use their initiative and be a bit more creative . The word authenticity is over-used but bringing your true self to work , sharing your life , your world , and your views with your team , and not asking anyone in the business to do something you wouldn ’ t do yourself , is how I like to operate . I ’ m also a big advocate for people looking after themselves . Attend to your health , relationships and family first and you ’ ll put your best foot forward when you come to the office .

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

The question of how people can have less technology in their lives or at least get the balance right seems to have assumed greater prominence , of late . Everyone is uber-connected and working out how we can harness

www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO APAC 79