GET TO KNOW applications but people should be cognisant of its limitations and the risks around its use . The other hot topic is cloud . A lot of customers are embracing the model and moving their data to the big service providers . Unfortunately , the pace of adoption isn ’ t being matched by commensurate adoption of cyber security technology . Many organisations don ’ t understand the risks sufficiently ; they think the cloud provider will protect their data . In fact , it ’ s their own responsibility .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office ?
Catching up with family and friends , with a pint in your hand and not talking about work for a little bit , is a good way to take the pressure down . Unfortunately , my family are all in Australia , so that makes it tough . Going home at least once a year to see them – and get some sun and surf – recharges and energises me . Now that I ’ m running my own show , I have found it harder to switch off – as a founder , your brain is always thinking of the next idea or problem – so it is important to have a hobby or something else to focus on . Weirdly enough , mine is doing some techie stuff on the PC ! I like to have a bit of research or a side project on the go .
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
I ’ d have launched a start up a bit sooner . It was something I always wanted to do but I wanted to do it in the most educated way possible . Waiting and being patient was worthwhile – my former career taught me a lot – but I probably should have made the move five years earlier . Doing it pre-Covid would certainly have helped from an economic perspective but I suspect leaving a high paying job for a salary of zero and spending your own hard-earned savings on a vision , is scary at any age or stage . If I had my time again , I ’ d just take the leap .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
Once again , I ’ d have to say cloud technologies . It ’ s where a lot of companies have focused their spend and , as a trend , it still has a long way to run .
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in APAC ?
There are your obvious ones like language barriers . It ’ s not just about what language your product is in ; how you support the customer has to be a consideration too . And data sovereignty can be a minefield . Unlike Europe , where the EU has imposed uniform regulations and compliance , APAC countries have wildly differing data protection laws . Some countries , Australia and China for example , are chalk and cheese and you need to be able to accommodate both .
What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year and how do you see these developing in the next 12 months ?
In early 2023 , we shifted from investment mode back into ‘ doing ’ mode , having completed our third round of funding . My focus since then has been on sustainable growth . That ’ s a challenge for a lot of start-ups in the current economic climate . There ’ s no longer the money sloshing around that there was three years ago and burning as fast and bright as possible has ceased to be a good strategy . Over the next 12 months , I expect to be quite hands on , making sure we have the right product strategy and road map , building the go to market team and fostering alliances to amplify our growth .
What advice would you offer to someone aspiring to obtain a C level position in your industry ?
Being the CEO is the loneliest position in the company -so it pays to ensure you ’ re not alone . Developing a trusted network or peer group of people who ’ ve been there and done that , or are in the process of doing it , is invaluable . They ’ ll help you appreciate that dealing with lots of fires from day to day is normal and that you can get through the inevitable challenges that will come your way . It ’ s also super important to truly believe in the company and the mission . If you don ’ t have passion , if you can ’ t live and breathe it , things can quickly unwind . p
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