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

In the past four years we have been in the Top 25 Great Places to work(# 2 in 2023), while our Gallup Q12 survey results, where we scored 4.9 out of five with 100 % participation, placing us in the top 3 % globally. Adding to that, our high net promotor scores( NPS) consistently range from the high 80s to 90s, which is streets ahead of industry norms. This success flows to exceptional revenue and profitability.

What first made you think of a career in technology?

James Mystakidis, Group Executive, Macquarie Cloud Services, tell what time in tech has taught him so far.

Transforming the Macquarie Cloud Services business from a smaller division into one of the driving forces of our entire organisation is the standout to me.

When I took over in 2015, Cloud Services was generating $ 34 million in annual revenue. Many believed due to the rise of the public cloud hyperscalers, that private cloud businesses were not strategic and should be divested. This mirrored a common sentiment in the industry. However, I saw potential where others saw decline. By 2024, our revenue had organically grown to $ 140 million.

Success came from a reminder,’ culture eats strategy for breakfast’, so a two-pronged strategy was required:

• Focus on our purpose of serving a marketplace that is over charged and underserved

• Building an exceptional leadership team

What I have discovered is when you put your people first( staff engagement), your people give your customers an incredible experience. When your customers are engaged, they remain with you, which in turn drives revenue and profits( EBITDA).

I have a natural curiosity for how things work and technology lends itself to this very well. This curiosity led me to information technology, an industry that continually challenges me to figure out how things tick.

As my career evolved, I found that this curiosity extends to understanding how businesses operate. I enjoy discovering the various levers within a business that can be adjusted to drive results and how to solve business problems.

What management philosophy do you employ with your current position?

I would describe my leadership style as ambidextrous. I believe that as leaders, myself and others on the leadership team must adapt to the needs of individuals. Every person in our team is unique, with different skills, motivations and experiences. It’ s our responsibility to adapt our styles to bring out the best in them and provide the support they need.

By understanding each person’ s skill level and motivation, we can tailor our approach, offering the right level of empowerment and guidance. For those needing clarity and direction, we provide structured support. For those who thrive with autonomy, we ensure they understand the goals and give them the freedom to achieve them.

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

It’ s hard to deny that AI is the current hot tech talking point. The topic dominates discussions, and while this

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