GET TO KNOW is exciting, it also has downsides. One major issue we see is‘ AI washing’, where companies exaggerate the use of their AI in products and storytelling, making it difficult to discern genuine AI integration from the hype machine. Despite this, we firmly believe that AI will fundamentally reshape how we live and work.
Secondly, we need to leverage AI to transform our businesses. AI’ s impact is already evident in fields such as law and marketing, where tools like ChatGPT can analyse vast amounts of data and generate comprehensive insights. This technological advancement will redefine many roles, which will force a change in how professionals operate. Our investment must focus on helping our workforce embrace these changes, ensuring they can work effectively with AI and remain relevant in the future job market.
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in APAC?
It’ s crucial that we leverage AI’ s development to ensure we are satisfied with the outcomes it brings – including the value and experience it offers our customers.
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office?
My approach has evolved significantly over time. Early in my career, I thrived on individual competence and achievement, which led to considerable stress when I transitioned into leadership roles. I initially tried to apply the same individual contributor mindset to management, resulting in many mistakes and very high stress levels.
Over the years, I learned that effective leadership involves hiring exceptional people and trusting them. Great managers hire great staff and it’ s crucial to
find the best talent, even those who might excel past my own capabilities. Empowering and trusting these individuals has dramatically reduced my stress levels. Now, with an incredible team in place, I rely on them to run the business effectively and try to help them be their best, which alleviates the stress that previously weighed me down.
I believe in the integration of personal and professional life, and I recognise that as human beings, we bring our personal experiences to work and vice versa. I enjoy scuba diving, riding my motorbike and travelling abroad so I try to balance my passions and responsibilities to make sure I unwind and recharge regularly.
A major challenge is data sovereignty. In APAC, different countries have distinct regulations aimed at protecting their citizens’ data. Unlike the EU, which has a unified regulatory framework, APAC’ s regulatory environment is fragmented, with each country having its own set of rules and requirements. This complexity combined with different languages and cultures makes it difficult for technology companies to implement solutions uniformly across the region.
Compounding that, cultural and linguistic diversity adds another layer of complexity. Each country has its own language, culture and business practices, requiring tailored approaches for technology implementation and adoption. This can’ t be done without a deep understanding of local markets and the ability to navigate various regulatory landscapes, making the process more intricate compared to other regions.
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?
Over the past year, our goal was to maintain our position as the number one cloud MSP in Australia. We’ ve achieved this goal but our strategy is to maintain the mindset that we’ re coming in second. This ensures we remain hungry for growth, disciplined and innovative, avoiding the complacency and arrogance that can come with being number one.
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry?
Investing in our people is more important now than ever. The skills and capabilities required in IT are evolving quickly and we must focus on training and supporting our people to navigate what is the biggest technological change of our lifetime, so they can adapt to new roles where AI is increasingly centre stage.
Looking forward, I see my role continuing to evolve around sustaining this mindset. We’ ll keep learning from international markets, staying attuned to customer needs and focusing on innovation. Our goal is to maintain our leadership by not just focusing on our current success, but by constantly seeking ways to improve and adapt. This means we must pay close attention to global trends, understand how we can implement new ideas, and ensure our offerings remain relevant and valuable to our customers. p
80 INTELLIGENTCIO APAC www. intelligentcio. com