Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 53 | Page 89

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

. . . GET TO KNOW . . .

Mike Martin , CEO , CAI

wWhat would you describe as your most memorable achievement ?

I had the opportunity to move my family to Puerto Rico ( twice ), China and Ireland as a part of my career assignments . These opportunities provided some of the most challenging , but also most rewarding experiences .
For instance , I led the team that constructed and started a manufacturing plant in China that held a safety performance record with over 5 million hours without serious injury . I led a site engineering leadership team for an insulin manufacturing facility in Puerto Rico and supported and led many other operations and projects across the US and in Ireland .
These experiences helped shape who I am as a professional and how I approach leadership in a nonnative country . No matter the place , everyone has similar experiences , problems and dreams . I prioritise cultural integration and localisation . It ’ s not about coming in and taking over , but instead being humble in your approach to helping .
What first made you think of a career in technology ?
Technology as a whole is a fast-growing industry – constantly changing the world we live in . It ’ s also a
very exciting career path , brimming with opportunities for growth – and for me , it has been a fascinating and fulfilling one . I chose a career that I felt would help people and improve human experiences . For these reasons , I pursued a career in this field and have not looked back .
What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position ?
The understanding that people are important was instilled in me early on and is still at the core of my focus today . I live and lead in a manner that displays respect and understanding and I aim to amplify the best in people .
Consider Stephen Covey ’ s Habit # 5 in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is ‘ Seek First to Understand , Then to Be Understood ’ This habit strikes at influencing others by developing a deep understanding of their needs and perspectives first .
The understanding that people are important was instilled in me early on .
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