Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 58 | Page 82

GET TO KNOW
What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position ?
I believe leadership is about shared direction , trust and transparency . These values are reflected in my leadership style and is the backbone of our culture at Digital Workforce . People need to feel empowered in order to make effective decisions for the organisation to reach its goals .
What do you think has emerged as the technology trend of 2022 and why ?
How to release the strategic value of intelligent automation by allowing automated business processes to configure and reconfigure at high speed .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
The need for automation is rapidly increasing and expanding across sectors and functions . The pandemic has accelerated digitisation initiatives and has become a key objective on many business agendas . This has uncovered the increasing need for businesses to implement technologies across the organisation with a clear vision rather than business divisions operating in silos . Businesses are struggling with internal skills shortages and enterprises are increasingly looking at technologies to automate processes and refocus resources . Automation is now being introduced in front office customer service functions and we ’ re seeing investment in more advanced features and smart solutions to enhance the degree of intelligence offered . In addition , by incorporating technologies that go beyond RPA , there ’ s the potential to orchestrate even more complex business processes . For example , by working with backend systems and adding in a ‘ human-in-the-loop ’ functionality .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside of the office ?
The best way to unwind for me is active sports , sailing being my favourite . I co-own a small sailing boat which we sail mostly just for fun but occasionally also participate in races . I also love to play tennis which I took on about three years ago .
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
I never look back and ponder where I might be or I might not be had I taken another path . I am very happy about the opportunities and challenges life has brought my way . So I have to answer I would not change a thing .
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in Europe ?
Europe is an incredibly rich canvas of cultures which have a great influence on the way people live , work and also assimilate new technologies . On the other hand there is also a European value system which unifies us . I would say that while the opportunities are very diverse , the challenges are mostly practical having to do with local language support to customers and regional differences in legal frameworks and business practices .
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 ?
My job role has seen many new facets been introduced since our IPO late last year . There are changes related to stock market regulations having to do with investor communications for example . The most rewarding change has been the need and the possibility to discuss our company ’ s situation and strategy with a very broad investor community .
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain C-level position in your industry ?
The industry needs leaders who are ambitious , adaptable and innovative . My advice to aspirational leaders hoping to obtain a C-level position in intelligent automation and technology is that they should deploy these values and attributes in their leadership style and that they should have a clear vision for their organisation ’ s future , understanding where the opportunity for growth is and where they can make a difference for clients .
Intelligent Automation is a process that will look different in every sector and requires leaders who are able to effectively see this journey through for their chosen clients , from strategy to implementation . p
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