Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 61 | Page 82

GET TO KNOW
The biggest challenge in Europe is that every region is so incredibly different with their approaches to various technologies .
increase , but also the Russia-Ukraine war and global political instability . Organisations started to evaluate whether the technologies they use can offer the level of digital sovereignty they require .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
Regulatory compliance requirements continue to grow in most geographies and verticals . This increases the need and investment focus on automation . Runecast helps organisations automate their compliance among other capabilities we offer . But we clearly see a huge demand for security compliance automation capabilities in particular .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside of the office ?
Walking and breathing regularly is really the easiest , healthiest and most effective stress relief I know of . I do have guilty pleasures , like Netflix , but these are not necessarily the healthiest way to unwind .
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
I ’ m already doing my dream job . Throughout my career , I never stayed too long in a role where I felt that I stopped learning or enjoying . So , looking back as it often happens in life , it all seems logical and clear .
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in Europe ?
The biggest challenge in Europe is that every region is so incredibly different with their approaches to various technologies . One region-specific challenge that stands out is complying with the mix of local and European regulatory compliance standards . I am happy we are so well positioned to help our customers automate their compliance , no matter which European countries they have their services in .
There are also a lot of cultural factors . Our channel partners are therefore essential in being able to present our solution capabilities in the language that makes the most sense for the organisations they are helping .
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 ?
The biggest change was that we had always had some remote team members , but as we continued to grow during the pandemic years it tipped the scales in that direction . 2023 will see a big shakeup in the tech industry , with companies that want to bring people back to the office most likely losing people to companies that honour flexibility .
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain C-level position in your industry ?
Observe and learn , be willing to listen and believe that you can do it . Find mentors to learn from in all areas , even the ones that you might think you ’ ve already mastered . Mentors are essential for any type of career growth . Also , always be ready to solve problems that no-one else is willing to solve . p
82 INTELLIGENTCIO EUROPE www . intelligentcio . com