GET TO KNOW overhaul banking systems . The effort , while noble , was like pushing a boulder up a muddy hill in flip flops . Generative AI will be pervasive . It will be absolutely impactful in our personal and work lives . It is here to stay – and grow .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
In the world of identity , it is about transformation . Cloud transformation investments over the last decade are now transforming into how to reconcile the sheer brittleness in old-world approaches to identity and access control .
Established companies could quickly move major chunks of their IT infrastructure to public clouds , but then were faced with how brittle their workforce access control systems were . Largely still on promise and almost ‘ forgotten technology ’, I think we ’ ll see huge pushes to modernise this critical stack to cloud-based , more secure versions of their former selves . I will also say that deeper modernisation of ‘ the password ’ will occur , in the case of literally eliminating it in favour of biometrics and other passwordless approaches .
I was getting beat up and learning from reality and practice . But my mind said I wasn ’ t good enough . It took a long time for me to realise how ludicrous that was .
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in Europe ?
In recent years , it is a ‘ new school distribution ’. In the 1990s it was about resellers and localised support . Fast forward to today and it ’ s about data sovereignty and ensuing trust to have your service adopted . Most startups do not have the foresight or priority to enable hyper-local data regionalisation which GDPR and other regulations require . It ’ s not on the cards to spend the time to architect until deep product-market fit is achieved . This presents challenges when trying to do business with EU-based clients unless you have the legal counsel to help mitigate and provide the type of attestation needed for the EU-based company to move forward . This comes at considerable cost .
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 ?
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside of the office ?
Building a company comes with a ton of responsibility . There are a lot of rocks to carry mentally in your backpack so to speak . Moving blood through the body is key for me . I try to ensure I am getting out on my mountain bike when I can , which brings me deep joy .
I am also a massive advocate of sleep . It ’ s critical to get your brain to reset so you can rinse and repeat the hard work that comes at you every day , for years on end . This is what you sign up for and thus you better know how to recover . Sleep is king .
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
In particular , a deep focus inward into the business has been the most significant change . This doesn ’ t mean I ’ ve always had my head in the clouds and not focused on our internal execution , but rather how we can and should be thinking differently about execution .
I see an absolute need to continue this over the next 12 months and beyond . What this current economic condition has taught us is how quickly tailwinds can shift into fierce headwinds . You need to prepare your business for any condition . Anyone can build a capable business when the market is thriving . It ’ s those that can not just survive , but thrive when the markets turn .
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain a C-level position in your industry ?
Saying yes or going for what you really wanted and ultimately not being scared to think you weren ’ t good enough .
In the early days , I was always in awe of peers coming in from the most spectacular schools with freshly minted MBAs . I didn ’ t take that path and went through the MBA school of ‘ build it yourself and learn ’. I always felt I was under-gunned in education .
What I didn ’ t realise is that I could , and was , running circles around those MBA types . I wasn ’ t talking theory ;
Don ’ t chase the title , chase the outcomes . If you are executing and you are moving up without asking , you ’ re in the right place . If you ’ re executing and feel in your heart you ’ ve done your best work and no one is paying attention , it ’ s time for you to gather up that collective experience and go get the C-level job you want and may deserve .
Just remember that a C-level position at one company may not translate into another ’ s use of that title . Go get the experience and work with great people , regardless of the title . It ’ ll happen . Be patient and go execute . p
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