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We ’ ve seen privacy , security and governance all come to the forefront , bringing interesting challenges around its safe and ethical use .
to the forefront , bringing interesting challenges around its safe and ethical use . At BT Group , our mission is to connect for good , so we ’ re hard at work building the capabilities we need to put the next generation of AI technologies to work to support our customers and colleagues alike .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
Platforms and people . I don ’ t believe you can achieve what you want to with your tech if you don ’ t invest in your people . You need platforms that help modernise your tech stacks to respond to a rapidly evolving landscape of technology , but these won ’ t happen if you don ’ t have the next-level talent in your business to drive this change . I think it ’ s so important to give opportunities to colleagues to take them on that journey with you .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside of the office ?
I make sure I build the time in my day for resetting and reflecting . I reset my mind by prioritising my thoughts each morning ; I have to take that time out of each day to refocus my mind and properly set myself up for the day ahead . The end of the day is when I reflect on how the day has gone , through daily prayer I remind myself to be grateful for each day no matter how the day has gone .
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in Europe ?
I ’ ve been fortunate enough to have had a career that ’ s taken me around the world . I ’ ve worked in tech roles that have taken me from the US to Asia , and now to Europe . Looking back at these experiences , I think it ’ s so important to be respectful of the culture and of course local regulations . I think that ’ s one of the key differences in Europe ; we ’ re very highly regulated here and there are so many things in place to protect the customer . It ’ s a differentiator that helps us , as technologists to be better at what we do .
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 role of a CDO isn ’ t changing dramatically , but of course , accountabilities change over time . Due to a rapidly evolving tech landscape which involves the growth of AI , the role will require more strategic decision-making . As a CDO , the decisions you make today can help define the next five years of the company .
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain C-level position in your industry ?
With the emergence of new tech , today ’ s and yesterday ’ s C-Level are different . However , while the roles have changed , the underpinning principles of what makes a good leader are the same . I think you need to be intellectually curious at all times , accept feedback from all levels , maintain authentic and inclusive leadership and be outcome-focused always .
An ethos I ’ ve always stuck by involves never putting too much focus on what the position or job title might be ; rather I ’ ve always concentrated on what my ultimate goal and passion is , which is creating solutions with tech to solve problems for customers . p
When I was starting out in my career , the general feeling was that you always had to make linear moves , moves that would take you directly up the ladder . I ’ ve seen now how positive it can be to make sideways moves and have a ‘ squiggly career ’. Things have changed , and I see different perspectives when it comes to career progression . More than anything , I think it ’ s important to follow your passions and not be afraid to move in whatever direction that takes you . It ’ s something I ’ ll always encourage people to do when they are thinking about their future .
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