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What are the region-
specific challenges
when implementing new
technologies in Europe?
My current role is very focused
on the UK market. In previous
roles, I have learned that there
are significant cultural differences
between us and our neighbours
which really need to be understood
– don’t assume anything.
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?
What do you currently
identify as the major areas of
investment in your industry?
Automation and AI are the two essential
major investment areas in the IT industry.
These are vital in assisting IT service
providers to scale, increase the quality of
customer experience and future-proof
customer’s environments.
How do you deal with stress and
unwind outside of the office?
The last year, I think, has cemented
my view that even though I work
in the infrastructure side of the IT
industry, it is the multitude of software
across all the platforms that will be the
banana skin in service delivery.
chosen jobs where the culture
of the organisations have matched my own
values, where I have liked the people I have
worked with and for, and where there is an
opportunity for me to have a direct impact.
That said, there are numerous conversations
with people I would have had differently.
There are some that I look back on and wince
(sorry if you were ever on the receiving end
of one of those), but I guess with experience,
you get better at that sort of stuff.
What advice would you offer
somebody aspiring to obtain C-level
position in your industry?
Focus on making your team a success
rather than seeking your own personal
success. The latter always follows the
former. Also, this is such an incestuous
industry – so don’t ever forget that,
you will inevitably cross paths with
people again. n
Stress affects people in different ways. I have
been guilty of not being entirely present
when at home – probably too much phone
‘twitching’, so putting my phone out of
reach is a good place to start. I am a keen
runner and that helps clear my head, and
I’ve also started playing tennis again which
prevents me thinking about work at all as
I charge around the court trying to get
balls back over the net. Most importantly,
spending time with my family and friends is
the ultimate antidote to having a job, which
I have often described as being like a full
contact sport!
If you could go back and change one
career decision, what would it be?
I believe I’ve made some great choices
throughout my career. I have typically
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