This edition features The Most Influential Leaders In Tech that are at the forefront of leading us into a digital future

1. SAKKARIA
Exploring Key
Characteris cs
What Makes a Leader
Truly Inspira onal?
Kader
SAKKARIA
Leading Technology Augmenta ons
The
1 Most
Influential
in Tech to
Follow
Leaders
Leaders
Kader Sakkaria
Chief Informa on Officer
Ruffalo Noel Levitz
VOL 04 I ISSUE 13 I 2023
Resilience and
Courage
Exploring the Traits of
Inspira onal Leaders
in Challenging Times

4. Ed or's
Note
Ed or's
Note
Ed or's
Note

5. L
eadership is not just about being in charge of a
team; it’s about inspiring and motivating others to
achieve a common goal. Inspirational leaders
possess certain traits and characteristics that set them
apart from others. These leaders are able to inspire and
motivate people to go above and beyond what is
expected of them. In this article, we will explore the
traits of the most inspirational leaders.
Inspirational leaders possess certain traits and
characteristics that set them apart from others. They
are visionary, empathetic, authentic, courageous,
resilient, innovative, humble, and inspiring. These
leaders create a culture of collaboration, innovation,
and growth, which helps to motivate and inspire their
team members to achieve great things. By
understanding these traits, we can all strive to become
more inspirational leaders in our own lives and careers.
Inspirational leaders have a clear vision of what they
want to achieve. They are able to articulate this vision
to others in a way that is inspiring and motivating. A
leader's vision provides a sense of purpose and
direction for the team and helps to align everyone's
efforts towards a common goal. The most inspirational
leaders are able to communicate their vision in a way
that resonates with their team members.
Empathy is the ability to understand and relate to the
needs and concerns of others. Inspirational leaders are
able to show empathy towards their team members,
which helps to create a sense of trust and respect.
These leaders listen to their team members and take
their opinions and ideas into account when making
decisions. This creates a sense of belonging and fosters
a culture of collaboration.
Business leaders are authentic and true to themselves.
They are honest, transparent, and genuine, which helps
to build trust and credibility with their team members.
Authentic leaders do not try to be someone they are
not, and they are open about their strengths and
weaknesses. This creates an environment where people
feel comfortable being themselves and encourages
them to be honest and transparent as well.
Above all, inspirational leaders are able to inspire
others to be their best selves. They lead by example and
are able to bring out the best in their team members.
These leaders create a positive and supportive
environment that fosters growth and development.
They encourage their team members to take on
challenges and push themselves to new heights.
Mapping the journey of these business leaders,
CIOLook—brings its latest edition—The 10 Most
Influential Leaders in Tech To Follow, 2023.
Flip through the pages and indulge in the odyssey of
excellence these business leaders are mapping in the
dynamic business arena.
Have a delightful read!
L
Groundbreaking Aspects
of Persistent Success
Abhishek Joshi
Abhishek Joshi

6. C o n t e n t s
18 26
14 22
Behzad Zamanian
Driving Technological Transformations
and Innovation
30
Ganinee Jain
Driving Novelties in the
Cybersecurity Niche
Exploring Key
Characteristics
What Makes a Leader Truly
Inspirational?
Resilience and Courage
Exploring the Traits of Inspirational
Leaders in Challenging Times
Dr Rami Ayoob
A Visionary Tech Disruptor Leading
Startups to Success

7. C
O
V
E
R
S
T
O
R
Y
08
08
Kader
SAKKARIA
Leading Technology Augmenta ons

8. CONTENT
Deputy Editor AbhishekJoshi
Managing Editor Alex Spellman
DESIGN
Visualizer Dave Bates
Art & Design Director Ankita Pandharpure
Associate Designer Revati Badkas
SALES
Senior Sales Manager Sihanee M., Rouniyar A.
Customer Success Manager Taylor. S
Sales Executives Shashi Rajbhar, Josh
TECHNICAL
Technical Head Prachi Mokashi
Technical Consultant Victor Collins
April, 2023
Copyright © 2023 CIOLOOK, All
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9. Brief
Company Name
Ganinee Jain
Advisor, Cyber &
Information Security,
Privacy and Medical
Device Security
Ganinee reorganized the overall cybersecurity service
offering at EZEN to include the most effective and consistent
methodologies that serve their client's security requirements
with the highest quality.
Paslick is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information
Officer of Nashville, Tennessee-based HCA Healthcare, one of
the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services.
Tim is an expert in pushing BI analytics into customer-facing
systems to create a personalized experience.
Kevin is an effective influencer with senior leadership capable
of inspiring vision while securing key technology investments.
Dr. Rami Ayoob
Chief Information
Officer (CIO)
Dr Rami is an innovative and result-oriented professional with
over 18+ years of executive-level experience, responsible for
all aspects of strategic IT planning, implementation and
achievement of enterprise goals.
Spark Tech Hub
sparktechhub.com
EZEN Computer
Services Inc
ezeninc.com
Walmart
walmart.com
Behzad is responsible for the development of the City's overall
information systems and innovation strategy and
implementation of short and long term technology goals.
Washoe County
washoecounty.gov
Linda is an adept leader who is contributing in scaling the
successs of United Airlines to the greater heights.
United Airlines
united.com
PODS
PODS.com
Jose is an action oriented Technology Executive with Global
and multi-industry experience.
InvoCare
invocare.com.au
HCA Healthcare
hcahealthcare.com
Kader Sakkaria is the Chief Information Officer at Ruffalo
Noel Levitz. He prioritizes product-centric attitudes over
project management.
Ruffalo Noel Levitz
ruffalonl.com
Nehal is an experienced designer and developer of enterprise
applications using middle ware technologies like MuleSoft and
TIBCO across Telecom and Insurance domains.
J4RVIS
j4rvis.com
Featured Person
Behzad Zamanian
Chief Information
Officer
Paslick Marty
Senior Vice President
and Chief Information
Officer
Tim Nelson
Vice President,
Data and Analytics
Kevin Lewis
Vice President of
Retail Intelligence
Linda Jojo
Executive Vice President,
Chief Customer Officer
Jose A. Perez
Chief Information &
Technology Officer
Kader Sakkaria
Chief Information
Officer
Nehal Jain
Principal Consultant
The
1 Most
Influential
in Tech to
Follow
Leaders
Leaders

10. C
O
V
E
R
S
T
O
R
Y
Kader
SAKKARIA
Leading Technology Augmenta ons
Kader has observed a shi towards
social responsibility in areas such as the
conserva on of resources, environmental
aspects of energy produc on, cybersecurity,
and privacy protec ons for employees
and clients.

11. Kader Sakkaria
Chief Informa on Officer
Ruffalo Noel Levitz

12. A
s a pivotal figure in modern organizations that
rely on advanced information technologies to
stay competitive, Kader Sakkaria leads with a
combination of leadership, technical expertise, and
business acumen, navigating the constantly changing
landscape of technology.
By aligning business objectives with large teams of IT
professionals and technology platforms, Kader
succeeds as Chief Information Officer at Ruffalo Noel
Levitz. He prioritizes product-centric attitudes over
project management, builds a culture of innovation and
scalability, and fosters collaboration and empowerment
across cross-functional teams. In this fast-paced and
challenging environment, success is a complex and
dynamic mix of factors that demand continuous
improvement and agile flexibility.
Let us learn more about his professional journey.
Inspired Roots
Kader has always been passionate about transforming
organizations, primarily through digital means. He
understands that digital transformation is critical to the
evolution of technology-centric organizations. He has
studied various frameworks to guide transformations,
such as McKinsey's 7s model and the digital value chain
framework. For Kader, designing, optimizing, and
innovating business processes to build customer
experiences on solid value-creating foundations that
leverage advances in cloud technologies, optimization,
and market differentiation is a tremendous task.
He knows that Artificial Intelligence is one of the most
crucial differentiating factors that drive transformation
in analytics, data engineering, and new product
development lifecycle. Moreover, Kader strongly
believes that large organizations have a social
responsibility to contribute beyond the ramifications of
the business model. As a transformational leader, Kader
is committed to creating value through ethical and
accountable actions, social responsibility, and
environment-conscious decisions.
Inspiring Relevant Engagement
Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) is a leading provider of
higher-education analytics solutions, offering services
such as enrollment modeling, consulting, student
success management, resource allocation management,
marketing insights, and prescriptive fundraising
planning. With a clientele of over 1900 universities,
colleges, and non-profit organizations, RNL strives to
create hyper-personalized client engagements that
drive these institutions toward their goals and long-
term objectives. These engagements entail a
multifaceted and data-driven analysis of market
research, enrollment consulting, academic advising, and
student success during all stages of their academic life.
Along with personalized consulting services, RNL's
vision emphasizes technology leadership with stable
and scalable computing platforms. As part of their
expertise, RNL boasts industry-leading AI-driven data
analytics, data-driven insights with real-time machine
learning capabilities, and advanced data engineering
capabilities on a cloud platform. To ensure scalability
and integrate all value chain processes, RNL is currently
executing a digital transformation strategy with state-
of-the-art support for integrating client data sources,
infrastructure as a code paradigm, and real-time
capabilities for model execution. Their data processing
methodologies can handle diverse formats, multimedia,
and unstructured data. Their solutions are exposed to
clients through advanced dashboards, providing a wide
range of features for customization and
democratization of their technologies with instant
feedback loops.
Driving Significant Impact
Kader believes that his experience leading
transformative initiatives for large and medium-sized
organizations has given him valuable insights into
As a transforma onal leader, Kader is
commi ed to crea ng value through
ethical and accountable ac ons, social
responsibility, and environment-
conscious decisions.

13. market forces and what it takes to build a thriving
organization. While there is no "secret sauce" or quick
answer to success, Kader believes prioritization is
crucial. One key guiding principle for him is his belief in
the servant leadership style, which he feels is uniquely
suited to transformative strategies and is increasingly
essential given complex situations. He believes that
caring for employees, the organization, and the
environment is the way to go and that fostering
collaboration and empowering team members to
participate in decision-making is vital in today's fast-
paced and complex environment. Kader believes that
empathy in a transformational context contributes to
work, life, and philanthropy and that socially
responsible initiatives, ethical use of technologies,
sustainability, and governance reflect the servant
organizations movement.
Dynamic, Empowered, Unified
Kader strongly believes that social responsibility and
ethics-driven values should be a cornerstone of modern
organizations. He has always been motivated by the
potential impact he can have on both the organization
and the environment, which has been a critical driver
throughout his career. While he has worked on many
transformational projects, he also feels that being a
part of something more significant and lasting is
essential.
Kader has observed a shift towards social responsibility
in areas such as the conservation of resources,
environmental aspects of energy production,
cybersecurity, and privacy protections for employees
and clients. He believes that success is not just about
the latest and greatest technology but also human
leadership, behavior, and responsible change. Kader is
excited about new emerging frameworks that help
create ethics governance committees based on
principles of algorithmic transparency and
explainability, respect for privacy, and removal of bias.
Kader recognizes that in today's rapidly changing
technological landscape, fostering a culture of
innovation is essential for organizations to succeed. He
believes that building teams that embrace innovation,
participate in new creative solutions, and experiment
with new technologies can drive the organization
toward its goals. Kader emphasizes the importance of
creating a culture where employees are encouraged to
take risks and rewarded for their initiative, even if the
outcomes are unsuccessful. He notes that this principle
applies across all industries, and companies of all sizes
must commit to data-driven decision-making. Kader
also recognizes that providing continuous training and
education is vital for employees to stay up-to-date with
the latest tools and processes. He believes that this
benefits the employees and can generate new ideas and
fuel further innovation within the organization.
Tech Forward
RNL strategically decided to streamline processes and
democratize advanced AI throughout the organization.
Kader and his team brought data integrations,
engineering, and analytics up to the highest standards
of scalability and flexibility. To make the technology
accessible to everyone in the organization, they
exposed analytics to all team members through low-
The 10 Most Influen al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023

14. code and no-code user interfaces. They also
democratized modeling and other AI tools by providing
a data governance framework that includes data
lineage, rich semantics, and enrichment integrations.
With a growing machine learning model repository,
they can combine AI algorithms based on time criteria,
geographical constraints, or customer preferences to
create an AI ecosystem ready for current and future
challenges. The models have built-in safeguards for
performance monitoring. The customer-facing
applications allow for customization ranging from
essential statistical explorations to advanced modeling.
Looking to the future, Kader anticipates more
advancement in integrating heterogeneous data
sources, converting legacy data into a high-availability
resource for modeling, and tighter integration with
customer data sources. He believes that ontology-
driven pipelines must be devised to visualize the value
chain and help orchestrate data flows with no-code
tools. In many cases, AI must take over data engineering
from deterministic algorithms. Synthetic data sets
combined with model repositories must be better
integrated with semantically rich structures.
Prepared Ahead
In addition, job roles and skills requirements will also
change, with a growing demand for expertise in AI, data
science, and machine learning. As more organizations
adopt AI and data-driven decision-making, there will be
a greater need for professionals who can effectively
manage, analyze, and interpret data.
Collaboration skills, creativity, and adaptability will also
be highly valued as organizations strive to build
innovative and agile teams. Furthermore, as remote
work becomes more commonplace, the ability to work
effectively in virtual environments and utilize
collaboration tools will be increasingly important.
Overall, individuals with technical skills, creativity, and
adaptability will be well-positioned to succeed in the
rapidly changing job market.
An Inspirational Odyssey
Kader was a young software developer who had been
keeping up with the latest trends in the tech industry.
He knew that the market trends defined the
opportunities and that exciting new area were
emerging that he wanted to be a part of. Kader saw the
direction set by enterprise system architectures and
the toolsets that continued on the path of scalability,
seamless connectivity, optimization, and technology
democratization.
He recognized the importance of leveraging complex
analytics to integrate data across disciplines and
positioning himself in areas where multimodal data
integration happens. Kader also knew that mastering
AI-assisted development tools would boost
productivity and that compliance and regulations were
becoming increasingly important.
He believed that explainability, transparency, and
responsibility were essential for building trust in the
marketplace. The days of taking an easy route to simple
labeling and promoting advanced technologies were
over.
Kari Kovar joined the team as the Chief Operating
Officer in January 2021, having spent the past two
decades improving the world of higher education.
Together with their teams, Sakkaria and Kovar created
operational alignment and streamlined the technology
ecosystem to drive effectiveness, efficiency, outcomes,
performance, and collaboration.
Kader recognizes that in today's
rapidly changing technological
landscape, fostering a culture of
innova on is essen al for
organiza ons to succeed.

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16. Driving Technological Transforma ons and Innova on
ehzad Zamanian, the Chief Information Officer
Bat Washoe County, is a highly accomplished
technology executive known for his extensive
experience and expertise in various sectors. With a
notable background in government administration,
private sector enterprises, Fortune 500 companies, and
higher education institutions, Zamanian has
consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate
complex landscapes and drive impactful technological
transformations.
Zamanian's proficiency lies in a diverse range of
domains, including strategic planning, fostering strong
business partnerships, project management, IT
governance, technology infrastructure, enterprise
applications, regional multi-agency initiatives, and
public safety systems. His deep understanding of these
areas enables him to effectively align technology
initiatives with organizational objectives, ensuring
optimal efficiency and innovation.
The following interview highlights exemplify Behzad
Zamanian's expansive knowledge and demonstrated track
record, establishing him as a highly esteemed technology
executive:
What inspired you to pursue a career in information
technology, and how did you get started in this field?
The inspiration behind my pursuit of a career in IT
comes from a couple of questions I posed to myself in
order to determine my college major: firstly, "What am I
good at?" and secondly, "What will be in high demand
20 years from now?" It became clear to me that IT
thrives on creativity and analytical abilities, which align
with my own strengths. Recognizing that personal
interest plays a vital role in shaping one's career, I
realized that IT encompassed aspects that truly
captivated me.
Furthermore, I believed that understanding the future
landscape of industries and identifying specialties that
would offer opportunities was crucial for a successful
career. As the 80s progressed, my prediction became
clearer, the IT field held immense potential for growth
and development in the upcoming two decades.
What do you consider to be the most pressing
challenges facing the IT industry today, 0and how is
Washoe County addressing these challenges?
Government IT faces several pressing challenges that
require attention and innovative solutions, such as:
Ÿ Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Ÿ Legacy System Modernization
Ÿ Digital Transformation
Ÿ Interoperability and Data Sharing
Ÿ IT Talent
Ÿ Citizen-Centric IT
Ÿ Cloud Computing
We have implemented a top-down
approach layered-model and
priori zed cybersecurity as a key
business objec ve within our
technology plan in order to align our
projects and objec ves.
www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
14
The 10 Most Influen al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023

17. Behzad Zamanian
Chief Informa on Officer
Washoe County
www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
15

18. The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we lived,
worked, and operated; therefore, I decided to develop a
tech plan from ground up past pandemic to redefine our
priorities to ensure IT goals are aligned not only with
the County’s strategic objectives, but also aligned with
the expectations from IT. We felt Citizens Experience
and Staff Efficiency must be the focus for IT and
identified 6 different business objectives including the
ones mentioned above in our tech plan.
How do you balance the needs for innovation and
agility in IT with the need for stability and reliability in
the services that Washoe County provides?
We try to balance innovation and operations to stay
competitive, drive growth, and ensure smooth day-to-
day operations through:
Ÿ Understand the county’s mission and align IT goals
with those of the County’s.
Ÿ Promote out-of-the-box innovative thinking to
foster a culture of innovation:
Ÿ Governance and delivery
Balancing innovation and operations in IT requires a
strategic approach, supportive culture, and effective
project management. By creating an environment that
encourages creativity, aligning goals and priorities, and
implementing agile practices, government IT can strike
the right balance to drive innovation while maintaining
efficient operations.
What strategies has Washoe County implemented to
ensure that its IT infrastructure is secure and resilient
against cyber attacks?
We have implemented a top-down approach layered-
model and prioritized cybersecurity as a key business
objective within our technology plan in order to align
our projects and objectives.
We first conducted a thorough cybersecurity and
technology infrastructure assessment to identify
existing strengths and weaknesses. This assessment
served as the foundation for subsequent actions. A
series of strategic initiatives were identified, along with
a list of specific projects aimed at fortifying the county's
security posture.
This approach involved integrating various security
measures throughout the county's IT infrastructure.
From desktop systems to real-time monitoring tools
and educational components.
How do you ensure that the technology solutions
deployed in Washoe County align with the
organization's overall business goals and objectives?
Through a systematic approach to technology planning,
a planning framework was created to identify the
dimensions that impact the technology plan. These
dimensions included strategic aspects, technology
considerations, trends in the industry, and external
influencers to determine the necessary inputs for
building the plan. To further align IT goals with the
County's strategic objectives, a business alignment
model called the priority support pyramid model was
developed.
This model focused on allocating resources effectively
to provide the necessary support to different
departments, enabling them to enhance their
effectiveness in achieving business objectives. For
instance, if "public safety" was identified as a strategic
objective for the County, ensuring that the technology
needs of public safety departments were met
automatically aligned a portion of the IT goals with the
County's "public safety" strategic objective.
www.ciolook.com | 2023 |
April
16

19. To ensure addressing all aspects of technology need, we
use a technology gap analysis to demonstrated people,
process, and technology as the key focus of the report
recommendations.
Building upon these frameworks, two overarching goals
were defined: Enhancing Citizens' Experience and
Increasing Staff Efficiency. These goals were directly
aligned with the County's strategic objectives. Within
each of these goals, a series of specific business
objectives were identified, ensuring a clear alignment
between IT and the organization's strategic direction.
To further refine the plan, strategic actions and projects
were defined for each business objective.
How does Washoe County prioritize and allocate
resources for IT projects, and what criteria are used to
determine which projects receive funding and
support?
Following our technology plan and to achieve this, we
have established a dedicated project management
office responsible for developing effective tools to
monitor and successfully deliver projects. The office,
led by our Project Management Officer (PMO), is
responsible for setting up standards and guidelines to
ensure consistent practices across projects. This office
is also responsible for close collaboration between the
PMO and project managers and coordinators to
guarantee accurate tracking of project progress. This
collaborative effort ensures that projects are on
schedule and meet their objectives efficiently.
Furthermore, we are actively working on developing a
maintenance and operations resource tracking tool.
This tool enables us to determine the allocation of staff
and teams' time for each project accurately. The idea is
using this resource tracking tool to identify the
resource requirements of different teams within the
department.
What emerging technologies do you believe will have
the greatest impact on Washoe County in the next 5-
10 years, and how is Washoe County preparing for
these changes?
We let our tech plan and technology roadmap be our
guide through this journey and one important task for
us is to ensure up-to-date and consistent approach to
using the plan with the following emerging
technologies:
Ÿ Cloud Computing
Ÿ Citizen Engagement and Experience
Ÿ AI & Data Analytics
Ÿ Cybersecurity
Ÿ Augmented Reality (AR)
How does Washoe County approach training and
development for its IT staff, and what opportunities
are available for professional growth and
advancement?
We are currently in the process of defining a series of
training and development programs. Our aim is to
ensure that every IT staff member has access to these
opportunities. We are incorporating staff development
into our performance evaluation process, recruitment
practices, and retention strategies. By doing so, we are
establishing mandatory training requirements for all IT
staff while also offering volunteer training
opportunities. We emphasize that training and
development initiatives are most effective when
employees actively seek them out and have a personal
drive for growth, and we encourage staff to take
ownership of their professional development.
What advice do you have for aspiring IT professionals
who want to follow in your footsteps and become
CIOs or IT leaders?
First and foremost, recognize that the role of a CIO
extends beyond technical expertise. To excel in this
position, invest time and effort into understanding the
broader goals and objectives of your organization,
aligning IT initiatives with business strategies, and
contributing to overall organizational success.
Building relationships is paramount. Foster connections
and collaborations at all levels of your job and within
and outside of your organization. Cultivate effective
communication skills to engage with everyone and
establish positive relationships based on trust and
mutual understanding, which will enhance your ability
to influence and drive IT initiatives forward.
Never stop learning, and lastly, maintain a genuine
passion for what you do. IT leadership positions require
dedication and perseverance. By remaining passionate
about your work, you will inspire and motivate those
around you. Embrace innovation, encourage a culture
of continuous improvement, and strive for excellence in
all aspects of your role.
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17

20. www.ciolook.com | 2023 |
April
18

21. What Makes a Lead
Truly
Inspational?
L
eadership is a complex and multifaceted concept,
but one quality that truly sets exceptional leaders
apart is their ability to inspire others. Inspirational
leaders possess a unique blend of personal qualities and
leadership skills that ignite motivation, drive, and a
sense of purpose in those they lead. In this article, we
will explore the key characteristics and behaviors that
make a leader truly inspirational.
Vision and Purpose:
One of the defining traits of an inspirational leader is
their ability to articulate a compelling vision and
purpose. They possess a clear and inspiring vision for
the future and effectively communicate it to their team.
This vision provides a sense of direction, purpose, and a
shared goal that inspires individuals to go above and
beyond their own expectations.
Authenticity:
Authenticity is crucial for an inspirational leader. They
are true to themselves and their values, which creates
trust and credibility among their followers. By being
genuine and transparent, they foster an environment
where people feel comfortable and motivated to follow
their lead.
Passion and Enthusiasm:
Inspirational leaders are passionate about what they
do, and their enthusiasm is contagious. They
Exploring Key Characteristics
demonstrate a genuine love for their work, which
ignites a similar passion in those around them. Their
energy and excitement create a positive and dynamic
atmosphere, motivating others to give their best.
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence:
Great leaders understand the importance of empathy
and emotional intelligence. They genuinely care about
the well-being of their team members and take the time
to understand their perspectives, needs, and
aspirations. By demonstrating empathy, they create a
supportive and inclusive environment, fostering trust
and loyalty among their followers.
Leading by Example:
Inspirational leaders lead by example. They set high
standards for themselves and consistently demonstrate
the behaviors and values they expect from others.
Whether it's working hard, taking risks, or embracing
challenges, they show their team what it means to be
dedicated and committed, inspiring them to do the
same.
Effective Communication:
Communication plays a pivotal role in inspirational
leadership. These leaders are exceptional
communicators, adept at conveying their ideas,
thoughts, and feedback with clarity and conviction.
They actively listen to their team members, encourage
www.ciolook.com | 2023 |
April
19

22. open dialogue, and provide constructive feedback,
fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.
Empowerment and Development:
Inspirational leaders empower their team members by
providing opportunities for growth and development.
They recognize individual strengths and talents,
delegate responsibilities, and encourage autonomy. By
investing in the personal and professional development
of their team, they inspire a sense of ownership and
foster a culture of continuous learning.
Resilience and Optimism:
Leadership is not without its challenges, and
inspirational leaders understand this. They
demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity and
maintain an optimistic outlook. By showing that
setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning,
they inspire their team to persevere and overcome
obstacles.
Trust and Integrity:
Inspirational leaders establish trust by consistently
demonstrating integrity in their actions and decision-
making. They uphold ethical standards and are honest,
reliable, and accountable. Their trustworthiness fosters
loyalty and respect among their followers.
Recognition and Appreciation:
Great leaders understand the importance of
recognizing and appreciating the efforts and
achievements of their team members. They take the
time to acknowledge and celebrate individual and
collective successes, creating a culture of appreciation
and motivation.
Mentorship and Support:
Inspirational leaders act as mentors and provide
support to their team members. They invest in their
growth and development by offering guidance,
coaching, and opportunities for learning. Their
willingness to invest in others' success inspires loyalty
and commitment.
Adaptability:
Leaders who inspire others are adaptable in the face of
change and uncertainty. They embrace new ideas,
technologies, and approaches, and encourage their
team members to do the same. Their ability to navigate
through challenges and adapt inspires confidence and
resilience in their followers.
Inclusivity and Diversity:
Inspirational leaders value and embrace diversity in all
its forms. They foster an inclusive environment where
individuals feel valued, respected, and included. By
recognizing and leveraging the strengths of a diverse
team, they inspire creativity, innovation, and
collaboration.
Truly inspirational leaders possess a unique
combination of qualities that set them apart. By
articulating a compelling vision, being authentic,
passionate, and empathetic, leading by example,
communicating effectively, empowering others, and
demonstrating resilience, they inspire and motivate
those around them to achieve greatness. These leaders
create a positive and empowering work environment,
enabling individuals to reach their full potential and
contribute to a shared vision.
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20

24. Dr Rami Ayoob
A Visionary Tech Disruptor Leading
Startups to Success
Dr Rami Ayoob
new to learn and discover. Some may have a natural
aptitude for mathematics or science, which can be
useful in technology-related fields.
To become a CIO, one typically needs a combination of
education, experience and leadership skills. This may
involve pursuing a degree in computer science or a
related field, gaining experience in various technology
roles, and developing strong communication and
strategic thinking skills. CIOs may also need to stay up
to date with the latest technological trends and
developments and be able to effectively manage teams
and resources to achieve organizational goals.
Ethics and integrity are
crucial in the security
and infrastructure
software industry.
Always prioritize doing
what's right and
protecting data privacy
and security.
“
“
n today's fast-paced technological world, companies
Iare constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the
curve. The key to success lies in having a talented
and innovative team to drive growth and development.
That's where Spark Tech Hub exceeds the usual
expectations.
As a leading company in the tech industry, Spark Tech
Hub is always on the lookout for the best and brightest
minds to join its team. The company is committed to
fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and
excellence.
Taking the lead of Spark Tech Hub is its Chief
Information Officer (CIO), Dr Rami Ayoob, a visionary
leader with a passion for technology and a proven track
record of success. With years of experience in the tech
industry, the CIO brings a wealth of knowledge and
expertise to the company. Dr Rami is a strategic thinker
with a deep understanding of the industry and is always
looking for ways to drive growth and create value for
the company's stakeholders.
We at CIOLook interviewed Dr Rami on his approach to
guiding Spark Tech Hub and thriving in today's digital
landscape.
Let's delve into the intercepts of the interview!
What inspired you to pursue a career in the
technology industry, and how did you get started in
your current role as a CIO?
Many people who pursue a career in the technology
industry are inspired by the potential for innovation
and the ability to solve complex problems. Technology
is constantly evolving and there is always something
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The 10 Most Influen al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023

25. Dr Rami Ayoob,
Chief Information Officer
Spark Tech Hub
What are some of the key initiatives or projects that
your company is currently working on, and how do
these align with the overall business strategy?
We have various initiatives and projects that we are
working on to achieve our business goals. Some of
these initiatives may include expanding into new
markets, developing new products or services,
improving customer experience and increasing
What are some of the biggest challenges
facing the security and infrastructure
software industry today, and how is your
company addressing these challenges?
Cybersecurity threats, such as hacking,
malware, and phishing attacks, are becoming
increasingly sophisticated and frequent.
Developing the technology to detect and
prevent these threats. This includes
advanced threat intelligence software,
endpoint protection systems and network
security solutions.
As more companies move their data and
applications to the cloud, there is a growing
need for cloud security solutions. We need to
secure cloud environments, including cloud
access security brokers, cloud security
posture management tools and cloud
workload protection platforms.
As IT infrastructure becomes more complex,
with hybrid environments, distributed
networks and multiple endpoints, it becomes
increasingly difficult to manage and secure.
That required innovation by creating the
tools to simplify infrastructure management
and improve security including network
automation tools, software-defined
networking and zero-trust security solutions.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest
trends and developments in the technology
industry, and what resources do you rely on
for information and insights?
I stay up-to-date by subscribing to industry
publications and newsletters, attending conferences
and events, following thought leaders and experts on
social media and being active in online communities and
forums.
Additionally, many companies in the technology
industry have their own blogs and publications which
can provide valuable insights and updates on their
latest projects and innovations.
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26. What advice would you give to aspiring technology
professionals who are interested in pursuing a career
in the security and infrastructure software industry?
Constantly learn and keep up with industry changes,
the technology industry is constantly evolving, and it's
crucial to stay updated with the latest trends,
techniques and technologies.
Networking and building relationships with
professionals in the industry can open doors to
opportunities and help you stay informed about the
latest developments in the industry.
Identifying individuals who have succeeded in the same
field can provide invaluable guidance, advice and
inspiration to help you achieve your goals.
Ethics and integrity are crucial in the security and
infrastructure software industry. Always prioritize
doing what's right and protecting data privacy and
security.
How do you see the security and infrastructure
software industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, and
what would you suggest to new and upcoming
entrepreneurs in the tech industry?
One trend that is likely to continue is the shift toward
cloud-based solutions. More and more businesses are
moving their operations to the cloud, and this creates a
greater demand for security and infrastructure
software that can protect these cloud-based systems.
Another trend is the increasing use of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to identify
and prevent potential security breaches. AI and ML
technologies can analyze vast amounts of data and
identify patterns that humans may miss.
For new and upcoming entrepreneurs in the tech
industry, it's essential to focus on innovation and stay
ahead of the curve when it comes to new technologies
and trends. Developing products that can address the
unique challenges will be crucial to success.
Additionally, entrepreneurs should prioritize building
strong relationships with customers and partners to
develop trust and loyalty in their products and brand.
Finally, as security concerns become more complex,
new startups should consider partnering with
established players in the industry to leverage their
knowledge and resources.
operational efficiency. We are developing partnerships
with local businesses or hiring staff with experience in
those markets.
How does your company prioritize IT investments, and
what criteria do you use to determine which
technologies to adopt and which to avoid?
We should consider the potential return on investment
of our IT investments by evaluating the expected
benefits of each investment, such as increased
efficiency, productivity, revenue, or customer
satisfaction, and compare them with the costs of
implementation, maintenance and support.
Evaluating the feasibility and compatibility of each IT
investment with the existing IT infrastructure,
applications and data. Considering the technical
requirements, dependencies and constraints of each
investment and ensure that we can integrate it
smoothly and securely with the current systems.
Overall, we should adopt a strategic and holistic
approach to IT investments and technology adoption,
balancing short-term and long-term goals, risks and
benefits, and aligning the IT investments with the
business strategy and culture.
How do you measure the success of your IT initiatives
and ensure that they are delivering value to the
business?
By calculating the ROI, I can determine whether an
initiative is generating a positive return and delivering
value to the business, one of the key indicators of
success for IT initiatives is user adoption. If users are
not engaging with the technology or solution, then it is
unlikely to be delivering value to the business. Tracking
user adoption rates can help you identify areas that
require improvement and refine your approach.
Customer satisfaction is a key metric for any business,
and it is particularly relevant for IT initiatives that
impact the customer experience. Measuring customer
satisfaction can help us understand whether the IT
initiatives are meeting customer needs and delivering
value to the business.
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28. Resilience and Courage
Exploring the Traits of
Inspational Leaders in
Challenging
I
n challenging times, leaders face the daunting task
of guiding their teams through uncertainty and
adversity. These are the moments when exceptional
leadership becomes truly inspirational. Inspirational
leaders possess a unique set of traits that enable them
to navigate difficult circumstances with grace and
inspire their teams to persevere and thrive. In this
article, we will explore the key traits that make leaders
inspirational during challenging times.
Resilience:
Inspirational leaders demonstrate remarkable
resilience in the face of challenges. They remain
composed and determined, even when confronted with
uncertainty and setbacks. Their ability to bounce back
from adversity inspires confidence and fortitude in
their team members, motivating them to overcome
obstacles with resilience.
Emotional Intelligence:
Leaders with high emotional intelligence excel in
challenging times. They are aware of their own
emotions and can effectively manage them.
Additionally, they display empathy and understanding
towards their team members' emotions and concerns.
By acknowledging and addressing the emotional impact
of challenging situations, they create a supportive and
compassionate work environment.
Strategic Thinking:
During challenging times, inspirational leaders exhibit
strategic thinking. They have the ability to analyze
complex situations, identify potential risks, and develop
effective plans of action. Their forward-thinking
approach inspires confidence in their team, providing a
clear roadmap to navigate through difficulties.
Open and Transparent Communication:
Inspirational leaders prioritize open and transparent
communication during challenging times. They keep
their teams well-informed, sharing relevant updates
and information. By being honest and approachable,
they build trust and foster a sense of unity among their
team members.
Adaptable and Agile:
Leaders who inspire in challenging times are adaptable
and agile in their decision-making. They understand
that circumstances can change rapidly and are willing
to adjust their strategies and approaches accordingly.
Their flexibility encourages their team members to
embrace change and find innovative solutions.
Inspiring Optimism:
Inspirational leaders bring a sense of optimism to
challenging situations. They maintain a positive
outlook, even in the face of adversity, and inspire hope
and motivation in their team members. By highlighting
opportunities and focusing on the future, they instill a
sense of resilience and determination.
Authenticity and Trustworthiness:
Authenticity and trustworthiness are key traits of
inspirational leaders in challenging times. They remain
true to their values and principles, even when faced
with difficult decisions.
Times
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27

30. Their consistent behavior and integrity build trust and
credibility, creating a strong foundation for their team
to rely upon.
Servant Leadership:
In challenging times, inspirational leaders adopt a
servant leadership approach. They prioritize the needs
of their team members and actively support their
growth and development. By putting their team's well-
being first, they foster loyalty, commitment, and a sense
of unity.
Vision and Purpose:
Leaders who inspire in challenging times have a clear
vision and purpose. They articulate a compelling
direction for their team, providing a sense of meaning
and focus. Their vision becomes a guiding light during
difficult periods, instilling a sense of unity and
determination.
Empowerment:
Inspirational leaders empower their team members to
take ownership of their work and contribute their
unique talents. They delegate responsibility and
provide autonomy, enabling their team to excel even in
challenging circumstances. This empowerment fosters
resilience and fosters a culture of innovation.
Decisiveness:
Inspirational leaders possess the ability to make tough
decisions promptly and confidently. They weigh the
available information, consult with their team if
necessary, and take decisive action. Their decisiveness
provides clarity and direction during times of
uncertainty, inspiring trust and confidence in their team
members.
Collaboration and Team Building:
In challenging times, inspirational leaders emphasize
collaboration and team building. They foster a sense of
unity and teamwork, encouraging their team members
to support and rely on one another. By promoting a
collaborative environment, they leverage the diverse
strengths and perspectives of their team to overcome
challenges.
Creativity and Innovation:
Inspirational leaders encourage creativity and
innovation during challenging times. They inspire their
team members to think outside the box, explore new
ideas, and find innovative solutions to problems. Their
openness to creativity fosters an environment of
continuous improvement and resilience.
Focus on Employee Well-being:
During challenging times, inspirational leaders
prioritize the well-being of their employees. They
recognize the increased stress and pressure their team
members may be facing and provide support and
resources to help them cope. By demonstrating care
and empathy, they foster a positive and supportive
work culture.
In challenging times, inspirational leaders rise above
difficulties and inspire their teams to do the same. With
traits such as resilience, emotional intelligence,
strategic thinking, open communication, adaptability,
and authenticity, they create a supportive and
empowering environment. These leaders instill hope,
motivation, and a sense of unity, enabling their teams to
overcome challenges and achieve success even in the
most demanding circumstances.
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April
28

32. Ganinee Jain
Advisor, Cyber &
Informa on Security,
Privacy and Medical
Device Security
EZEN Computer
Services, INC.
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The 10 Most Influen al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023
Ganinee Jain
B
eing an Advisor in the field of Cyber & Information
Security, Privacy and Medical Device Security with
EZEN Computer Services, INC. USA, Ganinee
Jain reorganized the overall cybersecurity service
offering at EZEN to include the most effective and
consistent methodologies that serves their clients
security requirements with the highest quality.
Ganinee leverages her experience and expertise to
serve as a Cybersecurity Consultant, developing overall
information security strategies & roadmaps, conducting
enterprise-wide risk & privacy assessments, providing
support in cyber solutions/tools implementation, and
advising organizations on Data Security.
From her former experience and a demonstration of
her excellent communication and presentation skills
allow her to receive the highest praise from all her
clients. It accurately identifies client problem solutions
and demonstrates her excellent communication and
presentation skills, allowing her to receive the highest
praise from all her clients, along with other associates
in the industry.
Tell us about your company and its mission and vision;
how does your company thrive towards enabling
advancements in the ever-evolving modern industry?
EZEN was incorporated in the USA in the year 2000. As
a company, EZEN has been maintaining a healthy
growth rate since the beginning of its operations in the
USA and is one of the steadily growing software
services organizations in the USA.
Headquartered in “Historic Township” Princeton, NJ,
EZEN helps bridge critical gaps in providing accessible,
affordable, and high-quality healthcare by providing
digital transformation services, product engineering,
custom application development, data engineering,
business intelligence solutions, and specialized
consulting services to all parts of the healthcare
ecosystem.
With over 500 professionals globally, EZEN leverages
strong domain expertise in healthcare-specific
platforms, regulations, and standards to provide
tailored, cutting-edge solutions and services to its
clients.
When we look across history, I think providing
professional talent, innovative solutions, and service
delivery excellence are the key things that define EZEN.
EZEN has always integrated scientific, engineering, and
informatics capabilities into the service offerings of
each of its clients. It is important for us that when our
clients work with our teams, they experience the entire
range of expertise and quality services that we have to
offer.
EZEN has been a business that never shies away from
adopting the ever-evolving modern industry and will
always keep innovating modern digital capabilities for
its clients.
Brief our audience about your journey as a business
leader until your current position at EZEN. What
challenges have you had to overcome to reach where
you are today?
Over my experience as an advisor and consultant role
in various industries across Oil & Gas, Metal & Mining,
Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Consumer
Products, Telecommunication & Media, and with over
50+ clients, there have been one string in common with
Cybersecurity, Privacy, Technology and Compliance.
Like other talented associates, my role evolved from
being a complete fresher out of college to exploring
great opportunities.
Driving Novelties in the Cybersecurity Niche

34. When I first started my corporate job at Ernst & Young,
India, I had just completed my bachelor’s degree in
Computer Engineering from Mumbai University, and
like most others, I was uncertain and agitated about
what my career or future would have for me. Without
hinting of any, I was soon transferred from a Mobile
Application developer to a Cybersecurity Analyst and
allotted to a client with the expectation of developing a
cybersecurity framework for them.
With a fear of being a complete newbie to this world
and excitement of working on something new, I started
reading, taking online courses, exploring public forums
to build my relation with industry experts and
developing a deep knowledge base. While working on
the projects and clients, I was introduced to various
experienced leaders and cyber professionals who were
specialists in the field of cyber.
They mentored, guided, and trusted me with fantastic
opportunities which allowed me to flourish and thrive
personally and professionally. Soon I was able to help
my clients and their organization as a Subject Matter
Expert (SME) for Cyber Strategy and Risk Management
practice.
I also had the opportunity to work with cyber
professionals at KPMG, India, which helped me polish
my technical skills and gave me a deeper understanding
of the latest cyber-attacks, threats and vulnerabilities
evolving and the techniques of developing defense/
mitigation methodologies to protect organizations.
While this was very promising, and I was on my track, I
saw the opportunity to move up and take on the
responsibilities of setting up a cybersecurity function; I
transitioned my role from being a senior consultant to
leading a cyber and product security practice with
EZEN Computer Services, INC USA.
With the desire of continuous learning and motivation
to keeping every organization cyber-safe, we at EZEN
help our clients in the healthcare industry create a
cyber safe ecosystem. We offer various security
operations, detection and response services looking at
both transactional and transformational IT and Digital
Solutions.
Enlighten us on how you have impacted the industry
through your expertise in the market.
We need to understand that cybersecurity is not just a
technical effort. It comprises management
commitment, governance, strategy, risk management,
compliance issues, resilience and awareness. When we
talk about cybersecurity, it is necessary to know the
ways in which we can identify our organizations’ risks
and methods to minimize them. I have often
experienced that organizations and IT teams always
focus on protecting data and blocking known
vulnerabilities, which is undoubtedly a good manoeuvre
for cybersecurity, but those activities are not only the
apparatuses of what cyber experts should be focusing
on.
With the modern IT enterprise and myriad devices like
IoT and OT equipment where data loss is a risk but
service interruptions too are vital cyber threats and
continue to impact society. For example, in the
healthcare industry, a failure of a medical device could
lead to life-or-death hazards. Hence, a cybersecurity
framework with a standard set of policies, procedures
and processes shall be adapted to strengthen areas like
Governance, Risk and Compliance.
Also, I think it is important to emphasize that risk
management shall not be static, while IT itself is always
dynamic in nature with changing device configurations
and advancements in technology. Cybersecurity risk
management is a strategy that involves various aspects
that help cyber experts eliminate this gap. My team is
focused on helping my clients across the industry in
developing such strategies which better set the
groundwork for constructive results.
We are aimed at not just strengthening the security by
implementing diverse/solutions but also establishing
visibility of their organizations critical/ non-critical
We are continuously encouraging
our professionals towards the
direction of Cross-learning and
Innovation to be able to keep up with
the ever-increasing competition.
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35. assets, ensuring processes are developed for
continuous monitoring, focusing on network
segmentation where services and devices run on
different segments of the network, minimizing the
attack surface, prioritizing threat intelligence practices
within the organization and so on.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that
drives your organization.
Like most of organizations, building a diverse and
inclusive work culture is critical to our success - if not
our survival. Articulating it from a different viewpoint:
Innovation, Focus, and Trusted Partnership are all
critical and, more importantly, right to our values and
our purpose. We focus on curating past and next
generations of scientific and engineering informatics
professionals.
We are continuously encouraging our professionals
towards the direction of Cross-learning and Innovation
to be able to keep up with the ever-increasing
competition. Our professionals are so important
because they are, first and foremost, problem solvers.
They consistently help us and our clients in
transforming a simple idea into a market-leading
product. Last of not least, “Trusted Partnerships,” is
non-negotiable; we put our clients at the centre of our
business. No matter what we do, we work hard to
design our strategies and develop our operations that
can make a real difference in our client.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in
almost every sector. How are you advancing towards
technological innovations to make your solutions
resourceful?
Many things are possible with technology, but it doesn’t
always mean safe. As the digital world is moving into
companies and technology becomes essential for
meeting the needs of your clients, employees, vendors
and society, your cyber security practice must build
resilience and trust with integrity.
EZEN makes a perfect partner for establishments
looking at transformational IT and Digital solutions
because of our expertise across the continuum and
healthcare industry; in addition to just assessing
organizations cyber practice and aligning it to business
priorities, we help creating a cyber safe ecosystem by
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36. developing advanced methodologies, implementing
digitally advanced customized solutions and on-going
security monitoring the environment with automated
response to detected cyber incidents, 24/7.
What, according to you, could be the next significant
change in your sector? How is your company
preparing to be a part of that change?
Cyber-attacks are increasing globally at a rapid speed.
Currently, the industry is driven by the invention of
disruptive technology like IoT, AI, quantum computing,
complex supply chains, ransomware, hacktivism and
trade wars. Such threat profiles demand a dynamic
approach to cybersecurity.
To manage this destructive growth in the marketplace,
it is necessary to have a transformational change with
innovation and speed. This task has never been more
complex, but we strive to have an effective security
operations centre with the right structure, emerging
technologies, deep expertise, extensive knowledge
base and correct governance in place.
This will help us and our clients make more informed
decisions and provide end-to-end situational
awareness and business intelligence for more effective
forecasting and enabling fulfilment.
Also, with introducing the zero-trust principle, data-
centric and identity management methodologies, we
are improving our security risk and resilience
capabilities.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run,
and what are your future goals for EZEN?
A well-secured business has the potential to be
confident and advanced. Organizations just don’t
manage cyber risk; they use it as a source of growth and
development. The upcoming cross-border cyber
regulations and skilled resource crisis are compounding
the cyber threat situation globally.
This is leading to innumerable pressure that businesses
should manage their cyber requirements proactively
and continuously. With the vision to help our clients
stay ahead of the evolving cyber trends and
simultaneously meet their business priorities and
objectives.
We at EZEN are on a journey to make our company
more diverse, reliable, and a one-stop service provider
for all our client cyber requirements.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the dynamic industry?
I believe an entrepreneur should have three things:
Learning agility, Integrity and Accountability.
Accountability has always been natural to me; taking
responsibility and always keeping up with the client’s
expectations is very essential. Every successful
business is defined by the integrity and honesty of its
leader, organizations putting trust in you and your
services depends on it.
Of course, at the end of the day, it is essential to keep
growing and learning to sustain in a world where every
day is a new challenge and a new cyber-attack to
overcome.
My advice to the ones who aspire to venture into
cybersecurity is to learn about of the latest security
attacks and defence technics. Explore and gain
hands-on experience under the guidance of industry
experts.
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