The 10 Most Influential Leaders In Technology 2023.pdf

Leadership in the Digital Age
Strategies for Naviga ng
Technological Disrup on
2023
1
Inﬂuen al
LEADERS
Technology
InêsEusébio
InêsEusébio
Inês Eusébio
Head of Digital
Technology, Insurance,
Health and Public Sector
NTT DATA
Trends and Predic ons
The Future of
Technology Leadership
VOL 04 I ISSUE 09 I 2023

and
when combined together
can do
Technology
Wonders
Human Intelligence

Ed or's
Note
Ed or's
Note
Ed or's
Note

I
n the ever-evolving world of technology, visionary
leaders play a crucial role in driving innovation,
shaping industry trends, and revolutionizing the
way we live and work. As we enter the year 2023, it is
essential to recognize and celebrate the individuals
who have had a significant impact on the technology
landscape.
These influential leaders have demonstrated
exceptional leadership skills, guiding their
organizations to new heights and influencing the
broader technological ecosystem. They have embraced
emerging technologies, championed digital
transformation, and navigated complex challenges with
agility and innovation. Their contributions have not
only disrupted industries but also inspired and
empowered countless others to push boundaries and
unlock new possibilities.
From pioneering breakthroughs in Artificial
Intelligence and data analytics to spearheading
advancements in cloud computing and cybersecurity,
these leaders have made a profound impact on
technology and its societal implications. Through their
vision, perseverance, and commitment to excellence,
they have redefined the boundaries of what is possible
and have shaped the digital landscape we navigate
today.
As we honor these influential leaders in technology, it is
important to recognize the profound impact they have
had and continue to have on our lives, businesses, and
society as a whole. Their visionary leadership has not
only propelled their organizations to unprecedented
success but has also inspired a new generation of
technology leaders to dream big, think boldly, and
embrace the transformative power of technology.
Through their leadership, they have reshaped
industries, empowered individuals and businesses, and
paved the way for a future driven by innovation and
digital advancement.
As we explore the transformative initiatives and their
strategic approaches to technology leadership, a few
aspects exhibit lasting legacies they are leaving behind.
The latest edition of CIOLook, The 10 Most Influential
Leaders in Technology, 2023, defines these aspects
with visionary thinking and impactful actions with
insights into the future direction of technology and the
leadership qualities required to drive innovation in a
rapidly evolving world.
Flip through the pages and have a delightful read!
I
Impressions that
Define Excellence
Abhishek Joshi
Abhishek Joshi

C o n t e n t s
20 28
Leadership in the
Digital Age
Trends and Predictions
E ective Ways to
Lead a Hybrid
Working Environment
Marissa 'Reese'
Wood
Dhesen Ramsamy
16 32
C X O
24

08
Inês
Eusébio
C
O
V
E
R
S
T
O
R
Y

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 Ankush
Sales Executives Tony
TECHNICAL
Technical Head Prachi Mokashi
Technical Consultant Victor Collins
April, 2023
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Brief
Company Name
Regis Luther
Senior Vice President
of Engineering & Chief
Technology Officer t
Zack Storer
Chief Technology &
Product Officer
Dhesen Ramsamy
Chief Digital and
Technology Officer
Inês Eusébio
Head of Digital
Dhesen has a strong track record in leading large teams
through business model revisions, digitisation and customer-
led redesign.
Regis Luther leads the company's product development and
technology integration efforts.
Zack has an impressive background of building thriving
organizations while simultaneously unlocking billions of
dollars in growth and has delivered these outcomes advising
and leading across completely diverse sectors.
Inês has more than 20 years of experience in consulting,
working with clients from various sectors such as Insurance
and Banking.
David Bankston
Chief Technology &
Innovation Officer
David Bankston has devoted much of his career to creating
next-generation technologies specifically designed to solve
real-world business problems.
True Elements
true-elements.com
Momentum Metropolitan
Holdings Limited
momentummetropolitan.co.za
NTT Data
nttdata.com
Adewale has over 23 years of Technical Experience& Program
Management in all phases of the Software Development Life
Cycle from requirements gathering to actual implementation
within the BFSI domain.
FirstBank Nigeria
firstbanknigeria.com
Lakecia Gunter
Vice President and
General Manager
Lakecia is a leader driven by a set of clear principles and a
passion for making a strategic impact to the organization.
Microsoft
microsoft.com
Health Carousel
healthcarousel.com
Ed Kelley
Chief Technology
Officer & Senior
Vice President
Ed is a technology and marketing executive with more than 37
years of experience in printed circuits and electronic materials
development and commercialization.
Isola Group
isola-group.com
AM General
amgeneral.com
Elizabeth Theophille
Board Of Directors
Elizabeth Theophille is focused on the implementation of data
and digital initiatives in IT and for end-to-end operational
simplification programs across the organization.
Novartis
novartis.com
Lucia Clifford
CTO & Co-founder
Luca brings the smartest solution for any company to join the
circular economy and access new customers.
yakk.es
yakk.io
Featured Person
Adewale Salami
Chief Technology
Officer

C
O
V
E
R
S
T
O
R
Y
Inês Eusébio
Head of Digital
NTT DATA

I
nês Eusébio commenced her career in Consulting
just after her graduation. She has more than 20
years of experience in Financial Services. This
experience has provided and developed multiple skills
and knowledge that she brings to the table to serve her
clients better.
Prior to her current role as the Head of Digital
Technology, Insurance, Health and Public Sector at
NTT DATA, one of the biggest challenges Inês faced
was starting the insurance sector at NTTData in
Portugal. Being a small (although amazing) country and,
at the time, the insurance industry sector had few
references in the company, it was a difficult task but
also a very big opportunity.
Leading with purpose was her answer to this context.
She was able to bring on this same journey amazing
people with complementary profiles that helped her,
through the years and a financial crisis, position
ourselves as the top IT consulting company in the
sector.
Inês feels very grateful for this first part of the journey
as she has grown to be a better version of herself, but
more importantly, she has witnessed multiple
colleagues and now friends grow as well. She was
invited to climb a second mountain a couple of years
ago.
This time not only changed her role, but Inês also took
her family to Chile during a pandemic that changed her
life forever. It was a very complex time emotionally, as
she was making multiple changes to her life.
Inês is happy to share that, personally and with her
family, she has successfully transitioned to being
abroad. This has provided Inês with a secure base to
grow in this new role and be a living example at work
and home that good things will happen, which she
firmly believes.
In an interview with CIOLook, Inês shares her professional
tenure and her journey so far in the niche.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Brief our audience about your journey as a business
leader until your current position at NTT DATA. What
are the qualities and aspects that make it stand out as
a trusted global innovator of IT and business services?
NTT DATA is the ninth largest company in the world
and the sixth most valuable brand among service
providers in the industry worldwide. We have a culture
and talent management that differentiates us from
other companies.
We are Top Employer in Latin America and Chile. This
contributes directly to differentiating us in the type of
service we provide to our clients since we are
characterized by working closely with them. This allows
us to develop tailor-made projects and bet on
innovation.
Our talented professionals are people who want to be
disruptive, to challenge the business, which will enable
us to stay at the forefront in each of the sectors in
which we operate and ensure that we are on the right
track. This culture and differential model allows us to
attract the best talent available in different markets
constantly.
Enlighten us on how you have been transforming the
IT sector through your expertise in the market.
One of the factors that helps us to be leaders in the
transformation of the sector is the level of expertise of
our professionals. The fact that we understand the
At NTT DATA, we work with
clear principles of innovation
and with the idea of having
the best people for each
project, both professionally
and personally.
The 10 Most Influen al Leaders In Technology, 2023

culture of each company we work with makes us drive
disruptive changes. But we can only do this because we
have the best talent, and this differentiates us from the
rest. We can also see that today's markets are
undergoing profound transformation processes, where
having committed partners who understand the needs
and complexities of each sector is key. At the same time,
we have a deep understanding of the technologies and
their trends. This is our focus and what differentiates
us.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that
drives your organization.
At NTT DATA, we work with clear principles of
innovation and with the idea of having the best people
for each project, both professionally and personally.
Our values are applied in every act we perform to
provide opportunities for our professionals to explore
new opportunities. In addition, we have passion and
creativity in everything we do to give accurate answers
in good times or as it happened during the pandemic.
We create an environment for people to express
themselves and deliver new ideas, which helps us to be
disruptive. There is also the fact that we are consistent
and transparent with our teams and our customers.
Currently, there are a lot of people talking, but doing
little in our society. This is why we must be transparent
with our teams and our clients, to be able to generate
opportunities in which there is a space that allows us to
provide more personalized services.
Undeniably, technology is playing a signiﬁcant role in
almost every sector. How are you leveraging
technological advancements to make your solutions
resourceful?
Technology evolves every day to bring us different and
better ways to change our lives. However, IT solutions
will only be useful or successful if, in the end, new ways
of working or interacting are adopted.
As NTT DATA, we help clients understand the
technology implications in every process of their value
chain, innovate by creating new offerings, and capture
this value through cost optimizations or new revenue.
Our impact is often greatest when we can work with
people from different backgrounds to provide a holistic
response to the problems faced by an organization.
A proper diagnosis of the problem, together with the
most appropriate technology lever, allows our clients to
capture the tremendous value that increases the
productivity frontier of their industry and creates a
competitive advantage. We love to offer these types of
solutions to our clients.

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?
A change that is already happening and that will be
more and more noticeable is the lack of professionals.
Hence, as a company, we encourage and value the
environment where our employees feel fulfilled, are
happy, and are linked to contributing to millions of
people and improving their quality of life with
technology. This allows people to be more proactive
and productive.
On the other hand, with all our information channels,
the availability of information is overwhelming, so it is
important to know how to use it correctly. For that, we
must have the curiosity to listen, and the challenge is to
provide our professionals with the tools to know how
to interpret, relate, and manage all this information in a
better way.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run,
and what are your future goals for NTT DATA?
Whenever they ask me about my future, I usually say
that it evolves naturally from combining a vision and a
higher purpose. This vision stems from my constant
drive to improve daily and from being fortunate enough
to be accompanied by incredibly talented professionals.
Establishing a new world of "what can be" is
simultaneously very motivating but also hard. With
every change, there is resistance; however, this is my
passion, and I love feeling challenged by every new
possible transition. I see myself taking on new and
greater responsibilities, not only growing personally
but also facilitating each colleague's personal growth to
face even more complex challenges.
Together with my team, I want to continue to prove that
NTT DATA is the perfect partner to meet all
technological challenges and, at the same time, create a
better future and a more harmonious society. I strongly
believe that only by bringing everyone together and
leaving no one behind we will collectively be
responsible players and enable progress.
What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs
who aspire to venture into the IT sector?
I love Disney's book Leadership Strategies, which says
that it's not the magic that makes things work; it's how
we work that makes it magic. Entrepreneurs have to
ensure that all people matter, give their teams a
purpose and not just a job, and give them the ability to
do what they love and know that despite the obstacles,
you have to keep going and stay positive. The other
thing is overcoming fears; having fears is a normal
human reaction, but the key is managing that fear.
You also must be consistent, to have better teams and
generate better alliances with your clients. In addition,
you must create strong and diversified teams, as well as
learn from your mistakes. For the same reason, you
have to be open to receiving the feedback that is given
to you, to learn constantly.
One of the factors that
helps us to be leaders in
the transformation of the
sector is the level of
expertise of our
professionals.

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Today

Effective Ways to
Lead a Hybrid
Working Environment
ybrid work is a work model that combines both
Hremote work and in-person work in a physical
office or workspace. In a hybrid work
environment, employees have the flexibility to work
remotely for part of the week and come into the office
for the remaining days. This model offers the best of
both worlds by allowing employees to enjoy the
benefits of remote work while maintaining face-to-face
interaction with colleagues and managers. The shift to a
hybrid working environment, has help employees to
work both remotely and in physical office spaces, has
had a significant impact on the digital economy.
Going back to coronavirus crisis , employees work from
home which has increased the level of remote work and
allow more organization to migrate into cloud. In a
representative survey, Deloitte Switzerland asked
1,500 people all over the country how this sudden
change in circumstances has affected them.
Here are some effective ways to lead a hybrid working
environment:
1. Establish clear communication channels: It is crucial
to establish clear communication channels, ensuring
that all employees are informed and updated.
Employers should make sure that all employees,
whether in the office or remote, have access to the
same communication tools.
2. Set clear expectations: Employers should set clear
expectations for their employees regarding their
work schedules, availability, and deadlines. It is also
essential to provide guidelines on how to
communicate and collaborate effectively, whether in
the office or remotely.
3. Foster a culture of trust and accountability: Leaders
need to establish trust with their team members,
regardless of where they are located. By providing
autonomy, recognizing achievements, and being
transparent, you can build trust and accountability
across the team.
4. Encourage virtual team building: Leaders should
encourage virtual team building activities to keep
team members connected, even if they work in
different locations. Activities such as virtual coffee
breaks, virtual team-building games, and other online
events can help to build camaraderie and a sense of
community.
5. Embrace technology: Embracing technology is crucial
in a hybrid working environment. Leaders should
invest in reliable and efficient collaboration tools,
such as project management software, video
conferencing, and instant messaging tools, to enable
effective communication and collaboration.
6. Support employee well-being: Leaders should ensure
that they support their employee's well-being,
whether working remotely or in the office.
Encouraging work-life balance, mental health, and
physical activity can have a positive impact on the
team's productivity and well-being.
www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
16
CXO

17

18
7. Set clear expectations: Make sure to set clear
expectations for your team in terms of work hours,
response times, and communication. This will help
everyone understand what is expected of them and
avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
8. Use technology effectively: Make sure to use
technology to facilitate communication and
collaboration. This can include tools like project
management software, video conferencing
platforms, and instant messaging.
9. Encourage collaboration: Encourage your team to
collaborate and share ideas, even if they are working
remotely. This can be done through regular team
meetings, brainstorming sessions, or shared
document editing.
10. Provide flexibility: Provide your team with the
flexibility to work from home or the office,
depending on their needs and preferences. This can
help boost morale and productivity.
11. Support employee well-being: Make sure to
prioritize employee well-being, whether they are
working in the office or remotely. This can include
offering mental health resources, encouraging
breaks and exercise, and providing ergonomic
workstations.
12. Ensuring that all team members feel connected and
engaged, regardless of their location.
Overall, the hybrid work environment has transformed
the digital economy by enabling remote work,
increasing demand for digital tools and infrastructure,
and providing flexibility and cost savings for companies.
Also, implementing a successful hybrid work model
requires careful planning and management. Companies
must ensure that they have the right digital tools and
infrastructure in place to support remote work,
establish clear communication and collaboration
protocols, and maintain a strong company culture and
sense of community among remote and in-person
workers.
Akinlawon Babajide Fayokun is a Cybersecurity ,
currently working as a Ethical Hacker at Boch Systems
West Africa. Specializing in penetration testing &
security operations. He encounters dead ends, threats,
and cyber-attacks on a daily basis, but he meets them
with equanimity and a resolve to succeed
Akinlawon is skilled in deterring, identifying,
containing, investigating, and preventing cyber-attacks
on the network, endpoints, and the web. He performs
comprehensive computer surveillance/monitoring and
identifies vulnerabilities and processes to ensure the
confidentiality, integrity, and availability of agency
information resources. He is also proficient in
vulnerability assessment & penetration testing, threat
hunting, malware analysis, threat intelligence, email
analysis, computer networking, data loss prevention,
incident response, and improving soc processes by
utilizing top industry security solutions.
Akinlawon Babajide Fayokun is currently among the
chapter leaders of OWASP (Open Web Application
Security Project) in his region (Lagos chapter). There he
supports and helps software developers in solving
security challenges, helps youngsters learn secure
coding best practices, and does application
vulnerability assessments & penetration testing.
Achievements
Akinlawon Babajide Fayokun has engaged in several
cybersecurity projects (Vulnerability Assessment and
Penetration Testing), helping companies and
government to detect & fix security vulnerability.

Strategies for
NAVIGATING
Technological
Disruption
Leadership in the Digital Age
I
n today's fast-paced digital landscape, technological
disruption has become the new norm. Emerging
technologies, shifting consumer expectations, and
evolving business models are constantly reshaping
industries. To thrive in this era of disruption,
organizations must adopt effective strategies to
navigate the challenges and leverage the opportunities
that arise. In this article, we explore key strategies for
successfully navigating technological disruption and
positioning organizations for long-term success.
Embrace a Culture of Innovation:
Innovation lies at the heart of navigating technological
disruption. Organizations must foster a culture that
encourages and rewards innovation at all levels. This
involves empowering employees to experiment, take
calculated risks, and challenge the status quo.
Encouraging cross-functional collaboration and
providing dedicated resources for innovation initiatives
can help drive creative problem-solving and foster a
mindset of continuous improvement.
Monitor Emerging Technologies:
To effectively navigate technological disruption,
organizations must stay informed about emerging
technologies and their potential impact on their
industry. Regularly monitor industry trends, attend
conferences, and engage with technology thought
leaders to gain insights into emerging technologies
such as artiﬁcial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of
Things (IoT), and robotics. Understanding these
technologies will enable organizations to identify
opportunities for disruption and stay ahead of the
curve.
Foster Strategic Partnerships:
Collaboration is key to navigating technological
disruption. Organizations should actively seek strategic
partnerships with startups, technology providers, and
industry experts. These partnerships can provide
access to cutting-edge technologies, insights into
market trends, and opportunities for co-innovation. By
leveraging external expertise and resources,
organizations can accelerate their innovation efforts
and drive transformative change.
Embrace Agile Practices:
Agility is critical in the face of technological disruption.
Adopting agile methodologies and practices allows
organizations to respond quickly to changing market
dynamics. Embrace iterative development, frequent
testing, and continuous feedback loops to rapidly adapt
to evolving customer needs and market trends. By
fostering an agile mindset, organizations can minimize
the risks associated with disruption and seize
opportunities for growth.
Invest in Continuous Learning:
To navigate technological disruption, organizations and
their employees must prioritize continuous learning.
Encourage employees to stay updated on industry
20

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trends, provide opportunities for upskilling and
reskilling, and support ongoing professional
development. Embrace a learning culture that
encourages curiosity, experimentation, and knowledge
sharing. By investing in continuous learning,
organizations can equip their workforce with the skills
needed to navigate disruption effectively.
Focus on Customer-Centricity:
Technological disruption often stems from changing
customer expectations and demands. Organizations
must embrace a customer-centric approach to navigate
disruption successfully. Invest in understanding
customer needs, preferences, and pain points. Leverage
customer feedback, conduct market research, and
utilize data analytics to gain insights into evolving
customer behaviors. By aligning products, services, and
experiences with customer expectations, organizations
can proactively respond to disruption and drive
customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Foster a Change-Ready Culture:
Navigating technological disruption requires a culture
that embraces change and agility. Leaders must
communicate the need for change, create a sense of
urgency, and provide a clear vision for the
organization's future. Encourage open communication,
collaboration, and transparency to alleviate resistance
to change. By fostering a change-ready culture,
organizations can proactively adapt to disruptive forces
and leverage them as opportunities for growth.
Encourage a Growth Mindset:
A growth mindset is crucial for navigating technological
disruption. Encourage employees to embrace change,
view challenges as opportunities, and embrace
continuous improvement. Foster a culture that values
curiosity, adaptability, and resilience. Provide
opportunities for employees to experiment, learn from
failures, and embrace innovative thinking. By nurturing
a growth mindset, organizations can build a workforce
that is adaptable, agile, and eager to explore new
possibilities.
Develop a Robust Digital Strategy:
To navigate technological disruption effectively,
organizations need a robust digital strategy. Assess the
impact of disruptive technologies on the industry and
identify areas where technology can drive innovation
and growth. Develop a roadmap for digital
transformation, outlining the necessary steps,
investments, and timelines. Embrace emerging
technologies such as artiﬁcial intelligence, automation,
and data analytics to optimize operations, enhance
customer experiences, and create new business
models.
Technological disruption is a constant in today's
business landscape. Organizations that successfully
navigate disruption can turn it into a competitive
advantage. By fostering a culture of innovation,
embracing agile practices, emphasizing continuous
learning, establishing strategic partnerships, embracing
customer-centricity, encouraging a growth mindset,
and developing a robust digital strategy, organizations
can navigate the challenges of technological disruption
and position themselves for long-term success. By
proactively embracing change and leveraging
disruptive forces, organizations can thrive in an era of
innovation and emerge as leaders in their respective
industries. Technological disruption presents both
challenges and opportunities for organizations across
industries.
22

Dhesen Ramsamy
Dhesen Ramsamy
Dhesen Ramsamy
A Strategic Leader Transitioning Insurance with Technology
A
s a business owner, it is crucial to understand
the importance of having a solid financial
foundation. From managing risk to investing
wisely, financial services play a critical role in the
success of any organization. That's why it's crucial to
partner with a company that has a proven track record
of expertise and innovation in this field. A trusted
advisor who can guide you through the complexities of
today's financial landscape and help you achieve
business goals. That's where a CTDO comes in - an
iconic figure in the finance industry who has a wealth of
experience and knowledge to share.
Dhesen Ramsamy is a seasoned expert with over two
decades of experience in the financial services industry,
presently positioned as the Chief Digital and
Technology Officer (CTDO) of Momentum
Metropolitan Holdings Limited, a leading financial
services group in South Africa, offering a range of
insurance, asset management, and employee benefits
solutions. Dhesen Ramsamy brings a wealth of
experience and expertise to his role as CTDO, driving
innovation and shaping the strategic direction of the
company.
We at CIOLook, interviewed Dhesen on his role in
redefining finance services.
Let's delve into the intercepts of the interview!
Tell us about yourself, highlighting your professional
tenure and your significant achievements so far in the
niche.
I've been fortunate to have had a career that has to
date offered me challenging assignments to learn and
develop across a variety of organizations. I initially
began my career in a research and development role at
Unilever, followed by roles in banking and retail
financial services with a focus on strategy and,
particularly, customer experience and insights.
These have been fantastic growth opportunities where
the integration of digital technologies and data
capabilities has meant leveraging customer insights at
best and combining them with capabilities such as
human-centered design and agile delivery breaking
new ground in delivering customer experiences and
value.
For the last five years, I have been working at
Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, initially in
Commercialization and Client Engagement
subsequently leading Design, Digital Channels and
Business Transformation; appointed as CDTO in 2022.
Enlighten our readers about your source of inspiration
to venture into the industry.
I want to work in roles and organizations where I can
both have a positive impact on others through my
efforts while acquiring opportunities to develop and
grow, both professionally and personally. Financial
Services, Insurance and Investments, preciously, have
certainly offered me this, distinctly in terms of the
impact on our customers and their families.
It is certainly inspiring to come to work daily and be
opportune to work with individuals who constantly
consider leveraging new technologies to improve
service for existing customers while initiating new
avenues.
How does your company thrive towards enabling
advancements in the dynamic business area?
Purpose:
The company's existence is to help businesses and
people from all walks of life to achieve their financial
goals and life aspirations.
This is achieved through individually identified client
and retail-facing brands Metropolitan, Momentum and
our other specialist brands.
24
The 10 Most Influen al Leaders In Technology, 2023

Dhesen Ramsamy
CDTO
Momentum Metropolitan
Holdings Limited
25

Enlighten us on how you have been impacting the
niche through your expertise in the market.
I would like to think that I make an impact by bringing
together a variety of experiences and capabilities
across both technology delivery and customer insights.
But I strive to ensure the right people are around the
table for the key discussions and decisions.
Very few material gains are made by individuals, but
one of the benefits of working in an organization with
the size and reputation of Momentum Metropolitan is
access to significant talent. It is an exciting challenge to
emphasize that we have the right capabilities in the
organization and are employed to the most important
challenges and opportunities.
What are the fundamentals that you implement to
drive betterment within the work culture of your
organization?
Almost everyone employed in fields is impacted by fast-
evolving technologies and will quickly recognize that
not only don't they know everything there is to know,
but that they can't know everything there is to know.
I am always open to learning where I don't have the in-
depth knowledge to instantly and confidently make the
right call and thus need the input of members of our
teams. I believe that this sets the right tone of ensuring
people around me know one of the first questions we
need to ask is, "Whom we need to help us make the
right call in this situation" and then reach out to them.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that
drives your organization.
Our purpose as an organization is to enable businesses
and people from all walks of life to achieve their
financial goals and life aspirations. This is significantly
important and challenging, given that we operate in
environments and communities with significant
economic disparities and where having the right
financial solution or product can make a tremendous
difference to the lives of individuals who trust in us.
We are in the business of paying claims, which instills an
ongoing responsibility focusing on ensuring that we are
operating efficiently and the most stable possible whilst
also keeping an eye on the future, the need to achieve
through innovation and delivery to meet future needs.
So, I would say that one of the biggest cultural drivers is
combining taking advantage of today's opportunities
whilst creating the right options for tomorrow through
understanding trends and new technologies and then
appropriately leveraging them.
Undeniably, technology is playing significant roles in
almost every sector. How are you leveraging
technological advancements to make your solutions
resourceful?
That's a great question, as it focuses on the challenge
encompassing the bulk of my days. When we think of
technological advancements, we think in terms of both
how they will have positive impacts on our current
business as well as how they will enable our future
customer solutions and revenue streams. Although, one
area that we are focused on is appropriate
understanding and corresponding new capabilities with
current value chains to allow disruptions internally.
A good example of this is in the area of data and
biometrics. As an organization, we recognized the
26

inevitability of these capabilities would have some
impact on our industry and pursued to understand
them. This has enabled us, recently, to incorporate
biometrics through the mobile phone camera into our
Life Insurance application process enabling customers'
vital signs to be read in real-time, within the right
parameters, for the customer to be offered immediate
insurance at a preferential rate. This is an example of a
better and slicker customer experience and more
efficient processes from a cost perspective resulting
from integrating new technologies into well-
understood processes, enhancing innovation's shared
value.
What, according to you, could be the next significant
change in your sector? How is your company
preparing to be part of that change?
As an industry that services people and companies from
across the economic spectrum, a lot of the changes are
observed and likely will be observed, resulting from the
macro-trends around us.
The proliferation of smart devices is quite amazing. I
recall first using the internet on dial-up connections.
Today, connectivity through our phones and the apps
on them is taken for granted and the things we can do
are pointing to a world where customers seek instant,
real-time gratification for their every want. This will
have a significant impact on the delivery of financial
services with the same behaviors and expectations
applied to all aspects of a person's life.
Appropriately leveraging new technologies and data to
meet the expectations of financial and insurance
products for our customers will be key focusing on both
how we modernize and extend our current offerings
and how we build the new offerings to serve a very
different world of tomorrow.
What would you like to advise budding aspirants who
are willing to venture into the modern business arena?
I think that the advice would be similar regardless of
whether someone wanted to enter the industry or not.
Technology will shift the ways things are done,
impacting the lives of everyone in the future. As it
evolves, however, even the technological
advancements around us are starting to evoke both
optimism and pessimism.
I quite enjoy the views of a Swedish futurologist,
Magnus Lindkvist, who warned that whilst pessimism
and optimism are lenses through which we see future
opportunities, they can blind us from expanding beyond
simplistic "good" and "bad." In his perspective, what we
rather need and should be practicing is "possibilism,"
the ability to think beyond the present and be open-
minded for the fantastic and unpredictable outcomes
that will inevitably represent the future. Better yet,
when you think as a "possibilist," you put yourself in a
better position to actually drive those outcomes, which
I think should be the ultimate goal for those budding
aspirants.
27

The Future of
TECHNOLOGY
Leadership
Trends and Predictions
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on
technology, the role of technology leaders is evolving to
meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital
landscape. In this article, we explore the future of
technology leadership and the key skills, competencies,
and strategies that will be essential for success in the
years to come. From navigating emerging technologies
to fostering innovation and driving digital
transformation, technology leaders will play a pivotal
role in shaping the future of organizations across
industries.
Embracing Technological Disruption:
In the future, technology leaders will need to embrace
and navigate technological disruption. With
advancements in artificial intelligence, machine
learning, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and other
emerging technologies, leaders must stay informed
about the latest trends and assess how these
technologies can drive innovation and improve
business processes. The ability to identify and adopt
relevant technologies will be crucial for organizations
to remain competitive in the ever-changing digital
landscape.
Developing a Digital-first Mindset:
Technology leaders of the future must foster a digital-
first mindset throughout their organizations. This
involves promoting a culture of agility, adaptability, and
continuous learning. It also requires championing the
use of digital tools and technologies to optimize
operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive
business growth. By fostering a digital-first mindset,
technology leaders can position their organizations to
capitalize on new opportunities and navigate the
complexities of the digital age.
Leading with Data and Analytics:
Data is becoming increasingly critical in decision-
making processes. Technology leaders must develop a
deep understanding of data analytics and how to
leverage insights effectively. They will need to drive
data-driven strategies, implement robust data
governance frameworks, and ensure the ethical and
responsible use of data. By harnessing the power of
data and analytics, technology leaders can drive
innovation, optimize operations, and create
personalized experiences for customers.
Cultivating Innovation and Collaboration:
Innovation will be a defining factor in the success of
organizations in the future. Technology leaders must
foster a culture of innovation and collaboration,
encouraging employees to think creatively, experiment
with new ideas, and embrace a growth mindset. They
should establish processes and frameworks that
encourage cross-functional collaboration and provide
the necessary resources and support for innovation to
thrive. By cultivating innovation and collaboration,
technology leaders can drive organizational agility and
stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.
Nurturing Digital Talent:
To succeed in the future, technology leaders must
prioritize talent acquisition, development, and
retention.
28

29

They should actively seek out individuals with a diverse
skill set, including expertise in emerging technologies,
data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital
transformation. By creating an environment that
encourages continuous learning and professional
growth, technology leaders can attract top talent and
build high-performing teams capable of driving
innovation and adapting to future challenges.
Managing Digital Transformation:
Technology leaders will continue to play a critical role in
managing digital transformation initiatives. They must
develop comprehensive digital strategies, align
technology initiatives with business objectives, and
effectively manage change within their organizations.
This includes addressing challenges such as legacy
systems, and organizational resistance, and ensuring
the integration of new technologies and processes.
Successful technology leaders will be adept at
managing transformational initiatives while
maintaining a focus on delivering value and driving
sustainable growth.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation:
Innovation will be a driving force behind sustainable
growth and competitiveness. Future technology
leaders must cultivate a culture of innovation within
their organizations, encouraging experimentation, risk-
taking, and creative thinking. They should establish
innovation frameworks, collaborate with cross-
functional teams, and create channels for idea
generation and feedback. By fostering a culture of
innovation, technology leaders can drive continuous
improvement and adaptability in the face of evolving
market dynamics.
Navigating Disruptive Technologies:
The future of technology leadership will require a keen
understanding of disruptive technologies and their
potential impact on business ecosystems. Leaders must
stay abreast of trends such as blockchain, Internet of
Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality
(VR), and assess their relevance and potential
applications within their industries. By proactively
exploring and embracing disruptive technologies,
technology leaders can gain a competitive edge and
drive transformative change within their organizations.
Building Strategic Partnerships:
Collaboration will be a key driver of success in the
future of technology leadership. Leaders must actively
seek strategic partnerships with technology providers,
startups, and industry experts to access cutting-edge
solutions, share knowledge, and foster innovation. By
forging strategic alliances, technology leaders can tap
into external expertise, accelerate time-to-market for
new products and services, and gain insights into
emerging trends and customer needs.
The future of technology leadership is poised to be
dynamic, challenging, and exciting. Technology leaders
must embrace technological disruption, develop a
digital-ﬁrst mindset, lead with data and analytics,
cultivate innovation and collaboration, nurture digital
talent, and effectively manage digital transformation.
By embracing these trends and adopting a forward-
thinking approach, technology leaders can navigate the
digital landscape and position their organizations for
success in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The future belongs to those who can harness the power
of technology to drive innovation, deliver exceptional
experiences, and create sustainable value for their
organizations and stakeholders.
30

Marissa 'Reese' Wood
32
CXO

ffective leadership is crucial for any organization,
Eespecially in a hybrid work environment where
the workforce is split between remote and in-
office workers. As a woman, there are unique
challenges that you may face as a leader in this type of
environment. Perhaps one of the biggest things that I
have personally faced is the ability to control and
maintain engagement from an audience when we meet
via web conferencing technology. There are other
challenges that come with never-ending online
meetings:
Ÿ Lack of visual cues: In a physical meeting, body
language, facial expressions, and other nonverbal
cues can provide a lot of information about what
someone is thinking or feeling. However, on a web
conference call, it can be challenging to pick up on
these cues, as the camera angle may not show the
whole body or the facial expressions may be
obscured by poor lighting or low-resolution video.
Ÿ Technical difficulties: Technical difficulties such as
poor internet connection, sound quality, or
microphone issues can cause communication
breakdowns and make it challenging to participate
effectively in a web conference call.
Ÿ Distractions: When attending a web conference call,
it is easy to get distracted by notifications from other
applications or devices, as well as by other people in
the same room or nearby. This can make it difficult to
concentrate and stay engaged in the discussion.
Ÿ Lack of personal connection: When attending a web
conference call, there is a certain level of
detachment, and it can be difficult to develop
personal connections with other attendees. This can
make it harder to build relationships and establish
trust with colleagues or clients.
Ÿ Time zone differences: With the rise of remote work,
web conference calls often involve participants from
different time zones. This can make it challenging to
find a time that works for everyone and can result in
some participants having to attend meetings outside
of regular work hours, which can lead to fatigue and
burnout.
Despite these challenges, there are definitive things a
strong leader may do to assure effective leadership.
Leaders need to communicate regularly and clearly
with their team members to ensure that everyone is on
the same page. They must make an extra effort to
communicate with remote team members to ensure
that they are not left out and feel disconnected from
the rest of the team.
In addition to consistent communication, adaptability
has also proved to be key to leadership within hybrid
work environment. Leaders must be adaptable to
changing circumstances and be willing to adjust their
leadership style to suit the needs of their team
members. They should be open to feedback from team
members and be willing to make changes to improve
the team's performance.
One of the biggest challenges is maintaining team
cohesion and collaboration. When team members work
remotely, they can feel isolated and disconnected from
the rest of the team. Leaders must work hard to create
a sense of community and ensure that remote team
members feel included.
1. Communication is Key
Effective communication is essential in a hybrid work
environment. As a leader, you need to ensure that all
team members feel connected, engaged, and informed
about what is happening in the organization. You can
achieve this by using a variety of communication
channels such as video conferencing, instant
messaging, email, or project management tools.
Additionally, regular team meetings and check-ins can
help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and
working towards the same goals.
2. Build Trust
Trust is an essential component of effective leadership.
As a leader, you need to establish trust with your team
members by being transparent, honest, and reliable.
One way to do this is by setting clear expectations and
providing regular feedback to your team members.
When employees feel that they can rely on you to
support them, they are more likely to feel engaged and
motivated to perform at their best.
3. Promote Collaboration
Collaboration is crucial in a hybrid work environment.
As a leader, you need to encourage your team members
to work together and share ideas.
33

One way to do this is by creating virtual collaboration
spaces such as online discussion boards or shared
documents. You can also facilitate team-building
activities and encourage informal conversations among
team members.
4.Overcoming Challenges
As a woman leader, you may face unique challenges in a
hybrid work environment. For example, you may need
to balance work responsibilities with caregiving duties
or other family obligations. To overcome these
challenges, you may need to establish clear boundaries
between work and personal life and communicate your
needs to your team members. Additionally, you can
leverage technology tools to streamline your work
processes and improve your productivity.
5.Continuous Learning
Leadership is a continuous learning process, and in a
hybrid work environment, you need to stay up-to-date
with the latest trends and best practices. One way to do
this is by attending virtual conferences, webinars, and
other professional development opportunities.
Additionally, you can network with other leaders and
learn from their experiences and insights.
As a leader in technology, managing performance and
productivity can be challenging. Leaders must set clear
expectations and provide regular feedback to ensure
that team members are meeting their goals and
deadlines. They must also be able to identify any
performance issues early on and address them
promptly. Leaders must ensure that all team members
have access to the resources and support they need to
perform their jobs effectively. This includes providing
access to technology and equipment, training, and
support.
In conclusion, effective leadership in a hybrid work
environment requires clear communication, trust-
building, collaboration, and overcoming unique
challenges. Being a female leader requires resilience,
determination, and a willingness to challenge gender
stereotypes and biases. While progress has been made
in recent years, there is still much work to be done to
create a more equitable and supportive environment
for women in leadership roles.
34

The great
Growling
Change
Technology

The 10 Most Influential Leaders In Technology 2023.pdf

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