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Blockchain. 5G is one
of the main pillars
that requires heavy
investment to serve all over
technological objectives.
Blockchain will also change
the way in which we
communicate and engage,
not necessarily on the financial
segment only but toward all
other segments, but in the way
we are connected.
The focus has shifted from the basic
infrastructure to the value or ‘colour’ that
is layered on top. It is that ‘colour’ or
differentiators that enable so many start-up
technologies and new entrepreneurs to enter
the world of technology.
How do you deal with stress and
unwind outside the office?
In my opinion, stress is not necessarily a bad
thing that needs to be managed. Instead,
I rather see it as part of our daily routine
where we live with it enjoy our challenges and
achievements. That said, we all need time to
recharge our batteries and relax, to return and
continue tackling those challenges.
My family plays a big role in this. Having a
conversation with my two-year old son and
six-year old daughter is one of the fast-
charging ways. Reading a fictional book can
also be very fulfilling. Swimming is another
quick time out to return to the court with a
full battery and clear vision.
If you could go back and change one
career decision what would it be?
What are the region-specific
challenges when implementing new
technologies in Africa?
Africa is a very high growth region when it
comes to adopting new technologies. That
said, connectivity remains a challenge.
We need to apply a different mindset in
Africa. In many instances, it’s the highly
populated rural areas that have the poorest
connectivity and those are the people that
require technology the most.
What changes to your job role have
you seen in the last year and how do
you see these developing in the next
12 months?
We have moved beyond that and are
focusing on how technology can and must
affect day-to-day business. It has become
about building the right solution for our
customers’ businesses. The responsibility lies
with us to understand our clients and their
business challenges so that we can build
solutions that enable them to overcome
those challenges, create new revenue
“
I LIKE SEEING
YOUNG PEOPLE
AND WOMEN
IN EXECUTIVE
POSITIONS,
BECAUSE IT IS
SOMETHING WE
ARE MISSING IN
THIS INDUSTRY.
streams and, in turn, provide their customers
with a solution that makes sense.
What advice would you offer
somebody aspiring to obtain a
C-level position in your industry?
Being an executive in the industry comes
with more responsibility towards your team
and company and the society and the
communities around you. I like seeing young
people and women in executive positions,
because it is something we are missing in
this industry.
At the same time, to become an executive
requires continuous learning to ensure you
keep up with customer needs and demands, as
well as having an in-depth knowledge of how
our customers’ businesses are changing. n
I am very satisfied with the career journey I
have been on to date and continue to be on as
I still have a long journey ahead of me. That
said, I do like dabbling in connecting things in
my spare time, using the Internet of Things
(IoT). I use my home as a very small lab to
connect even old devices so that I can see how
they can be evolved and used differently.
What do you currently identify as
the major areas of investment in
your industry?
I see two major areas that require
investment now and these are 5G and
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