GET TO KNOW...
On the lighter side of things, we ask the
industry experts what makes them tick. . . .
Huw Owen,
Head of EMEA and APJ at Couchbase
What has been your most
memorable achievement?
Thankfully there have been many highs and
exciting parts of my career but something
that really stands out and will always be
memorable has got to be the first million
dollar deal I closed. That was a defining
moment in my early career and ultimately
set me off on the path to where I am today.
What first made you think of a
career in technology?
I got into technology by accident – I sort of
fell into it rather than it being a conscious
decision. I played rugby for Leicester Tigers
while I was studying and I spent my year-
in-industry at the IT services company, ICL,
which held a place for me post-rugby. It was
while I was working at ICL that I realised the
potential of a career in IT once my playing
days were over.
What kind of management
philosophy do you employ with your
current position?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have held
roles in larger and smaller companies, and
one thing I’ve learned in both is that you’ve
got to pay attention to your customers,
prospects and partners: this is what I seek
to encourage in my team at Couchbase. I
also believe that I need to put myself in my
www.intelligentcio.com
team members’ shoes: to understand their
challenges; know the customers, prospects
and partners; and make sure I’m setting an
example and a high standard. Basically, for
me it’s about being hands-on and knowing
what the team must deal with and must do
to be successful.
healthcare. We’re seeing a lot of pressure
to drive innovation and develop faster
and more secure connected medical
technologies. As an ex-rugby player, I’ve
seen first-hand the consequences of a delay
in diagnosis of potentially severe injuries
such as concussion. So, for me, companies
like SyncThink are a fantastic example of
What do you think will emerge as the
technology trend of 2019 and why?
I think one particular area of technology
that will attract huge attention this year is
“
I THINK ONE
PARTICULAR
AREA OF
TECHNOLOGY
THAT WILL
ATTRACT HUGE
ATTENTION
THIS YEAR IS
HEALTHCARE.
INTELLIGENTCIO
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