A DAY IN THE LIFE
GET TO KNOW...
On the lighter side of things, we ask the
industry-experts what makes them tick . . .
Andrew Chadwick,
Managing VP, Gartner Gulf
What would you describe as your
most memorable achievement?
I had the privilege of leading the UK Financial Service Sales
team between 2007 and 2011. When the financial service
crash came in 2008 we remained the top performing team
in EMEA. This was because we quickly repositioned our
Gartner offering to help clients navigate unchartered waters.
This enabled our clients to have access to unbiased decision
support during incredibly challenging times.
What made you think of a career
in technology?
I studied Engineering at Nottingham University in the UK.
During my final year, a US company called 3D Systems
approached the head of faculty, and asked who they
recommend join their company. The head of faculty
recommended me! 3D systems were the disruptor technology,
developing Stereolithography rapid prototyping technologies
and this was the beginning of the 3D modelling and 3D
printing revolution. This was the beginning of a professional
career in technology and its capabilities to build a better
world. I moved to Gartner in February 1999, because at the
rate of technological change, I knew it was a sure bet to
making a meaningful difference to the clients I worked with,
combined with an opportunity for continuous never-ending
learning and career advancement.
What style of management
philosophy do you employ with
your current position?
I believe when we look after ‘our people’, ‘our people’ look after
our clients and our clients look after our business. Looking after
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‘our people’ includes helping them to see the opportunities.
Like with the financial services crash, it would have been easy
to believe that as the financial service team, a financial service
crash could mean we were doomed. However, we looked for the
opportunities, and they came in abundance. Our opportunity
here in the Gulf is similar. We are busy looking for the
opportunities in the region and they are coming in abundance.
What do you think is the current
hot technology talking point?
The discussion about digital business and understanding what
this means and the risks and opportunities it presents. This is
what we call the ‘peak’ of the Gartner Hype Cycle. The latest
hot topic, at the ‘Innovation Trigger’ stage, is technologies
associated to Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things.
As an example, the UAE recently announced Sarah Al Amiri as
Minister of State for Advanced Science, which will invest more
in these areas.
How do you deal with stress and
unwind outside the office?
I spend time with my family and enjoy sports including
kitesurfing, motorsports and triathlon. Running is easy-access
stress relief and a daily habit.
If you could go back and change a
career decision, what would it be?
I would have relocated to the Gulf earlier. This is the land of
opportunity and a region full of wonderful people, diverse
cultures and characters from all over the world. Living here is
lots of fun! n
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