Best Changes, Strategies and Solutions

Every organization should always consider Business Continuity and Risk Management as the top priority. This will help the organization to maintain resiliency in responding quickly to an interruption.

CHRISTOPHER ROLLAN, Head of the IT Department German Energy Consultant

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY HEADING IN 2023?

In 2017, before the pandemic, I attempted to persuade our former CEO that, with the current technology, many business units could operate remotely. He stated that although this is a fine idea, it is not our culture. From that point on, I had the impression that the majority of C-level executives, BODs, and investors were unprepared for this concept. Then in 2020 pandemic occurred. Post- and pre-pandemic results indicate that IT professionals are crucial to the organization. Motivating businesses to provide services and delivery by leveraging innovative technologies prior to the pandemic, remote sessions and online meetings existed, but regretfully, many organizations did not utilize them.

With the embrace of the new hybrid workplace, organizations now have the opportunity to maximize profits, reduce operational expenses, and determine a new strategy that integrates technology. However, the challenge is to strike a balance between human interactions and technological use.

The year 2023 holds great promise for new and existing businesses to adopt hybrid frameworks for the benefit of their organizations. The key to success is meeting and exceeding the KPI target of the business entity, regardless of the work culture. It was a lesson learned in the past that technology is a tool for organizations to increase efficiency and gain a competitive advantage. With connectivity in the sky and innovations, the business will be further bolstered and propelled. Offering more opportunities and expansion.

IN YOUR OPINION HAS THERE BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE AWARENESS OF DIVERSITY AND THE POSITIVE ROLE IT PLAYS IN THE WORKPLACE?

The social media industry has dominated this decade. With the assistance of the government and the private sector, NGOs and nonprofits have utilized the power of social media to disseminate useful and beneficial information. With the support of the carriers, The UAE was one of the most effective users of these communications. During the pandemic, it became evident that rapid dissemination of information is crucial for spreading awareness and knowledge in order to mitigate the effects of pandemics. Sadly, not all nations have benefited from this because of inadequate IT and network infrastructure. However, more SMEs in technology are aiming to deliver to improve awareness and diversity in this new Era of Business.

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM WORK ENVIRONMENT AND WORK CULTURE?

I am privileged to have accumulated 25 years of IT experience, including 19 years in the UAE with 6 distinct multinational corporations. Organizational perfection does not exist. Leaders are recruited to provide their stakeholders with this opportunity and environment. The retention of employees is a result of management's support for fulfilling opportunities and fostering employee development. It is not all about how much money you make; it is about how much wisdom you have acquired, and that sense of satisfaction is priceless.

WHAT IS THE MOST ENGAGING OR SATISFYING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB ROLE?

True fulfilment is found in mentoring, coaching, and developing future leaders. A statement of intent to impart skills and knowledge to the next individual, in line with the purpose of offering free speeches, is to inspire and guide the younger generations within and outside of your organization. It is always important to find your real purpose and passion. As computer engineers, we are problem solvers; therefore, it is essential that organizations value your contributions and your skills. Strong satisfaction is derived from a sense of accountability and responsibility towards your role and the ability to deliver value to with financial risk, in addition to the goals and aspirations of your business, should serve as a roadmap for selecting the appropriate technologies and solutions.

In your role as an influencer and IT leader, you serve as an internal salesperson to your MDs and CEO. It is not a walk in the park to offer your solution in the form of a business case and justify the return on investments and value of creation. You need to perform constant analysis and reflection on your ideas and solutions. Because change is unavoidable, companies should always prioritize Business Continuity and Risk Management as the top priority. The most challenging element is when the balance scorecards are not balanced. It is imperative to keep an eye on these elements, take them into consideration, and come up with answers that are rational and well-supported.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO BUILD YOUR TEAMS?

the organization by utilizing your expertise.

It is a sign of achievement to be involved in mega projects in the UAE.

It is more satisfying to know that you have worked with successful organizations that have shaped the nation when you reflect back on your career. Residents of the UAE enjoy this accomplishment.

It is a privilege to be in a place where diverse, highly talented individuals collaborate to provide services while pursuing their dreams. As a result of the fact that many businesses in the UAE prioritize innovation, we have the privilege of gaining early handson experience with cutting-edge technology.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB ROLE?

WHAT IS YOUR 2023 PLAN FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT? HOW DO YOU PLAN TO TAKE THE BUSINESS FORWARD WITH TECHNOLOGY?

The company roadmap takes precedence over any and all other issues. Taking into account everything that we have discovered so far in order to design a plan of action and a strategy that will be extremely successful. It is essential for organization to remain one step ahead of the advancement of technology. The type of technology that will serve the firm in the most effective manner ought to be determined by the company's stakeholders. It is not necessary for you to join the artificial intelligence bandwagon simply because everyone else is doing it. Your level of comfort

The process of putting together a team needs to be in step with the organization's overarching strategic objectives. The IT business unit must constantly be able to respond to changes in the annual budget and capabilities of the organization. As a result of working in the UAE for the past 19 years, I have developed the ability to remain resilient and quickly adjust to changing circumstances. It is more difficult to achieve quality staff than quantity. The development of something takes both time and money. Human capital is an essential component of a powerful and dependable team.

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT A TIME YOU LEAD A CULTURALLY DIVERSE TEAM?

I have been fortunate enough to have been able to participate in the development of a megaproject in the UAE since 2004. The United Arab Emirates is the place to go for people who want to get a taste of what it's like to live in a diverse and international community. I frequently find myself to be the only Filipino IT leader working on a project, despite the fact that there is no scarcity of highly trained individuals. Being entrusted with such a major responsibility is something that I regard as both a personal challenge and a great honor. There are always clashes due to cultural differences and pressures. Being part of a whole means if one part fails everyone fails. Thus, if one succeeded everyone takes that credit as part of the whole. Therefore, set aside irrelevant issues and focus on deliverables and KPIs.

WHICH WAS YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR COMPANY IN 2022 AND HOW DID IT IMPACT OR INFLUENCE THE BUSINESS?

After nearly three years of working from home, we have just recently started reporting back to the office. Moving forward in time by six years, I posited the idea that working from home is an option. Now I am persuaded that working in a real office is a far better experience, at least for people who love interacting with others and developing themselves personally.

Before the pandemic, the information technology department had a reputation for being underappreciated and was considered a liability and an overhead expense. The pandemic has significantly altered that perception. Both before and after the epidemic, our contributions to Information Technology demonstrated that we are an integral part of the organization's progress. Each and every one of our business support units deserves praise and success.

DEFINE 2023 IN 3 WORDS.

Always be grateful