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<br>This edition features The Most Influential Leaders In Tech that are at the forefront of leading us into a digital future
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VOL 04 I ISSUE 13 I 2023 Exploring Key Characteris?cs What Makes a Leader Truly Inspira?onal? The 1 Influential Leaders Leaders Resilience and Courage Exploring the Traits of Inspira?onal Leaders in Challenging Times Most Kader Sakkaria Chief Informa?on Officer Ruffalo Noel Levitz in Tech to Follow Kader SAKKARIA SAKKARIA Leading Technology Augmenta?ons
Groundbreaking Aspects of Persistent Success L L possess certain traits and characteristics that set them apart from others. These leaders are able to inspire and motivate people to go above and beyond what is expected of them. In this article, we will explore the traits of the most inspirational leaders. eadership is not just about being in charge of a team; it’s about inspiring and motivating others to achieve a common goal. Inspirational leaders Business leaders are authentic and true to themselves. They are honest, transparent, and genuine, which helps to build trust and credibility with their team members. Authentic leaders do not try to be someone they are not, and they are open about their strengths and weaknesses. This creates an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves and encourages them to be honest and transparent as well. Inspirational leaders possess certain traits and characteristics that set them apart from others. They are visionary, empathetic, authentic, courageous, resilient, innovative, humble, and inspiring. These leaders create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth, which helps to motivate and inspire their team members to achieve great things. By understanding these traits, we can all strive to become more inspirational leaders in our own lives and careers. Above all, inspirational leaders are able to inspire others to be their best selves. They lead by example and are able to bring out the best in their team members. These leaders create a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and development. They encourage their team members to take on challenges and push themselves to new heights. Mapping the journey of these business leaders, CIOLook—brings its latest edition—The 10 Most Influential Leaders in Tech To Follow, 2023. Ed?or's Ed?or's Ed?or's Note Inspirational leaders have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. They are able to articulate this vision to others in a way that is inspiring and motivating. A leader's vision provides a sense of purpose and direction for the team and helps to align everyone's efforts towards a common goal. The most inspirational leaders are able to communicate their vision in a way that resonates with their team members. Flip through the pages and indulge in the odyssey of excellence these business leaders are mapping in the dynamic business arena. Have a delightful read! Empathy is the ability to understand and relate to the needs and concerns of others. Inspirational leaders are able to show empathy towards their team members, which helps to create a sense of trust and respect. These leaders listen to their team members and take their opinions and ideas into account when making decisions. This creates a sense of belonging and fosters a culture of collaboration. Note Note Abhishek Joshi Abhishek Joshi
Groundbreaking Aspects of Persistent Success L L possess certain traits and characteristics that set them apart from others. These leaders are able to inspire and motivate people to go above and beyond what is expected of them. In this article, we will explore the traits of the most inspirational leaders. eadership is not just about being in charge of a team; it’s about inspiring and motivating others to achieve a common goal. Inspirational leaders Business leaders are authentic and true to themselves. They are honest, transparent, and genuine, which helps to build trust and credibility with their team members. Authentic leaders do not try to be someone they are not, and they are open about their strengths and weaknesses. This creates an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves and encourages them to be honest and transparent as well. Inspirational leaders possess certain traits and characteristics that set them apart from others. They are visionary, empathetic, authentic, courageous, resilient, innovative, humble, and inspiring. These leaders create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth, which helps to motivate and inspire their team members to achieve great things. By understanding these traits, we can all strive to become more inspirational leaders in our own lives and careers. Above all, inspirational leaders are able to inspire others to be their best selves. They lead by example and are able to bring out the best in their team members. These leaders create a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and development. They encourage their team members to take on challenges and push themselves to new heights. Mapping the journey of these business leaders, CIOLook—brings its latest edition—The 10 Most Influential Leaders in Tech To Follow, 2023. Ed?or's Ed?or's Ed?or's Note Inspirational leaders have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. They are able to articulate this vision to others in a way that is inspiring and motivating. A leader's vision provides a sense of purpose and direction for the team and helps to align everyone's efforts towards a common goal. The most inspirational leaders are able to communicate their vision in a way that resonates with their team members. Flip through the pages and indulge in the odyssey of excellence these business leaders are mapping in the dynamic business arena. Have a delightful read! Empathy is the ability to understand and relate to the needs and concerns of others. Inspirational leaders are able to show empathy towards their team members, which helps to create a sense of trust and respect. These leaders listen to their team members and take their opinions and ideas into account when making decisions. This creates a sense of belonging and fosters a culture of collaboration. Note Note Abhishek Joshi Abhishek Joshi
C o n t e n t s 14 22 C O V E Behzad Zamanian Driving Technological Transformations and Innovation Dr Rami Ayoob A Visionary Tech Disruptor Leading Startups to Success R S 30 T O R 08 08 Kader SAKKARIA Leading Technology Augmenta?ons Y Ganinee Jain Driving Novelties in the Cybersecurity Niche 18 26 Exploring Key Characteristics What Makes a Leader Truly Inspirational? Resilience and Courage Exploring the Traits of Inspirational Leaders in Challenging Times
C o n t e n t s 14 22 C O V E Behzad Zamanian Driving Technological Transformations and Innovation Dr Rami Ayoob A Visionary Tech Disruptor Leading Startups to Success R S 30 T O R 08 08 Kader SAKKARIA Leading Technology Augmenta?ons Y Ganinee Jain Driving Novelties in the Cybersecurity Niche 18 26 Exploring Key Characteristics What Makes a Leader Truly Inspirational? Resilience and Courage Exploring the Traits of Inspirational Leaders in Challenging Times
The 1 Influential Leaders Leaders Most in Tech to Follow Pooja M Bansal Editor-in-Chief Company Name Featured Person Brief Behzad is responsible for the development of the City's overall information systems and innovation strategy and implementation of short and long term technology goals. Behzad Zamanian Chief Information Officer Washoe County washoecounty.gov CONTENT FOLLOW US ON www.facebook.com/ciolook www.twitter.com/ciolook Deputy Editor AbhishekJoshi Managing Editor Alex Spellman Dr Rami is an innovative and result-oriented professional with over 18+ years of executive-level experience, responsible for all aspects of strategic IT planning, implementation and achievement of enterprise goals. Dr. Rami Ayoob Chief Information Officer (CIO) Spark Tech Hub sparktechhub.com WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON DESIGN Ganinee Jain Advisor, Cyber & Information Security, Privacy and Medical Device Security Ganinee reorganized the overall cybersecurity service offering at EZEN to include the most effective and consistent methodologies that serve their client's security requirements with the highest quality. VisualizerDave Bates EZEN Computer Services Inc ezeninc.com Art & Design Director Ankita Pandharpure Associate Designer Revati Badkas CONTACT US ON Email info@ciolook.com For Subscription www.ciolook.com Jose A. Perez Chief Information & Technology Officer InvoCare invocare.com.au Jose is an action oriented Technology Executive with Global and multi-industry experience. SALES Senior Sales Manager Sihanee M., Rouniyar A. Customer Success Manager Taylor. S Kader Sakkaria Chief Information Officer Kader Sakkaria is the Chief Information Officer at Ruffalo Noel Levitz. He prioritizes product-centric attitudes over project management. Ruffalo Noel Levitz ruffalonl.com Copyright © 2023 CIOLOOK, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from CIOLOOK. Reprint rights remain solely with CIOLOOK. Sales Executives Shashi Rajbhar, Josh Kevin Lewis Vice President of Retail Intelligence Kevin is an effective influencer with senior leadership capable of inspiring vision while securing key technology investments. TECHNICAL Walmart walmart.com Technical Head Prachi Mokashi Technical Consultant Victor Collins Linda Jojo Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer Linda is an adept leader who is contributing in scaling the successs of United Airlines to the greater heights. United Airlines united.com SME-SMO Research Analyst Eric Smith SEO Executive Sagar Lhigade Nehal is an experienced designer and developer of enterprise applications using middle ware technologies like MuleSoft and TIBCO across Telecom and Insurance domains. Nehal Jain Principal Consultant J4RVIS j4rvis.com Paslick Marty Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Paslick is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Nashville, Tennessee-based HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services. sales@ciolook.com HCA Healthcare hcahealthcare.com April, 2023 Tim Nelson Vice President, Data and Analytics Tim is an expert in pushing BI analytics into customer-facing systems to create a personalized experience. PODS PODS.com
The 1 Influential Leaders Leaders Most in Tech to Follow Pooja M Bansal Editor-in-Chief Company Name Featured Person Brief Behzad is responsible for the development of the City's overall information systems and innovation strategy and implementation of short and long term technology goals. Behzad Zamanian Chief Information Officer Washoe County washoecounty.gov CONTENT FOLLOW US ON www.facebook.com/ciolook www.twitter.com/ciolook Deputy Editor AbhishekJoshi Managing Editor Alex Spellman Dr Rami is an innovative and result-oriented professional with over 18+ years of executive-level experience, responsible for all aspects of strategic IT planning, implementation and achievement of enterprise goals. Dr. Rami Ayoob Chief Information Officer (CIO) Spark Tech Hub sparktechhub.com WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON DESIGN Ganinee Jain Advisor, Cyber & Information Security, Privacy and Medical Device Security Ganinee reorganized the overall cybersecurity service offering at EZEN to include the most effective and consistent methodologies that serve their client's security requirements with the highest quality. VisualizerDave Bates EZEN Computer Services Inc ezeninc.com Art & Design Director Ankita Pandharpure Associate Designer Revati Badkas CONTACT US ON Email info@ciolook.com For Subscription www.ciolook.com Jose A. Perez Chief Information & Technology Officer InvoCare invocare.com.au Jose is an action oriented Technology Executive with Global and multi-industry experience. SALES Senior Sales Manager Sihanee M., Rouniyar A. Customer Success Manager Taylor. S Kader Sakkaria Chief Information Officer Kader Sakkaria is the Chief Information Officer at Ruffalo Noel Levitz. He prioritizes product-centric attitudes over project management. Ruffalo Noel Levitz ruffalonl.com Copyright © 2023 CIOLOOK, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from CIOLOOK. Reprint rights remain solely with CIOLOOK. Sales Executives Shashi Rajbhar, Josh Kevin Lewis Vice President of Retail Intelligence Kevin is an effective influencer with senior leadership capable of inspiring vision while securing key technology investments. TECHNICAL Walmart walmart.com Technical Head Prachi Mokashi Technical Consultant Victor Collins Linda Jojo Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer Linda is an adept leader who is contributing in scaling the successs of United Airlines to the greater heights. United Airlines united.com SME-SMO Research Analyst Eric Smith SEO Executive Sagar Lhigade Nehal is an experienced designer and developer of enterprise applications using middle ware technologies like MuleSoft and TIBCO across Telecom and Insurance domains. Nehal Jain Principal Consultant J4RVIS j4rvis.com Paslick Marty Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Paslick is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Nashville, Tennessee-based HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services. sales@ciolook.com HCA Healthcare hcahealthcare.com April, 2023 Tim Nelson Vice President, Data and Analytics Tim is an expert in pushing BI analytics into customer-facing systems to create a personalized experience. PODS PODS.com
C O V E R S T O R Y Kader SAKKARIA Leading Technology Augmenta?ons Kader has observed a shi? towards social responsibility in areas such as the conserva?on of resources, environmental aspects of energy produc?on, cybersecurity, and privacy protec?ons for employees and clients. Kader Sakkaria Chief Informa?on Officer Ruffalo Noel Levitz
C O V E R S T O R Y Kader SAKKARIA Leading Technology Augmenta?ons Kader has observed a shi? towards social responsibility in areas such as the conserva?on of resources, environmental aspects of energy produc?on, cybersecurity, and privacy protec?ons for employees and clients. Kader Sakkaria Chief Informa?on Officer Ruffalo Noel Levitz
The 10 Most Influen?al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023 A combination of leadership, technical expertise, and business acumen, navigating the constantly changing landscape of technology. s a pivotal figure in modern organizations that rely on advanced information technologies to stay competitive, Kader Sakkaria leads with a He knows that Artificial Intelligence is one of the most crucial differentiating factors that drive transformation in analytics, data engineering, and new product development lifecycle. Moreover, Kader strongly believes that large organizations have a social responsibility to contribute beyond the ramifications of the business model. As a transformational leader, Kader is committed to creating value through ethical and accountable actions, social responsibility, and environment-conscious decisions. market forces and what it takes to build a thriving organization. While there is no "secret sauce" or quick answer to success, Kader believes prioritization is crucial. One key guiding principle for him is his belief in the servant leadership style, which he feels is uniquely suited to transformative strategies and is increasingly essential given complex situations. He believes that caring for employees, the organization, and the environment is the way to go and that fostering collaboration and empowering team members to participate in decision-making is vital in today's fast- paced and complex environment. Kader believes that empathy in a transformational context contributes to work, life, and philanthropy and that socially responsible initiatives, ethical use of technologies, sustainability, and governance reflect the servant organizations movement. outcomes are unsuccessful. He notes that this principle applies across all industries, and companies of all sizes must commit to data-driven decision-making. Kader also recognizes that providing continuous training and education is vital for employees to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and processes. He believes that this benefits the employees and can generate new ideas and fuel further innovation within the organization. By aligning business objectives with large teams of IT professionals and technology platforms, Kader succeeds as Chief Information Officer at Ruffalo Noel Levitz. He prioritizes product-centric attitudes over project management, builds a culture of innovation and scalability, and fosters collaboration and empowerment across cross-functional teams. In this fast-paced and challenging environment, success is a complex and dynamic mix of factors that demand continuous improvement and agile flexibility. Tech Forward Inspiring Relevant Engagement RNL strategically decided to streamline processes and democratize advanced AI throughout the organization. Kader and his team brought data integrations, engineering, and analytics up to the highest standards of scalability and flexibility. To make the technology accessible to everyone in the organization, they exposed analytics to all team members through low- Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) is a leading provider of higher-education analytics solutions, offering services such as enrollment modeling, consulting, student success management, resource allocation management, marketing insights, and prescriptive fundraising planning. With a clientele of over 1900 universities, colleges, and non-profit organizations, RNL strives to create hyper-personalized client engagements that drive these institutions toward their goals and long- term objectives. These engagements entail a multifaceted and data-driven analysis of market research, enrollment consulting, academic advising, and student success during all stages of their academic life. Dynamic, Empowered, Unified Let us learn more about his professional journey. Inspired Roots Kader strongly believes that social responsibility and ethics-driven values should be a cornerstone of modern organizations. He has always been motivated by the potential impact he can have on both the organization and the environment, which has been a critical driver throughout his career. While he has worked on many transformational projects, he also feels that being a part of something more significant and lasting is essential. Kader has always been passionate about transforming organizations, primarily through digital means. He understands that digital transformation is critical to the evolution of technology-centric organizations. He has studied various frameworks to guide transformations, such as McKinsey's 7s model and the digital value chain framework. For Kader, designing, optimizing, and innovating business processes to build customer experiences on solid value-creating foundations that leverage advances in cloud technologies, optimization, and market differentiation is a tremendous task. Along with personalized consulting services, RNL's vision emphasizes technology leadership with stable and scalable computing platforms. As part of their expertise, RNL boasts industry-leading AI-driven data analytics, data-driven insights with real-time machine learning capabilities, and advanced data engineering capabilities on a cloud platform. To ensure scalability and integrate all value chain processes, RNL is currently executing a digital transformation strategy with state- of-the-art support for integrating client data sources, infrastructure as a code paradigm, and real-time capabilities for model execution. Their data processing methodologies can handle diverse formats, multimedia, and unstructured data. Their solutions are exposed to clients through advanced dashboards, providing a wide range of features for customization and democratization of their technologies with instant feedback loops. Kader has observed a shift towards social responsibility in areas such as the conservation of resources, environmental aspects of energy production, cybersecurity, and privacy protections for employees and clients. He believes that success is not just about the latest and greatest technology but also human leadership, behavior, and responsible change. Kader is excited about new emerging frameworks that help create ethics governance committees based on principles of algorithmic transparency and explainability, respect for privacy, and removal of bias. Kader recognizes that in today's rapidly changing technological landscape, fostering a culture of innovation is essential for organizations to succeed. He believes that building teams that embrace innovation, participate in new creative solutions, and experiment with new technologies can drive the organization toward its goals. Kader emphasizes the importance of creating a culture where employees are encouraged to take risks and rewarded for their initiative, even if the As a transforma?onal leader, Kader is commi?ed to crea?ng value through ethical and accountable ac?ons, social responsibility, and environment- conscious decisions. Driving Significant Impact Kader believes that his experience leading transformative initiatives for large and medium-sized organizations has given him valuable insights into
The 10 Most Influen?al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023 A combination of leadership, technical expertise, and business acumen, navigating the constantly changing landscape of technology. s a pivotal figure in modern organizations that rely on advanced information technologies to stay competitive, Kader Sakkaria leads with a He knows that Artificial Intelligence is one of the most crucial differentiating factors that drive transformation in analytics, data engineering, and new product development lifecycle. Moreover, Kader strongly believes that large organizations have a social responsibility to contribute beyond the ramifications of the business model. As a transformational leader, Kader is committed to creating value through ethical and accountable actions, social responsibility, and environment-conscious decisions. market forces and what it takes to build a thriving organization. While there is no "secret sauce" or quick answer to success, Kader believes prioritization is crucial. One key guiding principle for him is his belief in the servant leadership style, which he feels is uniquely suited to transformative strategies and is increasingly essential given complex situations. He believes that caring for employees, the organization, and the environment is the way to go and that fostering collaboration and empowering team members to participate in decision-making is vital in today's fast- paced and complex environment. Kader believes that empathy in a transformational context contributes to work, life, and philanthropy and that socially responsible initiatives, ethical use of technologies, sustainability, and governance reflect the servant organizations movement. outcomes are unsuccessful. He notes that this principle applies across all industries, and companies of all sizes must commit to data-driven decision-making. Kader also recognizes that providing continuous training and education is vital for employees to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and processes. He believes that this benefits the employees and can generate new ideas and fuel further innovation within the organization. By aligning business objectives with large teams of IT professionals and technology platforms, Kader succeeds as Chief Information Officer at Ruffalo Noel Levitz. He prioritizes product-centric attitudes over project management, builds a culture of innovation and scalability, and fosters collaboration and empowerment across cross-functional teams. In this fast-paced and challenging environment, success is a complex and dynamic mix of factors that demand continuous improvement and agile flexibility. Tech Forward Inspiring Relevant Engagement RNL strategically decided to streamline processes and democratize advanced AI throughout the organization. Kader and his team brought data integrations, engineering, and analytics up to the highest standards of scalability and flexibility. To make the technology accessible to everyone in the organization, they exposed analytics to all team members through low- Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) is a leading provider of higher-education analytics solutions, offering services such as enrollment modeling, consulting, student success management, resource allocation management, marketing insights, and prescriptive fundraising planning. With a clientele of over 1900 universities, colleges, and non-profit organizations, RNL strives to create hyper-personalized client engagements that drive these institutions toward their goals and long- term objectives. These engagements entail a multifaceted and data-driven analysis of market research, enrollment consulting, academic advising, and student success during all stages of their academic life. Dynamic, Empowered, Unified Let us learn more about his professional journey. Inspired Roots Kader strongly believes that social responsibility and ethics-driven values should be a cornerstone of modern organizations. He has always been motivated by the potential impact he can have on both the organization and the environment, which has been a critical driver throughout his career. While he has worked on many transformational projects, he also feels that being a part of something more significant and lasting is essential. Kader has always been passionate about transforming organizations, primarily through digital means. He understands that digital transformation is critical to the evolution of technology-centric organizations. He has studied various frameworks to guide transformations, such as McKinsey's 7s model and the digital value chain framework. For Kader, designing, optimizing, and innovating business processes to build customer experiences on solid value-creating foundations that leverage advances in cloud technologies, optimization, and market differentiation is a tremendous task. Along with personalized consulting services, RNL's vision emphasizes technology leadership with stable and scalable computing platforms. As part of their expertise, RNL boasts industry-leading AI-driven data analytics, data-driven insights with real-time machine learning capabilities, and advanced data engineering capabilities on a cloud platform. To ensure scalability and integrate all value chain processes, RNL is currently executing a digital transformation strategy with state- of-the-art support for integrating client data sources, infrastructure as a code paradigm, and real-time capabilities for model execution. Their data processing methodologies can handle diverse formats, multimedia, and unstructured data. Their solutions are exposed to clients through advanced dashboards, providing a wide range of features for customization and democratization of their technologies with instant feedback loops. Kader has observed a shift towards social responsibility in areas such as the conservation of resources, environmental aspects of energy production, cybersecurity, and privacy protections for employees and clients. He believes that success is not just about the latest and greatest technology but also human leadership, behavior, and responsible change. Kader is excited about new emerging frameworks that help create ethics governance committees based on principles of algorithmic transparency and explainability, respect for privacy, and removal of bias. Kader recognizes that in today's rapidly changing technological landscape, fostering a culture of innovation is essential for organizations to succeed. He believes that building teams that embrace innovation, participate in new creative solutions, and experiment with new technologies can drive the organization toward its goals. Kader emphasizes the importance of creating a culture where employees are encouraged to take risks and rewarded for their initiative, even if the As a transforma?onal leader, Kader is commi?ed to crea?ng value through ethical and accountable ac?ons, social responsibility, and environment- conscious decisions. Driving Significant Impact Kader believes that his experience leading transformative initiatives for large and medium-sized organizations has given him valuable insights into
Collaboration skills, creativity, and adaptability will also be highly valued as organizations strive to build innovative and agile teams. Furthermore, as remote work becomes more commonplace, the ability to work effectively in virtual environments and utilize collaboration tools will be increasingly important. Overall, individuals with technical skills, creativity, and adaptability will be well-positioned to succeed in the rapidly changing job market. Kader recognizes that in today's rapidly changing technological landscape, fostering a culture of innova?on is essen?al for organiza?ons to succeed. An Inspirational Odyssey Kader was a young software developer who had been keeping up with the latest trends in the tech industry. He knew that the market trends defined the opportunities and that exciting new area were emerging that he wanted to be a part of. Kader saw the direction set by enterprise system architectures and the toolsets that continued on the path of scalability, seamless connectivity, optimization, and technology democratization. CHOOSE OUR SUBSCRIPTION code and no-code user interfaces. They also democratized modeling and other AI tools by providing a data governance framework that includes data lineage, rich semantics, and enrichment integrations. With a growing machine learning model repository, they can combine AI algorithms based on time criteria, geographical constraints, or customer preferences to create an AI ecosystem ready for current and future challenges. The models have built-in safeguards for performance monitoring. The customer-facing applications allow for customization ranging from essential statistical explorations to advanced modeling. Looking to the future, Kader anticipates more advancement in integrating heterogeneous data sources, converting legacy data into a high-availability resource for modeling, and tighter integration with customer data sources. He believes that ontology- driven pipelines must be devised to visualize the value chain and help orchestrate data flows with no-code tools. In many cases, AI must take over data engineering from deterministic algorithms. Synthetic data sets combined with model repositories must be better integrated with semantically rich structures. 1 Year 12 Issues $250 6 Months 6 Issues $130 He recognized the importance of leveraging complex analytics to integrate data across disciplines and positioning himself in areas where multimodal data integration happens. Kader also knew that mastering AI-assisted development tools would boost productivity and that compliance and regulations were becoming increasingly important. 3 Months 3 Issues $70 1 Month 1 Issue $25 He believed that explainability, transparency, and responsibility were essential for building trust in the marketplace. The days of taking an easy route to simple labeling and promoting advanced technologies were over. Stay in the known. Subscribe to CIOLOOK Get CIOLOOK Magazine in print, and digital on www.ciolook.com Kari Kovar joined the team as the Chief Operating Officer in January 2021, having spent the past two decades improving the world of higher education. Together with their teams, Sakkaria and Kovar created operational alignment and streamlined the technology ecosystem to drive effectiveness, efficiency, outcomes, performance, and collaboration. Prepared Ahead In addition, job roles and skills requirements will also change, with a growing demand for expertise in AI, data science, and machine learning. As more organizations adopt AI and data-driven decision-making, there will be a greater need for professionals who can effectively manage, analyze, and interpret data.
Collaboration skills, creativity, and adaptability will also be highly valued as organizations strive to build innovative and agile teams. Furthermore, as remote work becomes more commonplace, the ability to work effectively in virtual environments and utilize collaboration tools will be increasingly important. Overall, individuals with technical skills, creativity, and adaptability will be well-positioned to succeed in the rapidly changing job market. Kader recognizes that in today's rapidly changing technological landscape, fostering a culture of innova?on is essen?al for organiza?ons to succeed. An Inspirational Odyssey Kader was a young software developer who had been keeping up with the latest trends in the tech industry. He knew that the market trends defined the opportunities and that exciting new area were emerging that he wanted to be a part of. Kader saw the direction set by enterprise system architectures and the toolsets that continued on the path of scalability, seamless connectivity, optimization, and technology democratization. CHOOSE OUR SUBSCRIPTION code and no-code user interfaces. They also democratized modeling and other AI tools by providing a data governance framework that includes data lineage, rich semantics, and enrichment integrations. With a growing machine learning model repository, they can combine AI algorithms based on time criteria, geographical constraints, or customer preferences to create an AI ecosystem ready for current and future challenges. The models have built-in safeguards for performance monitoring. The customer-facing applications allow for customization ranging from essential statistical explorations to advanced modeling. Looking to the future, Kader anticipates more advancement in integrating heterogeneous data sources, converting legacy data into a high-availability resource for modeling, and tighter integration with customer data sources. He believes that ontology- driven pipelines must be devised to visualize the value chain and help orchestrate data flows with no-code tools. In many cases, AI must take over data engineering from deterministic algorithms. Synthetic data sets combined with model repositories must be better integrated with semantically rich structures. 1 Year 12 Issues $250 6 Months 6 Issues $130 He recognized the importance of leveraging complex analytics to integrate data across disciplines and positioning himself in areas where multimodal data integration happens. Kader also knew that mastering AI-assisted development tools would boost productivity and that compliance and regulations were becoming increasingly important. 3 Months 3 Issues $70 1 Month 1 Issue $25 He believed that explainability, transparency, and responsibility were essential for building trust in the marketplace. The days of taking an easy route to simple labeling and promoting advanced technologies were over. Stay in the known. Subscribe to CIOLOOK Get CIOLOOK Magazine in print, and digital on www.ciolook.com Kari Kovar joined the team as the Chief Operating Officer in January 2021, having spent the past two decades improving the world of higher education. Together with their teams, Sakkaria and Kovar created operational alignment and streamlined the technology ecosystem to drive effectiveness, efficiency, outcomes, performance, and collaboration. Prepared Ahead In addition, job roles and skills requirements will also change, with a growing demand for expertise in AI, data science, and machine learning. As more organizations adopt AI and data-driven decision-making, there will be a greater need for professionals who can effectively manage, analyze, and interpret data.
The 10 Most Influen?al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023 Driving Technological Transforma?ons and Innova?on ehzad Zamanian, the Chief Information Officer B experience and expertise in various sectors. With a notable background in government administration, private sector enterprises, Fortune 500 companies, and higher education institutions, Zamanian has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex landscapes and drive impactful technological transformations. The following interview highlights exemplify Behzad Zamanian's expansive knowledge and demonstrated track record, establishing him as a highly esteemed technology executive: at Washoe County, is a highly accomplished technology executive known for his extensive Behzad Zamanian Chief Informa?on Officer Washoe County What inspired you to pursue a career in information technology, and how did you get started in this field? The inspiration behind my pursuit of a career in IT comes from a couple of questions I posed to myself in order to determine my college major: firstly, "What am I good at?" and secondly, "What will be in high demand 20 years from now?" It became clear to me that IT thrives on creativity and analytical abilities, which align with my own strengths. Recognizing that personal interest plays a vital role in shaping one's career, I realized that IT encompassed aspects that truly captivated me. Zamanian's proficiency lies in a diverse range of domains, including strategic planning, fostering strong business partnerships, project management, IT governance, technology infrastructure, enterprise applications, regional multi-agency initiatives, and public safety systems. His deep understanding of these areas enables him to effectively align technology initiatives with organizational objectives, ensuring optimal efficiency and innovation. Furthermore, I believed that understanding the future landscape of industries and identifying specialties that would offer opportunities was crucial for a successful career. As the 80s progressed, my prediction became clearer, the IT field held immense potential for growth and development in the upcoming two decades. What do you consider to be the most pressing challenges facing the IT industry today, 0and how is Washoe County addressing these challenges? We have implemented a top-down approach layered-model and priori?zed cybersecurity as a key business objec?ve within our technology plan in order to align our projects and objec?ves. Government IT faces several pressing challenges that require attention and innovative solutions, such as: Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Legacy System Modernization Digital Transformation Interoperability and Data Sharing IT Talent Citizen-Centric IT Cloud Computing Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ 14 15 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
The 10 Most Influen?al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023 Driving Technological Transforma?ons and Innova?on ehzad Zamanian, the Chief Information Officer B experience and expertise in various sectors. With a notable background in government administration, private sector enterprises, Fortune 500 companies, and higher education institutions, Zamanian has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex landscapes and drive impactful technological transformations. The following interview highlights exemplify Behzad Zamanian's expansive knowledge and demonstrated track record, establishing him as a highly esteemed technology executive: at Washoe County, is a highly accomplished technology executive known for his extensive Behzad Zamanian Chief Informa?on Officer Washoe County What inspired you to pursue a career in information technology, and how did you get started in this field? The inspiration behind my pursuit of a career in IT comes from a couple of questions I posed to myself in order to determine my college major: firstly, "What am I good at?" and secondly, "What will be in high demand 20 years from now?" It became clear to me that IT thrives on creativity and analytical abilities, which align with my own strengths. Recognizing that personal interest plays a vital role in shaping one's career, I realized that IT encompassed aspects that truly captivated me. Zamanian's proficiency lies in a diverse range of domains, including strategic planning, fostering strong business partnerships, project management, IT governance, technology infrastructure, enterprise applications, regional multi-agency initiatives, and public safety systems. His deep understanding of these areas enables him to effectively align technology initiatives with organizational objectives, ensuring optimal efficiency and innovation. Furthermore, I believed that understanding the future landscape of industries and identifying specialties that would offer opportunities was crucial for a successful career. As the 80s progressed, my prediction became clearer, the IT field held immense potential for growth and development in the upcoming two decades. What do you consider to be the most pressing challenges facing the IT industry today, 0and how is Washoe County addressing these challenges? We have implemented a top-down approach layered-model and priori?zed cybersecurity as a key business objec?ve within our technology plan in order to align our projects and objec?ves. Government IT faces several pressing challenges that require attention and innovative solutions, such as: Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Legacy System Modernization Digital Transformation Interoperability and Data Sharing IT Talent Citizen-Centric IT Cloud Computing Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ 14 15 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we lived, worked, and operated; therefore, I decided to develop a tech plan from ground up past pandemic to redefine our priorities to ensure IT goals are aligned not only with the County’s strategic objectives, but also aligned with the expectations from IT. We felt Citizens Experience and Staff Efficiency must be the focus for IT and identified 6 different business objectives including the ones mentioned above in our tech plan. implementing agile practices, government IT can strike the right balance to drive innovation while maintaining efficient operations. To ensure addressing all aspects of technology need, we use a technology gap analysis to demonstrated people, process, and technology as the key focus of the report recommendations. Cloud Computing Citizen Engagement and Experience AI & Data Analytics Cybersecurity Augmented Reality (AR) Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ What strategies has Washoe County implemented to ensure that its IT infrastructure is secure and resilient against cyber attacks? Building upon these frameworks, two overarching goals were defined: Enhancing Citizens' Experience and Increasing Staff Efficiency. These goals were directly aligned with the County's strategic objectives. Within each of these goals, a series of specific business objectives were identified, ensuring a clear alignment between IT and the organization's strategic direction. To further refine the plan, strategic actions and projects were defined for each business objective. How does Washoe County approach training and development for its IT staff, and what opportunities are available for professional growth and advancement? We have implemented a top-down approach layered- model and prioritized cybersecurity as a key business objective within our technology plan in order to align our projects and objectives. How do you balance the needs for innovation and agility in IT with the need for stability and reliability in the services that Washoe County provides? We are currently in the process of defining a series of training and development programs. Our aim is to ensure that every IT staff member has access to these opportunities. We are incorporating staff development into our performance evaluation process, recruitment practices, and retention strategies. By doing so, we are establishing mandatory training requirements for all IT staff while also offering volunteer training opportunities. We emphasize that training and development initiatives are most effective when employees actively seek them out and have a personal drive for growth, and we encourage staff to take ownership of their professional development. We first conducted a thorough cybersecurity and technology infrastructure assessment to identify existing strengths and weaknesses. This assessment served as the foundation for subsequent actions. A series of strategic initiatives were identified, along with a list of specific projects aimed at fortifying the county's security posture. We try to balance innovation and operations to stay competitive, drive growth, and ensure smooth day-to- day operations through: How does Washoe County prioritize and allocate resources for IT projects, and what criteria are used to determine which projects receive funding and support? Understand the county’s mission and align IT goals with those of the County’s. Promote out-of-the-box innovative thinking to foster a culture of innovation: Governance and delivery Ÿ Following our technology plan and to achieve this, we have established a dedicated project management office responsible for developing effective tools to monitor and successfully deliver projects. The office, led by our Project Management Officer (PMO), is responsible for setting up standards and guidelines to ensure consistent practices across projects. This office is also responsible for close collaboration between the PMO and project managers and coordinators to guarantee accurate tracking of project progress. This collaborative effort ensures that projects are on schedule and meet their objectives efficiently. Ÿ This approach involved integrating various security measures throughout the county's IT infrastructure. From desktop systems to real-time monitoring tools and educational components. Ÿ Balancing innovation and operations in IT requires a strategic approach, supportive culture, and effective project management. By creating an environment that encourages creativity, aligning goals and priorities, and What advice do you have for aspiring IT professionals who want to follow in your footsteps and become CIOs or IT leaders? How do you ensure that the technology solutions deployed in Washoe County align with the organization's overall business goals and objectives? First and foremost, recognize that the role of a CIO extends beyond technical expertise. To excel in this position, invest time and effort into understanding the broader goals and objectives of your organization, aligning IT initiatives with business strategies, and contributing to overall organizational success. Through a systematic approach to technology planning, a planning framework was created to identify the dimensions that impact the technology plan. These dimensions included strategic aspects, technology considerations, trends in the industry, and external influencers to determine the necessary inputs for building the plan. To further align IT goals with the County's strategic objectives, a business alignment model called the priority support pyramid model was developed. Furthermore, we are actively working on developing a maintenance and operations resource tracking tool. This tool enables us to determine the allocation of staff and teams' time for each project accurately. The idea is using this resource tracking tool to identify the resource requirements of different teams within the department. Building relationships is paramount. Foster connections and collaborations at all levels of your job and within and outside of your organization. Cultivate effective communication skills to engage with everyone and establish positive relationships based on trust and mutual understanding, which will enhance your ability to influence and drive IT initiatives forward. What emerging technologies do you believe will have the greatest impact on Washoe County in the next 5- 10 years, and how is Washoe County preparing for these changes? This model focused on allocating resources effectively to provide the necessary support to different departments, enabling them to enhance their effectiveness in achieving business objectives. For instance, if "public safety" was identified as a strategic objective for the County, ensuring that the technology needs of public safety departments were met automatically aligned a portion of the IT goals with the County's "public safety" strategic objective. Never stop learning, and lastly, maintain a genuine passion for what you do. IT leadership positions require dedication and perseverance. By remaining passionate about your work, you will inspire and motivate those around you. Embrace innovation, encourage a culture of continuous improvement, and strive for excellence in all aspects of your role. We let our tech plan and technology roadmap be our guide through this journey and one important task for us is to ensure up-to-date and consistent approach to using the plan with the following emerging technologies: 16 17 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we lived, worked, and operated; therefore, I decided to develop a tech plan from ground up past pandemic to redefine our priorities to ensure IT goals are aligned not only with the County’s strategic objectives, but also aligned with the expectations from IT. We felt Citizens Experience and Staff Efficiency must be the focus for IT and identified 6 different business objectives including the ones mentioned above in our tech plan. implementing agile practices, government IT can strike the right balance to drive innovation while maintaining efficient operations. To ensure addressing all aspects of technology need, we use a technology gap analysis to demonstrated people, process, and technology as the key focus of the report recommendations. Cloud Computing Citizen Engagement and Experience AI & Data Analytics Cybersecurity Augmented Reality (AR) Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ What strategies has Washoe County implemented to ensure that its IT infrastructure is secure and resilient against cyber attacks? Building upon these frameworks, two overarching goals were defined: Enhancing Citizens' Experience and Increasing Staff Efficiency. These goals were directly aligned with the County's strategic objectives. Within each of these goals, a series of specific business objectives were identified, ensuring a clear alignment between IT and the organization's strategic direction. To further refine the plan, strategic actions and projects were defined for each business objective. How does Washoe County approach training and development for its IT staff, and what opportunities are available for professional growth and advancement? We have implemented a top-down approach layered- model and prioritized cybersecurity as a key business objective within our technology plan in order to align our projects and objectives. How do you balance the needs for innovation and agility in IT with the need for stability and reliability in the services that Washoe County provides? We are currently in the process of defining a series of training and development programs. Our aim is to ensure that every IT staff member has access to these opportunities. We are incorporating staff development into our performance evaluation process, recruitment practices, and retention strategies. By doing so, we are establishing mandatory training requirements for all IT staff while also offering volunteer training opportunities. We emphasize that training and development initiatives are most effective when employees actively seek them out and have a personal drive for growth, and we encourage staff to take ownership of their professional development. We first conducted a thorough cybersecurity and technology infrastructure assessment to identify existing strengths and weaknesses. This assessment served as the foundation for subsequent actions. A series of strategic initiatives were identified, along with a list of specific projects aimed at fortifying the county's security posture. We try to balance innovation and operations to stay competitive, drive growth, and ensure smooth day-to- day operations through: How does Washoe County prioritize and allocate resources for IT projects, and what criteria are used to determine which projects receive funding and support? Understand the county’s mission and align IT goals with those of the County’s. Promote out-of-the-box innovative thinking to foster a culture of innovation: Governance and delivery Ÿ Following our technology plan and to achieve this, we have established a dedicated project management office responsible for developing effective tools to monitor and successfully deliver projects. The office, led by our Project Management Officer (PMO), is responsible for setting up standards and guidelines to ensure consistent practices across projects. This office is also responsible for close collaboration between the PMO and project managers and coordinators to guarantee accurate tracking of project progress. This collaborative effort ensures that projects are on schedule and meet their objectives efficiently. Ÿ This approach involved integrating various security measures throughout the county's IT infrastructure. From desktop systems to real-time monitoring tools and educational components. Ÿ Balancing innovation and operations in IT requires a strategic approach, supportive culture, and effective project management. By creating an environment that encourages creativity, aligning goals and priorities, and What advice do you have for aspiring IT professionals who want to follow in your footsteps and become CIOs or IT leaders? How do you ensure that the technology solutions deployed in Washoe County align with the organization's overall business goals and objectives? First and foremost, recognize that the role of a CIO extends beyond technical expertise. To excel in this position, invest time and effort into understanding the broader goals and objectives of your organization, aligning IT initiatives with business strategies, and contributing to overall organizational success. Through a systematic approach to technology planning, a planning framework was created to identify the dimensions that impact the technology plan. These dimensions included strategic aspects, technology considerations, trends in the industry, and external influencers to determine the necessary inputs for building the plan. To further align IT goals with the County's strategic objectives, a business alignment model called the priority support pyramid model was developed. Furthermore, we are actively working on developing a maintenance and operations resource tracking tool. This tool enables us to determine the allocation of staff and teams' time for each project accurately. The idea is using this resource tracking tool to identify the resource requirements of different teams within the department. Building relationships is paramount. Foster connections and collaborations at all levels of your job and within and outside of your organization. Cultivate effective communication skills to engage with everyone and establish positive relationships based on trust and mutual understanding, which will enhance your ability to influence and drive IT initiatives forward. What emerging technologies do you believe will have the greatest impact on Washoe County in the next 5- 10 years, and how is Washoe County preparing for these changes? This model focused on allocating resources effectively to provide the necessary support to different departments, enabling them to enhance their effectiveness in achieving business objectives. For instance, if "public safety" was identified as a strategic objective for the County, ensuring that the technology needs of public safety departments were met automatically aligned a portion of the IT goals with the County's "public safety" strategic objective. Never stop learning, and lastly, maintain a genuine passion for what you do. IT leadership positions require dedication and perseverance. By remaining passionate about your work, you will inspire and motivate those around you. Embrace innovation, encourage a culture of continuous improvement, and strive for excellence in all aspects of your role. We let our tech plan and technology roadmap be our guide through this journey and one important task for us is to ensure up-to-date and consistent approach to using the plan with the following emerging technologies: 16 17 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
Exploring Key Characteristics What Makes aLead TrulyInspational? L leaders possess a unique blend of personal qualities and leadership skills that ignite motivation, drive, and a sense of purpose in those they lead. In this article, we will explore the key characteristics and behaviors that make a leader truly inspirational. eadership is a complex and multifaceted concept, but one quality that truly sets exceptional leaders apart is their ability to inspire others. Inspirational demonstrate a genuine love for their work, which ignites a similar passion in those around them. Their energy and excitement create a positive and dynamic atmosphere, motivating others to give their best. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Great leaders understand the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence. They genuinely care about the well-being of their team members and take the time to understand their perspectives, needs, and aspirations. By demonstrating empathy, they create a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering trust and loyalty among their followers. Vision and Purpose: One of the defining traits of an inspirational leader is their ability to articulate a compelling vision and purpose. They possess a clear and inspiring vision for the future and effectively communicate it to their team. This vision provides a sense of direction, purpose, and a shared goal that inspires individuals to go above and beyond their own expectations. Leading by Example: Inspirational leaders lead by example. They set high standards for themselves and consistently demonstrate the behaviors and values they expect from others. Whether it's working hard, taking risks, or embracing challenges, they show their team what it means to be dedicated and committed, inspiring them to do the same. Authenticity: Authenticity is crucial for an inspirational leader. They are true to themselves and their values, which creates trust and credibility among their followers. By being genuine and transparent, they foster an environment where people feel comfortable and motivated to follow their lead. Effective Communication: Communication plays a pivotal role in inspirational leadership. These leaders are exceptional communicators, adept at conveying their ideas, thoughts, and feedback with clarity and conviction. They actively listen to their team members, encourage Passion and Enthusiasm: Inspirational leaders are passionate about what they do, and their enthusiasm is contagious. They 18 19 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
Exploring Key Characteristics What Makes aLead TrulyInspational? L leaders possess a unique blend of personal qualities and leadership skills that ignite motivation, drive, and a sense of purpose in those they lead. In this article, we will explore the key characteristics and behaviors that make a leader truly inspirational. eadership is a complex and multifaceted concept, but one quality that truly sets exceptional leaders apart is their ability to inspire others. Inspirational demonstrate a genuine love for their work, which ignites a similar passion in those around them. Their energy and excitement create a positive and dynamic atmosphere, motivating others to give their best. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Great leaders understand the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence. They genuinely care about the well-being of their team members and take the time to understand their perspectives, needs, and aspirations. By demonstrating empathy, they create a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering trust and loyalty among their followers. Vision and Purpose: One of the defining traits of an inspirational leader is their ability to articulate a compelling vision and purpose. They possess a clear and inspiring vision for the future and effectively communicate it to their team. This vision provides a sense of direction, purpose, and a shared goal that inspires individuals to go above and beyond their own expectations. Leading by Example: Inspirational leaders lead by example. They set high standards for themselves and consistently demonstrate the behaviors and values they expect from others. Whether it's working hard, taking risks, or embracing challenges, they show their team what it means to be dedicated and committed, inspiring them to do the same. Authenticity: Authenticity is crucial for an inspirational leader. They are true to themselves and their values, which creates trust and credibility among their followers. By being genuine and transparent, they foster an environment where people feel comfortable and motivated to follow their lead. Effective Communication: Communication plays a pivotal role in inspirational leadership. These leaders are exceptional communicators, adept at conveying their ideas, thoughts, and feedback with clarity and conviction. They actively listen to their team members, encourage Passion and Enthusiasm: Inspirational leaders are passionate about what they do, and their enthusiasm is contagious. They 18 19 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
Adaptability: open dialogue, and provide constructive feedback, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. Leaders who inspire others are adaptable in the face of change and uncertainty. They embrace new ideas, technologies, and approaches, and encourage their team members to do the same. Their ability to navigate through challenges and adapt inspires confidence and resilience in their followers. Empowerment and Development: Inspirational leaders empower their team members by providing opportunities for growth and development. They recognize individual strengths and talents, delegate responsibilities, and encourage autonomy. By investing in the personal and professional development of their team, they inspire a sense of ownership and foster a culture of continuous learning. Inclusivity and Diversity: Inspirational leaders value and embrace diversity in all its forms. They foster an inclusive environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and included. By recognizing and leveraging the strengths of a diverse team, they inspire creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Resilience and Optimism: Leadership is not without its challenges, and inspirational leaders understand this. They demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity and maintain an optimistic outlook. By showing that setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning, they inspire their team to persevere and overcome obstacles. Truly inspirational leaders possess a unique combination of qualities that set them apart. By articulating a compelling vision, being authentic, passionate, and empathetic, leading by example, communicating effectively, empowering others, and demonstrating resilience, they inspire and motivate those around them to achieve greatness. These leaders create a positive and empowering work environment, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to a shared vision. Trust and Integrity: Inspirational leaders establish trust by consistently demonstrating integrity in their actions and decision- making. They uphold ethical standards and are honest, reliable, and accountable. Their trustworthiness fosters loyalty and respect among their followers. Recognition and Appreciation: Great leaders understand the importance of recognizing and appreciating the efforts and achievements of their team members. They take the time to acknowledge and celebrate individual and collective successes, creating a culture of appreciation and motivation. Mentorship and Support: Inspirational leaders act as mentors and provide support to their team members. They invest in their growth and development by offering guidance, coaching, and opportunities for learning. Their willingness to invest in others' success inspires loyalty and commitment. 20 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
Adaptability: open dialogue, and provide constructive feedback, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. Leaders who inspire others are adaptable in the face of change and uncertainty. They embrace new ideas, technologies, and approaches, and encourage their team members to do the same. Their ability to navigate through challenges and adapt inspires confidence and resilience in their followers. Empowerment and Development: Inspirational leaders empower their team members by providing opportunities for growth and development. They recognize individual strengths and talents, delegate responsibilities, and encourage autonomy. By investing in the personal and professional development of their team, they inspire a sense of ownership and foster a culture of continuous learning. Inclusivity and Diversity: Inspirational leaders value and embrace diversity in all its forms. They foster an inclusive environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and included. By recognizing and leveraging the strengths of a diverse team, they inspire creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Resilience and Optimism: Leadership is not without its challenges, and inspirational leaders understand this. They demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity and maintain an optimistic outlook. By showing that setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning, they inspire their team to persevere and overcome obstacles. Truly inspirational leaders possess a unique combination of qualities that set them apart. By articulating a compelling vision, being authentic, passionate, and empathetic, leading by example, communicating effectively, empowering others, and demonstrating resilience, they inspire and motivate those around them to achieve greatness. These leaders create a positive and empowering work environment, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to a shared vision. Trust and Integrity: Inspirational leaders establish trust by consistently demonstrating integrity in their actions and decision- making. They uphold ethical standards and are honest, reliable, and accountable. Their trustworthiness fosters loyalty and respect among their followers. Recognition and Appreciation: Great leaders understand the importance of recognizing and appreciating the efforts and achievements of their team members. They take the time to acknowledge and celebrate individual and collective successes, creating a culture of appreciation and motivation. Mentorship and Support: Inspirational leaders act as mentors and provide support to their team members. They invest in their growth and development by offering guidance, coaching, and opportunities for learning. Their willingness to invest in others' success inspires loyalty and commitment. 20 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
The 10 Most Influen?al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023 Dr Rami Ayoob A Visionary Tech Disruptor Leading Startups to Success Dr Rami Ayoob What are some of the biggest challenges facing the security and infrastructure software industry today, and how is your company addressing these challenges? Cybersecurity threats, such as hacking, malware, and phishing attacks, are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent. Developing the technology to detect and prevent these threats. This includes advanced threat intelligence software, endpoint protection systems and network security solutions. I n today's fast-paced technological world, companies are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve. The key to success lies in having a talented and innovative team to drive growth and development. That's where Spark Tech Hub exceeds the usual expectations. “ As more companies move their data and applications to the cloud, there is a growing need for cloud security solutions. We need to secure cloud environments, including cloud access security brokers, cloud security posture management tools and cloud workload protection platforms. Ethics and integrity are crucial in the security and infrastructure software industry. Always prioritize doing what's right and protecting data privacy and security. “ As a leading company in the tech industry, Spark Tech Hub is always on the lookout for the best and brightest minds to join its team. The company is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and excellence. As IT infrastructure becomes more complex, with hybrid environments, distributed networks and multiple endpoints, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage and secure. That required innovation by creating the tools to simplify infrastructure management and improve security including network automation tools, software-defined networking and zero-trust security solutions. Taking the lead of Spark Tech Hub is its Chief Information Officer (CIO), Dr Rami Ayoob, a visionary leader with a passion for technology and a proven track record of success. With years of experience in the tech industry, the CIO brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company. Dr Rami is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the industry and is always looking for ways to drive growth and create value for the company's stakeholders. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the technology industry, and what resources do you rely on for information and insights? We at CIOLook interviewed Dr Rami on his approach to guiding Spark Tech Hub and thriving in today's digital landscape. new to learn and discover. Some may have a natural aptitude for mathematics or science, which can be useful in technology-related fields. I stay up-to-date by subscribing to industry publications and newsletters, attending conferences and events, following thought leaders and experts on social media and being active in online communities and forums. Let's delve into the intercepts of the interview! What are some of the key initiatives or projects that your company is currently working on, and how do these align with the overall business strategy? To become a CIO, one typically needs a combination of education, experience and leadership skills. This may involve pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field, gaining experience in various technology roles, and developing strong communication and strategic thinking skills. CIOs may also need to stay up to date with the latest technological trends and developments and be able to effectively manage teams and resources to achieve organizational goals. What inspired you to pursue a career in the technology industry, and how did you get started in your current role as a CIO? Dr Rami Ayoob, Chief Information Officer Spark Tech Hub We have various initiatives and projects that we are working on to achieve our business goals. Some of these initiatives may include expanding into new markets, developing new products or services, improving customer experience and increasing Additionally, many companies in the technology industry have their own blogs and publications which can provide valuable insights and updates on their latest projects and innovations. Many people who pursue a career in the technology industry are inspired by the potential for innovation and the ability to solve complex problems. Technology is constantly evolving and there is always something 22 23 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
The 10 Most Influen?al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023 Dr Rami Ayoob A Visionary Tech Disruptor Leading Startups to Success Dr Rami Ayoob What are some of the biggest challenges facing the security and infrastructure software industry today, and how is your company addressing these challenges? Cybersecurity threats, such as hacking, malware, and phishing attacks, are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent. Developing the technology to detect and prevent these threats. This includes advanced threat intelligence software, endpoint protection systems and network security solutions. I n today's fast-paced technological world, companies are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve. The key to success lies in having a talented and innovative team to drive growth and development. That's where Spark Tech Hub exceeds the usual expectations. “ As more companies move their data and applications to the cloud, there is a growing need for cloud security solutions. We need to secure cloud environments, including cloud access security brokers, cloud security posture management tools and cloud workload protection platforms. Ethics and integrity are crucial in the security and infrastructure software industry. Always prioritize doing what's right and protecting data privacy and security. “ As a leading company in the tech industry, Spark Tech Hub is always on the lookout for the best and brightest minds to join its team. The company is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and excellence. As IT infrastructure becomes more complex, with hybrid environments, distributed networks and multiple endpoints, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage and secure. That required innovation by creating the tools to simplify infrastructure management and improve security including network automation tools, software-defined networking and zero-trust security solutions. Taking the lead of Spark Tech Hub is its Chief Information Officer (CIO), Dr Rami Ayoob, a visionary leader with a passion for technology and a proven track record of success. With years of experience in the tech industry, the CIO brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company. Dr Rami is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the industry and is always looking for ways to drive growth and create value for the company's stakeholders. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the technology industry, and what resources do you rely on for information and insights? We at CIOLook interviewed Dr Rami on his approach to guiding Spark Tech Hub and thriving in today's digital landscape. new to learn and discover. Some may have a natural aptitude for mathematics or science, which can be useful in technology-related fields. I stay up-to-date by subscribing to industry publications and newsletters, attending conferences and events, following thought leaders and experts on social media and being active in online communities and forums. Let's delve into the intercepts of the interview! What are some of the key initiatives or projects that your company is currently working on, and how do these align with the overall business strategy? To become a CIO, one typically needs a combination of education, experience and leadership skills. This may involve pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field, gaining experience in various technology roles, and developing strong communication and strategic thinking skills. CIOs may also need to stay up to date with the latest technological trends and developments and be able to effectively manage teams and resources to achieve organizational goals. What inspired you to pursue a career in the technology industry, and how did you get started in your current role as a CIO? Dr Rami Ayoob, Chief Information Officer Spark Tech Hub We have various initiatives and projects that we are working on to achieve our business goals. Some of these initiatives may include expanding into new markets, developing new products or services, improving customer experience and increasing Additionally, many companies in the technology industry have their own blogs and publications which can provide valuable insights and updates on their latest projects and innovations. Many people who pursue a career in the technology industry are inspired by the potential for innovation and the ability to solve complex problems. Technology is constantly evolving and there is always something 22 23 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
What advice would you give to aspiring technology professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in the security and infrastructure software industry? operational efficiency. We are developing partnerships with local businesses or hiring staff with experience in those markets. How does your company prioritize IT investments, and what criteria do you use to determine which technologies to adopt and which to avoid? Constantly learn and keep up with industry changes, the technology industry is constantly evolving, and it's crucial to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques and technologies. We should consider the potential return on investment of our IT investments by evaluating the expected benefits of each investment, such as increased efficiency, productivity, revenue, or customer satisfaction, and compare them with the costs of implementation, maintenance and support. Networking and building relationships with professionals in the industry can open doors to opportunities and help you stay informed about the latest developments in the industry. Identifying individuals who have succeeded in the same field can provide invaluable guidance, advice and inspiration to help you achieve your goals. Evaluating the feasibility and compatibility of each IT investment with the existing IT infrastructure, applications and data. Considering the technical requirements, dependencies and constraints of each investment and ensure that we can integrate it smoothly and securely with the current systems. Ethics and integrity are crucial in the security and infrastructure software industry. Always prioritize doing what's right and protecting data privacy and security. How do you see the security and infrastructure software industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what would you suggest to new and upcoming entrepreneurs in the tech industry? Overall, we should adopt a strategic and holistic approach to IT investments and technology adoption, balancing short-term and long-term goals, risks and benefits, and aligning the IT investments with the business strategy and culture. One trend that is likely to continue is the shift toward cloud-based solutions. More and more businesses are moving their operations to the cloud, and this creates a greater demand for security and infrastructure software that can protect these cloud-based systems. How do you measure the success of your IT initiatives and ensure that they are delivering value to the business? By calculating the ROI, I can determine whether an initiative is generating a positive return and delivering value to the business, one of the key indicators of success for IT initiatives is user adoption. If users are not engaging with the technology or solution, then it is unlikely to be delivering value to the business. Tracking user adoption rates can help you identify areas that require improvement and refine your approach. Another trend is the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to identify and prevent potential security breaches. AI and ML technologies can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that humans may miss. For new and upcoming entrepreneurs in the tech industry, it's essential to focus on innovation and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new technologies and trends. Developing products that can address the unique challenges will be crucial to success. Additionally, entrepreneurs should prioritize building strong relationships with customers and partners to develop trust and loyalty in their products and brand. Finally, as security concerns become more complex, new startups should consider partnering with established players in the industry to leverage their knowledge and resources. Customer satisfaction is a key metric for any business, and it is particularly relevant for IT initiatives that impact the customer experience. Measuring customer satisfaction can help us understand whether the IT initiatives are meeting customer needs and delivering value to the business. 24 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
What advice would you give to aspiring technology professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in the security and infrastructure software industry? operational efficiency. We are developing partnerships with local businesses or hiring staff with experience in those markets. How does your company prioritize IT investments, and what criteria do you use to determine which technologies to adopt and which to avoid? Constantly learn and keep up with industry changes, the technology industry is constantly evolving, and it's crucial to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques and technologies. We should consider the potential return on investment of our IT investments by evaluating the expected benefits of each investment, such as increased efficiency, productivity, revenue, or customer satisfaction, and compare them with the costs of implementation, maintenance and support. Networking and building relationships with professionals in the industry can open doors to opportunities and help you stay informed about the latest developments in the industry. Identifying individuals who have succeeded in the same field can provide invaluable guidance, advice and inspiration to help you achieve your goals. Evaluating the feasibility and compatibility of each IT investment with the existing IT infrastructure, applications and data. Considering the technical requirements, dependencies and constraints of each investment and ensure that we can integrate it smoothly and securely with the current systems. Ethics and integrity are crucial in the security and infrastructure software industry. Always prioritize doing what's right and protecting data privacy and security. How do you see the security and infrastructure software industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what would you suggest to new and upcoming entrepreneurs in the tech industry? Overall, we should adopt a strategic and holistic approach to IT investments and technology adoption, balancing short-term and long-term goals, risks and benefits, and aligning the IT investments with the business strategy and culture. One trend that is likely to continue is the shift toward cloud-based solutions. More and more businesses are moving their operations to the cloud, and this creates a greater demand for security and infrastructure software that can protect these cloud-based systems. How do you measure the success of your IT initiatives and ensure that they are delivering value to the business? By calculating the ROI, I can determine whether an initiative is generating a positive return and delivering value to the business, one of the key indicators of success for IT initiatives is user adoption. If users are not engaging with the technology or solution, then it is unlikely to be delivering value to the business. Tracking user adoption rates can help you identify areas that require improvement and refine your approach. Another trend is the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to identify and prevent potential security breaches. AI and ML technologies can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that humans may miss. For new and upcoming entrepreneurs in the tech industry, it's essential to focus on innovation and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new technologies and trends. Developing products that can address the unique challenges will be crucial to success. Additionally, entrepreneurs should prioritize building strong relationships with customers and partners to develop trust and loyalty in their products and brand. Finally, as security concerns become more complex, new startups should consider partnering with established players in the industry to leverage their knowledge and resources. Customer satisfaction is a key metric for any business, and it is particularly relevant for IT initiatives that impact the customer experience. Measuring customer satisfaction can help us understand whether the IT initiatives are meeting customer needs and delivering value to the business. 24 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
Resilience and Courage Exploring theTraits of InspationalLeaders in Challenging Times I leadership becomes truly inspirational. Inspirational leaders possess a unique set of traits that enable them to navigate difficult circumstances with grace and inspire their teams to persevere and thrive. In this article, we will explore the key traits that make leaders inspirational during challenging times. n challenging times, leaders face the daunting task of guiding their teams through uncertainty and adversity. These are the moments when exceptional effective plans of action. Their forward-thinking approach inspires confidence in their team, providing a clear roadmap to navigate through difficulties. Open and Transparent Communication: Inspirational leaders prioritize open and transparent communication during challenging times. They keep their teams well-informed, sharing relevant updates and information. By being honest and approachable, they build trust and foster a sense of unity among their team members. Resilience: Inspirational leaders demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of challenges. They remain composed and determined, even when confronted with uncertainty and setbacks. Their ability to bounce back from adversity inspires confidence and fortitude in their team members, motivating them to overcome obstacles with resilience. Adaptable and Agile: Leaders who inspire in challenging times are adaptable and agile in their decision-making. They understand that circumstances can change rapidly and are willing to adjust their strategies and approaches accordingly. Their flexibility encourages their team members to embrace change and find innovative solutions. Emotional Intelligence: Inspiring Optimism: Leaders with high emotional intelligence excel in challenging times. They are aware of their own emotions and can effectively manage them. Additionally, they display empathy and understanding towards their team members' emotions and concerns. By acknowledging and addressing the emotional impact of challenging situations, they create a supportive and compassionate work environment. Inspirational leaders bring a sense of optimism to challenging situations. They maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity, and inspire hope and motivation in their team members. By highlighting opportunities and focusing on the future, they instill a sense of resilience and determination. Strategic Thinking: Authenticity and Trustworthiness: During challenging times, inspirational leaders exhibit strategic thinking. They have the ability to analyze complex situations, identify potential risks, and develop Authenticity and trustworthiness are key traits of inspirational leaders in challenging times. They remain true to their values and principles, even when faced with difficult decisions. 26 27 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
Resilience and Courage Exploring theTraits of InspationalLeaders in Challenging Times I leadership becomes truly inspirational. Inspirational leaders possess a unique set of traits that enable them to navigate difficult circumstances with grace and inspire their teams to persevere and thrive. In this article, we will explore the key traits that make leaders inspirational during challenging times. n challenging times, leaders face the daunting task of guiding their teams through uncertainty and adversity. These are the moments when exceptional effective plans of action. Their forward-thinking approach inspires confidence in their team, providing a clear roadmap to navigate through difficulties. Open and Transparent Communication: Inspirational leaders prioritize open and transparent communication during challenging times. They keep their teams well-informed, sharing relevant updates and information. By being honest and approachable, they build trust and foster a sense of unity among their team members. Resilience: Inspirational leaders demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of challenges. They remain composed and determined, even when confronted with uncertainty and setbacks. Their ability to bounce back from adversity inspires confidence and fortitude in their team members, motivating them to overcome obstacles with resilience. Adaptable and Agile: Leaders who inspire in challenging times are adaptable and agile in their decision-making. They understand that circumstances can change rapidly and are willing to adjust their strategies and approaches accordingly. Their flexibility encourages their team members to embrace change and find innovative solutions. Emotional Intelligence: Inspiring Optimism: Leaders with high emotional intelligence excel in challenging times. They are aware of their own emotions and can effectively manage them. Additionally, they display empathy and understanding towards their team members' emotions and concerns. By acknowledging and addressing the emotional impact of challenging situations, they create a supportive and compassionate work environment. Inspirational leaders bring a sense of optimism to challenging situations. They maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity, and inspire hope and motivation in their team members. By highlighting opportunities and focusing on the future, they instill a sense of resilience and determination. Strategic Thinking: Authenticity and Trustworthiness: During challenging times, inspirational leaders exhibit strategic thinking. They have the ability to analyze complex situations, identify potential risks, and develop Authenticity and trustworthiness are key traits of inspirational leaders in challenging times. They remain true to their values and principles, even when faced with difficult decisions. 26 27 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
Their consistent behavior and integrity build trust and credibility, creating a strong foundation for their team to rely upon. strengths and perspectives of their team to overcome challenges. Creativity and Innovation: Servant Leadership: Inspirational leaders encourage creativity and innovation during challenging times. They inspire their team members to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and find innovative solutions to problems. Their openness to creativity fosters an environment of continuous improvement and resilience. In challenging times, inspirational leaders adopt a servant leadership approach. They prioritize the needs of their team members and actively support their growth and development. By putting their team's well- being first, they foster loyalty, commitment, and a sense of unity. Focus on Employee Well-being: Vision and Purpose: During challenging times, inspirational leaders prioritize the well-being of their employees. They recognize the increased stress and pressure their team members may be facing and provide support and resources to help them cope. By demonstrating care and empathy, they foster a positive and supportive work culture. Leaders who inspire in challenging times have a clear vision and purpose. They articulate a compelling direction for their team, providing a sense of meaning and focus. Their vision becomes a guiding light during difficult periods, instilling a sense of unity and determination. Empowerment: In challenging times, inspirational leaders rise above difficulties and inspire their teams to do the same. With traits such as resilience, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, open communication, adaptability, and authenticity, they create a supportive and empowering environment. These leaders instill hope, motivation, and a sense of unity, enabling their teams to overcome challenges and achieve success even in the most demanding circumstances. Inspirational leaders empower their team members to take ownership of their work and contribute their unique talents. They delegate responsibility and provide autonomy, enabling their team to excel even in challenging circumstances. This empowerment fosters resilience and fosters a culture of innovation. Decisiveness: Inspirational leaders possess the ability to make tough decisions promptly and confidently. They weigh the available information, consult with their team if necessary, and take decisive action. Their decisiveness provides clarity and direction during times of uncertainty, inspiring trust and confidence in their team members. Collaboration and Team Building: In challenging times, inspirational leaders emphasize collaboration and team building. They foster a sense of unity and teamwork, encouraging their team members to support and rely on one another. By promoting a collaborative environment, they leverage the diverse 28 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
Their consistent behavior and integrity build trust and credibility, creating a strong foundation for their team to rely upon. strengths and perspectives of their team to overcome challenges. Creativity and Innovation: Servant Leadership: Inspirational leaders encourage creativity and innovation during challenging times. They inspire their team members to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and find innovative solutions to problems. Their openness to creativity fosters an environment of continuous improvement and resilience. In challenging times, inspirational leaders adopt a servant leadership approach. They prioritize the needs of their team members and actively support their growth and development. By putting their team's well- being first, they foster loyalty, commitment, and a sense of unity. Focus on Employee Well-being: Vision and Purpose: During challenging times, inspirational leaders prioritize the well-being of their employees. They recognize the increased stress and pressure their team members may be facing and provide support and resources to help them cope. By demonstrating care and empathy, they foster a positive and supportive work culture. Leaders who inspire in challenging times have a clear vision and purpose. They articulate a compelling direction for their team, providing a sense of meaning and focus. Their vision becomes a guiding light during difficult periods, instilling a sense of unity and determination. Empowerment: In challenging times, inspirational leaders rise above difficulties and inspire their teams to do the same. With traits such as resilience, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, open communication, adaptability, and authenticity, they create a supportive and empowering environment. These leaders instill hope, motivation, and a sense of unity, enabling their teams to overcome challenges and achieve success even in the most demanding circumstances. Inspirational leaders empower their team members to take ownership of their work and contribute their unique talents. They delegate responsibility and provide autonomy, enabling their team to excel even in challenging circumstances. This empowerment fosters resilience and fosters a culture of innovation. Decisiveness: Inspirational leaders possess the ability to make tough decisions promptly and confidently. They weigh the available information, consult with their team if necessary, and take decisive action. Their decisiveness provides clarity and direction during times of uncertainty, inspiring trust and confidence in their team members. Collaboration and Team Building: In challenging times, inspirational leaders emphasize collaboration and team building. They foster a sense of unity and teamwork, encouraging their team members to support and rely on one another. By promoting a collaborative environment, they leverage the diverse 28 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
The 10 Most Influen?al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023 Ganinee Jain Driving Novelties in the Cybersecurity Niche B Jain reorganized the overall cybersecurity service offering at EZEN to include the most effective and consistent methodologies that serves their clients security requirements with the highest quality. eing an Advisor in the field of Cyber & Information Security, Privacy and Medical Device Security with EZEN Computer Services, INC. USA, Ganinee consulting services to all parts of the healthcare ecosystem. With over 500 professionals globally, EZEN leverages strong domain expertise in healthcare-specific platforms, regulations, and standards to provide tailored, cutting-edge solutions and services to its clients. Ganinee Jain Advisor, Cyber & Informa?on Security, Privacy and Medical Device Security EZEN Computer Services, INC. Ganinee leverages her experience and expertise to serve as a Cybersecurity Consultant, developing overall information security strategies & roadmaps, conducting enterprise-wide risk & privacy assessments, providing support in cyber solutions/tools implementation, and advising organizations on Data Security. When we look across history, I think providing professional talent, innovative solutions, and service delivery excellence are the key things that define EZEN. EZEN has always integrated scientific, engineering, and informatics capabilities into the service offerings of each of its clients. It is important for us that when our clients work with our teams, they experience the entire range of expertise and quality services that we have to offer. From her former experience and a demonstration of her excellent communication and presentation skills allow her to receive the highest praise from all her clients. It accurately identifies client problem solutions and demonstrates her excellent communication and presentation skills, allowing her to receive the highest praise from all her clients, along with other associates in the industry. EZEN has been a business that never shies away from adopting the ever-evolving modern industry and will always keep innovating modern digital capabilities for its clients. Tell us about your company and its mission and vision; how does your company thrive towards enabling advancements in the ever-evolving modern industry? Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at EZEN. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today? EZEN was incorporated in the USA in the year 2000. As a company, EZEN has been maintaining a healthy growth rate since the beginning of its operations in the USA and is one of the steadily growing software services organizations in the USA. Over my experience as an advisor and consultant role in various industries across Oil & Gas, Metal & Mining, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Consumer Products, Telecommunication & Media, and with over 50+ clients, there have been one string in common with Cybersecurity, Privacy, Technology and Compliance. Headquartered in “Historic Township” Princeton, NJ, EZEN helps bridge critical gaps in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare by providing digital transformation services, product engineering, custom application development, data engineering, business intelligence solutions, and specialized Like other talented associates, my role evolved from being a complete fresher out of college to exploring great opportunities. 30 31 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
The 10 Most Influen?al Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2023 Ganinee Jain Driving Novelties in the Cybersecurity Niche B Jain reorganized the overall cybersecurity service offering at EZEN to include the most effective and consistent methodologies that serves their clients security requirements with the highest quality. eing an Advisor in the field of Cyber & Information Security, Privacy and Medical Device Security with EZEN Computer Services, INC. USA, Ganinee consulting services to all parts of the healthcare ecosystem. With over 500 professionals globally, EZEN leverages strong domain expertise in healthcare-specific platforms, regulations, and standards to provide tailored, cutting-edge solutions and services to its clients. Ganinee Jain Advisor, Cyber & Informa?on Security, Privacy and Medical Device Security EZEN Computer Services, INC. Ganinee leverages her experience and expertise to serve as a Cybersecurity Consultant, developing overall information security strategies & roadmaps, conducting enterprise-wide risk & privacy assessments, providing support in cyber solutions/tools implementation, and advising organizations on Data Security. When we look across history, I think providing professional talent, innovative solutions, and service delivery excellence are the key things that define EZEN. EZEN has always integrated scientific, engineering, and informatics capabilities into the service offerings of each of its clients. It is important for us that when our clients work with our teams, they experience the entire range of expertise and quality services that we have to offer. From her former experience and a demonstration of her excellent communication and presentation skills allow her to receive the highest praise from all her clients. It accurately identifies client problem solutions and demonstrates her excellent communication and presentation skills, allowing her to receive the highest praise from all her clients, along with other associates in the industry. EZEN has been a business that never shies away from adopting the ever-evolving modern industry and will always keep innovating modern digital capabilities for its clients. Tell us about your company and its mission and vision; how does your company thrive towards enabling advancements in the ever-evolving modern industry? Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at EZEN. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today? EZEN was incorporated in the USA in the year 2000. As a company, EZEN has been maintaining a healthy growth rate since the beginning of its operations in the USA and is one of the steadily growing software services organizations in the USA. Over my experience as an advisor and consultant role in various industries across Oil & Gas, Metal & Mining, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Consumer Products, Telecommunication & Media, and with over 50+ clients, there have been one string in common with Cybersecurity, Privacy, Technology and Compliance. Headquartered in “Historic Township” Princeton, NJ, EZEN helps bridge critical gaps in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare by providing digital transformation services, product engineering, custom application development, data engineering, business intelligence solutions, and specialized Like other talented associates, my role evolved from being a complete fresher out of college to exploring great opportunities. 30 31 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
When I first started my corporate job at Ernst & Young, India, I had just completed my bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Mumbai University, and like most others, I was uncertain and agitated about what my career or future would have for me. Without hinting of any, I was soon transferred from a Mobile Application developer to a Cybersecurity Analyst and allotted to a client with the expectation of developing a cybersecurity framework for them. leading a cyber and product security practice with EZEN Computer Services, INC USA. assets, ensuring processes are developed for continuous monitoring, focusing on network segmentation where services and devices run on different segments of the network, minimizing the attack surface, prioritizing threat intelligence practices within the organization and so on. With the desire of continuous learning and motivation to keeping every organization cyber-safe, we at EZEN help our clients in the healthcare industry create a cyber safe ecosystem. We offer various security operations, detection and response services looking at both transactional and transformational IT and Digital Solutions. Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization. With a fear of being a complete newbie to this world and excitement of working on something new, I started reading, taking online courses, exploring public forums to build my relation with industry experts and developing a deep knowledge base. While working on the projects and clients, I was introduced to various experienced leaders and cyber professionals who were specialists in the field of cyber. Like most of organizations, building a diverse and inclusive work culture is critical to our success - if not our survival. Articulating it from a different viewpoint: Innovation, Focus, and Trusted Partnership are all critical and, more importantly, right to our values and our purpose. We focus on curating past and next generations of scientific and engineering informatics professionals. Enlighten us on how you have impacted the industry through your expertise in the market. We need to understand that cybersecurity is not just a technical effort. It comprises management commitment, governance, strategy, risk management, compliance issues, resilience and awareness. When we talk about cybersecurity, it is necessary to know the ways in which we can identify our organizations’ risks and methods to minimize them. I have often experienced that organizations and IT teams always focus on protecting data and blocking known vulnerabilities, which is undoubtedly a good manoeuvre for cybersecurity, but those activities are not only the apparatuses of what cyber experts should be focusing on. They mentored, guided, and trusted me with fantastic opportunities which allowed me to flourish and thrive personally and professionally. Soon I was able to help my clients and their organization as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Cyber Strategy and Risk Management practice. We are continuously encouraging our professionals towards the direction of Cross-learning and Innovation to be able to keep up with the ever-increasing competition. Our professionals are so important because they are, first and foremost, problem solvers. They consistently help us and our clients in transforming a simple idea into a market-leading product. Last of not least, “Trusted Partnerships,” is non-negotiable; we put our clients at the centre of our business. No matter what we do, we work hard to design our strategies and develop our operations that can make a real difference in our client. I also had the opportunity to work with cyber professionals at KPMG, India, which helped me polish my technical skills and gave me a deeper understanding of the latest cyber-attacks, threats and vulnerabilities evolving and the techniques of developing defense/ mitigation methodologies to protect organizations. With the modern IT enterprise and myriad devices like IoT and OT equipment where data loss is a risk but service interruptions too are vital cyber threats and continue to impact society. For example, in the healthcare industry, a failure of a medical device could lead to life-or-death hazards. Hence, a cybersecurity framework with a standard set of policies, procedures and processes shall be adapted to strengthen areas like Governance, Risk and Compliance. Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you advancing towards technological innovations to make your solutions resourceful? While this was very promising, and I was on my track, I saw the opportunity to move up and take on the responsibilities of setting up a cybersecurity function; I transitioned my role from being a senior consultant to Also, I think it is important to emphasize that risk management shall not be static, while IT itself is always dynamic in nature with changing device configurations and advancements in technology. Cybersecurity risk management is a strategy that involves various aspects that help cyber experts eliminate this gap. My team is focused on helping my clients across the industry in developing such strategies which better set the groundwork for constructive results. Many things are possible with technology, but it doesn’t always mean safe. As the digital world is moving into companies and technology becomes essential for meeting the needs of your clients, employees, vendors and society, your cyber security practice must build resilience and trust with integrity. We are continuously encouraging our professionals towards the direction of Cross-learning and Innovation to be able to keep up with the ever-increasing competition. EZEN makes a perfect partner for establishments looking at transformational IT and Digital solutions because of our expertise across the continuum and healthcare industry; in addition to just assessing organizations cyber practice and aligning it to business priorities, we help creating a cyber safe ecosystem by We are aimed at not just strengthening the security by implementing diverse/solutions but also establishing visibility of their organizations critical/ non-critical 32 33 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
When I first started my corporate job at Ernst & Young, India, I had just completed my bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Mumbai University, and like most others, I was uncertain and agitated about what my career or future would have for me. Without hinting of any, I was soon transferred from a Mobile Application developer to a Cybersecurity Analyst and allotted to a client with the expectation of developing a cybersecurity framework for them. leading a cyber and product security practice with EZEN Computer Services, INC USA. assets, ensuring processes are developed for continuous monitoring, focusing on network segmentation where services and devices run on different segments of the network, minimizing the attack surface, prioritizing threat intelligence practices within the organization and so on. With the desire of continuous learning and motivation to keeping every organization cyber-safe, we at EZEN help our clients in the healthcare industry create a cyber safe ecosystem. We offer various security operations, detection and response services looking at both transactional and transformational IT and Digital Solutions. Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization. With a fear of being a complete newbie to this world and excitement of working on something new, I started reading, taking online courses, exploring public forums to build my relation with industry experts and developing a deep knowledge base. While working on the projects and clients, I was introduced to various experienced leaders and cyber professionals who were specialists in the field of cyber. Like most of organizations, building a diverse and inclusive work culture is critical to our success - if not our survival. Articulating it from a different viewpoint: Innovation, Focus, and Trusted Partnership are all critical and, more importantly, right to our values and our purpose. We focus on curating past and next generations of scientific and engineering informatics professionals. Enlighten us on how you have impacted the industry through your expertise in the market. We need to understand that cybersecurity is not just a technical effort. It comprises management commitment, governance, strategy, risk management, compliance issues, resilience and awareness. When we talk about cybersecurity, it is necessary to know the ways in which we can identify our organizations’ risks and methods to minimize them. I have often experienced that organizations and IT teams always focus on protecting data and blocking known vulnerabilities, which is undoubtedly a good manoeuvre for cybersecurity, but those activities are not only the apparatuses of what cyber experts should be focusing on. They mentored, guided, and trusted me with fantastic opportunities which allowed me to flourish and thrive personally and professionally. Soon I was able to help my clients and their organization as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Cyber Strategy and Risk Management practice. We are continuously encouraging our professionals towards the direction of Cross-learning and Innovation to be able to keep up with the ever-increasing competition. Our professionals are so important because they are, first and foremost, problem solvers. They consistently help us and our clients in transforming a simple idea into a market-leading product. Last of not least, “Trusted Partnerships,” is non-negotiable; we put our clients at the centre of our business. No matter what we do, we work hard to design our strategies and develop our operations that can make a real difference in our client. I also had the opportunity to work with cyber professionals at KPMG, India, which helped me polish my technical skills and gave me a deeper understanding of the latest cyber-attacks, threats and vulnerabilities evolving and the techniques of developing defense/ mitigation methodologies to protect organizations. With the modern IT enterprise and myriad devices like IoT and OT equipment where data loss is a risk but service interruptions too are vital cyber threats and continue to impact society. For example, in the healthcare industry, a failure of a medical device could lead to life-or-death hazards. Hence, a cybersecurity framework with a standard set of policies, procedures and processes shall be adapted to strengthen areas like Governance, Risk and Compliance. Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you advancing towards technological innovations to make your solutions resourceful? While this was very promising, and I was on my track, I saw the opportunity to move up and take on the responsibilities of setting up a cybersecurity function; I transitioned my role from being a senior consultant to Also, I think it is important to emphasize that risk management shall not be static, while IT itself is always dynamic in nature with changing device configurations and advancements in technology. Cybersecurity risk management is a strategy that involves various aspects that help cyber experts eliminate this gap. My team is focused on helping my clients across the industry in developing such strategies which better set the groundwork for constructive results. Many things are possible with technology, but it doesn’t always mean safe. As the digital world is moving into companies and technology becomes essential for meeting the needs of your clients, employees, vendors and society, your cyber security practice must build resilience and trust with integrity. We are continuously encouraging our professionals towards the direction of Cross-learning and Innovation to be able to keep up with the ever-increasing competition. EZEN makes a perfect partner for establishments looking at transformational IT and Digital solutions because of our expertise across the continuum and healthcare industry; in addition to just assessing organizations cyber practice and aligning it to business priorities, we help creating a cyber safe ecosystem by We are aimed at not just strengthening the security by implementing diverse/solutions but also establishing visibility of their organizations critical/ non-critical 32 33 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 | www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
are improving our security risk and resilience capabilities. Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals forEZEN? A well-secured business has the potential to be confident and advanced. Organizations just don’t manage cyber risk; they use it as a source of growth and development. The upcoming cross-border cyber regulations and skilled resource crisis are compounding the cyber threat situation globally. This is leading to innumerable pressure that businesses should manage their cyber requirements proactively and continuously. With the vision to help our clients stay ahead of the evolving cyber trends and simultaneously meet their business priorities and objectives. developing advanced methodologies, implementing digitally advanced customized solutions and on-going security monitoring the environment with automated response to detected cyber incidents, 24/7. We at EZEN are on a journey to make our company more diverse, reliable, and a one-stop service provider for all our client cyber requirements. What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the dynamic industry? 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? I believe an entrepreneur should have three things: Learning agility, Integrity and Accountability. Accountability has always been natural to me; taking responsibility and always keeping up with the client’s expectations is very essential. Every successful business is defined by the integrity and honesty of its leader, organizations putting trust in you and your services depends on it. Cyber-attacks are increasing globally at a rapid speed. Currently, the industry is driven by the invention of disruptive technology like IoT, AI, quantum computing, complex supply chains, ransomware, hacktivism and trade wars. Such threat profiles demand a dynamic approach to cybersecurity. To manage this destructive growth in the marketplace, it is necessary to have a transformational change with innovation and speed. This task has never been more complex, but we strive to have an effective security operations centre with the right structure, emerging technologies, deep expertise, extensive knowledge base and correct governance in place. Of course, at the end of the day, it is essential to keep growing and learning to sustain in a world where every day is a new challenge and a new cyber-attack to overcome. My advice to the ones who aspire to venture into cybersecurity is to learn about of the latest security attacks and defence technics. Explore and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of industry experts. This will help us and our clients make more informed decisions and provide end-to-end situational awareness and business intelligence for more effective forecasting and enabling fulfilment. Also, with introducing the zero-trust principle, data- centric and identity management methodologies, we 34 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
are improving our security risk and resilience capabilities. Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals forEZEN? A well-secured business has the potential to be confident and advanced. Organizations just don’t manage cyber risk; they use it as a source of growth and development. The upcoming cross-border cyber regulations and skilled resource crisis are compounding the cyber threat situation globally. This is leading to innumerable pressure that businesses should manage their cyber requirements proactively and continuously. With the vision to help our clients stay ahead of the evolving cyber trends and simultaneously meet their business priorities and objectives. developing advanced methodologies, implementing digitally advanced customized solutions and on-going security monitoring the environment with automated response to detected cyber incidents, 24/7. We at EZEN are on a journey to make our company more diverse, reliable, and a one-stop service provider for all our client cyber requirements. What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the dynamic industry? 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? I believe an entrepreneur should have three things: Learning agility, Integrity and Accountability. Accountability has always been natural to me; taking responsibility and always keeping up with the client’s expectations is very essential. Every successful business is defined by the integrity and honesty of its leader, organizations putting trust in you and your services depends on it. Cyber-attacks are increasing globally at a rapid speed. Currently, the industry is driven by the invention of disruptive technology like IoT, AI, quantum computing, complex supply chains, ransomware, hacktivism and trade wars. Such threat profiles demand a dynamic approach to cybersecurity. To manage this destructive growth in the marketplace, it is necessary to have a transformational change with innovation and speed. This task has never been more complex, but we strive to have an effective security operations centre with the right structure, emerging technologies, deep expertise, extensive knowledge base and correct governance in place. Of course, at the end of the day, it is essential to keep growing and learning to sustain in a world where every day is a new challenge and a new cyber-attack to overcome. My advice to the ones who aspire to venture into cybersecurity is to learn about of the latest security attacks and defence technics. Explore and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of industry experts. This will help us and our clients make more informed decisions and provide end-to-end situational awareness and business intelligence for more effective forecasting and enabling fulfilment. Also, with introducing the zero-trust principle, data- centric and identity management methodologies, we 34 www.ciolook.com | April 2023 |
