< Previous40 edge_november 2023 Interview What are the benefits of distributed teams for businesses and employees? Distributed teams provide businesses with access to global talent irrespective of their location, which wouldn’t have been possible without the advances in technology, globalisation and workplace changes such as hybrid work. The result is a high-performing, flexible workforce that can deliver results. Although the nature of this type of workplace is virtual, dispersed employees form a strong unit working towards the same ambitions. Plus, the exchange of ideas and viewpoints that results from the diversity of backgrounds, attitudes, and cultures present in distributed teams is a major driver of innovation. Distributed teams also offer more options for balancing work and personal life, which boosts overall job satisfaction. L oubna Imenchal, Head of Enterprise Business for the Africa, Middle East, Turkey, and Central Asia (AMETCA), Logitech, delves into the realm of distributed workforces, remote collaboration, and the role of technology in this new era of modern workplaces. Can you explain the concept of a distributed workforce? How does it differ from remote working? A notable distinction exists between remote work, which implies a degree of location flexibility, and a distributed workforce. Remote work involves the opportunity to work from a location other than the office, whereas distributed teams consist of members collaborating as a cohesive unit but operating from diverse geographic locations rather than a centralised one. Navigating the future of work Empowering virtual collaboration with advanced video conferencing HYBRID WORKedge_november 2023 41 Interview What are the main challenges faced by distributed workforces? One of the greatest challenges for distributed workforces is ensuring that all team members have an equal seat at the table and an opportunity to contribute during meetings and discussions. Successful teamwork depends on it. Distributed employees need to be able to work with one another seamlessly from any location without sacrificing the quality, productivity, or creativity that comes from collaboration. For instance, when distributed teams are poorly equipped, virtual meeting participants are less engaged if they are not able to hear or see other participants clearly or they may miss out on nonverbal cues and overall context they would typically get in person. Signals such as subtle voice intonations and facial expressions are essential for collaboration but difficult to convey over a distance. Does the answer to these problems lie in video conferencing? Certainly, video conferencing is the backbone of better collaboration in distributed workforces. By leveraging the power of video conferencing solutions, distributed workforces can transcend physical limitations and collaborate as if they were in the same office space. However, basic video conferencing solutions simply won’t cut it. To meet the aforementioned critical requirements, businesses need to invest in high-end video collaboration solutions. Today’s leading video conferencing solutions and platforms make use of advanced AI technologies to enhance conversational clarity, resulting in virtual meetings that are comparable to the real thing. Can video conferencing address the need for social connection, considering we are talking about an entirely virtual environment? Social connection is a vital aspect of working life for all employees, and a sense of belonging at work can boost distributed team members’ satisfaction and willingness to contribute to the organisation’s success. Video conferencing stands as the nearest equivalent to in-person interaction for remote teams. It fosters the chance for informal discussions and team bonding through high-quality audio and video, thus effectively nurturing these connections among geographically dispersed teams. What actions can businesses take to ensure an excellent video conferencing experience for their distributed teams? From meeting rooms to humble spaces to personal workspaces, organisations have to focus on a comprehensive strategy to deliver quality video conferencing experiences. They need an ecosystem of products, software, and services that are purpose-built to enable a better employee experience and unleash productivity and collaboration for distributed teams. Webcams and headsets should be included in the standard set of equipment provided to remote workers. These collaboration tools are designed for video communication and enhance both the effectiveness of meetings and the perceptions of participants. High-quality webcams with HD resolution and light-adjustment capabilities can help employees feel more confident about their appearance on camera, thereby increasing their level of comfort. Headsets enhance the quality of sound for all team members, ensuring that everyone can hear and be heard. With competent and trustworthy video conferencing solutions in place, forward-thinking organisations in a variety of industries should be well-positioned to begin reaping the fruits of their distributed workforce. “Distributed teams provide businesses with access to global talent irrespective of their location, which wouldn’t have been possible without the advances in technology” Loubna Imenchal, Head of Enterprise Business - AMETCA, Logitech42 edge_november 2023 Interviewedge_november 2023 43 Interview PASSION FOR PROGRESS Jasim Al Awadi, Chief ICT Officer (Acting), du, on leadership, digital transformation, and technology’s transformative power LEADERSHIP By Arya Devi “ Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower,” Steve Jobs once said. For business leaders, innovation stands out as an indispensable element that can determine the success or failure of an organisation. It is not merely a desirable trait; it is a critical competency that enables successful leaders to navigate the challenges of the modern business landscape. However, a leader should not just be an innovator, they should also be a role model who encourages everyone within the organisation to embrace innovation. We had an opportunity to talk to one such leader. Over a 21-year journey in the technology sector, his leadership philosophy has evolved to underscore the pivotal role of collaboration in achieving substantial progress. His approach is closely aligned with du’s mission to lead the UAE’s technological transformation. The power of collective strength Jasim Al Awadi, Chief ICT Officer (Acting), du, talks about how he understood that ground-breaking innovations and long-term success are not the result of isolated efforts but emerge from a collective endeavour involving team members, shareholders, and industry peers. “We understand that to make a significant impact, especially in a multifaceted field like ICT, we can’t operate in a silo. Instead, we focus on synergistic relationships with all stakeholders to create an integrated and effective strategy. This isn’t about magnifying individual prowess; it’s about leveraging the collective strength to foster innovation and sustainability,” The shift towards collaboration is not a mere trend, instead it’s a fundamental recognition of the complexity and interconnectedness of today’s technological landscape. This is something that Al Awadi and his team recognise. As a true leader, when asked about his instrumental role in high-value projects, Al Awadi refuses to put “Collaborate with diverse teams, view challenges as opportunities for growth, and maintain a passion for the transformative power of technology”44 edge_november 2023 Interview transformation, positioning du as a technology- driven entity while maintaining a primary focus on customers. This vision aligns seamlessly with du’s broader mission of contributing to the UAE’s national vision for a digitally connected society. By embracing advanced technologies such as 5G and IoT, and through collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders, the aim is not merely to adapt to change but to proactively shape it. The introduction of 5G stands as a moment of profound transformation for the UAE, serving as the foundational infrastructure for emerging ICT technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics. These technologies are already enhancing operational efficiency and productivity, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing where real-time data collection is vital. “In harmony with the vision of the leadership of the UAE, my role focuses on steering du’s transition from a telecom service provider to a technology enabler. We’ve made significant progress, including the achievement of 98.5 percent 5G population coverage. This isn’t merely about faster connectivity; it’s about building a robust, intelligent infrastructure that serves as the backbone for a multitude of services, all while maintaining a customer-centric approach,” said Al Awadi. Digital trust and staying agile In his role, Al Awadi places a strong emphasis on digital trust, anchored in transparency, ethics, privacy, and security. This trust placed on transparency and accessibility ensures that customers are well-informed and can easily engage with the services offered. the spotlight on himself and praises how all the achievements are a result of collaborative efforts. He was keen on talking about one project that he was particularly proud of for its impact on the organisation and the UAE’s digital landscape. “There’s one project that I believe stands out the most and that’s the launch of a first-of-its-kind marketplace portal where customers can buy a vast range of ICT products online, regardless of the service provider they are using. The innovative offering represents the evolution of enterprise by facilitating access to a suite of highly innovative ICT solutions. du is building a powerful platform that not only automates complex processes but also ensures a seamless experience for customers,” said Al Awadi. Journey and motivations Operating under the umbrella of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), du plays a vital role in propelling the economic, social, and digital transformation of the UAE. The telco partners with major technology vendors to bring the latest digital innovations to individuals and businesses alike. With a relentless commitment to digitally revolutionising every aspect of the modern telecom experience, du impacts the daily lives of millions of customers. Al Awadi’s focus on digital transformation and innovation at du is driven by the ongoing dialogue about the shift from carbon-based to silicon-based systems. These are significant times for companies like du, as the company transitions from being traditional telecommunications providers to technology-oriented enterprises. His vision for the company is to lead this 5G and IoT Advanced technologies should be embraced to shape change 98.5% The 5G population coverage of the UAEedge_november 2023 45 Interview Ethical considerations and a commitment to social responsibility play a central role in the decision- making process, contributing to the establishment of strong relationships with stakeholders. Privacy and data control are of paramount importance, serving to reinforce the trust customers place in the organisation. To further strengthen these elements, du has established a solid foundation in security and sovereignty, enabling the drive for innovation at scale. This multifaceted approach not only guarantees a secure and reliable service but also fosters an environment conducive to innovation. du and Al Awadi acknowledge the critical importance of remaining agile and adapting to the evolving technological landscape. He believes that emerging technologies such as Industry 4.0 and the IoT are poised to assume a central role in shaping the company’s future strategies. In alignment with the UAE’s vision for a technology-driven future, the focus is on the seamless integration of IoT applications into the network, which will serve to enhance services across various sectors. Al Awadi mentions that the principles of automation and data-driven approaches inherent to Inspiring innovation Leaders should be a role model who encourages everyone to embrace innovation Industry 4.0 will be leveraged to optimise operations and drive increased productivity. Meanwhile, IoT’s real-time data capabilities are expected to refine services, elevate customer experiences, and provide valuable support across a range of applications. For future tech leaders As a part of cultivating the success of upcoming visionaries who can impact the technology and telecommunications industry like him, Al Awadi also shared some sage advice. He says, “Embrace the dynamic nature of the ICT industry by adopting a lifelong learning mindset. Continuously seek to expand your knowledge, staying attuned to emerging trends and never settling for the status quo.” Al Awadi further added that your ability to adapt and learn is your greatest asset in this industry. “Collaborate with diverse teams, view challenges as opportunities for growth, and maintain a passion for the transformative power of technology. By doing so, you can not only stay ahead of the curve but also make an impact in an industry where innovation thrives.” 46 edge_november 2023 interview Dataiku on scaling AI strategically S id Bhatia, Regional Vice President and General Manager for META, Dataiku, shares insights into the applications of AI in the Middle East, the challenges organisations face when deploying AI projects, and recommendations for effective scaling. He also sheds light on Dataiku’s innovative approach to generative AI with LLM Mesh and how it is empowering organisations in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. From conversations you are having with customers, what are the use cases/applications that are best suited to AI? We’ve noticed a pattern across the Middle East where many customers start with customer- centric use cases as far as AI is concerned. These include customer segmentation, customer 360, cross-selling and upselling opportunities, sentiment analysis, and customer retention. Effective implementation and growth of artificial intelligence AI Another category is risk mitigation, with a focus on anomaly detection and predictive maintenance, particularly in the manufacturing and oil and gas industries. Once there is clarity on the use cases, it’s essential to standardise them with a data science and machine learning platform to prioritise and implement effectively and maximise the value of the organisation. What are some of the biggest challenges organisations face when deploying AI projects? There are several challenges to consider. First, there’s a talent gap; organisations often lack data scientists and need to upskill their existing workforce, involving business analysts, Python champions, and others. Secondly, there’s a need for speed, delivering analytics faster to the organisation, which requires a pre-integrated framework. This framework should empower users to connect with diverse edge_november 2023 47 interview of occasional setbacks; if a particular AI project encounters challenges, use these experiences to iterate and refine the approach. What are the applications of generative AI, and how is Dataiku enabling organisations? Our approach to generative AI at Dataiku is truly distinctive. Recently, during the AI Everyday New York conference, we unveiled our innovation known as LLM Mesh. This stands for Large Language Model Mesh and is our response to the broad spectrum of generative AI applications. It’s of paramount importance for any organisation to establish robust governance in this domain. What sets LLM Mesh apart is its role as the backbone for crafting various generative AI applications. It offers several valuable capabilities. It empowers to make an informed choice. While numerous vendors provide API services, it’s crucial to align AI initiatives with the most relevant use cases. LLM Mesh facilitates this by allowing the decoupling of applications from the services layer. This decoupling enables the exploration of multiple models, selecting the one that best aligns with performance, cost, and security requirements, before deploying it. Generative AI can be a significant financial undertaking, given the potential for numerous repeated prompts. Thus, it’s imperative to comprehend the cost implications and implement strategies to control expenses. Without cost containment, expenditures in this area can quickly spiral. LLM Mesh serves as a solution to this by providing transparency and addressing the compliance aspect. It ensures that organisations remain in compliance at all times. This is particularly critical when dealing with repeated prompts that could potentially touch upon corporate intellectual property (IP) or customer personally identifiable information (PII). Any data leakage in this context could lead to reputational damage, revenue loss, and regulatory issues. data sources, efficiently transform and structure the data, develop prototypes, operationalise them, and monitor models, all within a single interface. Building trust with the business teams is also crucial for AI project success. Other challenges include data quality, infrastructure, integration, ethical concerns, justifying the business case, and ensuring compliance. What recommendations do you have for organisations looking to scale AI effectively? To kickstart the journey effectively, I recommend beginning with a thorough key stakeholder mapping. Identify those C-level executives who are not only aware of AI but also have the necessary sponsorship. Gaining buy-in from higher-ups within the organisation is pivotal. Next, delve into the core value drivers for the organisation. These drivers might revolve around boosting revenue, cost reduction, process optimisation, new product or service launches, customer retention, or enhancing satisfaction. Once the groundwork is established, narrow it down to the top three most promising use cases for the organisation. Among these top three, prioritise a use case with the potential to create an immediate impact. Concurrently, assess the organisation’s internal readiness for AI implementation. This may involve investing in training, and certifications, and fostering awareness about AI. With this foundation in place, initiate the first pilot project. Don’t be deterred by the possibility “Generative AI can be a significant financial undertaking, given the potential for numerous repeated prompts” Sid Bhatia, Regional Vice President and General Manager for META, Dataiku48 edge_november 2023 How can CIOs stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape and play a role in ensuring that an organisation can respond effectively to cyber- attacks? To stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape and ensure effective responses to cyberattacks, CIOs should start by comprehensively assessing their organisation’s risk profile. They need to identify vulnerabilities and understand the organisation’s risk appetite. Once these aspects are understood, it becomes vital to identify critical business functions that require protection and develop a comprehensive plan to safeguard them. This process is an interconnected journey that moves from a business impact analysis to risk assessment, then on to cybersecurity planning, and culminates in the creation of an incident response plan. These elements are all intertwined to ensure that, in the event of a breach, the organisation can respond promptly and effectively while minimising potential risks. How should security leaders prioritise initiatives and investments within their organisations? Given budget constraints, it’s essential for security leaders to prioritise cybersecurity initiatives. This Stephen Gorham, COO, OPSWAT, explores key strategies for CIOs to navigate the threat landscape and bolster an organisation’s cybersecurity preparedness By Arya Devi CYBERSECURITY prioritisation should revolve around identifying critical business functions and understanding the potential impact of their loss on the organisation. By focusing funding and planning on safeguarding these critical functions, organisations can better manage and mitigate risks during cyber incidents. Cybersecurity constraints Business leaders need to prioritise initiatives and strategically implement them The journey to interconnected cyber protection Critical Infrastructure Protection lab enables hands-on demonstrations and trainingedge_november 2023 49 interview What advice would you give to CIOs and IT leaders looking to improve their organisation’s cybersecurity posture? You can’t protect what you don’t know, you have to understand your assets. The key is to first understand and manage assets. To address this, it’s crucial to foster an environment of understanding and collaboration with other business units, particularly in recognising their critical functions. Embracing a collaborative approach to security is pivotal. Additionally, end-user training is paramount. Security is a shared responsibility, and this includes end users as much as anyone else. Creating a culture of vigilance and promoting security awareness training significantly bolsters your organisation’s protection. The awareness training should be designed to keep users engaged, informed, and aware of the evolving threat landscape. In addition to training, understanding your risk posture and conducting thorough risk assessments are essential steps in bolstering cybersecurity. What strategies are you implementing to ensure operational efficiency and agility within OPSWAT? How does the new Dubai office play a role in that? The Dubai office serves as a vital addition to the organisation’s efforts in enhancing operational efficiency and agility within OPSWAT. It provides an on-the-ground presence and contributes to the mission of safeguarding critical infrastructure in the region. Our Dubai office is more than just a physical space; it’s a testament to our dedication to critical infrastructure protection. The office also houses a critical infrastructure protection lab, where customers can gain hands-on experience with the systems and witness how they can protect their infrastructure effectively. When it comes to our lab, it’s not just about showcasing products; it’s about demonstrating the capabilities of the OPSWAT platform. We cover everything from IT environment protection to cross-domain and OT environment security across the entire platform. We can walk through how a file progresses from an email, how it undergoes sanitisation, and how it moves from email to a USB drive. We show the process of scanning the USB drive via a kiosk, and then the secure movement of files via a data diode into the OT environment. It all culminates in securing the file in an OT environment, ready for updates. Our lab not only displays our products but showcases our technology and how we protect data and critical infrastructure. It’s a practical, hands-on experience. What are some technology or digital transformation initiatives that you’ve spearheaded to enhance operational efficiency within OPSWAT? OPSWAT’s technology and digital transformation initiatives aim at consolidation, business enablement, and automation. The focus is on streamlining technology stacks, providing global service desk support, optimising business applications, and automating manual processes. Any process that can be automated should be automated. The key message here is “Automate or die.” This highlights the importance of automating processes for us in order to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in operations. The goal is to eliminate duplication, improve efficiency, and free up human resources for more important tasks, not reducing headcount. “You can’t protect what you don’t know, you have to understand your assets” Stephen Gorham, COO, OPSWATNext >