The Technology Executive

The Great Convergence: Why IT and HR Are Becoming One I’ve spent the better part of three decades in boardrooms and server rooms, advising organizations from NGOs to global Fortune 500s. In that time, I’ve seen countless trends come and go. But what I’m observing now isn’t a fleeting fad; it’s a fundamental, structural shift in how businesses operate. The traditional, rigid walls between internal service departments—most notably Information Technology and Human Resources—are dissolving. This isn’t just an academic thought experiment. It's a strategic evolution, driven by a long-standing pursuit of efficiency and now supercharged by the maturation of artificial intelligence. We are witnessing the birth of a unified internal services model, a convergence that will redefine the employee experience and reshape the very nature of corporate support functions. If you're still managing IT and HR in entirely separate silos, you're not just operating on an outdated model; you're ...

In the ever-churning world of IT, it's easy to get caught in a cycle of "always on." Between critical updates, looming deadlines, and the constant stream of notifications, taking a break can feel like a luxury we simply can't afford. But here's the truth: prioritizing time off isn't a sign of weakness; it's a strategic move for boosting your productivity, creativity, and overall work speed. Combating Burnout: The Restorative Power of Disconnecting The fast-paced nature of IT work can be a breeding ground for burnout. We push ourselves to fix problems around the clock, sacrificing sleep and personal time to meet demands. However, this constant state of stress depletes our cognitive resources, leading to decreased focus, increased errors, and a decline in overall performance. Taking time off allows us to hit the reset button. By disconnecting from work emails and notifications, we give our brains a much-needed break. This allows our stress hormones to regula...

The rise of remote work in recent years has been nothing short of revolutionary. However, the concept itself is far from new. Let's delve into the fascinating history of remote work, focusing on its evolution since the turn of the millennium. 2000 and Beyond: The Dawn of the Modern Remote Worker Around the year 2000, several key factors converged to propel remote work into the mainstream. Here's how it unfolded: The Wireless Revolution: The proliferation of Wi-Fi and affordable laptops unshackled workers from their desks. No longer tethered by ethernet cables, professionals could work from cafes, co-working spaces, or even their backyards – as long as there was a decent internet connection. The Rise of Collaboration Tools: Early project management platforms like Basecamp (founded in 1999) emerged, offering a central hub for geographically dispersed teams to share documents, track progress, and collaborate seamlessly. The Growth of the Gig Economy: The early 2000s saw...