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 If you're still managing IT and HR in entirely separate silos, you're not just operating on an outdated model; you're ...

Navigating the Shifting Sands: Why IT Leaders Must Overcome Knowledge Inertia Imagine a seasoned SaaS consultant confidently pitching features that are already outdated. This isn't a hypothetical scenario; it’s a symptom of a pervasive problem in the tech world: Knowledge Inertia. This is the tendency for individuals and organizations to cling to familiar, often obsolete, information and practices. It's not just an individual failing; it's an organizational challenge that stifles innovation, creates a competitive disadvantage, and causes professionals to fall off the "knowledge cliff"—the perilous gap between what we think we know and the reality of current best practices. As a veteran IT executive and consultant with nearly three decades in the industry, I've seen firsthand the crippling effects of clinging to the past. This post will dissect Knowledge Inertia, explore its roots, and offer actionable insights for IT leaders to cultivate the agility needed f...

 As technology executives, we often face the misconception that IT is a cost center rather than a value driver. This perception can undermine the strategic importance of IT within an organization. To counter this, it's crucial to articulate the tangible value IT delivers, demonstrating its contribution to business success. In this blog post, we'll explore how IT leaders can effectively measure and communicate the value of IT, moving beyond general performance metrics to showcase real impact. Understanding the Value of IT Value Metrics Focus on the direct and indirect benefits IT provides to the organization. Examples include: Cost Savings:  Reduction in operational costs through automation, optimization, and efficiency improvements. Revenue Generation:  Contribution to revenue through digital channels, e-commerce platforms, and new technology-enabled services. Risk Mitigation:  Minimizing risks related to data security, compliance, and business continuity. Innovation...

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, businesses are faced with the crucial decision of whether to adopt on-premise IT systems or migrate to cloud-based solutions. While on-premise systems were once the go-to choice, the rapid advancements in cloud technology have transformed the IT landscape. In this digital era, it's becoming increasingly evident that companies should seriously reconsider implementing on-premise IT systems unless they are mandated by specific circumstances. In this blog post, we will delve into the compelling reasons why businesses should embrace cloud solutions and move away from on-premise systems. Cost Efficiency One of the most compelling reasons for companies to shift away from on-premise IT systems is the substantial cost savings offered by cloud solutions. On-premise systems come with hefty upfront investments in hardware, software, maintenance, and infrastructure setup. These costs can quickly escalate, especially when considering the continuous n...