A convincing communicator & leader, I have the ability to succinctly explain key strategies & concepts at all levels of business. I am practical, pragmatic and continuously looking for new ideas, business initiatives and technologies that can genuinely improve outcomes that people, business, government are expecting.
So here's the rub and will explain why I still bother staying in this industry:
Although the IT industry has achieved a lot of great things, it is clear it still has an image problem. Why? In Australia at least, we have a severe skills shortage which I believe is mainly attributed to a number of factors including:
- The poor adoption of technology in schools
- Industry perception that many teachers and parents have about the industry
- The ongoing frustration business has on the ability for the IT industry to listen, be empathetic in order to genuinely seek to understand the challenges they're facing.
There are many examples of where the IT industry is slow at delivering and when we do deliver it's not exactly what was expected. So how can a simple man change this whole perception?
Although I'd like to believe I can change this on my own, that's not going to happen! But I can do something and that is to surround myself with like minded people. That's why I started The Mastermind Group of companies in the first place. Although we offer independent Asset Management and Business Consulting services, we are often the conduit between business and the technology vendors making sure not too much sizzle is sold and that any investment in technology is warranted and will deliver the benefits expected.
A fine line but a rewarding one. We're not really bothered if we antagonize some of our industry peers in order to pursue an outcome for our clients and I'm proud that we can drive further improvement in how the IT industry delivers on its promise. At the same time, I'd like think we can attract some great talent to the industry via the philanthropic work that I do to encourage not only young people to join the industry but those wanting a career change!
