Yahoo News What does it take to be a chief information officer?
Bask Iyer, chief information officer at Dell and VMware, explains what it’s like to hold a dual role, and why IT is at the heart of business innovation.
How would you describe your role?
Being a chief information officer (CIO) is about about driving transformation at a business, but in a creative way. Organisationally, my role is to enable both organisations – Dell and VMware – to run without me. And like any leadership role, it’s also about being able to build a great team.
The most intriguing aspect about my dual-CIO role is the breadth of issues and opportunities – and the exhausting schedule across multiple time zones and different climates, from California, Texas and Massachusetts in the US, to India and Ireland.
Mentally, it’s energising. It’s like I’m living in my own version of the TV show, 24. As soon as I get up in the morning there’s a call, project or question. Something important is always happening.
What professional and personal skills does someone need for this role?
The IT team has so many different tasks, all of which can be very complex. Sometimes we can be pulled in conflicting directions. Professionally, the most important skills are being able to delegate without dumping, and being able to inspire and back your team.
IT professionals deserve respect for the incredible job they do. I want to support my team and I certainly don’t want them bullied around. The tech game is long, with minute-by-minute distractions. You have to always look at the big picture and put things in perspective.
In terms of the personal skills that a CIO needs, these are patience and perspective, and being reflective and thoughtful.
What has been the most important moment in your career so far?
Working in a factory almost two decades ago, where I was the only IT person. I had one computer and some software. My job was to automate the entire factory. I had to do everything from scratch. I rolled up my sleeves, built and rallied a team and, with great management support, accomplished some incredible goals. It was the greatest learning experience I had and I loved every stressful minute of it.
What trend, behaviour or technology is going to most affect your role?
The internet of things (IoT) is a truly transformative technology that can radically impact the way we live and work.
The Internet of Things is both a serious threat and a massive opportunity
It’s disrupting customer experiences, product development, service delivery and, of course, business models. However, deploying, managing, securing and operating IoT in business is a complex endeavour. In the corporate environment, you must always have a plan when it comes to any new technological advances. Looking ahead, we need to ask ourselves what infrastructure should be in place now to support IoT.
CIOs must need navigate the new security risks associated with IoT. With more devices and data collection, opportunities for hackers have exploded. IoT is both a serious threat and a massive opportunity.
What’s the biggest misconception about your position?
That IT has nothing to do with innovation. In fact, over the past few years, my experience has been the opposite – IT is at the vanguard of innovation.
Which person, place or thing has really influenced your role?
As a child, I read a short poem in the Indian language of Tamil, printed on a bus. It was about a fearless yet humble leader. This theme of humility has stuck with me. I’ve been influenced by the actions and the culture of many good companies who have treated me well. You are only as good as your team.
Describe being a CIO in three words…
Manager. Instigator. Innovator.
