A DAY IN THE LIFE
GET TO KNOW...
On the lighter side of things, we ask the industryexperts what makes them tick …
Ziad Salameh, Managing Director & General Manager Gulf, Levant & Pakistan and Middle East Services Leader, Cisco
What would you describe as your most memorable achievement? I have several notable accomplishments in business transformation that has my finger print. At my first Job at Cisco, I was approached to lead and transform the services organization in Saudi Arabia. Withstanding challenges, the KSA STAR team was set up and we developed a big Managed Services operation in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. High double digit growth and transforming customer experiences was an achievement.
What first made you think of a career in technology? Where I grew up in Jordan, technology is highly recognized and it was my brother’ s success in the ICT industry that encouraged me to study computer engineering and there started my exciting journey.
What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position? I love what I do and try to surround myself with people who share a similar passion. Feedback is core to the way I work and I insist on providing an environment that leads to high performers who can enjoy their success as a team. I prefer to lead by example and stay hands off with guidance and direction when and where required.
What do you think will be the hot technology talking point of 2016? Undoubtedly the hottest technologies in 2016 would be around the Internet of Things, more so in the Middle East where governments are spearheading the initiatives with several interesting and large projects. Secondly, with data everywhere, analytics and automation will see an accelerated growth and will help fuel innovation and digital transformation for better user experiences based on real-time information.
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside of the office? I believe that we must get rid of negativity in all forms and always look at the cup as half-full. My greatest stress relief is during prayer time and without a doubt when I have quality time with my lovely wife and our four wonderful children, much like being in heaven.
If you could go back and change one career decision, what would it be? You cannot go wrong joining companies who value the 3G framework; Grow the business, Great place to work and Give back. Joining Cisco was the best experience of them all.
www. intelligentcio. com INTELLIGENTCIO
87