Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 102 | Page 9

NEWS

Afro Baobab Events launches alternative change management training

Saran Sow Barry

Afro Baobab Events , the first Africanthemed event company in the UAE , announced the launch of a new change management training , Changing Rhythms , to its range of corporate services . Changing Rhythms combines change management principles with African djembe drumming , dancing , and art . The new service offers an alternative approach to corporate team building and training programs .

According to Accenture ’ s 2024 Pulse of Change Index , the rate of change affecting businesses has risen by 183 % over the past four years . More than half , 52 % of C-suite executives do not feel fully prepared to respond to the change they will face in the 2024 business environment .
When change is constant , leaders must find new and proactive ways of adjusting to the new reality .
Change management often involves adapting to new processes and technologies and new ways of working . When a company is going through organisational changes , emphasizing on shared goals and vision for the future is a must . Organising team bonding experiences that foster a sense of unity , stronger relationships among individuals , and effective communication are essential . That is where collective drumming can help since it promotes unity and collaboration , enhances communication skills , builds trust and connection between the participants .
Drumming requires resilience and adaptability , as participants must adjust their playing in response to changes in tempo or rhythm . By participating in collective drumming activities , employees can develop resilience skills that are crucial for coping with the uncertainties and disruptions associated with organisational change .
Saran Sow Barry , Founder of Afro Baobab Events , previously worked in investment banking and change management at a credit insurance company in France .
Those experiences inspired her to launch the new change management training . Throughout her career , she has seen the importance of empowering employees to embrace change and align around common goals .

Acronis announces opening of cyber cloud data centre in Dubai

Acronis , a global provider in cyber protection , announced the opening of a new cyber cloud data centre in Dubai , signalling a deliberate push to tap into the region ’ s accelerated technological advancements and increased digitisation . The UAE data centre comes against a backdrop of the country ’ s steady increase in IT load capacity , with projections estimating a compound annual growth rate of 16 % by 2029 .

“ As cyber threats continue to rise regionally and globally , our new Acronis Cyber Cloud Data Centre will be instrumental in helping organisations get access to robust cyber protection and effective data recovery solutions ,” said Ziad Nasr , General Manager Middle East , Acronis .
Marking its debut in the UAE ’ s data centre market , the Acronis Cyber Cloud Data Centre is set to demonstrate the company ’ s dedication to providing secure and reliable cybersecurity protection solutions that underscore its commitment ’ s strength .
The Acronis Cyber Cloud Data Centre , which is ISO 27001 and IEC 22237 compliant , is poised to offer updated solutions that cater to emerging customer needs . The new data centre will integrate advanced hardware components , and provide robust network infrastructure , and high-performance storage systems that rival those of data centres globally .
Following its launch , the Acronis Cyber Cloud Data Centre will also provide Acronis partners in the region with access to a wide range of advanced need-driven cyber protection solutions – a welcome development that will empower them to create new services and enable them to manage their partner ’ s data protection needs more efficiently and effectively . The data centre will also allow faster access , continuous data availability , and the additional benefit of data sovereignty .
The new Acronis Cyber Cloud Data Centre comes hot on the heels of Acronis ’ recent expansion of its product lineup with new and tailored made solutions for the Middle East and North Africa market .
Ziad Nasr
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