GET TO KNOW
Customers need to modernise and build resilient infrastructure , including the connections between people , places , devices and things .
means for their business and how to get the most value from their data .
Owing to these opportunities and challenges , Meads believes that businesses are looking for a strong , reliable partner to help them realise the promise of this generational shift in technology .
How can a channel partner in your industry disrupt the regional market and gain a leading competitive position ?
Meads outlines that today ’ s technology environment has created additional risk and complexity for customers . As they prepare for the future , their needs have further evolved . They are looking for outcomes and experiences , simple and flexible solutions , and more automation and self-serve capabilities .
Buying motions are also changing more non-IT buyers are influencing spend , and customers have a greater need for managed and as-a-Service offerings .
Cisco believes that both technology developers and partners must come together – leveraging diverse capabilities and offerings to deliver the outcomes and experiences that customers need , want , and expect .
Meads shares that partners play a variety of roles in delivering outcomes and experiences to customers : integrator , provider , developer , advisor , or a combination of some or all of these roles . Partners are key to delivering as-a-service solutions , giving customers the consumption model and experience they want and expect , with offerings that solve their greatest challenges .
To be successful , Meads contends that partners must focus on the value that they can deliver to customers across the lifecycle , as well as their ability to respond quickly to customer needs and changing market dynamics .
Which non-competitive business in the region do you admire for innovative usage of technology ?
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have witnessed a remarkable transformation across industries , driven by the innovative adoption of technology . One sector that has consistently impressed Meads is smart government services , leveraging technology to improve efficiency , accessibility , and drive citizen engagement .
This includes centralised digital platforms to avail a variety of government services , such as applying for permits , renewing licenses , and accessing public records . In addition , biometrics within airports for secure and seamless travel , and national digital identity and signature authentication solutions for additional security .
Which aspects of your job role do you find rewarding and which challenging ?
Meads strives to foster an open culture where diverse perspectives are valued , and everyone is heard . Mentoring and witnessing talent grow brings him great fulfilment . Balancing motivation and driving meaningful innovation across a mixture of highly developed and emerging markets is both a challenge and opportunity that Meads embraces with enthusiasm .
How do you best like to de-stress and re-charge off work ?
Meads believes that work-life balance and hybrid work go hand-in-hand , with Cisco ’ s inclusive hybrid work model providing the flexibility to manage personal and professional commitments seamlessly . This balance also helps him recharge , allowing time for time with his family and personal hobbies such as golf . p
82 INTELLIGENTCIO MIDDLE EAST www . intelligentcio . com