Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 26 | Page 99

GET TO KNOW... On the lighter side of things, we ask the industry experts what makes them tick. . . . Sherry Zameer, SVP Internet of Things for CISMEA at Gemalto 1 What made you think of a career in technology? I am not sure if I picked a career in technology or if technology chose me. From an early age, I have been fascinated by trying to understand how things work and have always appreciated the potential of technology to change lives and empower people. I knew I wanted to be a part of this change. I studied electronics in university, followed by a Master’s degree in telecommunications, and went on to work in the same industry almost instinctively without considering any other career path. 2 What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position? I aim to identify and nurture my employees’ natural talent and empower them to express their creativity in order to realise their full potential. I am passionate about mentoring staff to allow them to learn and grow. I always seek to provide new opportunities for my staff to acquire new skills and encourage them to ask questions and ensure their contributions are recognised and valued. If I can help create a vision for my team to work towards and convert this into reality, then this would be my idea of success in management. “ 3 What do you think is the current hot technology talking point? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is bridging the barriers between the physical world and the digital world. AI has the potential to change every aspect of our lives from customer care, manufacturing and autonomous vehicles. The application of machine learning and cognitive predictive analytics in the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities will create solutions that enrich the lives of this generation and the next. The level of automation that AI has to offer does not necessarily make humans redundant but, on the contrary, it will revolutionise our approach to solution design and problem solving and force us to be more imaginative and creative. I believe AI could potentially have the same impact as the industrial revolution. 4 How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office? Time with family and my children helps me achieve the much needed work–life balance. I love to cook and really enjoy baking in particular, so outside the office I would fire up my Kenwood Pattisier and then it’s all about eggs, flour, butter and sugar after that. FROM AN EARLY AGE, I HAVE BEEN FASCINATED BY TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HOW THINGS WORK AND HAVE ALWAYS APPRECIATED THE POTENTIAL OF TECHNOLOGY TO CHANGE LIVES AND EMPOWER PEOPLE. www.intelligentcio.com INTELLIGENTCIO 99