On the lighter side of things , we ask the industry experts what makes them tick . . . .

Marcus Josefsson , VP EMEA , Nozomi Networks

Serving as the Vice President for Europe Middle East and Africa at Nozomi Networks , the focus is customer value and satisfaction . We work together with partners and technology alliances to secure and provide visibility into IoT and OT networks .

What are the strengths that you bring to this role ?

As a Swede who has lived in Amsterdam , Berlin and London , as well as Stockholm and Dubai , Josefsson would like to think that he has an advantage in knowing and understanding how different regions work , which is most important in order to achieve lasting success . Aside from that , the primary objective is to hire , retain and enable the teams in the region , to work with the partner landscape .

Please describe expectations and pain points of customers ?

Typically , end customers lack visibility into the most critical networks that underpin the organisation . These networks were often not built with cyber security and visibility in mind .

Which technologies can make a difference to end customers ?

What we are seeing is that the adoption of these technologies is faster than one might have initially thought , even in verticals such as oil and gas and utilities which can sometimes be slow-moving . With these new technologies being introduced at speed , the importance of cyber security and visibility for infrastructure only grows .

How can a channel partner disrupt the regional market ?

We are seeing that partners who lean forward on new technologies , and who are keen to be early adopters ,

are reaping the benefits . Customers are looking for guidance , a consultative approach , and most importantly a partnership as they venture into areas , for what is likely the first time . A partner who is able to pair strong technical capabilities in combination with consultative selling motions and partnering with the vendor , has a recipe for success .

Which non-competitive business do you admire ?

Josefsson would say the leading airports in the region . Every time he travel he is reminded how much faster and better the experience is becoming , all underpinned by technology , to make my experience pleasant , fast , safe and secure .

Which aspects of your job role are rewarding , which challenging ?

My main challenge would be the time zones . My line manager is based in Denver , and much of the senior leadership team is based in the US West Coast which becomes tiring at times with virtual meetings late at night .

How do you like to de-stress off work ?

Run , cycle and swim : Josefsson tries to do at least one hour five days a week to keep myself sane . Aside from that , he is a family man , loving nothing more than spending time with my wife and our three children . Once in a while , he sneaks in a cheeky PlayStation 5 session as well . We will start appreciating being offline more and he has come to truly value not being reachable . p

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