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

Hoda Mansour , Chief Operating Officer , APJ , MEA , IFS

As the Chief Operating Officer , Hoda is responsible for spearheading growth initiatives within the Asia-Pacific , Middle East , and Africa region . This involves the acquisition of new clientele as well as the augmentation of the existing customer base .

Please describe expectations and pain points of customers ?

Customer expectations have undergone a significant transformation in recent years , driven by various pivotal factors , including pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties in different regions . These factors have had a profound impact on the customer expectations and behaviour . Customers anticipate more than just transactional relationship with vendors ; they seek enduring partnerships where they are expecting the offered solutions not only to fulfil their digital transformation requirements but to be reliable , agile , secure , personalised , cost effective , scalable , innovative and built on modern technologies including AI .

The pain points of customers include cyber security threats , systems complexities , unpredictable cost , lack of access to skilled resources , fear of vendor lock in , high technology costs and delays in shipment due to supply chain challenges .

Which technologies can make a difference to end customers ?

Numerous technologies have the potential to significantly impact end customers by delivering distinctive customer experiences and enhancing operational efficiencies . These would include Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning , Blockchain , Biometrics , 3D printing , renewables , environmental and sustainable technologies , among others .

How can a channel partner disrupt the regional market ?

A channel partner well-versed in their current market dynamics can have a significant impact on their regional presence . Such partners can identify niche opportunities based on market research to address local requirements , broker the right partnership and alliances including local startups and social enterprises and leveraging local

partnerships and alliances . Furthermore , they contribute to scaling our presence while providing the necessary training , customer onboarding and supporting various social responsibility initiatives .

Which non-competitive business do you admire ?

Telemedicine and health tech . Technology-driven businesses that enable telemedicine and remote patient monitoring are becoming increasingly important , especially in delivering healthcare services to underserved areas or during global health crises . Businesses that focuses on well-being and mental health including entertainment business are admirable .

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

Meeting with customers from all over the world , exploring various cultures and being able to offer technology solutions that solves local challenges while witnessing how the solutions make real impact on businesses and people lives are incredibly rewarding .

However , the line between personal and business life blurring can be sometimes challenging .

How do you like to de-stress off work ?

Adoption of these technologies can empower businesses to deliver unique value propositions , elevate customer satisfaction and improve operational efficiency ; allowing them to adopt more customer-centric approach and establish a competitive edge within the market .

Hoda enjoys spending time with family and friends , traveling and exploring diverse cultures , watching musicals , documentaries and movies . She likes to completely disconnect when playing with her two cats Gucci and Simba . p

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