What has been your business/work highlight of 2024 so far?

Who is your business hero and why?

Steve Jobs. Love him or hate him, Jobs had an unparalleled vision for how technology should intersect with daily life. His relentless pursuit of perfection and his ability to anticipate what consumers didn’t even know they wanted is awe-inspiring. Jobs wasn’t just about creating products; he was about crafting experiences that fundamentally changed how we interact with technology. It may be a cliche, but his vision changed the world.

What’s the biggest business mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it?

Assuming technical solutions alone were enough for client satisfaction. Early on in my career, I led a project where we delivered an excellent technical setup but failed to keep the client in the loop. The result? Misaligned expectations and unnecessary friction. I learned that communication is as critical as the technology itself. Now, I ensure clients are engaged and informed at every stage, which has drastically improved project outcomes and client relationships.

What’s the most inspirational book you’ve ever read and why?

I don’t read ‘Business’ books, too much like homework. The boring answer is Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. This biography is not just a recount of Jobs’ life; it’s a raw, unfiltered look at what made him tick and how he reshaped the tech world. It’s a hefty book, but I have read it a couple of times now.

But one book that’s made a significant impact on me is “Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration” by Ed Catmull. Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, isn’t just talking about creativity; he’s laying out a blueprint for how to foster it in any environment.

What’s riveting about Creativity, Inc. is Catmull’s no-nonsense approach to building a culture that not only encourages but demands creativity. He dives deep into the gritty realities of maintaining a creative edge, from managing teams to dealing with the inevitable failures and setbacks. It’s clear that Catmull isn’t just a cheerleader for innovation; he’s a strategic mastermind who understands the complex dynamics of a creative workplace.

The book’s real power lies in its insights into how to create a space where creativity can flourish. It’s not just about having great ideas—it’s about constructing an ecosystem that supports and challenges those ideas, ensuring they can grow and evolve. Catmull’s lessons on leadership and culture are a stark reminder that innovation requires more than technical know-how; it demands a resilient, open, and collaborative environment.

For anyone in tech or creative fields, Creativity, Inc. isn’t just a read; it’s a playbook. It’s a reminder to push boundaries and drive true innovation. You need to build and nurture the right culture.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role in 2024?

Keeping pace with the relentless advance of technology while ensuring our partners and clients can keep up too. The UC space is evolving rapidly, with AI and machine learning driving new capabilities. Balancing the introduction of these cutting-edge solutions with maintaining user-friendly, reliable systems is a constant juggling act. Ensuring that provide the best solutions for the future with the highest quality of installation, adoption, and support will be key.

What technology will have the greatest impact on your business this year and why?

For me, AI is a game-changer. From sophisticated noise cancellation to real-time language translation and predictive analytics, AI is transforming how we communicate. These advancements are making UC tools more intuitive and efficient, enhancing user experience significantly. Implementing AI-driven solutions allows us to stay ahead of the curve and offer our partners and clients innovative tools that boost productivity and connectivity. It’s an exciting frontier with endless possibilities.