Is the ideal CIO of today the one who fits into the company’s culture, or, on the contrary, is it the one who rapidly drives the transformation of the entire business? We asked three experts to better understand what is actually being sought.
The past is a reference, the present is a very short time in which decisions are made and the future is only a consequence of events that have occurred in the two previous times. However, technologies are advancing rapidly and demand many skills from leaders and decision-makers for the future of the business to be truly successful.
Suresh Sambandam summarizes some of these skills in The Enterprises Project as long-term vision, sense of coherence and security, the ability to communicate with their team, with other members of the C-Suite and, at the same time, turn that communication into positive influence within the company.
Also, a CIO of the present must constantly learn and be able to teach, leveraging concepts such as reskilling (changing skills) and upskilling (improving skills) to motivate the members of their team and make the most of each and every one of them.
And last but not least, the CIO of the present must embrace the fact that change is the only constant in their role. And we haven’t even touched on the topic of technology.
The scarcity of experts in all branches of information technology and telecommunications, and even more so of CIOs, is evident. Scouts, an expert talent-finding firm, explains that “CIOs, within their communication skills, must be able to explain the technological needs of the company to executives who have little experience in this field, which requires a deep understanding of communication.”
Furthermore, good communication skills are necessary to be a leader. If a CIO cannot communicate appropriately, teamwork can be difficult for them.
Finally, as a sign of what is approaching, KPMG in its 2023 CEO Outlook study states: “Overall, this year’s survey results confirm some of the trends that have already been observed in previous editions and, at the same time, breathe life into new ones, especially those closely related to the dynamics of the context, such as the need to improve adaptability to a changing geopolitical landscape and thus manage the risk it implies; the prioritization of the employee value proposition and the promotion of social initiatives within the ESG agenda, which can assist in talent capture and retention goals; and the continuation of an aggressive technology investment strategy, while also considering the ‘exhaustion’ that the acceleration of digital transformation during the pandemic represented.”
Diana Carolina Toro, Senior Manager of Technology Enablement, Advisory, KPMG
What is the ideal CIO that companies are looking for today? The ideal CIO today is a role that requires efficiently and precisely orchestrating all the needs of their employees and customers simultaneously. This is considering the constant technological challenges that arise, in order to assertively select and have the necessary tools to drive the corporate strategy.
Similarly, in their role, this person must ensure compliance with the requirements of the new generations that demand unique user experiences. They must guarantee the digitization of different processes and see innovation as a new opportunity to create a business with greater value for its customers.
According to the CEO Outlook 2023 report by KPMG, these leaders need to focus on creating strategies for organic growth, establishing valuable partnerships and effectively managing geopolitical risks that may arise at any time and change the rules of the game.
There is no doubt that a company for the near future will have its priorities centered around increasing operational adaptability to constant changes, but also ensuring a favorable experience for employees. This is because in recent months we have seen an increase in trends such as the Great Resignation, as well as internal dissatisfaction levels. This has led to a talent crisis and industries increasingly facing the challenge of finding skilled personnel.
To address this, CIOs will have to implement the necessary technologies to retain talent and introduce new activities that improve the work environment and promote retention in their companies.
Alfredo Terlizzi, CEO and Founder, Workia
In the current business environment of Latin America, companies are actively seeking an ideal CIO who can not only address the challenges that arise but also maximize the opportunities offered by the digital era.
As the role of the CIO has undergone significant evolution in recent years, it is no longer limited to being simply responsible for the technological infrastructure but has become a strategic and visionary leader who drives digital transformation and seeks competitive advantages for the organization. In this context, Latin American companies are looking for a CIO with a clear vision and the ability to understand and strategically apply the latest technological trends, with the goal of driving growth and business success.
Digital Transformation goes beyond the mere implementation of new technologies; it requires a deep understanding of how technology can transform business models, improve operational efficiency, optimize decision-making and deliver an exceptional customer experience. Therefore, companies seek a CIO with the ability to analyze and assess the potential impact of technological solutions on the organization and to implement effective strategies to ensure that resources and technology investments are aligned with business objectives and generate tangible results.
In the current business environment, cybersecurity and data protection are of vital importance. Cyber threats are constantly evolving and represent a significant risk for companies. Therefore, Latin American companies are looking for a CIO with a solid knowledge and experience in cybersecurity, who can implement effective measures to protect digital assets and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
In addition to these technical skills, the ideal CIO must also be a change agent willing to challenge established norms and foster a culture of innovation within the organization. This involves having an open mindset towards new ideas and approaches and being willing to experiment with emerging technologies that can drive efficiency and competitiveness. Moreover, the CIO must be an effective communicator and have influencing skills to convey the vision and importance of digital transformation to all stakeholders – from top executives to operational-level employees.
In this regard, the ability to establish and maintain strategic alliances with technology vendors and external partners is also crucial.
Collaboration with trusted vendors and the establishment of strategic partnerships can provide access to innovative technological solutions and specialized knowledge that can further drive the organization’s digital transformation.
In conclusion, in the dynamic business environment of Latin America, companies are actively seeking an ideal CIO who can lead digital transformation and maximize the opportunities offered by the digital era. This strategic and visionary leader must have solid technical knowledge, effective communication skills, management capabilities and agility to adapt to constant changes. By finding and empowering a CIO with these characteristics, Latin American companies can move towards digital excellence, drive innovation and achieve a significant competitive advantage in the current market.
Alejandro Retes, CIO, Kibernum
In today’s global landscape, the importance of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) has grown exponentially in ensuring the prosperity of large corporations in the region. Companies are actively seeking accomplished experts capable of providing substantial strategic value through technology and innovation. Listed below are seven essential competencies and skills that organizations should prioritize when selecting a CIO to secure their long-term growth and competitive edge:
- Strategic vision: An effective CIO must have a clear vision and a deep understanding of how technology can drive the business strategy. They should be able to align the organization’s goals and technological needs and develop a long-term strategic roadmap that enables growth and innovation.
- Innovative thinking: In an ever-evolving business environment, the CIO must be able to identify emerging technological opportunities and trends that can transform the business. They should be a leader who can drive the adoption of disruptive technologies and effectively apply them to gain a competitive advantage.
- Technical and digital knowledge: The CIO must have a solid technical knowledge and a deep understanding of information systems and the latest digital trends. They should stay updated on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics and cybersecurity and know how to effectively apply them to enhance business processes and decision-making.
- Leadership skills: A successful CIO must be a strong and charismatic leader who can inspire and motivate their team. They should be able to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration and build strong relationships with other business leaders. They should also be able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, translating technology into understandable language for non-experts.
- Customer orientation: In an increasingly customer-centric world, the CIO must understand the needs and expectations of customers and ensure that technology and information systems are designed to deliver a superior experience. They should be focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, using technology as a tool to achieve it.
- Change management: Digital transformation is a complex process that requires effective change management. The CIO must be able to lead and manage the implementation of technological changes in the organization, minimizing resistance and maximizing successful adoption. They should be able to design change strategies, effectively communicate the benefits, and manage the risks associated with the implementation of new technologies.
- Business knowledge: In addition to being a technology expert, the CIO must also have a deep understanding of the business and how technology can drive business outcomes. They should be able to collaborate closely with other business leaders.
All of the previously mentioned aspects need to be strongly supplemented with additional competencies and skills.
People and organizational culture are vital elements for a CIO within an organization, it is crucial for them to cultivate a mindset and culture among individuals that embrace adaptability, collaboration, transparency, continuous learning, flexibility, customer focus and, above all, foster trust within the organization and with customers.
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