Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 62 | Page 71

Ian Englebrecht , Systems Engineering Manager – Africa , Veeam Software
On the lighter side of things , we ask the industry experts what makes them tick . . . .

. . . GET TO KNOW . . .

Ian Englebrecht , Systems Engineering Manager – Africa , Veeam Software

wWhat would you describe as your most memorable achievement ?

At Veeam , I measure success through my team and my customers ’ achievements . I wouldn ’ t place just a single achievement as remarkable , but I would say that I have many memories of success through my customers and colleagues . I often reflect on the achievements of those in my team and their growth in terms of their skills , competencies and expertise . It is rewarding to see the difference this makes to overall morale as well as to the positive impact they bring to our customers ’ experiences with Veeam .
What first made you think of a career in technology ?
Including one ’ s team members in decision-making is important for overall team participation and success . I prefer to be someone who helps , guides and assists the greater team .
The important thing is to create an environment where my team can comfortably reach out for assistance and guidance in their day-to-day tasks or any other areas . Recognition of achievement is also key , as it shows gratitude for the ability to execute . I also believe that encouraging a team to ask for help when needed – no matter where they are in terms of seniority – solidifies a team and makes it more effective . We all learn from one another . It ’ s the old adage of ‘ the whole being more than the sum of its parts ’, which is what a high performing team is .
I always wanted to follow my parents ’ footsteps into construction but when I displayed an aptitude for IT and a natural interest , it made sense to pursue a career in technology . It ’ s always easier to learn something that you have passion for and learning new technologies has been relatively easy for me because I genuinely enjoy it .
What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position ?
I lead with trust and inclusion . I feel that trust in your team is the most important quality for any manager .
What do you think is the current hot technology talking point ?
Cybersecurity is a hot topic , and it ’ s also quite broad . Cybercrime is something that will not go away and as companies adapt to new and innovative technologies , they also need to be mindful of the potential security threats that new technologies could – and will – bring . This is not to say we must hold back on innovation or Digital Transformation , as these are key drivers for any organisation ’ s success . Ensuring a securityfirst , availability-always approach is identified when implementing and adapting new technologies provides a sound foundation for their future success .
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