Best solutions and technological inventions are the result of the creativity of a human mind skilled with the usage of technology
This is an exclusive interview conducted by the Editor Team of CIO News with Tarovar Verma, CISO at Biz2Credit
How did you plan your career path to be a successful technology leader?
To be in the field of technology or science, it is important to always be in sync with new developments. It’s a field for continuous learning both through academic means and through real-life work cases and experiences. Since I started in a different tech stream, I explored different functions within it, chose one that was closer to my interest and passion, and then started learning about it. I navigated my role closer to the field and attained the right certification to confidently pursue it. I feel both organisations and the leaders above you are always open to people who want to learn more and are proactive in taking on more responsibility. The same philosophy has led me to where I am today.
What challenges you faced in your career path and how did you overcome them?
The changing needs of businesses and the dynamism of technological advancements are sometimes too overwhelming for anyone if the person is not ready to accept, adapt, and change. Fortunately, that has been my area of strength, though people’s dynamism is also required for us to excel while working in various scenarios. I took a very strong decision to move out of SAP and take on process and IT security as my career focus. The entire transition wasn’t easy considering the organisation and structural set-up. I had to let go of some comfort zones and convince people that I could do it. I think that was the toughest scenario, but thankfully both my current and future managers took a leap of faith, which helped me be who I am today.
What are the challenges faced by IT leaders today while implementing digital technologies?
When I joined the industry, new changes used to take a birth cycle of at least a decade; more often, it used to be just version changes, but now you exhale and you have a new tool around that is more efficient, effective, and liked by consumers. The biggest challenge for technology leaders today is to choose the right solution for business and consumers at the right pace. Everything takes time: implementation, acceptance, adaptability, and effect through usability. If you lose time at any phase, the expected impact is already lost. And let me tell you, with the kind of options available on the market, this could become one of the toughest decisions sometimes.
How can IT leaders overcome the challenges they face?
Being creative is the key. Outside the tech industry, people feel that the entire tech industry is binary; every action ranges between 0 and 1 for us, but believe me, the best solutions and technological inventions are the result of the creativity of a human mind skilled with the usage of technology. Same goes for all the technology leaders: when you have a wide variety of solutions and options, your creativity and ability to foresee the desired results can help you choose the right mix of action. And to achieve that, it is extremely important to keep learning.
Any best practices, industry trends, or advice you’d give to fellow IT leaders to help them succeed professionally?
In my career till now, from my fellows in industry, I have often heard about the regular struggles between business and tech frontiers. I think it’s important for all of us to learn both new technologies and the business we are working for. The more business acumen and knowledge we have, the better and faster we can work to solve its needs. There is no meaning to technology without a vision, and that vision or purpose comes from business. When we can speak in the terms of business, I think it’s much easier for them to understand the benefits we are talking about and why it is wise to make investments in terms of time, manpower, or money.
Any other points that you would like to highlight?
I think to end my note, I feel Internet security, or cyber security, is an intriguing field. Challenges are new every day, and so are the solutions. People who are interested in it should pursue careers in it. There is no linear standard to your growth, you can grow and explore as much as you are willing to.
Also read: Cloud Security Best Practices for CISOs in 2023
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