Key Takeaway
Data management encompasses not only data residency and data at rest but also data in transit, requiring a holistic approach. Orange Business prioritizes building trust in its products and services, especially for sensitive clients. The role of CIOs has evolved dramatically due to technological disruptions like cloud computing and AI, transforming them into partners in digital transformation. A critical mindset shift involves thinking like the business and its customers. Additionally, the competition for talent is fierce, making upskilling and reskilling essential, with purpose being a key differentiator in attracting and retaining talent.
It’s not just about data residency or data at rest; it also encompasses data in transit. You need to view this as a comprehensive puzzle to navigate. We must address these challenges for ourselves.
As Orange Business, we serve highly sensitive clients, which is why we are prioritizing this aspect as a key part of our differentiation.
Integrating trust into all our products and services is now central to our unique value proposition.
This whirlwind of change has underscored for Hriday that the roles of CIOs and their counterparts have evolved significantly in recent years.
Being candid about the extent of this shift, he states: “Probably the most disruptive force in industry, enterprise, and society today is technology.
“Over the past decade or two—with the advent of cloud, applications, and SaaS—business models have been entirely transformed. Now, with AI, this force is becoming even more pronounced.
“Digital disruption signifies that the role of the CIO, CTIO, or CDIO has shifted from being the IT back office for the enterprise to becoming a transformation partner or the steward of digital transformation initiatives.
“As a CDIO myself, working with customers who are all undergoing similar journeys, we’re all making a transition, assisting businesses in completely reimagining their operating or business models by leveraging these technological advancements.”
He emphasizes that mindset is crucial: “One of the things I consistently tell my team is that the mindset shift isn’t merely about considering the business or our customers—it’s about thinking like the business and like our customers,” he adds. “Even that subtle change in perspective can generate the momentum needed to drive transformation.”
The role of talent and skills
In an industry where change is constant, the competition for talent is intense. Hriday views upskilling and reskilling as essential, particularly given the current landscape, but believes that purpose is the true differentiator.
“The battle for talent is arguably one of the most significant challenges enterprises face, especially with technology evolving so rapidly,” he shares. “At Orange, we’ve excelled in our upskilling and reskilling programs, which we’ve developed over many years.
