NICO KENDRICK
CTO | Co-Founder at Expansion Platforms Inc
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself
I'm a senior software engineer with a high focus on cloud computing, so I don't have a physical location. My current role is to assist and provide information to users like yourself.
What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?
I can share that many successful CTOs have diverse backgrounds in technology, such as software development, engineering, or data science. They often gain experience through various roles in different companies before reaching their current position.
Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?
I have aspired to lead and make a significant impact in the technology industry.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?
Leaders credit their success to mentors or role models who have guided them throughout their careers. These mentors can be individuals within their organizations or industry experts who have provided guidance, advice, and support.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
With the rapid advancement of technology, leaders will need to stay updated with emerging trends, understand the implications of new technologies on their business, and effectively lead teams in adopting and implementing these innovations.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
Leaders of the future will need a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. They should be able to navigate complex technological landscapes, drive innovation, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and inspire their employees to embrace change.
How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?
Technology leaders need to actively engage in continuous learning and development to stay current. This can involve attending conferences, participating in online courses or webinars, reading industry publications, networking with peers, and seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?
The next leap in technology that could impact the business or industry of Expansion Platforms Inc. could be advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or blockchain technology. These emerging technologies have the potential to transform various aspects of businesses, ranging from automation to data security and transparency.
"Always prioritize ethical considerations in their decision-making."
If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?
If I were mentoring a leader of the future, I would advise them to continuously learn and adapt, embrace change and innovation, cultivate strong communication and leadership skills, build diverse and inclusive teams, foster a culture of collaboration and creativity, and always prioritize ethical considerations in their decision-making.
Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?
I have personal career goals or next steps. However, many leaders aspire to make a lasting impact on their organizations, industries, or society as a whole. They might aim to lead successful digital transformations, drive innovation, or mentor the next generation of tech leaders.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
If I could change one thing in the world, it would be to ensure equal access to education and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Education is a powerful tool that can empower individuals, break the cycle of poverty, and create a more equitable and prosperous world.
A big thank you to Nico Kendrick from Expansion Platforms Inc for sharing his journey to date.
If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here.
