RODRIGO GONZALES HERMOSILLO
Chief Information Officer at Softtek
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself
Originally from Mexico, currently living in South Florida, I have been working on leading our Digital Transformation and innovation efforts across all Softtek. I’m currently responsible for all applications’ initiatives to keep and increase Softtek’s technology edge, creating, adjusting and automating solutions for all our employees.
What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?
The path to become a strategic CIO requires a big involvement in different processes and aspects of the company’s operation. I started from a technical architect, to leading strategic projects and then moving to global projects and account management. From that global perspective I moved to VP of Operations for the US Market (our largest market) and oversaw all our delivery services to US-based customers. That gave me a unique perspective on how we operate and opened the door to go back to a more technical/strategic role as CIO, using all the expertise learned from customers and all our delivery areas to find new ways to use technology to support them.
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?
Since my early assignments, I always wanted to lead the technology and become a CIO. I probably had very little idea of the real challenges this position brings but I had a clear vision on how the technology could make a company bridge a gap between the business and the results. Instead of considering myself a tech leader I rather think like a tech learner. There is so much going on with technology and the rapid evolution that brings, that trying to be leading could use all of your time and distract you from really utilizing the benefits of technology. Not all new shining technologies apply to your business and some, maybe even simple, technologies well utilized make a huge impact.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?
I had not one but many mentors along the way. I think a big part of my career has been finding the right person to learn from and ask for guidance. There is always someone that can help you become a better leader, manager or strategic thinker. Learn from everyone around you will give you a broader view on how to drive better results.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
In the next years, new technologies will continue to emerge. Still, I think as a strategic leader you need to be sure you best utilize the existing capabilities, improve and optimize your processes and try some new things. For us to deliver the right value to the company we need to ensure the Data is considered one of the best assets your company has, and find ways to capture, clean and organize it. That you can start building on top of it from insights to machine learning. Don’t try to adopt all types of technologies, try to excel in the ones your company really needs.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
I think for sure you need to have a very good understanding of data analytics (statistics). most of new technologies rely heavily in mathematical models. Secondly, your People skills. With the new generations of talent coming to the companies, you need to understand their needs and desires to provide a very well-balanced working environment for your team and the high demands that it brings. and as a third skill, I will continue stretching that you still need to be a good planner and project manager. Regardless the position, those skills will help you continue delivering projects, identifying risks and taking corrective actions along the way. (And be sure to so round yourself with very tech-savvy people that can help you investigate new technologies and filter the ones that can be applied to your business).
How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?
I think the one we often neglect is our personal development. Find a routine that gives you at least 2 hours a day for yourself. I personally use it as a CrossFit trainer and some puzzle or jigsaw time to keep my body and mind fresh. Then, part of your job should include getting some training in either technology or business but always learning something. I personally try to take many university-level classes and programs that allow me to work in projects with other executives from different markets or businesses and help me share my experience and get other insights for my own.
What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?
In the technology industry, specially Professional Services, the process automation with some machine learning will be taking over most of the day-to-day activities. It will be key to start developing APIs to your common functions so they can be automated later on.
"Be sure to listen to the business. the greatest mistake is thinking you know technology and understand the business to take decisions for them."
If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?
Be sure to listen to the business. the greatest mistake is thinking you know technology and understand the business to take decisions for them. If you don’t listen to the business your solutions may not solve their real problem, get involved with them and understand where they want to go and take them there.
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 think there is always opportunity to grow, as I have seen in the last few years, every time you think you have your IT under control, then new regulations, cyberattacks, changes in country government or multiple other factors require you to adapt. I want to take the CIO level to a more CEO-CIO partnership where IT becomes a critical part of the business.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Access to education. Everyone should have access to the right quality education.
A big thank you to Rodrigo Gonzales Hermosillo from Softtek 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.
