GET TO KNOW search capabilities to automation and beyond . There ’ s also a host of other potential applications just waiting to be discovered . My team has found integrating generative AI / ML into our workflow relatively seamless . We started exploring Machine Learning even before it became mainstream , incorporating it into one of our new products last year .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office ?
I engage in activities that are unrelated to my professional work , allowing myself to disconnect . However , my engineer ’ s spirit is never far away . I own a farm where I enjoy building various things as well as spending time working on my tractor . I also pursue building hi-fi audio gear and woodworking projects in my spare time .
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
One that stands out was early in my career . I wasn ’ t prepared to navigate the unique cultures and personalities within a company , which led to some friction between myself and a colleague . That experience taught me the importance of owning up to my mistakes and working through them .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
Generative AI and Machine Learning are the prime areas of investment in our industry . Automation is another area attracting considerable resources , and it ’ s something we at Spirent heavily focus on .
In light of recent economic conditions , companies are seeking ways to maximize the value of their existing processes and systems . This isn ’ t about reducing workforce , but about equipping them with more efficient tools that will help them be more productive . The goal is to eliminate repetitive tasks , freeing up individuals to focus on other more valuable aspects of their work .
What are region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in North America ?
With 5G , the primary challenge lies in saturation . The major service providers in North America have already deployed 5G . However , this saturation is driving an increase in automation as these technologies continue to be deployed . With testing , we ’ re seeing the emergence of ‘ testing as a service ’.
Companies are beginning to recognize the necessity of continuous automated testing of services and infrastructure , rather than a sporadic , one-off activity .
Another area presenting both challenges and opportunities is the private 5G space . Private 5G is deployed for enterprises of all sizes , which traditionally have smaller operational budgets and resources compared to the top-tier telcos . The real task lies in the packaging and operation of such solutions .
What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year , and how do you see these developing in the next 12 months ?
I still engage in engineering , but my role has expanded to include operations , technology direction , customer and partner engagement .
Looking forward , my focus will be on expanding the business into new areas , customers and technology domains . Although this involves a considerable amount of engineering and technology , it also requires an entrepreneurial , business-oriented approach .
What advice would you offer someone as aspiring to obtain a C-level position in your industry ?
Find a mentor and an executive coach . These two roles have been crucial in my journey to becoming a CTO . Career trajectory advice is essential and for many engineers a lot of the non-technical aspects of the job are often only learned on the job with an unfortunately wide range of mastery by the engineer . There are certain skills that may not be immediately apparent but are crucial for progression including leadership roles . For engineers , these often fall into the ‘ soft skills ’ category , such as interpersonal skills and dealing with external stakeholders . p
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