Tales of Tech

For businesses to fully prosper, the adoption and implementation of IT solutions is arguably non-negotiable and can sometimes be a jarring process. Fast Company SA chats to Basha Pillay, executive head for cloud and collaboration at Internet Solutions, about streamlining this transition, productivity, and his passion for tech in every sphere of life.

BY FARAH KHALFE

Can you tell us a bit about your background? Your education, career journey and how you got to where you are today?

I’ve been operating in the IT industry for over 25 years. I started as a self-taught developer for about five years, moved on to project and programme management for an additional three years before being appointed as a National Resource Manager. It was only after being chosen to attend a management development programme that I truly found my calling around innovation. I spent the next three years managing a team of innovation consultants who assisted with building new business ideas and teams, incubated programmes and cultivated ideas within the organisation.

It was then that the entrepreneurial side of me kicked in. I broke away from the corporate environment to start my own enterprise mobility and innovation consultancy. While consulting for an organisation on their enterprise mobility strategy, I was offered the opportunity to be a business unit Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for a large ICT company that operated across the Middle East and Africa. I’ve always wanted to do more across the rest of Africa and jumped at the opportunity to be part of this dynamic organisation. Since then, I’ve facilitated various roles over the last six years, including my current role as the Executive Head of their Cloud and Collaboration Business Unit.

What does your role of Executive Head at Internet Solutions entail?

I manage a business that creates and deploys products and services that facilitate organisations ambitions to becoming more digital and more agile. We believe in creating rich digital experiences for our clients through leading connectivity and platform technologies while underpinned by robust security.

Have you always had an interest in IT? How did you know this was a sector you wanted to be in?

Interestingly enough, I actually studied Dentistry for three years before realising that technology was what I was meant to be doing. I have always had a passion and interest in the technology space. It was probably around the age of about nine when my dad bought us a Commodore 64 computer that connected to our TV, that I should have known where my calling would be. I clearly remember spending hours and hours on this unit writing lines of programming and the sheer joy I felt after running code and seeing the most basic of games as an outcome. I don’t think I’ve ever stopped tinkering around with technology since then.

What are the biggest transformations you have witnessed in the sector in South Africa over the years?

The biggest transformation I’ve been able to witness is the impact IT has made on the business world. Whereas 10 years ago, IT was seen as a grudge purchase for most businesses. Today it’s embedded in every aspect of business. In fact, what we’re seeing now is the complete opposite of what we saw 15 years ago. Initially, IT would lead the technology charge for businesses whereas nowadays, IT departments are being left behind, and it’s the business areas that are leading the charge of adopting newer and better technologies.

How does South Africa fare in terms of the digitisation of industries and IoT?

I believe South Africa has some of the leading minds driving the digitisation and innovation across organisations. Unfortunately, we are also a nation that is very cautious in nature and so it will take time to see the proliferation and adoption of these leading technologies. I do believe that the financial and health industries are leading this digital transformation change due to the sheer disruption that is happening across those industries today.

How do you ensure that you always have your finger on the pulse of where technology is headed?

In a space that is changing at such a rapid pace, it’s about being able to constantly expose yourself to the different mediums of information around you and following the leaders at the edge of this technology change. It also helps that I have a love and passion for technology and don’t see it as a 9 to 5 job so I’m constantly playing and testing new things.

What is your take on the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

I believe we’re seeing the dawn of a digital revolution. We are moving into an age where we’re seeing a fusion of the digital, physical and biological coming together. And it’s absolutely a revolution. It’s aggressive, almost violent in nature, and hugely disruptive. Even more so, it’s exponential in terms of the pace of change happening. It is completely redefining the business landscape in the world across pretty much every industry.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I believe that my biggest strength as a leader is being able to identify the strengths and skills of others. My leadership style is all about bringing the right people together, exposing their strengths and then getting out of their way so that they can help us achieve what we need to. I’m all about the power of the collective and trying to build cohesive teams that are able to lean on each other when and where needed.

What are your top tips for achieving productivity in work and in life?

Never stop learning. Create a balance between work, play and family. Download an app called Audible and listen to books while sitting in traffic. Find 10 inspirational leaders in your space and follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn or some other social media. Learn from others. Don’t re-invent the wheel.

What are some of your favourite tech gadgets that boosts productivity and time-management?

I still love my iPhone and have found a good mix of apps that allow me to be productive and manage my time. With the latest updates, my phone even forces me to shut down and move off technology when needed. I also use smart assistants like Siri, Google Home and Zoom.ai to provide me with more information as and when I need it during the day. I love that I have most of the Apple ecosystem devices that seamlessly work together and allow me to move from one device to the other without missing a beat.

How do you maintain peace of mind when under pressure?

Surround yourself with the best people you know and remember to stay calm. I’m one of those people that actually thrive under pressure and embrace the challenge that it sometimes brings.

What books have inspired you in life?

On the personal front, Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom and on the work front I recently read Satya Nadella’s book Hit Refresh, which speaks to being a humble leader and trying to use your role to better the world.

What is your business philosophy?

Be disruptive, challenge yourself and always look to leave a legacy that makes the world a better place from whence you found it, in whatever way you can.