Vanguard Magazine

42 DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 www.vanguardcanada.com Game Changer See the full interview online Q What is your role at your organization today? My official title is Professional Services Manager, I manage four distinct teams that range from field sales engineers to solutions engineers and architects as well as technical trainers. That's the of- ficial on paper description, however, I would describe my role as more of an enabling type of position. I try to create an environment that is positive and em- braces our company culture, encourage my team members to do well, give con- structive feedback and try to give them the tools and resources they need to be successful in their careers. Q What was your most challenging moment? Becoming a father. I don't think any- thing can fully prepare you for it, but like most things in life you adapt, and what seems like a challenge at first can become a blessing and be one of the most rewarding elements in life. I'm blessed with four wonderful children. My wife likes to remind me from time to time that I turned white as a ghost in the delivery room. Q What was your aha moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our reader, tell us that story. There's no single aha moment per se, but I'll answer more broadly here. Some things I've learned over the years is the importance of having a strong team behind you and working in a company with strong leadership is key. Treat your team and your customers with respect as you need them! Q What is the one thing that has you most fired up today? I think there are so many exciting chang- es happening now. Technology is evolv- ing, we are doing some amazing things here at Axis and making a real impact. Even though 2020 has been a tough year for a lot of people, businesses, and the economy, there are also opportuni- ties because of it, and I can't wait to con- quer 2021. Q What people or organizations do you believe best embody the innovation mindset? For me, innovation means also adapt- ing to change even in the face of adver- sity. This year I've been particularly im- pressed with some of the large grocery retailers adapting to the situation and how they are making groceries accessible for people at home. The applications and services have become a lot more intuitive and accessible. It is not only an essential service, but it's also about convenience and this may change the way groceries are done forever. And who doesn't like to avoid long lineups! Q What are some of the biggest impediments to innovation in your industry sector? Dependencies on third-party CPU man- ufacturers. From almost the inception when Axis started to develop its own CPU's, known as ARTPEC. It gives us much more control and flexibility in what we can do with our products. It makes us more difficult to copy. If you're busy copying, then you're not do- ing enough innovating. Q How has innovation become engrained in your organization's culture and how is it being optimized? Axis is very sharing of knowledge with all its employees. We are brought up to speed on new technologies, given opportunities to provide feedback and ask questions, and are well prepared with knowledge when products come to market. We all get to be a part of it and that is important and a big part of our "Always Open "core value. Q What technologies, business models, and trends will drive the biggest changes in your industry over the next two years? I'll give three IoT, cybersecurity, and AI. End customers are (and should be) ex- pecting more from manufacturers in these areas. In areas of IoT and the push of 5G allowing for even more devices to be add- ed in areas such as smart lighting. IT depts are tightening up on network security as cyberattacks and breaches increase, hence we see more demand for products that are cyber secure. AI - more intelligence at the edge to create actionable events and gather more useful data from video. Q What is your parting piece of advice? It's too easy to get comfortable and com- placent, especially if you've been at the same company or in the same role for many years. My advice is to approach things with an open mind, embrace change, and try different things. Never stop learning, the world is changing at a rapid pace and it's easy to fall behind. Learn to switch off for the sake of a work/ life balance this has never been more im- portant than it is today. Gavin Daly Professional services Manager Axis CommuniCAtions

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