Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni – a name in the software industry you should know or at least have heard. As Technology and Innovation Strategist at SAP, she is an expert in the German tech industry. She also serves as a mentor at Techstars Berlin and Editorial Board Member at Delphi Journal. Moreover, she is chairwoman of the Remuneration at Wirecard AG and member of the Risk & Compliance Committee.
All those positions qualify her as a tech expert, particularly when it comes to the implementation of the newest technologies in companies. This was one of the reasons why we were glad to welcome her as a speaker at the Global Female Leaders summit. We also had the honor to interview her and get some insights about all the uncertainties leaders have concerning technology. This article gives a summary of that interview. If you would like to have all of Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni’s exclusive insights, watch the full video below!
We all know some technological trends that promise to simplify our companies’ processes. There are several tools on the rise, but Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni highlighted five of them we should focus on if we strive for success.
First, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in every thinkable form is on the rise. Building on that, automation becomes highly important. Every AI technology needs to become as automatic as possible – which leads us to the third trend: Block Chain. This kind of technology is definitely needed to enable engagement between those autonomous things. Fourthly, the Multi Cloud becomes necessary, because all of the previous technologies depend on a cloud.
How the user experiences technology
You are probably thinking: Where is the fifth tool we promised before? Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni admitted that it is not a technology per se, it rather concerns the way we use all of the previous named. This is probably the most important point. All technologies can be totally useless and a waste of time and energy if leaders do not know first how they can support their businesses best.
According to Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni, a recent study said that up to 1.2 trillion dollars have been spent on digital transformation projects. Almost 800 billion of them were just wasted. The reason is that businesses are afraid of staying behind and therefore enforce the implementation of technologies that does not really serve their processes.
As business leaders, we have to put the user into the center.
Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni, Technology and Innovation Strategist at SAP, Germany
This is probably Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni’s biggest advice. Before applying any technology, first have a look at what users want to achieve. Which business problem are you trying to solve? Which value do you want to create for the customer? These are the real questions. Afterwards, leaders have to inform themselves about different technologies and what they are capable of. The secret is to find that one technology that is qualified to solve your problem and apply it properly. Doing so, you can be sure to invest your money wisely.
Innovation starts at the top
Technology can help companies succeed, but in combination with innovation, it is unbeatable. Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni said that innovation should always start at the top. The management board has to create a mindset for innovation inside the company. They need to build space and room for training, development and innovative ideas. Only in this way, innovation can be achieved. It has to be brought into the core of business processes.
If your company reached this step, you should ask yourself what innovation should accomplish for you. Do you want to create new products or services? Or do you want to even disrupt your own industry? Deciding on one of them can lead you in the right direction.
Technology is not a means to an end. It is just an enabler.
Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni, Technology and Innovation Strategist at SAP, Germany
Since the Global Female Leaders summit was made from women for women, we asked ourselves why there are fewer women involved in innovative projects. Is it really just the company’s fold to hire more men than women in particular positions? Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni’s opinion is clear: The problem is manifold – and so is the solution.
Only 20% of women are actually available for hiring in higher positions. Therefore, the solution should start at education and social behavior as a whole. Political, social and economic factors should be considered. All institutes need to come together to support the rise of women in tech and innovation sectors.
If you want to read more about digital trends, you should definitely check the particular blog post! This is not the only expert interview we have done at the Global Female Leaders summit 2019. So have a look at our YouTube channel to watch more!
