Executive Trends in Technology

2020 was the year of digital transformation. I dare say that companies that have not digitally transformed in such a scenario as the one we faced, maybe won’t anymore. Businesses had to maintain their survival through technology in all senses and those companies that were pending transformation had their plans accelerated with the pandemic.

Since then, all angles of work relations, client relations, and market relations have become digital.

CHANGE HAPPENS

Either a kick start or a full-speed journey, CEOs had to face digital transformation as an emergency step in their paths. However, not many businesses changed CEOs during the early months of the pandemic – probably because the change of command generally does not happen suddenly. Many other C-level positions did change though. But now, as the insights on the future of businesses has become clearer, changes in high command are starting to happen to meet new leadership visions – most including fast paced digital transformation / consolidation plans.

THE NEW CEO

The new CEO is a small adjustment to the old CEO. They are increasingly demanded to work on their ability to make swift / agile decisions. If there is anything that we have learned during this time is that the market changes fast and testing new possibilities and pivoting is key.

The new CEO must have a strong set of analytical skills to base decisions on. We are searching for leaders that are focused less on intuition and more on concrete data analysis – finding the best use of data analytics to leverage new technologies for the business.

Our new CEOs must have a willingness to change and adapt to internal and external/market changes. Some of the traits that we look for are openness and creative problem solving.

Today, with many companies moving toward a direct to consumer approach, customer experience becomes key. B2B, B2C or B2B2C businesses – all of them - will have to increasingly focus on the client experience and not only on the quality of products/services offered.

NEW WORLD, NEW FRONTIERS

Regardless of countries and cultural differences, CEOs will have to get used to all types of needs for change in much shorter cycles – technologies evolve fast and permeate all businesses, everywhere. 2021 brings the challenge of a new way of operating companies. For example, how can businesses create company culture (and keep it alive) with remote structures? How can the CEO promote engagement and growth in a new operating remote/mixed way? How do we leverage new technologies available to improve businesses as a whole? A whole new world offers a whole new set of questions and challenges.

Click the banner to read insights from our technology practice partners from around the world where they share their observations about the trends in tech this year and what you should keep in mind for the future.

If you have more questions, feel free to send me a message.

Fernanda Amorim Senior Partner, Latin America [email protected]