Memo Hayek, CIO & CTO, Executive Leader, previously Nine Entertainment & CBA, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of leading global IT teams.

In a chat with ADAPT’s Principal Research Analyst Peter Hind, Memo shared insights into her approach to fostering collaboration, managing diversity, and driving success in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Memo joins 180 CIOs and IT leaders to debate strategies and actionable ways to achieve operating excellence at CIO Edge. 

 

The Foundation of Global IT Leadership

Hayek emphasises the importance of a clear vision, strategy, and roadmap that aligns with the overall business objectives.

This shared understanding ensures that everyone is pulling in the same direction, regardless of their location or cultural background.

The use of global tools and agile methodologies further facilitates collaboration and prioritisation across different regions.

 

Navigating Cultural Diversity

Leading a team of 400+ individuals across 20+ cultures presents unique challenges.

Hayek views this diversity as an opportunity, recognising the power of diverse perspectives.

She stresses the importance of authentic leadership, emphasising that doing what you say you’re going to do resonates across cultures.

Local leadership teams, hired from within their respective markets, play a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding.

 

The Power of Personal Connection

While technology enables virtual collaboration, Hayek acknowledges the importance of personal interaction.

She strategically places key leaders in each region to act as her “lieutenants,” providing mentorship, support, and guidance to local teams.

Regular virtual all-hands meetings further strengthen connections and foster a sense of community across the global team.

 

Embracing Diversity as an Opportunity

As a woman leading a global IT team, Hayek has encountered challenges related to gender diversity and cultural perceptions.

She approaches these challenges with resilience and optimism, viewing diversity as a source of strength.

Her focus on authentic leadership and delivering on commitments transcends gender and cultural barriers.

 

Key takeaways:

  • Establish a clear vision and strategy: A shared understanding of goals and priorities is essential for aligning a global team.
  • Embrace diversity: Recognise the power of diverse perspectives and leverage them to drive innovation and success.
  • Foster personal connections: While technology enables virtual collaboration, prioritise personal interaction to build trust and strengthen relationships.
  • Lead with authenticity: Be true to yourself and your values, and demonstrate commitment to your team and the organisation’s goals.
Contributors
Memo Hayek CIO & CTO, Executive Leader, previously Nine Entertainment & CBA
A visionary and value-oriented Chief Information Officer with extensive global experience in planning, developing, and implementing cutting edge technology strategies that digitise,... More

A visionary and value-oriented Chief Information Officer with extensive global experience in planning, developing, and implementing cutting edge technology strategies that digitise, transform and enable business differentiation, optimisation and sustainable growth. As an executive leader collaborates with executive teams to align technology strategy with businesses and the wider corporate vision.

With a career spanning leading financial institutions globally, including Credit Suisse, CBA, Westpac, Macquarie, and NAB, has extensive experience in design and delivery of cost-effective technology solutions to address complex business problems, embed robust operational risk management, digitise and drive customer experience. This is combined with business intelligence, commercial acumen, and cyber security to enable market-attuned growth, future-proof businesses, and innovation with deep expertise in all aspects of project lifecycle, from feasibility analysis and conceptual design, through to implementation.

A track record of building and leading large teams high performance teams that are industry-leading, multidisciplinary, and geographical dispersed with deep skills across IT and businesses that are engaged and focused with vast experience in insourcing and outsourcing models. A strong advocate for and fosters inclusive, diverse and continuous learning cultures.

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modernisation transformation skills