Bridging business and IT for customer centric solution

Embracing cutting-edge technologies, fostering collaboration and inclusivity, and making a tangible impact with Old Mutual IT

In the world of IT, innovation and evolution are essential to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. For those who thrive on variety and are driven to make a tangible impact, Old Mutual is the perfect place to be.

I started my journey with Old Mutual in 2004 as a developer. But I soon found myself drawn to systems analysis and took on a dual role. I have always been someone who enjoys exploring different avenues, and so I moved between roles quite often, managing teams and mentoring other developers. Eventually, I found myself in an architecture role, and I have never looked back since.

In the world of IT, there are countless paths one can take, each with its unique set of challenges and rewards. For some, it's all about coding, while others thrive on the technical aspects of architecture. As a Practice Solution Architect at Old Mutual, it's all about bridging the gap between business and IT to deliver solutions that have a tangible impact on customers.

The emphasis we place on customer-centricity is one of the things I value most about working at Old Mutual. The customer is always at the forefront of our minds, and we strive to champion their needs and interests in everything we do. When we encounter a problem or challenge, the first question we ask ourselves is, "how will this impact our customer?" It's this kind of thinking that ensures that the business and IT are always aligned, working towards a common goal of delivering value.

Since joining Old Mutual, the focus has evolved from purely business-driven needs to exploring cutting edge technologies and embracing a startup culture. While we've stabilised and built some of the best products in the industry, we're constantly looking for ways to innovate and grow. Our recent completion of a cloud journey has been a game-changer, enabling us to quickly introduce changes, experiment with different technologies, and try out new ideas much more efficiently. With cloud technology, we can fail fast and learn quickly, which has been a key driver of innovation within our teams. Despite being a large organisation with legacy systems, there's a lot of movement and innovation happening at Old Mutual. Innovation is now an integral part of our sprint cycles and delivery process, and we're excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

To ensure that we continue to stay ahead of the curve and equip our employees with the necessary skills and knowledge we host hackathons. Not only do they allow us to showcase new technologies, but they also provide a forum to collaboratively solve real business challenges with innovative solutions. As a judge for several of these events, I've witnessed how they unify our team and inspire creative thinking. In addition, hackathons provide a unique platform for young talent to share their fresh ideas and opinions to push boundaries with forward-thinking solutions.

One area that particularly excites me is the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in our industry. At Old Mutual, we're carefully exploring the latest developments in technology, such as machine learning, real time data streaming and automation of manual tasks. By embracing these new advancements, we can improve the experience of our customers and position ourselves as leaders in the IT space. I am proud that we are committed to innovating and exploring new technologies in a responsible and effective way.

Staying at the forefront of the industry also means truly living and breathing our values. This includes our commitment to learning and development. I have been given the opportunity to bolster my career, taking on new challenges and expanding my skill set with access to a range of free courses and training opportunities available to all employees. We also foster a culture of collaboration and support, rather than competition. This is exemplified by our structured mentoring program, where experienced team members provide guidance to new employees. We believe that by learning from one another, we can all grow together and achieve our common goals.

My job has taken me to Las Vegas twice for IT conferences, giving me the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the newest tech developments while taking in the sights and sounds of the city. And when I won a prize for disruptive innovation and impactful collaboration, Old Mutual sent me on an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai - a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I'll always treasure. But my travels haven't just been about fun and excitement. I've also been able to collaborate with companies in the UK and India, broadening my professional horizons while exploring new cultures and cuisines.

When it comes to supporting women in tech, Old Mutual's commitment is exemplified by the actions of its women leaders. Deputy Chief Information Officer May Govender, organisation of women's breakfasts to foster connection and accessibility is an ideal example. This approachability is also reflected in the HR team, who are always available and supportive. Our IT department is predominantly made up of women, which is a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion. By valuing and supporting its female employees through such actions, Old Mutual has built an organisation that retains and values its people.

I have found my calling at Old Mutual and am constantly amazed by the forward-thinking approach and commitment to customer-centricity that permeates throughout the organisation. Our focus on innovation has enabled us to embrace cutting-edge technologies, foster a culture of collaboration and create an environment where our people can thrive. I am looking forward to continuing my journey here, leading the way in IT and making a difference in the industry.