The role of the CIO has changed dramatically over the past few years – especially the last three to four.  And the primary reason for this is the massive increase in the data we produce as individuals and, therefore, collectively as enterprises. When the amount of information increases in this dramatic manner, it stands to reason that the Chief Information Officer has a lot more to do in terms of controlling it and making it work for the organization.

These have been the two areas of my focus over these past few years. Actually, this control of information flow in the enterprise and harnessing it to create business value has always been my role. It has just become tremendously enhanced and exciting in these recent times. With the excitement, however, comes the stress of managing such volumes of valuable information and addressing the various strategic, tactical challenges that modern data ecosystems face, including (and at the top of the list) aspects such as governance and cyber security.

My typical day as a manager of information system frameworks is reflective of this major change in information systems themselves. I thought it would be of value, therefore, to outline what my typical day (and the day of any IS leader) looks like.

Well begun actually is half done – in more ways than one!

While I think it is true of most modern professions, the task of leading the management of complex information systems today is a highly stressful ask – one that takes a high degree of multi-tasking and concurrent focus on several strategic priorities. The golden hour from 6.30 onwards help me prepare for the excitement of the day ahead. I am a firm believer in the “healthy mind in healthy body” saying and my passion for cycling supports this intent. Every morning, I make it a point to cycle – to clear my mind and get alertness levels up. Cycling also gives me the focused time to get my thoughts sorted – I have realized over time that some of the best ideas come to me as I am out cycling.

The day is all about balance

As I mentioned, there are myriad priorities that the modern-day CIO has to account for. We live in a world surrounded by data but I refer to this as data madness. My actions and interactions through my day cover some of the most important aspects related to managing this data madness and introducing method into it.

Some of the most critical topics that my peers, business colleagues, team and I cover everyday centre around:

• Data aggregation and analytics to create insights to support business decisions and direction
• Cost and spend management to get targeted returns in an optimized manner
• Managing risks related to information systems and business continuity
• Always staying prepared and protected against cyberattacks
• Focusing on the creative ideation to drive strategic initiatives, examples of which include ERP modernization, B2B e-commerce, AI applications, etc.

As is visible from the list, the day in the life of a CIO is filled with the challenge of adapting to an exciting, new, digital-first world while ensuring that strong planning, program management and cost management help make it reality. Of course, there are several other aspects that are inherent in any leadership position – activities such as talent management, vendor ecosystem alignment and ensuring that IS teams rapidly adapt to organisational changes form part of the daily routine as well.

In all of this, the importance of “balance” cannot be understated. I strongly recommend that breaks during the day (a leisurely lunch alone or brainstorming with colleagues, a 15-minute walk every few hours to give the body the rejuvenation it needs, etc.) should form part of all our schedules.

Focusing on who we do it all for

At the end of the day, we do what we do to create a better future for our family and give ourselves an enriching existence. I make it a point therefore to leave office by 7.00 / 7.30 PM to give myself enough time with family and friends. Those who know me, know that I am passionate about my hobbies – pens, watches, video games and reading. These hobbies help me further strike the balance between the pressures of our professional existence and a fulfilling life.

Do what matters and do it well

Describing my day is my way of sharing what my life experiences have moulded me into. I truly believe that habits get formed young – of course, there is no age where one cannot reinvent themselves but the discipline one sets at a young age goes a long way in creating lasting personalities. The main advice I would have for young people, therefore, gets captured in that word I used here earlier – balance. Whether between physical wellbeing and mental, work priorities and family, this concept of balance is what will help achieve all that one aspires for. And more.