Name: Alex Galho

Title: CIO

Organisation: VIVEST

Visionary IT Executive with over 30 years of strategic leadership in CIO / CTO and CISO roles. Proven expertise in driving digital transformation, spearheading mergers and acquisitions, and fostering cultural change to modernize technology landscapes across Financial Services, Consulting, and Insurance sectors: Financial Services, Consulting, Private Pension Insurance, and Complementary sectors.

Passionate about continuous learning and innovation, I actively participate in global industry events to stay ahead of technological trends. My leadership is marked by a proactive approach to identifying and leveraging growth opportunities, focusing on customer-centric strategies and digital excellence. A dynamic leader with a track record of energizing teams to achieve outstanding results. I have successfully driven the digital transformation and cloud modernization of a 50-year-old institution, fostering an agile mindset company-wide and delivering a 10% improvement in operational efficiency.

Consolidated experience in the inspection of one of the biggest evolutions of the payments industry and in the implementation of a modern credit-granting system, user experience, and relationship with strategic partners. With strong leadership skills and the engagement and energization of employees, I currently promote digital transformation and the modernization of the ON-PRIMSE technology park to 100% cloud of a 50-year-old company, introducing an agile mindset throughout the company.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Alex's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

"Building trust as a CIO involves a combination of transparency, communication, and consistent actions. Here are some key strategies you can consider:

1. Transparency and Honesty: Be open about company goals, challenges, and decisions. Share both successes and setbacks with your team and stakeholders to build credibility. 2. Effective Communication: Maintain regular and clear communication channels. This includes listening to feedback, addressing concerns promptly, and ensuring everyone is informed about important updates.

3. Lead by Example: Demonstrate the values and behaviors you expect from others. Show integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic in your actions.

4. Empower and Support Your Team: Provide employees with the resources and autonomy they need to succeed. Recognize their achievements and support their professional growth.

5. Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritize customer needs and feedback. Show that you value their input by making improvements based on their suggestions and addressing their concerns effectively.

6. Consistency: Be consistent in your decisions and actions. This helps in building a reliable and predictable environment, which is crucial for trust.

7. Build Relationships: Invest time in building personal relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders. Understand their perspectives and show genuine interest in their well-being.

8. Ethical Practices: Uphold high ethical standards in all business practices. Ensure that your company’s actions align with its values and commitments.

By focusing on these areas, you can foster a culture of trust and collaboration within your organization and with external stakeholders. "

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

"Vision and Mission are fundamental concepts that guide an organization's direction and purpose. Here's what they mean and how they can be applied in real-world business: Vision

Vision is a forward-looking statement that defines what an organization aspires to become in the future. It provides a long-term perspective and serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for employees and stakeholders. What it looks like in a real-world business:

• Guiding Decisions: A clear vision helps in making strategic decisions that align with the long-term goals of the organization.

• Inspiring Employees: It motivates employees by giving them a sense of purpose and direction.

• Attracting Stakeholders: A compelling vision can attract investors, partners, and customers who share similar values and aspirations.

Mission is a statement that defines the organization's core purpose and focus. It describes what the organization does, who it serves, and how it serves them. The mission is more immediate and action-oriented compared to the vision. What it looks like in a real-world business:

• Operational Focus: The mission guides daily operations and decision-making processes, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the organization's core purpose.

• Customer Engagement: It helps in communicating the organization's purpose to customers, building trust, and loyalty.

• Employee Alignment: A clear mission ensures that all employees understand their roles and how they contribute to the organization's goals.

Using Vision and Mission in Practice

1. Communication: Regularly communicate the vision and mission to employees and stakeholders through meetings, newsletters, and other channels.

2. Integration: Integrate the vision and mission into the company's culture, policies, and procedures.

3. Measurement: Set measurable goals and objectives that align with the vision and mission, and track progress regularly.

4. Adaptation: Be willing to adapt the vision and mission as the organization grows and the market evolves.

By effectively utilizing vision and mission statements, you can create a cohesive and motivated organization that is aligned towards achieving its long-term goals. "

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

"Empowering people as a leader involves creating an environment where employees feel valued, trusted, and capable of making meaningful contributions. Here are some effective ways to empower your team:

1. Delegate Authority

• Trust and Responsibility: Assign tasks and responsibilities that challenge employees and trust them to make decisions. This shows confidence in their abilities and encourages ownership.

• Clear Expectations: Provide clear guidelines and expectations, but allow flexibility in how tasks are accomplished.

2. Provide Resources and Support

• Tools and Training: Ensure employees have access to the necessary tools, training, and resources to perform their jobs effectively.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Offer guidance and support through mentorship programs and regular feedback sessions.

3. Encourage Innovation and Creativity

• Open Environment: Foster a culture where new ideas are welcomed and valued. Encourage employees to think creatively and propose innovative solutions.

• Risk-Taking: Support calculated risk-taking and learn from failures without placing blame.

4. Recognize and Reward Achievements

• Acknowledgment: Regularly recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements. This can be through formal awards, public recognition, or simple thank-you notes.

• Incentives: Provide incentives such as bonuses, promotions, or additional responsibilities to motivate and reward high performance.

5. Foster Open Communication

• Feedback Channels: Create open channels for feedback and ensure that employees feel heard. Act on their suggestions and concerns to show that their input matters.

• Transparency: Maintain transparency in decision-making processes and keep employees informed about changes and developments.

6. Encourage Professional Growth

• Career Development: Support employees' career aspirations by providing opportunities for advancement, such as training programs, workshops, and career path planning.

• Skill Development: Encourage continuous learning and skill development to help employees grow in their roles.

7. Build a Positive Work Culture

• Inclusivity: Promote an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels respected and valued.

• Work-Life Balance: Support work-life balance by offering flexible working arrangements and promoting a healthy work environment.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a supportive and empowering environment that enables your team to thrive and achieve their full potential. "

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

Reflecting on the mentors and coaches who have positively influenced your leadership can be a powerful exercise. Here’s how you might approach this question: Coaches and Mentors. Think about individuals who have guided you, offered valuable advice, or inspired you in your career. These could be former bosses, colleagues, professional coaches, or even influential figures outside of your immediate professional circle.

Meaningful Story: I choose my own story that highlights a significant lesson or moment of growth. Here’s one of the most influential mentors in my life was my first manager, Sarah. She had a unique ability to see potential in people and was committed to helping them grow.

Story: Early in my career, I was working on a critical project that required a lot of coordination and problem-solving. I was relatively new and felt overwhelmed by the responsibility. Sarah (illustration name) noticed my struggle and took the time to sit down with me. She shared her own experiences of feeling similarly overwhelmed early in her career and how she overcame those challenges. Sarah didn’t just give me advice; she empowered me to find my own solutions. She encouraged me to break down the project into manageable tasks and prioritize them. She also introduced me to key stakeholders and facilitated connections that were crucial for the project’s success.

One day, when a major issue arose, I felt confident enough to propose a solution and present it to the team. The solution was well-received, and the project was completed successfully. Sarah’s mentorship taught me the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and the value of building strong relationships. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also shaped my approach to leadership. I learned the importance of empowering others, providing support without micromanaging, and fostering an environment where team members feel valued and capable.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

"Maintaining focus as a leader often involves knowing what to avoid as much as what to do. Here are some key strategies to help you stay focused:

1. Avoid Micromanaging

• Trust Your Team: Delegate tasks and trust your team to handle them. Micromanaging can lead to burnout and stifle creativity.

• Empowerment: Empower your team to make decisions and solve problems independently.

2. Limit Distractions

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries for your work time. Limit unnecessary meetings and interruptions.

• Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-impact tasks and delegate or defer less critical ones.

3. Avoid Overcommitting

• Know Your Limits: Be realistic about what you can achieve. Overcommitting can lead to stress and decreased productivity.

• Learn to Say No: Politely decline tasks or projects that do not align with your priorities or capacity.

4. Stay Away from Negative Influences

• Positive Environment: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Avoid those who drain your energy or create unnecessary conflict.

• Focus on Solutions: Encourage a solution-oriented mindset rather than dwelling on problems.

5. Avoid Information Overload

• Filter Information: Be selective about the information you consume. Focus on sources that are relevant and beneficial to your role.

• Regular Breaks: Take regular breaks to clear your mind and avoid burnout from constant information intake.

6. Don't Neglect Self-Care

• Health and Well-being: Prioritize your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep are crucial for maintaining focus.

• Work-Life Balance: Ensure a healthy balance between work and personal life to stay refreshed and motivated.

7. Avoid Reactive Decision-Making

• Strategic Thinking: Take time to think strategically rather than reacting impulsively to situations.

• Long-Term Goals: Keep your long-term goals in mind and make decisions that align with them.

By focusing on these strategies, you can maintain clarity and direction in your leadership role. "

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

"Effective planning is crucial for achieving both short-term and long-term goals. Here’s how you can approach planning for different timeframes in your role:

Weekly Planning

1. Set Priorities: Identify the most important tasks and goals for the week. Focus on high-impact activities that align with your strategic objectives.

2. Create a Schedule: Allocate specific time blocks for meetings, focused work, and breaks. Use tools like calendars and task management apps to stay organized.

3. Review and Adjust: At the end of each week, review your progress and adjust your plans for the following week based on what was accomplished and any new priorities.

Monthly Planning

1. Define Monthly Goals: Break down your annual goals into monthly milestones. This makes larger objectives more manageable and trackable.

2. Plan Key Projects: Identify key projects or initiatives that need to be completed within the month. Assign deadlines and responsibilities to ensure accountability.

3. Monitor Progress: Regularly check in on the progress of monthly goals and projects. Adjust plans as needed to stay on track.

Annual Planning

1. Set Strategic Goals: Define your long-term vision and strategic goals for the year. These should align with the overall mission and vision of the organization.

2. Develop an Action Plan: Break down strategic goals into actionable steps and assign timelines. This helps in creating a roadmap for the year.

3. Review and Reflect: Conduct quarterly reviews to assess progress towards annual goals. Reflect on what’s working and what needs adjustment to stay aligned with your strategic vision.

Tools and Techniques

• Task Management Systems: Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Planner to organize tasks and projects.

• Calendars: Utilize digital calendars to schedule meetings, deadlines, and important events.

• Regular Meetings: Hold regular team meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and realign priorities.

• Feedback Loops: Establish feedback mechanisms to gather input from your team and stakeholders, ensuring plans remain relevant and effective.

By planning effectively across different timeframes, you can ensure that your daily activities contribute to your long-term goals, creating a cohesive and strategic approach to leadership. Effective? "

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

"Delegating effectively is a crucial skill for any leader, and it can be challenging to master. Here’s some advice for a young leader struggling with delegation:

1. Understand the Importance of Delegation

• Efficiency: Delegation allows you to focus on high-priority tasks and strategic planning, while your team handles other responsibilities.

• Development: It provides growth opportunities for your team members, helping them develop new skills and gain confidence.

2. Identify the Right Tasks to Delegate

• Routine Tasks: Delegate routine or administrative tasks that don’t require your direct involvement.

• Development Opportunities: Assign tasks that can help team members grow and develop their skills.

3. Choose the Right People

• Strengths and Skills: Match tasks with team members’ strengths and skills. Consider their workload and capacity to ensure they can handle the additional responsibilities.

• Interest and Motivation: Delegate tasks to those who show interest and motivation in taking on new challenges.

4. Provide Clear Instructions

• Expectations: Clearly communicate the objectives, deadlines, and any specific requirements for the task.

• Resources: Ensure they have the necessary resources and information to complete the task successfully.

5. Trust Your Team

• Autonomy: Give your team the autonomy to complete tasks in their own way. Avoid micromanaging and trust them to deliver results.

• Support: Be available for guidance and support, but don’t interfere unnecessarily.

6. Monitor Progress and Provide Feedback

• Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and address any issues. This helps keep the task on track without micromanaging.

• Constructive Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to help the team. Accept that tasks may not be done exactly as you would do them. Focus on the outcome rather than the process.

• Trust Building: Building trust takes time. Start with smaller tasks and gradually delegate more significant responsibilities as your confidence in your team grows.

7. Reflect and Adjust

• Review: After tasks are completed, review the delegation process. Identify what worked well and what could be improved.

• Adapt: Use these insights to refine your delegation approach and become more effective over time.

By following these steps, a young leader can build confidence in their delegation skills and create a more empowered and productive team. "