Colt Technology Services CEO, Keri Gilder, is a pioneer in her industry as one of few women at the head of a global telecoms company.
Named CEO of the year at the World Communications Awards and a leader that “has the ability to move mountains” by the Global Telecoms Women’s Network, Keri’s passion is incredible.
Led by passion and experience, Keri is transforming both the telecoms industry and Colt itself.
Keri shares her vision for change in an interview with Mei Lee Quah who is Director of ICT for research at business consulting at Frost & Sullivan.
"The telecoms industry does need some forward-thinking. We are an industry that is aging and because of that, things have always been done a certain way. It is exceedingly difficult to change mentalities to do things differently. However, with the new era of software and software-defined networks, as well as the current economic climate that has triggered many mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the telecoms industry, things are starting to change rapidly," comments Keri.
"All of this is creating an environment that is rife for disruption. Companies may be large, but they must think about data differently. We must look at the digital infrastructure, and see how everything within it can be monetized, almost like how a real estate agency appraises property. We have not done that as an industry but now is the time to start."
One of Keri's other key focuses within Colt is promoting Inclusion and Diversity to ensure Colt is a business where everyone feels they can bring their true selves to work.
"One study found just 14% of telecoms firms have majority female ownership. We can do a lot more if we can get men in male executive roles to start looking at this as more of a strategic imperative and measuring it like one, instead of looking at it as a moral obligation," explains Keri.
"It is a business imperative, and if we do not take it seriously, then we will not be able to attract more talent into this industry. We need more ‘outside-in thinking’, more collaboration and more investigation into other industries."
Read the full interview with Colt CEO, Keri Gilder.
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