In this episode of Topline Talks, we are joined by Olivier Colinet, Chief Product and Technology Officer of ThinkProject, a SaaS provider to the construction and built asset industries. In this fascinating discussion, Olivier shares insights he’s learnt through his varied career. From starting as a data scientist at CERN, Olivier moved into technology and search, becoming a Co-Founder of Google Cloud in Europe, and later taking a consultancy role at EY. He is now the CPTO of PE-backed business, ThinkProject. In this episode he covers:
Technology as a transformer – moving away from the concept of technology as an enabler, viewing it instead as a disrupter and transformer
The evolution of software and technology – shifting complexity to behind the scenes and improving customer experience
Think big and challenge the status quo – learnings from 12 years at Google and the importance of having a constructive mindset
Recruiting for success – hiring people who are flexible, open to change, can think outside the box and focus on growth
Working as a team – understanding that you cannot succeed alone. You need the backing and support of those around you to drive a business forward
The benefits of PE-backed companies – sharing learnings and experiences from other organisations within the portfolio
The importance of understanding the different personalities in your team – as a leader, it is key that you appreciate how different people in your team operate, how they respond to change, and what they need to get excited by and on board with new ideas and directions
The differences in approach to technology across the globe – The UK prioritises value and is open to experimenting with new ideas, the rest of Europe is more cautious and often waits to adopt new propositions, while the US is often more open to technology for technology’s sake
Learning to live in a world with AI – how to use it to adapt what you’re doing to drive efficiencies.
Season Two of Topline Talks focuses on conversations with the C-Suite from a range of industries, offering insights and learnings from their careers, and providing tips and advice on how to succeed as a leader.
