Warren Hero, current CDO/CIO of Webber Wentzel, and former CTO for Microsoft SA, says stewardship is at the core of what he does.
"When I joined Webber Wentzel, they didn't have a job description for me, so when I was asked to supply one, I printed out a page of the sustainable development goals. They were surprised, but part of what I learned at Microsoft is that I have the ability to connect people to the things that matter to society."
From an IT point of view, Hero looks at sustainability goals, which he says will determine whether or not our world survives. "From an IT point of view, I think about our accountability and responsibility because we are such big power consumers. From a spend perspective, we contribute to nearly every sector of the economy, and we have the ability to transform our spend to empower our communities."
He has completed a variety of coaching and mentorship programmes, and has mentored young leaders through the GIBS women's development programme, Imbokodo.
"The way we think about work in South Africa is still far too narrow. The path from education, such as a technical degree, to gainful employment is also far too long," he says, adding that he is working with the JSE, Wits and others to close this gap and bring communities closer together in dialogue.
His career began in 1992, when he worked at the SABC as a freelance presenter. Following graduation, he established and managed call centres for various companies, including MultiChoice, DStv, International Healthcare Distributors and Van de Venter Meiring Attorneys. Since then, he has worked at several major organisations, including Absa, EDS, Nedbank, FNB and the Gauteng Provincial Government.
Warren Hero, CDO/CIO of Webber Wentzel, and former CTO for Microsoft SA, believes in the importance of doing good while doing good business. And the core belief statement: We believe that working together changes lives!
Other three Visionary CIO finalists
Andre le Roux: Making a positive change
Jacques Barkhuizen: Disrupting the local market
Kevin Wilson: A master 'Jack of all trades'
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