The importance of emotional intelligence to excel in tech leadership with Jonathan Gamez

The Spotlight Series - Don’t just survive, thrive!

Jonathan Gamez has over 20 years' experience in the IT and OT domains. He began his career as a software engineer and progressed through various leadership roles, including CTO at Interlate.
Jony explains how he first became interested in technology when he broke the family's new PC, a problem he needed to solve before his father discovered what he had done!
It took Jony over 6 months to secure his first paid role in tech. Prior to this, he did two unpaid internships at Mincom which set him up in his career. His advice to graduates and emerging professionals is to make sure you take any opportunity that come your way, even if it is not the ideal one because it will take you in the right direction.
He explains how the ability to really understand people and emotional intelligence are both critical to be successful in tech leadership. Jony advises developing your soft skills, for example by studying Behavourial Studies, as well as the importance of introspection and self reflection to progress in your career.
Jony discusses his predictions for digital transformation in mining and resources including:

• greater adoption of autonomous vehicles and robots
• the ability to remove people from the hazard and therefore do all the hazardous work remotely
• the AI revolution and importance of critical thinking skills.