Career & Leadership Journey

1. Can you tell us a little about your career journey? How did you transition into your current role?

My career journey has been a dynamic and enriching experience. I began my professional life in business finance in Turkey, and took on several roles in Strategy, Planning, and Operations in Europe, where I gained substantial insights into market dynamics, business performance management and organizational structures. Over time, I transitioned into management roles, taking on increasing responsibilities and leading diverse teams. 

Relocating to HPE headquarters in the US six years ago marked a pivotal moment in my career. Taking on the role of Chief of Staff for the company's CFO was both challenging and rewarding. I gained substantial experience in strategic planning and financial decision-making, as well as insight into the pivotal decisions that shape the company’s future. That experience led to my current role as the VP of Sales Strategy and Operations for HPE's Hybrid Cloud Sales organization. My current role integrates these experiences, enabling me to leverage my background to drive success of our sales organization. As I look back, every step of my journey has been about growth, learning, and embracing new challenges, and I carry those lessons with me every day.

2. Your experience spans multiple disciplines, including business strategy, operations, finance, and management. How have these diverse experiences shaped your approach to leadership and problem-solving?

They really shaped how I lead and solve problems. Business Finance and Strategy has taught me to think ahead and anticipate market shifts. Meanwhile, people management roles have helped me develop my skills to lead and inspire teams to solve complex and high impact business problems. I've had the chance to work on different levels of the company - across country, regional, and worldwide levels- which has given me some unique insights. This mix of those experiences allows me to blend big-picture thinking with hands-on execution and foster a team environment where we all collaborate to reach our goals.

3. Can you share your leadership philosophy and how you motivate your team?

It is all about trust, teamwork, and helping each other grow. I believe in setting a good example, aiming high, and making sure my team has what they need to succeed. I think it's important to create a shared vision and align everyone's goals with what we want to achieve as a group. I always try to keep communication open, celebrate wins, and offer chances for my team to learn and improve. I want everyone to feel appreciated and motivated to do their best.

4. How do you handle challenges and conflicts within your team?

I always strive to maintain a balance between empathy and assertiveness. My approach involves genuinely listening to my team members to understand their perspectives and the core of the issues. I believe in fostering an environment of mutual respect and trust, where everyone feels comfortable to share their opinions and concerns without fear of personal conflicts. Building strong, respectful relationships within the team is key for me, ensuring that we can collaboratively find solutions and move forward together.

Industry Trends & Business Strategy

1. What significant changes have you observed in your industry over the past few years?

IT industry has undergone transformative changes in recent years, driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving business needs. 

One of the most notable changes is the widespread adoption of Cloud. Organizations are increasingly migrating their operations to the cloud or building their own Private Cloud or Hybrid Cloud environments to leverage its scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. 

Other and probably one of the biggest game changing trends is AI and Machine Learning. AI has become a cornerstone of technological advancement in today’s world and is being leveraged to revolutionize industries and enhance human capabilities. At the heart of this technology lies data - massive amounts of data! The ability of AI to learn from data, identify patterns, and make decisions is what makes it so powerful and transformative.

With the increasing volume of data, we see a significant rise in cyber threats cause financial loss, reputational damage, and legal issues. Therefore, Data Protection and Security has evolved as another major trend in the industry. 

Again, with the increasing volume of data and the need to turn data into business insights, Quantum computing is becoming another emerging field to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds beyond the capabilities of traditional computers.

As I reflect on the rapid evolution of the IT industry, I am amazed at how it continually transforms how we live and work. Being part of this dynamic field excites me every day, as I witness firsthand the incredible advancements and innovations shaping our future.

2. How do you stay updated with industry trends and advancements?

I engage with professional networks, and follow industry developments through relevant publications and conferences. These activities provide me with valuable insights into the latest technology trends and evolving business needs. I believe that continuous learning and staying connected with peers are essential.

3. What are the key skills and qualities that professionals should develop to excel in today’s business landscape?

It's crucial to be adaptable and resilient. You have to keep learning because things change so fast. Think strategically, communicate well, and collaborate with others. Plus, having strong analytical skills is a big help in tackling challenges and making smart decisions.

Talent & Organizational Development

1. What strategies have you found effective in attracting top talent in your field?

I think the main factors are career growth and development opportunities, along with good pay and benefits. It's also important to create an inclusive and dynamic work environment where employees can freely share their ideas and feel genuinely valued and empowered.

2. How do you approach employee development and retention within your team or organization?

Employee development and retention are key to keeping the company on track. I make sure everyone has personal goals and development plans that match up with our business goals. Giving access to training, mentorship, and stretch projects helps employees develop their skills and advance their careers. As I mentioned previously, also fostering a culture of trust and respect, and recognizing and celebrating achievements really helps build a supportive, collaborative, and fun environment, which keeps everyone motivated to do their best and happy to stay.

3. Given your experience in business operations, what role do you think HR and talent acquisition play in driving company success?

HR and talent acquisition are crucial for company success. They identify and recruit people who fit organization's vision and culture. HR plays a key role to make sure employees are engaged, motivated, and supported, which helps create high-performing workforce that drives sustainable growth.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

1. What advice would you give to individuals aspiring to enter your field?

I'd say, keep learning and stay flexible. Develop a strong foundation in your field, but also be open to exploring different opportunities that can broaden your perspective. Be curious and brave enough to take on challenges and jump at chances that come your way. Making connections and building relationships are super important too, you can always learn a lot from others. And lastly, stay passionate and committed to your goals, as perseverance and dedication are key to long-term success.