Name: Ali Simnad

Title: Chief Product Officer

Organisation: Nuventi

One of Ali’s favorite quotes is “Innovation is anything, but business as usual. ”(Anonymous) because he is passionate about innovation and business transformation. More specifically by bringing new, innovative products to market and positioning them that builds a strong brand, mindshare, and relevance with customers, partners, and internal/external communities.

Ali has hands-on experience in product development, marketing, and strategy. During the past two decades, his primary focus has been developing and marketing products that run and manage business-critical applications for data centers and the cloud to AI/Machine learning and most recently Generative AI.

Ali has also been involved in several Silicon Valley start-ups & established large enterprises like Nvidia, Dell/EMC, Veritas, Pryon, Micron, and Dvsum.ai.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Ali's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

1. Mentoring and building a strong cadre of capable leaders has been a fulfilling yet challenging aspect of leadership. Nurturing talent and fostering a culture of growth have been instrumental in driving the team's success.

2. Balancing delegation and hands-on involvement has been a crucial leadership challenge.

3. Adapting swiftly to evolving technology and market trends demands constant learning.

4. Setting clear, achievable goals aligned with the organizational vision is key.

5. Balancing innovation with stability in processes remains a recurrent challenge.

6. Effective cross-departmental communication requires ongoing effort.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Becoming a leader isn't a fixed destination but an ongoing journey. It hinges on a thirst for learning, problem-solving, adept bridge-building, mentorship, and being a valuable resource to others.

In my journey, assuming progressively larger roles allowed me to lead teams and spearhead complex initiatives. This journey, filled with successes, failures, and continuous learning, equipped me with the confidence and skills essential for navigating the complexities of leadership.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I don't structure my work days! I prioritize agility and adaptability over rigid structure in my daily routine. This approach allows me to respond promptly to evolving needs, plan effectively for the unknown future, and discern between tasks that are important and those that are urgent. It's a dynamic strategy that ensures I stay focused on what truly matters at the moment.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that resonated with me is the importance of active listening. Taking the time to truly understand the perspectives and concerns of team members fosters trust and collaboration. This not only leads to better decision-making but also creates a more inclusive and empowered work environment. It's a reminder that effective leadership is built on open communication and valuing every voice in the team.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

"The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen has been profoundly influential in shaping my leadership style. This book introduced me to the concept of disruptive innovation and the challenges established companies face in adapting to change. It emphasized the critical importance of staying agile, fostering a culture of innovation, and continuously pushing boundaries.

The insights from this book prompted me to reevaluate my approach to product development and marketing, particularly in the fast-paced tech industry. It reinforced the need to balance established practices with a willingness to take risks and explore emerging technologies.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

I would advise a young leader to prioritize continuous learning and self-improvement. Stay curious, seek out mentorship, and be open to new ideas and perspectives. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and never underestimate the power of adaptability. Remember, leadership is a journey of constant evolution, and your willingness to learn will be the compass guiding your success.

Last but not least, have fun doing it!

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One particularly meaningful story that comes to mind is when a cross-functional team I led successfully tackled a complex project with a tight deadline. Despite initial skepticism and challenges, the team rallied together, leveraging each member's unique strengths and expertise. Through collaboration, determination, and a shared vision, we not only met the deadline but exceeded expectations in terms of quality and innovation. This experience reinforced the power of teamwork and inspired me to continue fostering a culture of trust and collaboration in my leadership journey.