After racking up 10 years as CIO of financial services firm AMP (ASX: AMP), Lee Barnett shows no signs of slowing down. During that time she has been involved in a number of projects including customer online portals and a private Cloud migration of email services.
Barnett spoke with CIO Australia about some of these projects, brain training and why she would like a robot personal assistant.
What does an average work day involve for you at AMP?
Steering committees, governance boards, catching up with my team and a bit of think time. I’ve just started reading a book called Brain Rules by John Medina, and it seems there is clear scientific evidence about the importance of exercise to brain functioning. As a result, I am going to have to make the time to add exercise into the work day as well.
What are some of the challenges you face in the role of CIO?
Keeping all the details, systems and projects in my head. A perennial challenge is around continuing to develop as a leader–a never ending journey. There have been a lot of challenges over the last decade including a demerger [of AMP’s UK operations in 2003] and integrations following the acquisition of AXA Asia-Pacific Holding’s Australia and New Zealand operations in 2011.
I have enjoyed them all in hindsight, as they have provided me with real growth opportunities as a person as well as a professional.
What are some of the major projects you have been working on?
In addition, there have been a significant number of integration projects including the rollout of a new Identity Access Management solution as well as infrastructure projects associated with the transition from AXA Tech to CSC.
What are the three biggest issues facing CIO’s today?
What is your favourite gadget?
I haven’t got it yet but I want a robot like Rosie in the Jetsons that cooks, cleans, walks the dog and is a personal trainer.
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