A seasoned IT leader with a unique perspective, Clare Hickie has made the switch from implementing Workday software at a large customer to leading technology at the supplier itself.
From Customer to CTO
As chief technology officer (CTO) for EMEA at Workday, Hickie oversees the company’s technology strategy in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This role represents a significant shift from her previous experience implementing Workday software at one of the firm’s largest customers.
“I think what I learned from my customer-facing work is just how important it was to really understand the business problems and the pain points that our customers were experiencing,” Hickie says in an interview.
By understanding these challenges, Hickie was able to tailor Workday’s software to meet the specific needs of her customer, ultimately driving adoption and user satisfaction.
A New Perspective
Now, as CTO, Hickie is responsible for shaping Workday’s technology strategy and ensuring that the company’s products meet the evolving needs of its customers.
“It’s been a really interesting transition,” Hickie notes. “I think I’ve learned so much from being on the customer side, and now I’m able to bring that perspective to bear in my role as CTO.”
Hickie credits her previous experience with giving her a unique understanding of what customers want and need from Workday’s technology.
What this means for customers
Hickie’s switch from customer to CTO serves as a reminder that effective technology leadership requires a deep understanding of customer needs.
For customers of Workday, Hickie’s experience in implementing the software at a large customer means that they can expect a more tailored and customer-centric approach to technology from the company.
Ultimately, Hickie’s story highlights the importance of staying close to customers and understanding their challenges in order to deliver effective technology solutions.
