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DAN WALDSCHMIDT , CEO , PANZURA
Panzura is a leading innovator in global file systems and hybrid cloud data management and helps distributed organisations increase productivity by optimising digital asset visibility , access , sharing and storage costs . In January , Dan Waldschmidt was made CEO . Prior to this he was Chief Revenue Officer for the company . He spoke to us about his management philosophy and his three go-to productivity tricks .
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Describe your current job role
My role as CEO of Panzura is incredibly dynamic and , frankly , exhilarating . I ’ m wholly focused on steering the ship , guiding its strategic
direction and ensuring we ’ re not just achieving , but surpassing our goals . Since re-founding the company four years ago , I ’ ve focused on transforming our approach to revenue generation and aggressively moving us into the enterprise market . My days are filled with encouraging our team ’ s growth , forging meaningful partnerships and driving innovation to solve the complex challenges our customers face . It ’ s about leading by example , being hands-on with our team while allowing them to shine and ensuring we deliver unmatched value , security and control over data management to our customers . My job , in essence , is to keep Panzura at the forefront of our industry , constantly pushing the envelope and setting new standards .
What would you describe as your most memorable achievement ?
I think the most memorable achievements in our lives and careers are the ones that test our limits and propel us forward , expanding our understanding of what ’ s possible . For me , that would be running the equivalent elevation of Mount Everest in a single attempt . It wasn ’ t just about the physical endurance needed , but the mental resilience and determination it demanded from me . This experience has definitely impacted my professional life , teaching me the power of tenacity , the importance of setting audacious goal and the value of perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges . Thinking back to it is a useful reminder that with the right mindset , we can achieve extraordinary things , both personally and professionally .
What style of management philosophy do you employ in your current position ?
One of my mantras is ‘ how we do anything is how we do everything ’. That means approaching everything we do with the same level of commitment , however small , because it sets the tone for the company . I ’ m also deeply committed to nurturing a culture where everybody feels heard . It ’ s vital that those in leadership positions earn the trust and respect of those they lead . That means staging regular ‘ town hall ’ meetings , ensuring every employee is aware of our strategic objectives and being more transparent about the actions we ’ re taking because they impact everybody . Accountability is also crucial . Our success comes from actions , but those actions mean little without accountability . That starts with me ; I ’ m accountable to our employees , our customers , our vendors , our partners and the board .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
Looking ahead , there are three big things on our radar : Generative AI , beefing up our defences
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