Doing business with Bob Dunn of Hyland Software: ‘Look for integrity first and foremost when hiring people’

None of us can be a ‘jack of all trades’ so hire good people and put them in an environment that allows them to prosper and succeed.

Name: Bob Dunn

Title: Country manager, Hyland Software

Twitter handle: @bobdunn0123

How long have you been in your current role? Nine months.

What business technology issue is your organisation focusing on? I work for Hyland Software, a global enterprise content management (ECM) solution provider and the developer of OnBase.

Our primary technology focus is providing purpose-built solutions that give companies unparalleled control over data, processes and everyday tasks. From a high level, we help companies improve customer service, reduce operating costs and minimise risk by providing instant access to data, documents and business processes from wherever you are, whatever device you are using or whichever application you are working in.

What are your interests away from work?

I am an avid cooking enthusiast, and I spend hours preparing for and cooking meals. Cooking has become a love/hate passion for me. I love food and finding new and exciting ways to prepare it. However, I hate that I spend hours cooking, and it takes only minutes to eat it. I suppose I need to slow down my eating habits!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

When I first started my professional career I had a setback in my very first job out of college. At that time, I thought it was going to ruin my career. However, my boss at the time told me that one day, I would look back at that setback and realise that it created way more positives in my career than it did harm. He was 100 per cent correct, and I still appreciate that advise.

I have learned over the years that listening is one of the most essential keys to fostering an innovative culture.Bob Dunn, Hyland Software

Professionally, who do you admire most?

I was a big fan of Steve Jobs. I know there are a lot of negative stories about how he treated employees, especially early in his career. However, his innovative approach to always thinking outside the box and expanding our vision of how technology can shape the future was second to none, and I admire that part of his career.

How long have you been working in IT? How did you get into IT?

I have been part of the technology sector for 26 years. I started in my current industry selling computer output microfiche services and document microfilming services, both of which have evolved into what is known today as enterprise content management. It has been very exciting being part of the evolution of our industry.

If you weren’t working in IT, What would you be doing?

I would be a singer. I have always loved to sing and would have given anything to be the lead singer of a band. Unfortunately, that ship never came in, so I resorted to technology.

Can you share a key pointer for fostering an innovative culture in the organisation?

I have learned over the years that listening is one of the most essential keys to fostering an innovative culture.Everyone has their own unique talents and ideas and they just need to be heard.

Early in my career I did a lot more talking than listening as a leader, feeling like I was expected to provide all the answers. In actuality, I have learned that the best leaders are the people that surround themselves with people that are smart and creative, and they encourage the employees to foster the innovative culture that shapes the business.

…and for building a diverse team?

That is easy. Look for integrity first and foremost when hiring people. Anyone can learn if they are given the opportunity, but integrity cannot be taught. You either have it or you don’t. Also, foster a team-based approach to managing the business. This allows employees to leverage their individual skills for the better of the team. None of us can be a ‘jack of all trades’ so hire good people and put them in an environment that allows them to prosper and succeed.

Send news tips and comments to divina_paredes@idg.co.nz

Follow Divina Paredes on Twitter: @divinap

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