Doing business with Justin Gray of Accenture New Zealand

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Name: Justin Gray

Title: Country Managing Director, Accenture New Zealand

How long have you been in your current role?

I started this month, and before that, I was leading Accenture Technology for Australia and New Zealand.

What business technology issue is your organisation focusing on?

Accenture works at the intersection of business, strategy, digital and technology. Our primary focus is helping our clients, regardless of their industry, take advantage of the disruption caused by the rapid evolution of technology.

I believe that diversity is the key to innovationJustin Gray, Accenture NZ

What are your interests away from work?

With four kids I don’t have much time for personal hobbies. However I do love photography and have recently been exploring a whole new view of the world with my quadcopter drone. I also love travelling, especially when I get the chance to go scuba diving or fishing.

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

My mum once told me “There are no degrees of honesty” and that is something I always remember.

Professionally, who do you admire most?

Elon Musk as he is a true inspiration in terms of innovation and self-belief. He also makes a pretty cool car.

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

I’ve been working in and around technology for almost 20 years. With a science background I’ve always had a passion for leading edge technology and it’s ability to influence our world, so a shift into a technology focussed consulting career was a natural evolution for me.

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

I’d probably be a research scientist. I still have a deep passion for chemistry and physics so I’d probably try to test some kind of crazy hypothesis.

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Elon Musk is a true inspiration in terms of innovation and self-belief. Justin Gray, Accenture NZ

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

I believe that diversity is the key to innovation. When you can bring together a team who are a mixture of backgrounds, genders, experience and age you get an unique collective of ideas and perspectives, which is the foundation for true innovation.

Can you share a key pointer for building a diverse team?

The key is to provide a culture of flexibility and an environment where people can excel, as this will naturally embrace diversity. By building that culture you will attract a wide range of talented people into the organisation.

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