Patrick Chew
VP - AI & Data Science
AIT Worldwide Logistics
Patrick Chew has been practicing in the business intelligence and data and analytics space across multiple industries. He thoroughly enjoys building teams and believes talent is the most critical resource to attain success. Patrick is currently the Global Head of Data Enablement at AIT Worldwide Logistics.
Patrick is an avid trail runner and former NCAA Soccer referee, where decisions were made within 2 seconds of any calls – running in contrast to the field of data and analytics, where decisions do not occur immediately. He struggled with that quagmire for 8 years! He balanced that by enjoying cooking.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I started my career as a technical network administrator in IT and decided to pursue my MBA to understand the business side of things.
Since then, I have been a mediator or bridge builder between IT and the business, threading both arenas to influence IT to be less "order-taking" and forging business to be more "Business-IT partners," while encouraging business to own data.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
‘Hungry’ is the intersection of what you are good at, what brings you joy and what meaningful ways you can contribute to the problems we face. Stay hungry by encouraging your team to always be hungry.
What is the greatest challenge your particular C-level role is facing today, and how are you addressing it?
We are constantly distracted by emerging technologies (AI, GenAI being the latest), pivoting our focus and resulting in trails of unfulfilled, abandoned objectives and sometimes tepid outcomes.
We must not forget data is a core denominator in whatever our endeavors are. Hence, we must be solid with our data foundation and also practice artful prudency to associate data-to-outcome constantly to attain value enablement, creation and realization. Being data-driven is no longer an option if you want to stay ahead of others.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out in your C-level role?
Learn to distinguish between being effective ("doing the right thing") and efficient ("doing things right"), and apply recursive learning techniques refining it.
How do you measure success as a leader?
There are good managers, outstanding and successful leaders. The litmus test for a successful leader is not how high you have climbed, rather it is how many people are actually following you when you turn your head around.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
The humility and patience to listen, learn from others and ultimately share that knowledge to benefit everyone.
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