Name: Zubin P. Mehta
Title/Employer: President/CEO, Global Wave Group
Age: 35
Education: Executive Programs, Banking & Technology /Vanderbilt University, MBA/Pepperdine University
Tenure In IT Industry: 11 years
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First Tech Job: At age 16 designed a billing and invoice system for local moving and storage company.
Current role: As one of the founders for a start up software company, I wear multiple hats. I am currently engaged in refining our marketing strategy with my partners.
What's been your best job and why?
During my 14 year tenure at Union Bank of California, I worked as an IT manager within a credit division. During this time, I was given the freedom and flexibility by my manager then to develop some really great products. This is very unusual in a large corporate environment. Having the freedom and support of my management, we were able to create the first web based credit monitoring system for the bank.
What do you think is the number one non-IT skill IT professionals need today?
Communication at all levels. This is one major aspect of how others view you and your work. One can be the best inventor or developer of products and services; however, without mastering this skill to communicate the idea effectively, it won't go anywhere.
What do you credit your career success to?
My success is attributed to a mentor I had while early in my career in the bank. He was always eager to help and motivate me. Also, influence from colleagues coupled with my education gave me the tools I need to succeed.
What are the top three skills a high-level IT manager needs today?
- Specific business domain expertise
- Communications/people skills
- Being able to think both at the strategic and tactical level
What's your favorite IT resource site and why?
Gartner Group has a lot of insight at multiple levels. Good research and white papers.
What is the best career advice you've ever received?
It is all about establishing great relationships. No business is ever done without having a good relationship between the seller of goods/services and the buyer of goods/services.
What's the top advice you'd give to a new IT staffer?
Learn the business. Finding someone with generic IT skills is easy. However, finding a double-threat player having both specific business knowledge and IT skills is very valuable.
What would you advise someone looking to find the type of role you currently have?
In my line of business credibility is paramount. I would advise someone on ensuring they have worked first on their credibility and ensure there is consistency around that to be successful.
What is the one career decision you would change if you could?
I started working for a small bank while still completing my undergrad. If I could do it over, I would have focused on completing my undergrad and then gone into the corporate world.
If you had the choice to jump into any other job, tech or non-tech, what would it be?
I have always dreamed of owning my own upscale restaurant. Since I have no experience doing so, it would be a fun challenge to learn.
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