“ START BY CONSIDERING THE REAL BUSINESS PROBLEM TO SOLVE, AND ALSO ASK WHETHER IT’ S WORTH SOLVING”
AZFAR ASLAM, VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, EUROPE, NOKIA
problem solving and meaningful, value-driven paths to adopting new innovations.
“ At Nokia, we work with many of the largest industries around the world,” he says.“ I sit between product and customers, helping those we work with to evolve their infrastructure in the right way. There’ s ongoing disruption, whether it’ s technology, regulatory, competition and more. I work with C-level leaders and boards globally, and my role is about guiding them through changes, preparing them for what’ s around the corner and ensuring they’ re using the latest technologies to transform in a way that delivers maximum value.”
This approach – often neglected in a world where the latest innovations and tools are implemented at lightning speed – is crucial for AI adoption, says Azfar, reflecting on key lessons learned early in his career.
“ Never get a techie to present an investment case,” he says, remembering feedback given after delivering an
46 July 2025