The world is rapidly embracing advanced technology, leading to the widespread integration of the internet and smart devices in every sector. Consequently, concerns regarding digital security and governance have surged. Recently, there has been a troubling increase in the frequency of sensitive data breaches, posing a significant threat to the global community. In the realm of business, such breaches impede growth and erode trust among the client base. As a result, businesses are actively seeking secure and dependable cloud services that encompass all essential aspects. To shed light on this critical issue, we had the privilege of interviewing Dan Mountstephen, the Senior Vice President of Saviynt Inc. for the APAC region. He generously shared valuable insights that can help business owners navigate this complex landscape. Let’s delve into our discussion with him!
Dan’s Career Trajectory
Dan, a business graduate from Liverpool John Moores University, embarked on his professional journey in the technology sector. He began his career in London with Cisco Systems, a global networking powerhouse. Shortly after, he seized the opportunity to relocate to Singapore, which he has called home for the past 15 years.
During this period, Dan concentrated on honing his expertise in Software Sales and Cyber Security and specializing in helping MNCs scale across the Asia Pacific Region. Over the last five years, his journey led him to assume a significant role, taking the helm of APAC operations for Delinea. Subsequently, he assumed the position of Senior Vice President at Saviynt in the same region.
Dan’s career in software sales was driven by his aspiration to collaborate closely with outstanding IT leaders and gain insights into their strategic use of technology to achieve organizational goals. This career path allowed him to witness firsthand the profound and positive impact of these solutions on businesses.
Saviynt’s Emergence in the Cyberworld
Dan shared valuable insights about the establishment of Saviynt Inc., founded in 2010. The company specializes in cloud-based Enterprise Identity Management through its renowned Enterprise Identity Cloud (EIC).
Saviynt’s core mission is crystal clear: to empower organizations by effectively securing and governing digital identities and access. They achieve this by offering comprehensive identity solutions that not only protect data but also ensure regulatory compliance and enhance security in today’s complex digital environments.
What distinguishes Saviynt from competitors in the industry is its dedication to simplicity and efficiency. While many others have grown through acquisitions, resulting in complicated user experiences and increased ownership costs, Saviynt takes a different approach. Their EIC features a unified identity platform that enables customers to manage the entire identity lifecycle through a single architecture.
This approach provides several advantages. Firstly, it offers customers improved insights into potential risks. Secondly, it significantly reduces the total cost of ownership, making it a more cost-effective choice compared to vendors who rely on multiple products to provide similar functionality.
Saviynt serves various industries, addressing diverse challenges. This includes enhancing cybersecurity for zero-trust initiatives and streamlining onboarding processes for employees, faculty, or suppliers to ensure greater efficiency. “Regardless of the specific business initiative we’re addressing, our primary focus is on identifying and alleviating the pains experienced by the organization, no matter how they manifest. Much like the organizations we collaborate with, we place a strong emphasis on metrics and always prioritize delivering tangible returns for our customers,” says Dan.
Highlighting Business Growth and Expansion
In his leadership role at Saviynt Inc., Dan shoulders significant responsibilities and achieves noteworthy milestones. His primary responsibility involves driving the company’s success in the region, with a specific emphasis on fostering growth. Over the past two years, under his guidance, his team has consistently achieved an impressive 30% quarter-over-quarter growth rate, which is a source of great pride for Dan.
Their reach extends not only to customers in Sri Lanka and Singapore but also as far as Perth in Australia and the Philippines, among other locations. Dan considers it an honor to fulfill his duty of ensuring customer satisfaction and effectively conveying their needs to the leadership team. This commitment underscores his dedication to the organization’s mission and values.
Proactive Strategies for Sustaining Competitiveness in the Business Arena
Dan emphasizes the importance of proactive leadership in today’s fiercely competitive business landscape, with heightened consumer awareness. Within his marketing organization, their primary objective is to provide engaging, informative, and relevant content that captures the attention of companies actively addressing intricate IT challenges and advancing their digital transformation efforts. He further explains, “We regularly engage our existing customers, encouraging them to share their experiences in a multitude of formats, such as case studies, customer panels, and whitepapers. This approach enables us to facilitate knowledge sharing, ensuring that a wide audience can learn from the diverse range of projects and initiatives undertaken by our customers.”
Striking an Essential Balance for Sustained Growth
Dan has a clear understanding of why he works in this industry and how it affects his life. Consequently, he follows certain routines to maintain a balanced life. He explains, “I’m an early bird, and I enjoy the first few hours of the morning that allow me to clear my priorities before the children are awake. I try to clear important assignments and then have breakfast with the family before fitting in a run or a boxing class depending on the meeting schedule. Can we ever be in perfect balance? It’s certainly something I strive for, but my family might tell you otherwise!”
The global landscape of business leadership is continually evolving due to factors such as technological advancements, economic shifts, geopolitical developments, and changing societal expectations. Dan acknowledges that the global trend of working from anywhere has blurred the boundaries between work and home life. He adds, “Personally, I enjoy podcasts and audiobooks that allow me to stay up to date with trends as a revenue leader and in the cybersecurity and software space. I tend to listen to these when driving or out exercising.”
Advise for Emerging Business Leaders
- A meticulously crafted plan with dedicated execution is undeniably crucial, but the value of having an exceptional team cannot be overstated.
- Beyond the professional realm, we recognize the importance of enjoying our time together at work.
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Also Read: The 10 Visionary Business Leaders, 2023
