We chat with ECI Director of IT and Head of Cyber, Ash Patel, about how he helps our portfolio companies, the biggest IT challenges businesses are currently facing, and the best bit of advice he’s been given.
Q: What does your role as Director of IT and Head of Cyber entail?
My role falls into three broad categories.
Firstly I define the strategic IT vision for ECI and make sure we deliver against that vision. That entails reviewing our technology stack, looking at emerging tech and making sure we’re data compliant. By doing that I ensure the delivery of best-in-class IT support and that we’re safeguarded against cyber-attacks.
The second role is supporting our portfolio companies (see the next question) and thirdly I help the Investment Team’s due diligence with strategic reviews, SWOTs and cyber risk analysis.
Q: How do you help ECI portfolio companies?
Essentially I can be an extension of their IT teams. I conduct independent gap analysis to identify cyber weaknesses or help recommend and implement controls to mitigate threats. Often I help conduct benchmark analysis on their tech infrastructure or incident management processes and advise or guide them on any necessary improvements.
We also hold regular summits and webinars to share best practices and connect them with industry experts to help deliver a competitive advantage.
Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your time at ECI?
I think there are four lessons I’ve learned.
- You’ve got to be open to change because change comes very often and very quickly in IT
- Building strong relationships is vital to progression and delivering success
- Learn everything you can from anyone you can. Whether that’s online, at conferences, through colleagues or from friends
- Be resilient. Never give up and keep going, especially when things don’t work out. Accept it and learn from it
Q: What are the biggest IT challenges companies are facing at the moment?
Not unexpectedly it’s the host of AI implications.
Fishing and cyber security threats are getting more and more sophisticated and difficult to detect and manage, so there’s no doubt that businesses are going to see an increased number of attacks.
Protecting yourself against threats is just one side of the coin, however. Another associated challenge is the ability to recover should an organisation become the victim of an attack. Having a robust recovery plan is critical to determining responses and rapid systems and data recovery.
Q: How do you help the investment team in reviewing potential opportunities?
I help a lot during the due diligence process, reviewing any cyber elements as needed and identify any key areas for concern. I also run external cyber scans using open source tools to understand and report on a company’s cyber posture.
Q: What drives you to get out of bed in the morning?
It’s my passion for technology, the innovation it creates and how it contributes to problem solving. When you have a passion for something that drives you more than anything.
I also love the challenge of a constantly changing technical environment and how quickly it changes. I’m learning something new every day and that’s really important as it keeps me highly motivated to make an impact on our, or a portfolio, company.
Quick Fire with Ash:
Do you have a mentor?
I’m lucky in that we have exceptional people at ECI and they’re always approachable for help and advice, so I tend to seek out different colleagues depending on the challenge I’d need advice with.
I also have a wide external network. so if I need very specific guidance I always reach out to them.
What’s your ideal holiday?
I have to be active on a holiday. I need a couple of days to relax and unwind, but then have to explore or try something new. I have a real love for animals so a safari is great – you’re always on the move and learning new things.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I’m more of a natural introvert, but I always try to push my boundaries and challenge myself. My role involves much more work with portfolio companies and suppliers these days and I think it’s important to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
How do you relax?
I really value spending time with family and friends. I enjoy watching sports with my son, playing computer games and I trying new restaurants.
Which business figure do you admire most and why?
There are a few but Ratan Tata, the former Chairman of the Tata Group, stands out. He didn’t inherit an empire and is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist in his own right. He’s a great example of what can be accomplished with perseverance and hard work.
Best bit of IT advice you’ve received?
Never give up, even in the face of failure. Learn from mistakes, grow to become resilient and do your best all the time.
