Mike Young

CIO at Prinsix Technologies

Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself

I am the Chief Information Officer at PrinSix Technologies, based out of Leeds, England. In my current role, I lead on the strategy of how we align our use of data and analytics with IT infrastructure to deliver personalized, extraordinary experiences for each of our clients end users.

At PrinSix, we support businesses with digital transformation and powering unique customer experiences through our platform. Our differentiator is the ability to leverage data to gain true insights into every user’s needs and context. These rich insights allow us to personalise and optimise each customer touchpoint whether that is across web, communication channels, and human interactions.

It is rewarding to enable businesses to form stronger connections through data-driven, personalized experiences.

What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?

I started my career in consultancy, offering support to businesses across various industries, helping them leverage data and analytics for improvement. After over 8 years, I felt the need to transition into a role where I could directly apply my knowledge to drive a business forward.

I joined Curo Transatlantic, specializing in subprime credit. I joined at a pivotal point, as the company needed to adapt to the changing regulations in the UK market by harnessing the use of data and analytics. The challenges posed by outdated technology struggling to keep pace with business needs during this transformation sparked the idea for PrinSix Technologies.

The PrinSix platform was born out of the need for businesses to treat each customer as an individual to provide a better experience for the customer. A personalized experience by continuously listening, understanding, learning, and adapting driven by data and analytics. Now, with PrinSix, I assist businesses in unlocking projects and untapped value that might have lingered on their IT backlogs for months. 

Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?

I never set out with the specific aim of reaching my current position. My primary focus has always been on supporting and enhancing businesses and individuals I work with, achieved through the implementation of genuine innovation driven by technology.

Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?

I am extremely lucky to have worked with amazing individuals who have supported me throughout my journey. Their diverse backgrounds across various industries and specialisms has enriched my knowledge and broadened my experience. Realising the benefits of this I have also aimed to support others too

How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, with the rapid technological advancements in artificial intelligence leaders, I expect they will find themselves balancing their legacy technology and the desire of businesses to adopt the latest technology trend, all while ensuring that it returns value for the business. 

What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?

Relationship management, innovative mindset, strategic thinking, adaptability.

How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?

I read various blogs and follow thought leaders to stay informed. I actively seek opportunities to challenge myself and foster growth by engaging with individuals, particularly in areas where I lack experience.

What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?

The adoption and integration of artificial intelligence has the potential to make significant impacts to a wide variety of businesses and industries, however, I expect there will be a lot of challenges in getting business leaders comfortable around transparency, risk mitigation, ethical uses etc

“Always keep the end user in mind.”

If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?

Always keep the end user in mind, this leads to customer-centric solutions.

Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?

My focus moving forward is continuing to contribute to the success of businesses around the world. I look forward to continuing this journey alongside my colleagues at PrinSix, leveraging our collective expertise to make a positive impact.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

It is difficult to choose just one thing.

Mine would be an increase in the tolerance of others. Nurturing a climate of empathy and diverse viewpoints not only helps global harmony but also could unlock positive changes, creating a more inclusive and progressive world.

A big thank you to Mike Young from PrinSIX Technologies  for sharing his journey to date.