Thomas Harrer
Chief Technology Officer at IBM
As a Chief Technology Officer, Thomas and his team deliver innovation with hybrid cloud and AI, leveraging all types of data and evolving the technology to enable clients to address new digital business ideas. With a strong foundation in computer/data science and extensive experience in IT infrastructure and technology, Thomas enjoys bringing different elements together to build the architecture of the future. He loves to discuss technology, trends, AI, data, blockchains and architectures for mission critical hybrid cloud solutions.
How did you get to become an expert in your key topics?
With my background in computer science I worked on shaping the digital future of many organizations. I always was very motivated to learn new skills and integrate them with the previous knowledge, which is key for being recognized as an expert.
What topic areas are you most passionate about?
I’m most passionate about innovation – what is ahead of us as humans and as architects of the future. Data and AI within a hybrid cloud platform is the driving force for it.
Which influencers influence you within those key topics?
I had the pleasure to work with great colleagues and influencers, especially with Ludmilla Morozova-Buss, Spiros Margaris, Sally Eaves, Neil Cattermull, Stéphane Nappo, Bernard Marr and more.
Outside of key topics, who else influences you?
I take big inspirations from reading books and articles. One author who permanently influenced my thinking is Yuval Noah Harari. I have also been inspired by authors of the past, including literature and philosophy. I always integrate a broad view on the world when I speak publicly based on this kind of influence.
How would you describe your offline influence?
I have been a regular keynote speaker at many events, which most of them in the last year have moved to an online format. I shaped and moderated a track about Architecting the Future in the last IBM TechU, the Technical University, which was a great experience. Writing articles and blogs and networking are always important for me and consulting with clients is a central part of my work.
What’s your best source of information for getting ahead of a story? What resource do you use to stay ahead of the trend?
Data about the topic, statistics, trends are key. I leverage diverse sources for data and bring them together. This also includes social media (not all messages are considered hard facts, yet), but also news, TV, books. I’m also a big fan of traditional libraries – I could stay long hours in a library to just look around what is interesting.
If a brand wanted to work with you, which activities would you be most interested in collaborating on?
What brands have you worked with?
I’m working with IBM and primarily promote the IBM Server and Storage brands. It could be interesting to work with an IBM ECO system, with clients, partners, suppliers. I can’t work with brands from competitors of IBM.
Which non-paid activities would you be keen to take part in if the opportunity raised your profile or delivered value to your audience?
I would be keen to share or create a social post, provide a quote for content or news article as well as create long-form or video content. I am also interested in attending or speaking at an event, podcast, online chat or a webinar.
What are your passions outside of work?
What would be the best way for a brand to contact you?
Direct message on either Twitter on LinkedIn. Also by email.