A dynamic and innovative IT leader with over 20 years of experience, I've successfully established my place at the intersection of business and technology, be it in corporate environments or start-ups. Driven by a passion for defining new paths, I am recognized for harnessing innovation to solve complex problems and advance technology, often leveraging unconventional means, methods, and data.My journey began at an early age when I immersed myself in coding, an interest that paved my way into the dot-com era and subsequently allowed me to work with industry giants such as Big Brother, Coca-Cola, Puma, BMW, Unilever, Imperial Logistics, Renault, SAB-Miller, KFC, VW, DGB, Nashua, Standard Bank, and SuperSport.Over the years, my flair for pioneering technology solutions has been repeatedly affirmed. My notable achievement was winning the TT 100 with Awaken VR (formerly SDK Africa), which caught the attention of River Investments. Consequently, I spent 2015 in Silicon Valley as part of the world's first VR accelerator RIVER, absorbing valuable insights into the tech sector's nerve center.In addition to my technical prowess, I possess a strong aptitude for leadership and team development. I excel in building and empowering high-performing teams, creating a culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. This has consistently allowed me to drive efficiency and deliver impactful results, thereby leaving a positive, lasting impact on communities.Beyond being a seasoned IT professional, I am an eloquent communicator with a knack for articulating the value of technology. I have been a guest speaker at several events for Unilever, Qualcomm, Nedbank, SA Cities Network, Spaces, Mobile Mondays, and Encounters. Additionally, I have made appearances on various platforms like Carte Blanche, Cliff Central, Expresso, HIP2B², and Jacaranda FM.My penchant for adrenaline and adventure drives me beyond the traditional confines of a tech leader's role. It has led me to diverse experiences from setting up blockchain data centers in Iceland, battling with friends online, to pushing my boundaries in a jungle, as a castaway on Survivor.
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CtoEnable BenefitsCape Town, Wc, Za -
Chief Technology OfficerTugende Jan 2022 - PresentKampala, UgTugende is a for-profit social enterprise providing assets and SME finance, leasing, insurance, and financial literacy to new customers, and consumer finance to qualified existing customers. It was formally established in 2012 in Uganda and is a technology-enabled asset financier of income-generating assets for proven entrepreneurs, using a lease-to-own product to offer an affordable path to ownership of these assets. 90% of businesses in Africa are MSMEs yet they receive less than 20% of total available credit. Tugende began by filling this credit gap for motorcycle taxis in Uganda, helping these self employed entrepreneurs own instead of rent their key productive assets in 24 months or less.With over 800 staff and 52,000+ clients financed using our digital platform, Tugende is growing into new sectors and new countries but with the same core focus: enabling driven entrepreneurs to own their futures. -
Personal Goal PursuitCareer Break Oct 2020 - Dec 2020
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FounderAwaken Vr Jun 2011 - Oct 2020Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZaFounded Awaken VR(Previously SDK Lab), establishing it as a leader in AR and VR technologies in Africa. My vision and innovation led to pioneering solutions, earning global acclaim, and setting industry benchmarks.Achievements:• Industry Firsts: Revolutionized broadcasting and live sports by launching AR on live TV with Big Brother and VR live streams with SuperSport, setting new standards in the African market.• Award-Winning Innovation: Led the team to win the prestigious Technology Top 100 award, a testament to our innovative spirit.• Global Stage: Earned a place in RIVER, the world’s first VR accelerator in Silicon Valley, utilizing the experience to sharpen our technological capabilities and expand our international network.Strategic Contributions:• AR and VR Campaigns: Orchestrated multiple AR and VR campaigns for BMW, KFC, Nashua, PUMA, Renault, Unilever, Seychelles, SAB, VW, and Woolworths, integrating AI and ML for breakthroughs in image and facial recognition, boosting engagement and effectiveness.• System Transformations: Overhauled backend systems for Barloworld and Imperial Logistics, improving integration and user experience.• Growth Strategy: Drove business expansion through innovation and strategic market entry, establishing enduring partnerships.Key Responsibilities:• Innovative Leadership: Spearheaded the adoption of emerging technologies, particularly in AR and VR, to develop state-of-the-art solutions that captivated users and clients alike.• Agile and Efficient Project Management: Oversaw the software development lifecycle, prioritizing Agile and SCRUM methodologies to ensure flexibility and timely delivery of projects.• Stakeholder Relations: Built and nurtured strong relationships with stakeholders through a relentless commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence in service.Guided Awaken VR to overcome technological challenges, showcasing AR and VR's potential to transform industries and enhance consumer interactions. -
Co-FounderFree Minded Media Aug 2007 - May 2011Embarked on an entrepreneurial journey with FM Media, transforming a startup into a leading mobile and social solutions provider. My leadership scaled the team to 25 developers, enhancing our delivery capabilities and market presence.Achievements:• Business Growth: Drove the company's expansion, significantly increasing workforce and revenue through strategic development and client acquisition.• Innovative Campaigns: Initiated digital, mobile and social campaigns for Coca-Cola and Castle Lager, boosting brand engagement with creative mobile solutions.• Digital Transformation: Led digital overhaul strategies for Barloworld, DGB and StarSat, improving their digital presence and customer interaction.• Solutions Development: Engineered a mobile controlled SMS security alert system for SPAR and designed a mobile parcel tracking solution for Postnet.Strategic Contributions:• Market Positioning: Positioned FM Media as a frontrunner in mobile and social solutions, pioneering industry standards.• Ecosystem Development: Contributed to the tech ecosystem by advocating for agile methodologies and innovative thinking, influencing peers and competitors.• Strategic Partnerships: Negotiated and secured strategic partnerships, expanding our service offerings, and reinforcing our market dominance.Key Responsibilities:• Strategic Leadership: Crafted and implemented growth strategies, focusing on financial health and market expansion.• Product Development: Managed the software development lifecycle, delivering high-quality solutions that met client and market needs.• Client Relationships: Fostered lasting relationships with key clients, ensuring long-term business success and satisfaction.• Team Development: Promoted a culture of excellence and innovation, aligning team efforts with strategic objectives through KPIs.This role was foundational in my entrepreneurial career, demonstrating my ability to lead, innovate, and significantly impact the tech industry.
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It Support ManagerBritish Council Feb 2004 - Jul 2007London, England, GbIn my pursuit of greater responsibility and personal growth, I embraced the challenging role of IT Manager, where I honed my leadership skills and managed complex IT operations. I was responsible for the central office and also led the IT operations across the SADC region, overseeing more than 150 users across seven locations and managing regional staff on a daily basis.Achievements that I am particularly proud of:A standout moment in my career was my contribution to a global team that successfully planned, implemented, and managed a comprehensive software and system upgrade across all regional offices within a tight three-month timeframe. This project was crucial in aligning our operations with global standards.Key responsibilities that I undertook:• Presented weekly status reports to the Executive Committee.• Orchestrated the planning, organization, control, and evaluation of IT systems, including the IELTS centre.• Conducted quarterly visits to regional offices to ensure smooth operations and maintain staff relations.• Managed IT staff effectively, focusing on recruitment, training, coaching, setting job expectations, and performance appraisal using KPIs.• Implemented and managed video conferencing facilities.• Designed, developed, implemented, and coordinated systems, policies, and procedures.• Ensured the security of data, network access, and backup systems.• Conducted system audits, preserved assets, maintained information security, and controlled structures.• Managed annual budgeting, procurement, and vendor management.• Organized special events, ranging from birthdays to year-end functions. -
Global Integration SpecialistIzodia Plc Mar 2001 - Dec 2003Recruited from Acer Africa for my technical expertise, I contributed significantly to IZODIA PLC's international team, focusing on the support and integration of a pioneering B2B e-commerce solution. My tenure highlighted leadership in crucial projects and the enhancement of global operations through strategic technical advancements.Achievements:• Cadbury Implementation Project: Led a critical nine-week system implementation, enhancing system reliability and operational efficiency.• Training and Development: Created and implemented training programs, boosting system uptime and in-house expertise.Strategic Contributions:• Global Systems Integration: Championed the integration of global IT systems, significantly improving cross-regional collaboration and data sharing.• Innovation in E-commerce: Pioneered new e-commerce capabilities, facilitating enhanced B2B transactions and partnerships.• Cultural and Process Alignment: Fostered a culture of continuous improvement and strategic alignment across international teams, ensuring cohesive efforts and unified objectives.Key Responsibilities:• System Architecture Implementation: Oversaw the deployment of system architecture and B2B software, ensuring operational excellence.• Client Support Excellence: Managed a global client support system, delivering timely solutions and enhancing client satisfaction.• Operational Leadership: Led a globally distributed team, focusing on strategic communication and planning for 24/7 operations.This role was pivotal in expanding my expertise in system integration and global team management, setting the stage for advanced leadership positions and contributing to my evolution as a strategic IT leader -
Refurbishment LeadAcer Jan 2000 - Feb 2001Xizhi District, New Taipei City, TwI transitioned from internal sales to lead the refurbishment center, significantly enhancing operations, product management, and customer satisfaction. Received the Employee of the Month award for innovative solutions and exceptional leadership.Achievements:• Innovated Operations: Transformed the refurbishment process, enhancing department efficiency and reliability.• Developed Tracking System: Co-created a Microsoft Access-based tracking system, improving inventory accuracy.• Software Development: Implemented a custom software package in Macromedia Flash and ActionScript, showcasing product functionality at retail outlets, marking my entry into software development.Strategic Contributions:• Process Optimization: Streamlined refurbishment workflows, setting a benchmark for operational excellence within Acer Africa.• Innovation Leadership: Introduced software solutions to enhance product demonstration capabilities, contributing to sales and marketing strategies.• Team Capability Development: Mentored team members in technical and operational best practices, building a foundation for departmental growth and scalability.Key Responsibilities:• Leadership: Managed a team of two, fostering a culture of high performance.• Data-Driven Management: Provided weekly stock reports, supporting strategic inventory decisions.• Quality Assurance: Ensured high standards for all refurbished products.• Process Auditing: Regular internal audits increased accountability and transparency.This role solidified my passion for technology and leadership, paving the way for advanced roles in IT strategy and management.
Shaun Wilson Skills
Shaun Wilson Education Details
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Abertay UniversityMaster Of Business Administration - Mba -
Torque ItInformation Technology -
Torque ItInformation Technology -
Midrand UniversityInformation Technology -
Midrand UniversityBusiness Managment -
Potchefstroom High School For BoysHigh School/Secondary Diplomas And Certificates
Frequently Asked Questions about Shaun Wilson
What company does Shaun Wilson work for?
Shaun Wilson works for Enable Benefits
What is Shaun Wilson's role at the current company?
Shaun Wilson's current role is CTO.
What schools did Shaun Wilson attend?
Shaun Wilson attended Abertay University, Torque It, Torque It, Midrand University, Midrand University, Potchefstroom High School For Boys.
What skills is Shaun Wilson known for?
Shaun Wilson has skills like Digital Marketing, Business Development, Online Advertising, Management, Marketing, Digital Strategy, Strategy, Seo, Augmented Reality, Start Ups, Mobile Applications, Strategic Partnerships.
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