Susan Follis - Technology changemaker with a passion for helping customers transform their business and drive better business outcomes…
September 22, 2022 • 3 Minute Read
Susan Follis
Managing Director, ASEAN
and APAC/MEA Growth Unit
Kyndryl
Are you looking for a technology changemaker with a passion for helping customers transform their business and drive better business outcomes? We know the person—Susan Follis!
Susan Follis is the Managing Director of Kyndryl ASEAN. She is responsible for the growth strategy in the fast-expanding trade bloc in Asia. She is a seasoned leader with over 35 years of experience spanning across customer management, consulting and technology services, strategic sales and delivery management. She is passionate about helping customers transform their businesses through cloud, innovation, and the “as-a-Service” model to drive business outcomes. As a technology changemaker who has paved the way for a generation of new employees, Susan believes it is time for a more empathetic management approach to reflect changes in today’s workforce and drive sustainability.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Susan Follis!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
I was training to be an actress and planning to take a Fine Arts program specializing in stage performance but instead took Applied Science. I acted in, and directed, our university annual stage production out of sheer passion, but it actually was a contributing factor to getting multiple job offers when I graduated.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
I was an elite gold member on a few different airlines, but I had taken a year off. During that time I travelled to Cambodia Buddhist temples and walked with gorillas in Rwanda.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Being Canadian, one of my most memorable experiences was eating cod tongue, which is a delicacy and ‘a must try’ in the province of Newfoundland.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Early in my career, I was often told that I was too passionate and that it would hinder my success. Fortunately, I didn’t listen. Secondly, not being heard was a big one for me. I was often the only woman leader in the room and until a male restated what I had said, it wasn’t valued. This taught me empathy and compassion for those without a voice and drove my inclusive leadership style.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
No, unfortunately I didn’t. That is why I am deeply focused on being one for others. Earlier in my career I mostly mentored women and recently broadened my coaching to be more inclusive for those who have traditionally been marginalized.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Be kind to yourself, and then you will be kind to others. Wake up every day and tell yourself ‘I will do the best I can today’ and recognize that it is okay if that differs day to day.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I try to listen with an open mind and an open heart and refrain from judging. I think about walking a mile in their shoes to try to get, and give, perspective.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Becoming Kyndryl! We were part of IBM and spun-off in November 2021 to become the world’s largest start-up. Change excites me, and I am glad to be part of the executive team that is committed to creating a new culture, enhancing our team skills, partnering with others and driving customer value.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Establishing ways to connect people in order to drive innovation, thought leadership, and achieve their full potential. Additionally, finding ways to unlock the great volume of data that exists in every organisation today to provide predictive insights.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Building Sustainability. Our success depends on how well we integrate people, processes and technology to achieve a common goal. To achieve this goal we need to put people at the centre and create a culture that encourages all voices be heard -- one that is grounded in trust, transparency and integrity. As leaders, we have the responsibility to be open and show our vulnerability, and learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
