27/10/2023
Before joining the Executive Master in Digital Transformation and Innovation Leadership at IE University, Irene Akiy was an established professional with two master’s degrees, working in the digital space. As a firm believer that professionals must transform themselves as well as their understanding of perspective, she jumped at the option of building a more global profile alongside an international cohort.
Irene Akiy has spent the last two decades accumulating diverse experiences in the world of work. She spent 15 years with large Pan-African and global banks, including Barclays Africa, Absa Group and Standard Bank, where she held diverse leadership roles and played a pivotal role in driving digitization of the bank’s channels and products. Irene started out as a consultant in two different United Nations agencies in South Africa, went on to earn a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and then later shifted to a role as a project manager in financial services, and then to technology head and finally to a digital transformation executive.
Her experiences leading up to her role as a digital transformation executive pushed her to keep learning and growing, “I am a firm believer of the need to be relevant and to transform yourself and transform your understanding of perspective.” Driven by a desire to gain deeper insights and expand her horizons on successful digital transformation practices worldwide, Irene decided to pursue the Executive Master in Digital Transformation & Innovation Leadership.
The program’s global perspective was a driving factor for Irene, especially as she was looking for the opportunity to gain knowledge from like-minded peers. “The incredible diversity of IE University, especially within my cohort, stood out as one of my most rewarding experiences. Engaging with a diverse group representing over 30 nationalities, all passionate about leading digital transformation across various industries, was truly enlightening.” Irene’s cohort spanned from those collaborating with governments in order to establish smart cities to experts in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, finance and major tech firms.
The group was driven by the mission to harness contemporary technology to redefine not only businesses, but also people’s daily lives. For Irene, the invaluable learning journey amid such rich diversity was exceptional.
Despite her prior travels, Irene had never been to Madrid. While she embraced the vibrant city life, the Spanish language posed an initial barrier—but in today’s digital age, translator apps proved invaluable, bridging the communication gap and enhancing her social interactions. Beyond the language nuances, Irene cherished her time in Madrid, forging unforgettable memories with her peers. “We supported one another to ensure our collective experience was truly memorable.” An additional bonus is that the classmates she met in Madrid are now part of Irene’s lifelong professional network.
The Executive Master in Digital Transformation & Innovation Leadership gave Irene a new perspective on what innovative leadership means.
“The program enriched my understanding of the significance and methodology behind establishing a clear and persuasive vision. It highlighted the importance of maintaining a collaborative mindset, promoting cross-functional teamwork, aligning innovation with overarching organizational objectives, questioning established norms, and continuing to learn and grow both personally and professionally.”
With respect to digital transformation leadership, the program provided Irene a sense of clarity. “The Executive Master in Digital Transformation & Innovation Leadership empowered me to be an audacious leader—one who drives transformation with passion and is more intentional in ensuring alignment across the organization.” Irene leads with the intention of extracting value from digital technologies in both customer engagement and internal operations, as well as by prioritizing agility and an innovative culture.
More than a comprehensive understanding of digital transformation, Irene gained the confidence necessary to succeed in the market and to identify her strengths and gaps.
“Personal mastery is about getting to the place where you know what you know, and you know what you don’t know.”
Currently, Irene is the group executive head of digital channels and platforms at Old Mutual Limited, a business that operates in 14 countries across Africa and Asia. Irene is using her learnings from IE University to make an impact as a digital leader within the company, as well as to enable real Old Mutual customers to achieve their lifetime financial goals.
For future Executive Master in Digital Transformation & Innovative Leadership students, Irene believes it’s critical to be clear about what you’re looking for. “If you’re looking to be challenged, you will have that, plus the additional benefit of a global perspective and a lifelong professional network.”
