FIVE MINUTES WITH ...

Danilo McGarry , an internationally recognised Industry Thought leader in Innovation and Transformation is Head of Automation and AI , Alter Domus . Danilo specialises in driving competitive advantage through the use of AI , OCR , NLP , Data Mining , Machine Learning and Artificial intelligence . He helps companies transform through digital transformation programs using Automation and Robotics Process Automation , big data management , analytics and Process Mining – “ Transformation through practical innovation ” is his motto .

Q . WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR MOTIVATION FROM ?

» I grew up in Brazil in very humble surroundings with no technology , no computer or phone . The main two things that got me to where I am are relentless curiosity and an unflinching work ethic . Plus I love what I do – helping companies , people and communities utilise technology in effective ways .

Q . HOW DID YOUR CAREER TAKE OFF ?

» Since childhood I have always been an entrepreneur at heart with technology always as a foundation to everything I did . My first major career break was at Royal Bank of Canada just when the last financial crisis happened . I managed to use technology to help the bank excel during a time when other banks were failing – this helped me become one of the bank ’ s youngest Directors in history at the age of just 26 . After that I moved to the Middle East where I set up my own consultancy helping companies from all sectors and governments utilise technology to improve how they manage their people and countries . Next I worked for CitiGroup as the head of AI and machine learning , which led me to win awards and to deliver keynote speeches internationally . I went on to help run the world ’ s biggest AI and automation programme for the Unitedhealth Group ( no . 5 of Fortune 500 ), then returned to live in London working with Alter Domus and taking an active role in NGOs that focus on tech for good .

Q . WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEAR AND MID RANGE FUTURE LOOKS LIKE FOR ALTER DOMUS ?

» What we are doing is scaling what is becoming a world class digital transformation program and becoming a true fintech company , one which is technology-enabled and also technologicallyenables our clients too . We work with some of the best people in their fields and we ’ re about empowering them to do their jobs without the bureaucracy .

Q . WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY LOOKS LIKE ?

» AI , Blockchain , Quantum Computing , Genomics and Cryptocurrency when combined together as technology opportunities , are multiple times bigger than the Green movement , as we see hydrocarbons being replaced by clean energy . These technologies can be combined to fundamentally change the way we live and work . Transformation will be self driving , the mid air space is going to be populated with flying vehicles , education will get a major overhaul with AI assistants , Healthcare is being restructured – all of this and more is changing the jobs we will do in the future . If companies , governments and individuals navigate these new arenas properly , the opportunities for improving life and generating new revenue streams are virtually endless .

24 August 2021