15 Years of Learning, Leading, and Growing: Reflections from My Journey at Aviva Metals

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, staying with one company for a significant amount of time is becoming a rarity. However, as I reflect on my 15 years at Aviva Metals, I realize that this longevity has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and leadership—one that has shaped me into the I.T Leader I am today. Through dedication, commitment, and hard work, I have always strived to give my best and deliver the highest level of service to the organization.

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Building Strong Foundations

?When I first joined Aviva Metals, I came with a passion for technology and a desire to make an impact. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading numerous initiatives that have transformed the way our company operates. From managing IT infrastructure across our U.S. and France offices to overseeing our ERP application, my focus has always been on driving efficiency, innovation, and security.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey has been working with talented consultants from all over the world, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and India. Whether we were tackling complex system integrations or implementing automation strategies, my goal has always been to get the best out of every consultant we worked with. I believe that when you create an environment of trust, collaboration, and respect, you unlock the potential for remarkable results.

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The Importance of Good Mentors, a Supportive Team, and Strong Leadership

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As I reflect on the key factors that contributed to my success, I can't emphasize enough how much having a good boss, great mentors, and a supportive team has meant to me. Early in my career at Aviva Metals, I was fortunate to have leaders who encouraged my growth, challenged me to think strategically, and provided the guidance I needed to navigate complex situations.

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Mentorship played a significant role in my development, helping me sharpen my skills and make informed decisions. Having access to mentors who were not only knowledgeable but also willing to invest time in my growth gave me the confidence to take on new challenges.

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Similarly, my team has been a constant source of strength. Working alongside people who are just as committed to excellence as I have made all the difference. Whether it’s overcoming technical obstacles or navigating tight deadlines, having a team that collaborates seamlessly and supports each other has been instrumental in delivering success.

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Family Support as the Foundation of Success

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While professional support has been essential, I would be remiss not to acknowledge how crucial my family's support has been throughout this journey. Their encouragement, understanding, and unwavering belief in me have provided the strength I needed to persevere through challenges. Without the backing of my family, none of this would have been possible. Their role in my success is immeasurable.

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Lifelong Learning and Sharing Knowledge

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One thing that has kept me energized over the years is my constant thirst for knowledge. I’ve never stopped learning. Whether it’s attending courses on new technologies, participating in industry conferences, contributing to I.T. forums, or mentoring other I.T. professionals from around the world, I stay deeply involved in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. I've also created and manage several LinkedIn groups where I connect with and advise I.T. professionals globally. Sharing knowledge and guiding others in their journeys has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. It’s through these engagements that I continue to learn, grow, and contribute to the global I.T. community.

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Managing Cybersecurity in a Dynamic Threat Landscape

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In today’s digital world, managing cybersecurity has become a top priority for any organization, and Aviva Metals is no exception. Over the years, I’ve had the responsibility of safeguarding our systems, data, and network infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. From implementing robust security measures to staying ahead of new vulnerabilities, I’ve worked diligently to ensure that our business remains secure.

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Cybersecurity is not just about firewalls and software—it’s about creating a culture of awareness and proactive defense. I’ve introduced employee training programs to help the team identify potential threats like phishing and social engineering attacks. By promoting vigilance and continuous improvement, we’ve managed to strengthen our security posture while fostering a sense of shared responsibility within the company.

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Solving Problems with a Positive, Never-Give-Up Attitude

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A key part of my leadership philosophy is maintaining a positive attitude, especially when faced with challenges. In IT, problems are inevitable—but every problem comes with an opportunity for a solution. As Rumi wisely said, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” I’ve made it a priority to approach every challenge with persistence and a solutions-driven mindset. From unexpected technical failures to managing tight project deadlines, I’ve found that the right attitude can make all the difference in not only finding solutions but also in motivating others to do the same.

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This never-give-up mentality has guided me through some of the most complex projects at Aviva Metals, from modernizing communication systems to integrating our global operations with our France office. No matter how tough the situation, I firmly believe there’s always a way forward—and this approach has helped my team deliver consistently high-quality results.

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Embracing Automation for Efficiency

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Automation has played a central role in optimizing our operations at Aviva Metals. By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, we’ve been able to free up valuable resources and focus more on strategic activities that drive the business forward. Whether it’s automating the exchange of data between systems or implementing paperless document management processes, automation has allowed us to streamline workflows and improve productivity across departments.

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The benefits of automation go beyond efficiency. By reducing the risk of human error, we’ve enhanced accuracy in data management and reporting, leading to better decision-making. Automation has been instrumental in allowing our team to scale operations while maintaining high-quality standards.

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The Importance of Adaptability

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Technology is an industry that never stands still, and neither should we. Over the past 15 years, I’ve learned that adaptability is one of the most crucial skills any I.T. leader can possess. As new technologies emerge, businesses need to evolve, and it has been my role to ensure that Aviva Metals remains at the forefront of these advancements.

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Automation, in particular, has been a key enabler of this adaptability. As the industry changes, our ability to implement new tools and processes quickly has allowed us to stay competitive while meeting the growing demands of our business.

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However, adaptability isn’t just about adopting new technologies; it’s about understanding the needs of your business and your team. Every solution I’ve implemented at Aviva Metals has been driven by one question: How can this improve the way we work? By aligning technology with business goals, I’ve been able to deliver results that not only enhance our IT operations but also drive our overall success.

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Leading with Integrity and a Vision for the Future

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Leadership is about more than just managing systems—it’s about inspiring people. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring others, sharing my knowledge, and watching them grow into confident professionals. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing someone you’ve mentored succeed, and it is this commitment to empowerment that I carry with me in every project.

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As I look toward the future, my vision for IT at Aviva Metals remains clear: to continue leveraging technology to drive innovation, improve processes, and keep us ahead of the competition. But this vision isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. It’s about fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning.

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The Journey Ahead

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Fifteen years may seem like a long time, but in many ways, I feel like I’m just getting started. The world of IT is constantly evolving, and I’m excited about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Whether it’s exploring the potential of new technologies, further strengthening our automation efforts, or streamlining our business processes across the U.S. and France offices, I’m committed to leading with purpose and driving meaningful change.

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As I continue this journey, I’m reminded of one simple truth: Success is not achieved overnight. It takes time, effort, and, most importantly, the right mindset. I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues, mentors, and the Aviva Metals family who have been part of this journey with me.

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Thank you to everyone who has been part of my 15 years at Aviva Metals. Here’s to many more years of growth, learning, and success!

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Feel free to connect with me and follow my journey on [LinkedIn]

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Zaheer Syed I.T. Leader | Cybersecurity Enthusiast | Strategic Thinker | Passionate About Technology & Business Solutions | A Family Man, Mentor, and Friend https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/zaheers/

#Leadership #Cybersecurity #ITInnovation #Automation #Mentorship #GlobalCollaboration #ContinuousLearning #TechLeadership #FamilySupport