December Challenges of CEO

Dear colleagues, partners, and friends,

As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the key challenges we faced in December across different areas of our work. From website security and project management dynamics, it has been a month of learning and problem-solving. Below, I’ve outlined the major obstacles we encountered and how we are addressing them moving forward.

1. Website Security Incident: A Valuable Wake-Up Call

A significant issue we faced in November/December revolved around the security of our presentation website. Initially, we had considered our website to be fairly low-risk, as it was purely informational with no sensitive data stored. We didn’t prioritize security, believing that such a simple site wouldn’t be a target. However, this changed when we noticed suspicious activity, and it became clear that our site had been compromised. We suspect this was due to targeted attacks, possibly from a competitor, as our previous marketing efforts were focused primarily on the US, India, and Asia—regions where competition is fierce.

This incident was a critical reminder that website security is non-negotiable, regardless of the size or purpose of the site. Even simple presentation websites can become targets if left unsecured. As a result, we took immediate action to take the site down and begin working on a comprehensive overhaul. We are migrating from WordPress to a more secure and user-friendly low-code/no-code platform, which will not only provide us with better security but also ease of management.

Our focus moving forward is to prioritize security for all aspects of our online presence, no matter how minimal they may seem. A key takeaway here is that you can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting your digital infrastructure.

2. Accountability in Project Management: Who Should Own the Responsibility?

A particularly frustrating issue I encountered this month was around accountability when a project goes off track. In many cases, I’ve seen project managers try to deflect responsibility by placing blame on developers or other team members. The result is a cycle of finger-pointing that doesn’t resolve the underlying issues and often causes even further delays.

In my experience, project managers must take full ownership of their projects, whether they succeed or fail. A project manager is not just a coordinator or a communicator; they are responsible for the overall success of the project. If something goes wrong, it’s the project manager’s job to step up, identify the problem, and find a solution. Placing blame on developers or shifting responsibility is not only unprofessional but also undermines the entire team’s morale and trust.

This month, we made it a point to reinforce the importance of accountability within our team, ensuring that all members take ownership of their respective roles. For project managers, this means being proactive and transparent, rather than deflecting blame when things go wrong.

3. Networking at Web Summit Lisbon: Building Connections for the Future

November brought an incredible opportunity to attend the Web Summit in Lisbon, one of the largest and most impactful tech events globally. It was more than just a conference—it was a hub for innovation, collaboration, and connection. Meeting with industry leaders, forward-thinkers, and passionate professionals reaffirmed the value of personal interactions in shaping future business strategies and fostering innovation.

For SnapStack, the event was a cornerstone experience. Networking there wasn’t about accumulating contacts; it was about establishing meaningful relationships that can evolve into fruitful collaborations, groundbreaking ideas, and avenues for growth. Amidst the digital age, this reaffirmed the irreplaceable value of face-to-face conversations in sparking new possibilities and exchanging unique perspectives.

Reflecting on Lisbon’s vibrant energy, I am thrilled to share that SnapStack will continue this momentum in February at?TechArena 2025?in Stockholm! ??

With 350 world-class speakers, over 100 curated side events, and inspiring keynotes from legends like?Richard Branson?and?Tony Hawk, TechArena promises to be an essential gathering for those keen on exploring the latest tech megatrends.

Let’s connect and build the future together—see you in Stockholm!

As December comes to a close, I am proud of the progress we have made in addressing these challenges. While there were hurdles along the way, each one presented an opportunity for growth and improvement. Moving forward, we will continue to refine our approach to security, project management, data analytics, machine learning, and cloud architecture to ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation.

Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season and an Inspiring New Year!

As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for being a part of our journey. Your support, collaboration, and shared vision have made this year truly special.

I hope this holiday season brings you joy, love, and time to reflect on all you’ve accomplished. Here’s to a new year filled with fresh opportunities, growth, and success.

From all of us at SnapStack, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ???

Warm regards,

Ivan

CEO, SnapStack Solutions