“Ambiguity is back, and it's even more amplified”: Interactive CEO on what keeps her up at night

Alex Coates tells CRN Australia exclusively how she will take advantage of these uncertain times.

The combination of geopolitical volatility and the heightened regulatory environment creates a new season of ambiguity for Australian organisations , according to Alex Coates, CEO at Interactive.

Telling CRN Australia exclusively, she doesn’t see ambiguity as a challenge, but an opportunity for the Australian IT company and channel as a whole.

“But you look at this point of time that we're in, and you'd say that ambiguity is back, and it's even more amplified. That ambiguity exposes both itself, but also in it is opportunity,” she said.

Coates explained how she is looking at these uncertain times with a glass half full mentality.

“I constantly think about how to capitalise on that, and how do we make sure that we don't miss the moment? Yes, it's uncertain times, but how do you turn that certainty and uncertainty into a force for good for the company?”

Coates explained that ambiguity in the industry has changed the dynamics of leadership.

“It’s changed what it means to be a leader today, you are having to think about your leaders being able to navigate uncertainty, and to constantly thinking about how to disrupt themselves, which it's not the place you find yourself.”

Coates said she believes in the power of collaboration and ambiguity.

“I believe that we as an industry and a tech industry have a need to work on problems and opportunities across the industry together,” she explained.

“That means that we can all try and keep the pace that we need to. If you kind of go at it on your own all the time, I just don't think you'll ever get to the bar.”

She believes a rising tide lifts all boats for this industry so if companies tackle issues together, they’ll come out on top, as will their customers.

“It's good competitive tension for the market and importantly, it gets the customers what they need and when they need it,” she added.

Looking at the pace of change, Coates explained that it is outstripping a company’s ability to meet demand alone.

“Whereas, if you join up in an ecosystem and try and get there, it's the nature of numbers. You're better with more, than you are on your own,” she said.

“But, that's a wholly different perspective that I know is not necessarily shared with everyone, but it's one that I am standing behind.”