Walk us through your CIO path.  How did you decide to pursue a career in technology?

I believe that my biggest achievements are my life and what I did, am doing, and will do. Technology was always my passion. Twenty-two years ago, I was a young, freshly graduated from college with BA in history, living for less than two dollars daily wage in a country going through difficult times after the USSR fell apart and the ongoing war with the neighboring country. Without tiny hope for a better future and visible signs of it. At that time, I started my professional life journey by entering an entry-level IT job with a written “master achievements plan” and a strong belief that there is no such thing as Impossible. The only constraints I have are a lack of effort and not enough time. As a result, I raised from an entry-level technologist role to a Leading technology role for the largest onshore oil producer in seven years and have kept raising the ranks since then. At some point in my career, I decided to resign from my CIO tenure in Europe to move to a market of unlimited possibilities in the US while shifting from the corporate world to an entrepreneur style. Building management technology consulting practice from a whiteboard sketch. And I believe that there is much more to achieve as time permits.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing CIOs in your industry?

I’m a people-oriented leader, and I strongly believe that the only issue in any industry is people. Technology, processes, and the rest of the moving parts of the technology are easy to achieve if you have talented people.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a CIO?

Walking the technology executive (CIO) path is not easy right now. And at the same time, it is one of the most exciting ones in my opinion. And I Inspire everyone to walk that path and be bold in their decisions, inspire and be inspired, do not set any limits along your way, and most importantly, invest in your self-education (read, read and read)! Anything is possible if you believe in that.

How do you decompress from your role as a technology executive?  What do you do for fun?

I know that being a technology executive right now can be overwhelming. And over the years, I developed my getaway plan: Every day after work, 100% of my time is dedicated to family; during the workday, I dedicate one hour to self-education and professional development, and my passion for reading helps to distract from the world.

Can you list your top 1-3 books that you would recommend for a technology leader to have on their bookshelf/Kindle?

Think Again by Adam Grant– This book opens an unlimited opportunity to think and re-think who we are and what and how we are doing things.

Start with Why by Simon Sinek – Why was the main question for me all the time, and I found like-minded thoughts in this book.

Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler– This book aligns with the way of thinking I’ve been practicing since childhood. There is no such thing as impossible the is only not enough time and effort.

Can you share a specific quote that is a source of inspiration for you as a leader?

“The is no such thing as impossible the is only not enough time and effort” – Samir Mammadov, and to rephrase the famous quote, “Inspire people how you want to be Inspired” – Samir Mammadov

Please share a recommendation or testimonial on the benefit you see as a member of this CIO Professional Network.

I’m sincerely proud to be a member of the CION community, where I can Contribute, Consume and Collaborate with like-minded people. The more we do that, the stronger we will be as a community and people.