#700 Guiding the Next Generation into the AI Era with Christopher Williamson, Global Director Of Technology at TUI
Today we’re talking to Christopher Williamson, Global Director Of Technology at TUI. We discuss Chris’s methodology of going from idea to project, the ways in which AI is being utilized to further TUI’s technology, and the ways that Joel and Chris approach technology for their kids and the next generation.
All of this right here, right now, on the Modern CTO Podcast!
For more about TUI, check out their website: https://www.tuigroup.com/en-en
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Produced by ProSeries Media.
About Christopher Williamson:
I ACCELERATE GROWTH OF ORGANISATIONS BY ACHIEVING EXCEPTIONAL TECHNOLOGY OUTCOMES, CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THAT INCREASE REVENUE, RAISING BRAND PROFILES AND CREATING ORGANISATIONS THAT PEOPLE WANT TO BE PART OF.
- Innovative excellence
- Relentless improvement
- Authentic human leadership built on trust
- Empowerment of teams & individuals
- Embracement of diversity
These guiding principles have served me well in my technology leadership journey where I have been able to maximise value of teams, increase innovation and improve experience for people.
I have worked in Travel, Banking, Telecommunications and Manufacturing, and I have partnered with some of the world’s most innovative brands including Apple, Google, Paypal, Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Amazon Web Services. These roles included setting strategies for Mobile, Web, Data, ML, Payments, Contact Centre, Cloud, Mainframe and Legacy Technologies.
I love making an impact and driving positive change. I enjoy people and am energised by my teams as together we focus on innovative excellence, innovation and constant improvement. Experience has taught me that the best results are achieved when we hire and develop the right people and when we create memorable experiences. This guides my dedication to coaching, leadership mentoring and people experience.
WHAT SETS ME APART
⋙ The ability to build relationships at all levels through trust, openness, and empathy.
⋙ Technology and business acumen with a focus on achieving exceptional results through people.
⋙ Vision, energy and passion that motivates my teams and gets the job done.
⋙ A determined commitment to continuous process and performance improvement.
⋙ High capacity for driving complex, deep-impact initiatives that power positive change and focus on ensuring this lands well.
⋙ Devotion to leadership coaching, development and mentoring.
HOW I'VE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN TECHNOLOGY
⋙ Enhanced ways of working, reduced attrition and improved recruitment at TUI to enable scaling of technology teams so that outcomes for customers can be improved.
⋙ Led digital transformation at first direct (HSBC) resulting in award winning digital experience for customers and improved experience for colleagues.
⋙ Delivered multimillion £ programmes at Lloyds Banking Group which have enabled innovation for customers such as Apple Pay and G Pay.
⋙ Consistently maintained employee engagement well-above averages.
FAVOURITE QUOTE
“Let’s go invent tomorrow instead of worrying about what happened yesterday.” – Steve Jobs
About TUI:
We’re adventure seekers. Smile givers. Impact makers.
We’re TUI, a leading global travel and leisure experience company that makes holiday dreams come true for people around the world.
We believe in the power of travel. It broadens horizons for our customers, and for our people too. Places to live, new roles to explore, new communities to join. It’s yours for the taking.
We are one of the world’s leading tourism groups counting 1200 travel agencies and leading online portals, five airlines with around 130 aircraft, over 400 hotels, and 16 cruise liners, and most importantly over 60 000 colleagues around the world. What unites us is making holiday dreams come true for our 21 million customers.
Besides the expansion of its core business with hotels, cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a digital company.
Global responsibility for sustainable economic, ecological and social action is at the core of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, education and training and the strengthening of environmental and social standards. It thus supports the development of holiday destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.
At TUI we simply say “Let’s TUI it”. For us, that means making people smile. Tackling challenges every day together, with a positive, can-do attitude, and finding solutions even for the most unexpected situations.Our teams across TUI are just as diverse as our destinations. Whether you have lots of experience or none at all. If you want to work in an office or feel best in the field. No matter if you’re an accomplished tech whizz, an aspiring entertainer, or simply in love with flying. There’s a place for you here.