CEO MONTHLY / C-SUITE AWARDS 2024 7 or mentorship programmes with AI-focused companies. He adds, “Theory is crucial, but nothing beats hands-on experience. Work on projects that allow you to apply AI in real-world settings, whether through internships, personal projects, or as part of your job. This will deepen your understanding and enhance your problem-solving skills. “[And] while technical skills are fundamental in tech and AI, soft skills like leadership, communication, and strategic thinking are equally important. A successful leader in this field must be able to bridge the gap between complex technical concepts and business applications.” Meanwhile, Bejan and the team at Infona AG have once again achieved something innovative: the launch of the “Infona Academy”. With this new initiative, the company aims to foster young talents and acquaint a broad audience – from novices to experienced computer scientists – with the world of artificial intelligence. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application,” explains Bejan. “The Infona Academy is not just a place of learning, but an innovation hub that prepares participants directly for the challenges of the real world.” The Academy offers a series of courses that cover both practical and theoretical aspects of AI. At the end of each course, there is an exam, and successful completion is rewarded with a certificate. “We want to ensure that our graduates leave not only with knowledge but also with proof of their skills for the working world. It is especially important to us that these educational opportunities are completely free of charge, to include everyone,” Bejan adds. The idea for the Infona Academy arose when the Infona AG team was increasingly approached about the prominent “Artificial Intelligence for Business” inscriptions on their vehicles. These encounters led to many interesting perspectives and sometimes fears about artificial intelligence. “It was a real ‘aha!’ moment when we realised how great the hunger for high-quality education in this rapidly growing area was,” recalls Bejan. In addition to training young talents, Bejan sees the Academy as an opportunity to further strengthen Infona AG’s position as a leading innovator in the technology industry. “By fostering knowledge and innovation, we not only strengthen our own position but also elevate the entire industry to a higher level,” emphasises Bejan. With such ambitious plans, it’s clear that Infona AG and the Infona Academy have a lot ahead of them. Ultimately, it is easy to see how Bejan Choschnau has come to be named our Software Development COO of the Year 2024 (Europe), being the strong leader and extraordinary visionary he is. As our conversation with him comes to a close, he is keen to share some advice for those who might be looking to follow a similar career path to himself. He tells us that one should: embrace continuous learning, gain hands-on experience, develop technical and soft skills, cultivate a problemsolving mindset, build a strong network, be adaptable and resilient, understand ethical implications, focus on usercentric design, champion innovation, and last but certainly not least, prepare for leadership. He states, “If your aim is to reach a c-suite position, prepare by understanding the business aspects of technology. Learn about finance, marketing, HR, and operations, as leading a tech company requires a wellrounded understanding of all these areas. “By maintaining a passion for technology and its potential to transform businesses, you’ll be well on your way to forging a successful career path similar to mine in the tech and AI industry.” Company: Infona AG Contact: Bejan Choschnau Email: [email protected] Website: infona.app
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