Let's connect with Edward Beck of IQ BackOffice. Please leave your comments and questions for Edward below. If you are interested in being featured in a member spotlight please email customerreference@8x8.com.
Tell us about your job.
I'm the CTO of IQ BackOffice. IQ BackOffice is a leader in Finance, Accounting, Automation and Outsourcing with offices in Los Angeles, California; Manila, Philippines and Chennai, India. IQ processes over $15B and 2.5M financial transactions annually.
What path led you to your current role at IQ BackOffice?
After serving as a vice president and senior IT executive for an extended period, I sought a change and transitioned into a project manager role at IQ BackOffice. Though not directly IT-related, it was a natural fit due to handling systems integrations and client implementations. In 2020, I moved back to the IT domain, taking on the role of Chief Technology Officer. This journey has been enriching, providing me with a broader perspective and a rewarding leadership position.
As a child did you see yourself going into technology?
As a child, I didn't envision myself going into technology since there wasn't much technology around at the time! However, my interest in early games like Atari 2600 sparked my initial curiosity in computers. Later, during my time in the military, I got involved with database systems. Despite initially pursuing an MBA in finance, I gravitated towards technology and eventually branched out to work with ERP systems.
Tell us about your military experience.
After graduating from high school in the 80s, I joined the United States Air Force as a firefighter and was stationed overseas in Spain for approximately three years. Upon returning, I pursued college with the intention of becoming an officer, but due to the reduction in forces, those opportunities were limited. Consequently, I decided to attend grad school and eventually ventured into business, leading to a career that involves frequent international travel.
How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and where do you find professional inspiration?
I primarily stay up-to-date on industry trends through YouTube, Reddit, and general news articles. While I find LinkedIn less valuable - 'Facebook for business,' I rely on technology groups on Discord for the latest insights. Additionally, I'm actively involved in development projects both for personal growth and the company's benefit. Inspiration and knowledge comes from various online sources and hands-on experiences.
What advice would you give to someone who's pursuing a career in technology?
Prioritize knowledge of security and stay updated on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Continuously learn and specialize in your area of interest, but also have a backup plan, as the tech landscape is constantly evolving.
Who are your mentors and how have they influenced your career?
I've had a couple of mentors throughout my career, but one of the most influential and recent ones is my former CIO from the early 2000s. Although we only worked together directly for a short time, we've remained in touch over the years, and his guidance has been invaluable. One of the key lessons I learned from him is the importance of integrity in all aspects of professional life. He emphasized the significance of standardizing processes and maintaining an open and honest approach when dealing with challenges. He taught me the value of explaining situations when necessary, even though some people may prefer to skip the explanations and focus on getting the work done. His mentorship has shaped my approach to leadership and decision-making, and I still carry his teachings with me to this day.
On a personal note, what are your hobbies?
My main hobby is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which I've been practicing since 2007. It keeps me young and active, although I admit there are occasional injuries. Aside from that, I enjoy cooking, eating, and brewing beer whenever I get the chance, especially since moving to the Dallas area. Additionally, being on the computer and delving into new technologies and development are always part of my activities.
How do you foresee AI impacting IT workplace productivity?
I use AI every day to assist in development, planning and writing. AI can also be used to educate and train. It's going to progressively grow and grow. It's going to enhance what you can do and hopefully bring a little bit more freedom and time into your day.
You are an existing Fuze customer, and you recently installed 8x8 at a new contact center in the Philippines. How does 8x8 compare with Fuze?
What I like best about 8x8 is its remarkable flexibility and ease of setup. It is easy to set up and configure to make changes on the fly. It's mostly self explanatory, and does a good job on the quality of calls we tested - much better than our Fuze solution. With 8x8 being a true call center application, it can address some of the pain points we had with Fuze, such as call blocking and number blocking that we experienced at our contact center in Los Angeles. 8x8 is geared toward being a true unified communication solution, which will be a huge difference for us.