Lessons from 2022: Turning challenges into opportunities

2022 has not been a straightforward year. A war in Ukraine has seen the world divided and global energy and food supplies disrupted. International tensions between China and Taiwan have reared their heads again. Recession is looming in many parts of the world, and whilst it makes less headlines, Covid is still very much a part of our lives.


But organisations exist to solve problems and provide solutions. So, to mark the end of a rollercoaster year, we're pulling together leaders from three organisations to talk about the challenges they've faced this year, and how they are moving forward into 2023.


For Hewlett Packard Enterprise Senior Vice President and Global Chief Security Officer Bobby Ford, it's been a year of building bridges. Amid growing security threats from criminal gangs, individual players and even nation states, Bobby has been reaching out across conflict lines to build partnerships and understanding among his industry peers. He's also been on the lookout for the next potential threat - be that online or in the 'real world', from geopolitical instability to forces of nature, he is setting his sights on planning for the unexpected in 2023.


Nicole LaPointe Jameson is the CEO of Evil Geniuses, one of the world's premiere eSports teams. Amid a huge growth in the sport around the world, as an international team they've faced challenges in crossing borders and keeping their team safe and united. They've also felt the ongoing effects of hardware shortages which have plagued the tech industry over the last two years: In particular, a shortage of graphics cards and even equipment as basic as computer mice has had a lasting knock-on impact on the team. On the other hand, as a growing sport that's rapidly entering the big leagues financially, 2022 has been a great year for Nicole and eSports at large, and as the value of the sport grows, it's increasing professionalisation - insight driven scouting, training and welfare - becomes more viable and important. For Nicole, 2023 is all about building on that success.


And finally, to the other end of the spectrum and a sport where data, detail and design matters more than any other - Formula 1. Christian Horner is the CEO and team principle of Oracle Red Bull Racing, who in 2022 overcame logistical challenges and international tensions to take their first constructors championship since 2013, and driver Max Verstappen's second consecutive drivers championship.


For Christian, 2022 has been a year of spinning plates - the team was forced to prioritise winning the 2021 season above developing their 2022 car, and so had some catching up to do early in the season. With major new regulations coming into play for 2023, the team once again has its work cut out to develop a new car and tailor it to the precise needs of the driver and race - as well as bring a team of hundreds along with watch-like precision.


This is 2022 Untangled. 


You can find the long show notes for this episode here: https://community.hpe.com/t5/hpe-blog-uk-ireland-middle-east/lessons-from-2022-turning-challenges-into-opportunities/ba-p/7182094#.Y9z8qnbP1PY