It’s our favourite time of year again! No, not the drizzle-fest that passes for a British summer. The time when we get to meet the fantastic winners of the Digital Revolution Awards and find out how they’re making a positive impact on our world through cloud technology. In this Meet the Winners blog, we caught up with Ebere Josephine Uba to hear about her work, and her new title as the Digital Revolution Awards 2024 Global Outstanding Leader of the Year.
When crowning our Global Outstanding Leader of the Year, we look for someone who has demonstrated exceptional guidance, direction, integrity, decision-making, or inspirational leadership throughout their work in the tech space, and this year’s winner fits that description to a tee.
Ebere Josephine Uba is leading the way in fostering diversity and inclusion in the cyber security space, empowering women to enter a skill-scarce sector, not only boosting representation across the industry but also creating new pathways for women to access rewarding careers in tech.
How do you feel about winning this year’s Digital Revolution Global Awards?
I’m deeply honored and incredibly grateful to be recognized as the Outstanding Leader of the Year at the Digital Revolution Global Awards 2024. This award is a testament to the collective effort and unwavering dedication of my team and the incredible support system that surrounds me. It feels surreal to be acknowledged on such a prestigious global platform among the best in the tech industry.
Winning this award reinforces my belief in the power of innovation and the importance of fostering an environment that encourages creativity, resilience, and inclusivity. Over the years, my journey has been driven by a passion for leveraging advanced ICT, particularly cybersecurity and AI, to create impactful and sustainable digital transformations. This recognition not only validates the hard work and commitment but also inspires me to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the tech industry.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been empowering women in technology and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the fields of AI and cybersecurity. This award highlights the importance of these efforts and motivates me to further champion these causes. The acknowledgement from the Digital Revolution Awards also emphasizes the significance of ethical leadership, integrity, and decision-making in driving organizational success.
I’m grateful to my colleagues, mentors, and the tech community for their continuous support and collaboration. This award is not just a personal achievement but a shared victory that reflects our collective dedication to innovation and excellence. It signifies that our work is making a real impact and that we are on the right path towards creating a more secure and technologically advanced world.
I look forward to continuing this journey of transformation, learning, and contributing to the tech industry in meaningful ways. Thank you to the Digital Revolution Awards for this incredible honor.
What impact will this award have on your work in the future?
Winning the Outstanding Leader of the Year 2024 Award at the Digital Revolution Awards is a significant milestone in my career, and its impact on my future work is multifaceted and profound.
Firstly, this award enhances my credibility and visibility within the tech industry, particularly in the fields of digital transformation and AI. It recognizes the years of dedication, innovation, and leadership I have demonstrated. This recognition will open doors to new opportunities and collaborations, allowing me to extend my influence and share my expertise on a broader scale.
In the immediate future, this accolade will bolster my efforts in advocating for the integration of AI and cybersecurity in diverse sectors. It provides a stronger platform for promoting advanced ICT solutions that address emerging threats and optimize operations. With this recognition, I am better positioned to secure buy-in from stakeholders, including senior executives and policymakers, for innovative projects and initiatives.
Moreover, this award serves as a powerful motivator for my continued commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. It reaffirms the importance of empowering women in cybersecurity and AI, a cause I am deeply passionate about. Leveraging the prestige of this award, I aim to launch new mentorship programs and workshops, inspiring the next generation of female tech leaders and promoting gender diversity in tech roles.
In the long term, the award will significantly influence my strategic direction. It will encourage me to pursue more ambitious projects that push the boundaries of technology and drive substantial societal impact. For instance, I plan to develop AI-driven tools that enhance educational technology, providing personalized learning experiences and improving educational outcomes in underserved communities.
Furthermore, the recognition will amplify my voice in key industry forums and conferences. As a recipient of this award, I will be invited to share insights and contribute to discussions on critical issues such as AI ethics, cybersecurity policies, and digital transformation strategies. This platform will allow me to influence industry standards and best practices, ensuring that technological advancements align with ethical considerations and societal needs.
Ultimately, winning this award symbolizes a responsibility to lead by example and drive positive change. It reinforces my commitment to using technology as a force for good, addressing global challenges, and promoting sustainable development. As I continue to innovate and lead in the tech industry, this award will serve as a constant reminder of the impact that visionary leadership and a dedication to excellence can achieve.
What would you say to anybody thinking of entering the 2025 Digital Revolution Awards?
To anyone considering entering the 2025 Digital Revolution Awards, I would say go for it with confidence and passion. Entering the 2025 Digital Revolution Awards is an excellent opportunity for anyone in the tech industry to gain recognition and showcase their achievements on a global stage These awards are not just about winning; they are about showcasing your hard work, creativity, and dedication to advancing technology.
First and foremost, I would say, believe in your impact and share your story confidently. The tech industry thrives on innovation and leadership that drives change, and the Digital Revolution Awards celebrate those who make significant contributions. Reflect on your journey, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the successes you’ve achieved. Highlight how your work has made a difference in your organization and the broader community.
Focus on the uniqueness of your contributions. Whether you’ve led a groundbreaking project, developed an innovative solution, or fostered a culture of diversity and inclusion, ensure your application showcases what sets you apart. For example, in my journey, I spearheaded user-oriented transformation initiatives across diverse sectors and empowered women in cybersecurity. These unique aspects of my work resonated with the judges.
Illustrate your leadership qualities with concrete examples. The Outstanding Leader of the Year award, in particular, seeks individuals who have demonstrated exceptional guidance and inspirational leadership. In my application, I detailed how I led digital transformation initiatives at a partner company and a law firm, integrating analytics and AI technologies to revolutionize processes. I also highlighted my efforts in promoting gender diversity in tech through various programs, thought leaderships, and speaking engagements.
Quantify your achievements. Whenever possible, use data to back up your claims. For instance, I mentioned how my initiatives led to an 80% increase in online sales and how UI/UX enhancements for a child security app resulted in 3 million global users. Numbers can make your accomplishments more tangible and impactful.
Show your commitment to continuous learning and community involvement. Awards like these also value ongoing development and contributions beyond the workplace. I emphasized my continuous pursuit of knowledge, evidenced by various certifications, and my active involvement in community projects like the ESG Tree Planting Initiative, Teach for Nigeria, ICT Education, ICT Career Counselling, and so on.
Leverage feedback and testimonials. Including endorsements from colleagues, partners, or industry peers can add credibility to your application. Their perspectives can provide a well-rounded view of your impact and leadership style. I included links to Google reviews, industry peer reviews, and screenshots of testimonials about me to support my application.
Finally, stay authentic and passionate Let your passion for technology and leadership shine through in your application. Authenticity can resonate strongly with judges, showing them the person behind the achievements.
Entering the Digital Revolution Awards is not just about winning; it’s about celebrating your journey, inspiring others, and continuing to drive innovation in the tech industry. So, put your best foot forward and share your remarkable story with the world.
Take this opportunity to share your innovative projects and the impact they have made. The process of preparing your entry can also be incredibly rewarding, as it allows you to reflect on your achievements and growth.
Remember, recognition on such a global stage can propel your career and open up new avenues for collaboration and development. So, believe in your work, stay committed to your vision, and let your passion for technology shine through. The industry needs more trailblazers, and you could be one of them.
