Our People: Mike Hendry, Chief Digital Officer

Meet Mike Hendry, Steel & Tube's Chief Digital Officer. Hailing from the technology sector with a background in marketing, software development, e-commerce and cyber security, Mike leads the team responsible for driving Steel & Tube's digital transformation with a focus on making it easier than ever for our customers to do business with us.

How has technology shaped your career to date?

Technology has been at the centre of my career. By pursuing a career in technology, I have been lucky to be exposed to and create some really cool stuff. It's the constantly changing landscape and it's the positive impact technology it can have on people's lives and work that that gets me up in the morning.

Every day I continue to be blown away by the fact that I get the chance to work with some extraordinary people trying to solve sometimes difficult challenges and then having the satisfaction of knowing that as a team we have helped someone.

What has been your greatest learning as a leader during the COVID-19 pandemic?

People have a large capacity for change.

For Steel & Tube, every employee has played a role in allowing us to keep doing business while transitioning to a more flexible work model. Initially, this took place out of necessity due to the pandemic. However, I'm pleased to see that it's sparked a meaningful change for us as a business. A flexible work culture has now become part of Steel & Tube's employer value proposition.

For my team, I think we have seen a significant increase in productivity as people can work where and when it suits them in a way that suits them. Counter-intuitively, it's resulted in an increase in trust within the team and broken down a lot of barriers.

People in our organisation are really grounded and straight up. That makes my job much easier than it otherwise could be and means it's hard to stray too far from what really matters. Without doubt, this has made a difference as we have gone through the COVID-19 pandemic.

What lessons can the steel industry take from manufacturing and logistics which have been shaped by digital transformation?

Manufacturing and logistics industries have seen significant success through mass customisation of products and experiences. It has allowed the customer to become more involved in core processes be they assisting their projects, manufacturing or supply chain processes. Steel & Tube has an opportunity to use technology to improve the way customers can work with us and how we engage. Consistency of the customer experience, quality of product received, and timeliness can be delivered by technology.

I discuss the topic of technology in the steel industry further in my interview with NZ Manufacturer, read more.

Looking ahead, how do you see technology shaping the Steel & Tube customer experience over the next five years?

Technology will become the one of the most important tools through which we interact with our customers. This will provide economies of scale, an increasingly personalised customer experience and greater efficiencies. I am certain that through Steel & Tube effectively executing a digital strategy, customers will experience an ever-evolving customer experience focused on actively addressing the challenges they face in their businesses.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy most?

I play in an all-original alternate rock band which is a great outlet. It's a four piece and I play the guitar. We've been playing together for the past ten years. I went to primary school with one of the guys in the band. We reconnected when our sons were on the same rugby team.

I try and play the guitar every day for about 30 minutes or so. It's a great way to destress and unwind at the end of the day.

When I'm not involved with music, I'm an avid movie-watcher. My favourite movie is a tossup between Terry Giliams Brazil and Fifth Element or Coppola's Apocalypse Now. I also enjoy reading about various physics, maths and other science topics.

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