In this article, we delve into an insightful interview with seasoned industry expert, Robert S Kanter, a professional who has spent over three decades bridging the gap between IT, business and software development. Throughout his impressive career, Robert has dedicated himself to providing tailored solutions that carefully balance technological innovation with business needs, consistently challenging an excessive focus on one at the expense of the other.

Robert’s extensive experience positions him uniquely as an advisor, capable of guiding businesses through scenarios involving operational efficiency, technology integration and both software and hardware issues. He's an ardent believer in mutual learning, and thrives on collaborating with other professionals to propel businesses forward.

In this comprehensive discussion, Robert also weighs in on trending disruptions in the industry, his most impactful projects and a candid reflection on lessons learned from navigating failures. This enlightening interview shines a light on Robert's in-depth understanding of the intersection between business and technology, offering readers valuable insights from his years of experience in the field.

What are your areas of expertise?

My specialty is bringing IT, business, software & development, and integration expertise to businesses for over 30 years. Solutions need to encompass and include all three disciplines in the planning, and I can bridge the gap between them, ensuring that we don't excessively focus on technology at the expense of the business, or focus so heavily on business problems that we choose the wrong technology. It's a balancing act.

What's your main motivation for being an advisor?

Advising offers a unique learning experience that you don't get in a classroom or training course - I often learn as much as I advise. Working with really smart people who excel at what they do allows for amazing brainstorming sessions and incredible discussions that truly propel businesses forward.

What types of situations are you capable of advising on?

Any situations where businesses are making decisions or facing problems that could involve technology - this could be a scenario where technology could be the solution to a problem or other times where technology IS the problem that needs a solution. Situations that involve operational efficiency or streamlining initiatives are areas where I believe I can effectively bring all the tools (hardware, software, API, integration, development) I have to bear to create a solution and these are the most complex and enjoyable.

Do you see any disruptive trends on the horizon in your industry or position?

Security is an ever-present disruptor in our industry; it ebbs and flows - when news is inundated with incidences of security breaches (ransomwares, network shutdowns, etc.), people are very aware of security risks. When such news coverage subsides, it is more challenging to get customers to even acknowledge the risk.

Tell me about the most impactful project or decision you’ve been involved in as an executive.

On the positive side: I developed a solution (along with a customer) that integrated over 2,000 different districts across the country, each with its own operating methods, into a single, unified system flexible enough to accommodate all the operational variances while streamlined enough to enforce the organization's rules, which the various districts had previously ignored.

On the negative side: I worked on a marketing initiative to expand our business that turned out to be a costly and time-consuming project that failed, partly due to my leadership decisions (if you take note, marketing is not one of my areas of expertise). It taught me a tough lesson to trust experts who I've paid good money for their expertise.

In conclusion, the unique skill set of Robert S Kanter makes him an exceptional asset in the bridge between IT, business, software development, and integration fields. His seasoned experience spanning over three decades ensures that the balance between technology and business-specific problems is well-maintained, leading to growth and success. Mr. Kanter’s holistic approach towards problem-solving fosters an environment that encourages innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of a business. His exemplary expertise can be leveraged by hiring him as an advisor on AdvisoryCloud. With him on board, rest assured that your business can make strides forward powered by a perfect blend of technology, business acumen, and strategic integration solutions.