45 Years in IT: Key Lessons from Orange's Zaima Chati

In this conversation, Zaima shares her 45 years of experience in IT, from programming to leading complex projects at Orange. She discusses the importance of aligning IT with business goals, the challenges of managing legacy systems, and the need for agility and transparency in large organizations. Zaima reflects on the future of IT leadership, emphasizing the role of curiosity, continuous learning, and the balance between technical expertise and strategic vision. She also highlights the importance of visibility in application management, the risks of vendor lock-in, and the need for IT to be seen as a strategic partner rather than just a support function.

‍

What advice would you give to someone starting in IT in 2025?

First, understand your ecosystem. If you don’t know where you are or what you’re working with, it’s impossible to contribute meaningfully. Curiosity is key: ask questions, seek out knowledge, and identify the people who can help you learn. IT is not just about fixing problems; it’s about understanding the bigger picture and enabling the business. Don’t wait for orders, take initiative and explore.

💡 Curiosity is the foundation of growth in IT. If you don’t understand your ecosystem, you can’t innovate or solve problems effectively."

‍

Which IT project are you most proud of, or that challenged you most?

The most challenging project was the responsibility of managing 300+ complex software vendors and ensuring compliance while avoiding vendor lock-in has also been a significant challenge. Setting up and integrating new solutions within operators in foreign countries like Maghreb required major shifts in processes and to lead multicultural teams towards change - these were equally as demanding throughout my career.

The key is to keep the innovative mindset in the way you approach projects and lead the change.

What is the impact of AI tools on an already complex SaaS environment?

AI has the potential to revolutionize IT, particularly in documentation, data analysis, and automation. It can help us process vast amounts of information quickly, identify problems in logs, and optimize automated IT workflows. However, AI is not a magic solution, it requires thoughtful implementation and a clear understanding of its limitations. The real value lies in using AI to augment human capabilities, and there will naturally be an impact on the jobs and the employment.

💡 "AI is a powerful tool for accelerating processes, but it’s not a substitute for human expertise. It’s about enhancing what we already do, not reinventing the wheel."

‍

How have you seen the adoption and usage of applications evolve during your IT career?

‍When I started, applications required extensive training and support. Today, SaaS tools are much more intuitive, reducing the need for hands-on deployment teams. However, this shift has also introduced new challenges, such as managing complex IT ecosystems and ensuring security in a cloud-first world. The focus has shifted from teaching people how to use tools to ensuring those tools integrate seamlessly into existing workflows.

Why is visibility into the application landscape so important for cybersecurity?

Visibility is critical for compliance, security, and operational efficiency. Without a clear inventory of applications and their usage, organizations risk vendor lock-in, security breaches, and inefficiencies. For example, we’ve seen vendors exploit their market position by raising prices or forcing customers into unfavorable contracts. A robust inventory and governance process helps mitigate these risks and ensure IT remains a strategic partner to the business.

What are the best practices for IT communication with the rest of the organisation?

‍IT must be closely aligned with the business. This means breaking down silos, fostering transparency, and ensuring IT teams understand the business goals they’re supporting. Agile methodologies have helped bridge the gap between IT and other departments, but true collaboration requires more than just processes—it requires a cultural shift. IT should not be seen as a separate entity but as an integral part of the business.

💡"IT exists to serve the business. The closer IT is to the business, the more effective and strategic it becomes."

‍

What will the role of a CIO look like in five years?

The CIO of the future will need to be both a technical expert and a strategic leader. They must ensure the IT infrastructure is coherent, secure, and aligned with business goals while also fostering innovation. The role will increasingly focus on managing partnerships, leveraging AI, and ensuring the organization can adapt to rapid technological changes. The CIO must also be a strong communicator, capable of translating technical challenges into business opportunities.

How do you view IT training and continuous learning?

Continuous learning is essential in IT. The field evolves rapidly, and professionals must stay curious and proactive. While formal education is valuable, real-world experience and mentorship are equally important. Organizations should invest in upskilling their teams and creating a culture where learning is encouraged and rewarded.

💡 "In IT, you never stop learning. The best professionals are those who remain curious, adaptable, and open to new ideas."

‍