Kalman Tiboldi - CTO & Founder at GemOne-TVH - Simplify or Die: Why Complexity Is the Real IT Challenge
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Belgium 9-9-25 Squad Only Physical english
As Belgium navigates the complexities of GDPR and various data sovereignty regulations, organizations across multiple industries face both challenges and opportunities in managing their data across borders. The quest for compliance often intersects with the need for business growth, raising questions about the balance between protection and progress. How can companies effectively own and safeguard their data while ensuring compliance without stifling innovation and expansion in a multi-industry landscape?
Read MorePoland 9-9-25 Invitation Only Virtual Polish
Utrzymanie talentów w organizacji IT ulokowanej na konkurencyjnym rynku pracy to nie lada zadanie. A jeśli do tego mówimy o organizacji z sektora publicznego? O swoich i swojej organizacji doświadczeniach, metodach i programach opowie Anna Wituła z CIRF. Będzie to jak zawsze okazja do dyskusji na temat różnych sposobów na utrzymanie talentów w firmie.
Read MoreBelgium 11-9-25 Squad Only Virtual english
You’ve built the portal. Added the chatbot. Rolled out self-service. But your support lines are still ringing. And your frontline teams are still improvising. If you want digital services to feel seamless, not just look polished, this session brings you back to where value is felt: at the frontline.
Read MorePoland 11-9-25 Invitation Only Virtual Polish
W fabrykach cyberbezpieczeństwo często zależy od podwykonawców – integratorów, dostawców systemów automatyki i firm serwisowych, które mają zaskakująco szeroki dostęp do infrastruktury OT. W tej prezentacji Igor Zbyryt z BZK pokaże, jak z perspektywy końcowego użytkownika i integratora wygląda współpraca z tymi firmami oraz jakie realne ryzyka to niesie – również w kontekście NIS2. Zamiast wyliczać różnice między IT a OT, skupi się na wspólnym mianowniku i tym, co trzeba zmienić w podejściu organizacji, żeby cyber w produkcji zaczęło działać.
Read MoreBelgium 13-9-25 All Members Physical english
Join us for a scenic ride along the route of the Brabantse Pijl!This ride is suitable for all levels of cyclists and doesn’t require advanced technical skills. We’ll start at de Zoete Waters, where parking is available, and head into the charming Brabant region. Along the way, we’ll tackle some of the area’s iconic climbs — including the legendary Moskesstraat, known for its cobbled character and history in pro cycling. Expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and beautiful views throughout. Whether you're training, exploring, or just riding for fun, you’re more than welcome to join!
Read MoreBelgium 16-9-25 Squad Only Physical english
The system works. That’s the problem. It’s old, complex, deeply integrated, and still running your most critical operations. Everyone agrees change is needed. But no one wants to be the one who breaks it. The stakes are too high.
Read MoreGermany Sep 9, 2025 Country Members Physical german
Vom ersten Use Case zur strategischen Neuausrichtung CIONET lädt bereits zum vierten Mal zu einem exklusiven Roundtable für CIOs und Digitalverantwortliche aus Logistik und Handel ein. Im Mittelpunkt des Abends steht die Frage, wie Unternehmen ihre KI-Initiativen erfolgreich skalieren und aus ersten Use Cases echten strategischen Mehrwert schaffen. Microsoft 365 für Frontline Worker: Moderne Tools, die Mitarbeitende im Tagesgeschäft entlasten ServiceNow für Prozessintegration: Automatisierte End-to-End-Workflows – vom Schadensfall bis zur Retourenabwicklung KI-gestützte Disposition und Planung: Mit smarten Algorithmen zur optimierten Supply Chain Digitale Lieferketten und letzte Meile: Transparenz, Effizienz und Kundenzentrierung durchgängig gedacht
Read MoreBelgium Sep 13, 2025 All Members Physical english
Join us for a wonderful ride. The ride is accessible to all levels of riders and doesn't require extensive technical skills. More information will follow soon. Looking forward to ride together!
Read MoreGermany Sep 17, 2025 Country Members Physical german
Cybersecurity ist längst kein reines IT-Thema mehr – sie betrifft das gesamte Unternehmen. Doch während die Bedrohungslage zunimmt, geraten viele Security-Verantwortliche an ihre Belastungsgrenzen: zwischen 24/7-Verantwortung, wachsenden Anforderungen und dem ständigen Innovationsdruck.
Read MoreGermany Sep 17, 2025 Country Members Physical german
IT-Betrieb und Cybersicherheit stehen heute unter extremem Druck: steigende Komplexität, wachsende regulatorische Anforderungen (NIS2, DORA, KRITIS), chronische Ressourcenknappheit – und gleichzeitig eine Bedrohungslage, die keine Verzögerungen duldet. Trotzdem agieren viele IT- und Security-Teams noch immer in Silos. Die Folge: ineffiziente Abläufe, Tool-Wildwuchs, langsame Reaktion auf Vorfälle und unklare Verantwortlichkeiten.
Read MoreGermany Sep 18, 2025 Country Members Virtual german
Nachhaltigkeit ist für CIOs nicht nur ein „Nice-to-have“, sondern eine strategische Priorität – sie beeinflusst direkt die finanzielle Performance, die operative Effizienz und die langfristige Wettbewerbsfähigkeit.
Read MoreBelgium Sep 18, 2025 Country Members Physical french
La dette technique est comparable à la négligence des réparations d'une maison. Ignorer un toit qui fuit peut faire gagner du temps aujourd'hui, mais cela pourrait conduire à l'effondrement du plafond plus tard. Pour remédier à la dette technique, il faut trouver et réparer ces fuites dès maintenant et mettre en place un plan d'entretien de la maison afin qu'elle soit prête pour les extensions futures. Pour résoudre ces problèmes, il faut définir des priorités stratégiques, communiquer clairement avec les parties prenantes et établir une feuille de route à long terme pour la modernisation. Cet événement se déroulera entièrement en français.
Read MoreGermany Sep 9, 2025 Country Members Physical german
Vom ersten Use Case zur strategischen Neuausrichtung CIONET lädt bereits zum vierten Mal zu einem exklusiven Roundtable für CIOs und Digitalverantwortliche aus Logistik und Handel ein. Im Mittelpunkt des Abends steht die Frage, wie Unternehmen ihre KI-Initiativen erfolgreich skalieren und aus ersten Use Cases echten strategischen Mehrwert schaffen. Microsoft 365 für Frontline Worker: Moderne Tools, die Mitarbeitende im Tagesgeschäft entlasten ServiceNow für Prozessintegration: Automatisierte End-to-End-Workflows – vom Schadensfall bis zur Retourenabwicklung KI-gestützte Disposition und Planung: Mit smarten Algorithmen zur optimierten Supply Chain Digitale Lieferketten und letzte Meile: Transparenz, Effizienz und Kundenzentrierung durchgängig gedacht
Read MoreBelgium Sep 13, 2025 All Members Physical english
Join us for a wonderful ride. The ride is accessible to all levels of riders and doesn't require extensive technical skills. More information will follow soon. Looking forward to ride together!
Read MoreGermany Sep 17, 2025 Country Members Physical german
Cybersecurity ist längst kein reines IT-Thema mehr – sie betrifft das gesamte Unternehmen. Doch während die Bedrohungslage zunimmt, geraten viele Security-Verantwortliche an ihre Belastungsgrenzen: zwischen 24/7-Verantwortung, wachsenden Anforderungen und dem ständigen Innovationsdruck.
Read MoreGermany Sep 17, 2025 Country Members Physical german
IT-Betrieb und Cybersicherheit stehen heute unter extremem Druck: steigende Komplexität, wachsende regulatorische Anforderungen (NIS2, DORA, KRITIS), chronische Ressourcenknappheit – und gleichzeitig eine Bedrohungslage, die keine Verzögerungen duldet. Trotzdem agieren viele IT- und Security-Teams noch immer in Silos. Die Folge: ineffiziente Abläufe, Tool-Wildwuchs, langsame Reaktion auf Vorfälle und unklare Verantwortlichkeiten.
Read MoreGermany Sep 18, 2025 Country Members Virtual german
Nachhaltigkeit ist für CIOs nicht nur ein „Nice-to-have“, sondern eine strategische Priorität – sie beeinflusst direkt die finanzielle Performance, die operative Effizienz und die langfristige Wettbewerbsfähigkeit.
Read MoreBelgium Sep 18, 2025 Country Members Physical french
La dette technique est comparable à la négligence des réparations d'une maison. Ignorer un toit qui fuit peut faire gagner du temps aujourd'hui, mais cela pourrait conduire à l'effondrement du plafond plus tard. Pour remédier à la dette technique, il faut trouver et réparer ces fuites dès maintenant et mettre en place un plan d'entretien de la maison afin qu'elle soit prête pour les extensions futures. Pour résoudre ces problèmes, il faut définir des priorités stratégiques, communiquer clairement avec les parties prenantes et établir une feuille de route à long terme pour la modernisation. Cet événement se déroulera entièrement en français.
Read MoreToyota Motor Europe: Building a happier workplace by putting people first
The name Toyota has long been synonymous with innovation and excellence, known across the world for pushing boundaries and pioneering new ways of thinking. The hybrid workplace has become a reality and Toyota Motor Europe is using the Microsoft 365 suite of tools to usher in not only new ways of working, but a new way of thinking too.
Since it was established in 1937, Toyota has become a household name across the world and a byword for quality, efficiency and innovation in car manufacturing space. More recently, that space has expanded into mobility more broadly.
Its European arm, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) is headquartered in Belgium and operates in 29 European countries, employing some 25,000 people. “We have over 69 nationalities working in TME, so it’s a very international company,” says Slabbinck.
“Organizationally too, there are different cultures,” she adds. “You have the sales area where there is a specific culture, and then the manufacturing plants where there is a huge emphasis on efficiency. It's great to have these different mentalities, this diversity; gender-wise, nationality-wise, but also organizationally. That's what makes it really interesting to work here.”
Slabbinck’s Business Productivity team focuses on supporting employees across the TME network to embrace new ways of working, especially how they use digital tools. “Our team mission is to increase user adoption of the Microsoft 365 digital workplace,” she explains. That user adoption spans the whole suite of Microsoft 365 tools, including Teams, SharePoint and Outlook.
But the adoption approach isn’t just using tech for tech’s sake. “One of the key principles that drives our approach is including the user voice,” she says.
“We really try to get close to our users, and bridge the human gap,” she adds. “I’d say we’re pioneers in that.”
Using digital tools to enhance productivity and collaboration is not a new pursuit for Toyota. The company was an early adopter of cloud-based tools and was already planning to move to something akin to a hybrid workplace in 2019.
“The company had just announced we would be working remotely two days a week,” recalls Slabbinck. “So we were busy preparing for that, getting everything in place, when COVID-19 happened.”
What had previously been a strategic decision to embrace remote working, suddenly became a necessity. “We had daily crisis meetings because we weren't too sure what was going to happen,” she recalls. “We'd never had that many people working from home before.”
And while the early days were focused on ensuring firewalls could support the new setup and the basics were covered, the team quickly turned their attention to the wellbeing of TME employees. “We did regular surveys together with HR on how people were feeling using Microsoft Forms,” Slabbinck says. “And the surveys were about more than just IT. We used smiley faces for people to tell us how they were feeling, how happy they were. It was very important for us to understand that in the beginning.
The team also realized that there was much more openness to some of the tools. “There had been some resistance pre-pandemic to SharePoint and even Teams. But suddenly, people changed their mindset and realized how useful they are. It gave us a lot of momentum to drive user adoption.
“That was when we started to do some really interesting things with our partner Rapid Circle,” she adds. “In our plants, for example, it was crucial during the pandemic to keep the presence on the shopfloor. Through Teams video meetings on a mobile phone with a stabilizer, the meeting attendees felt like they were on the shopfloor, even if they weren’t.
“And we found that the live Teams meetings with video enabled faster sharing of best practices to a larger audience, so it was even an improvement from before.”
The team at TME had already established a strategy to encourage user adoption of Microsoft 365 tools before the pandemic happened.
“The strategy had a few important pillars,” explains Slabbinck. “One of those was ‘digital influencers’. The influencers existed before COVID, but they weren’t particularly active,” says Michiel Dröge, Business Consultant at Microsoft partner Rapid Circle. “So that was one of the areas we wanted to improve.”
To do this, they used Microsoft SharePoint to establish a broader community. “We established the Know It community, a portal on Teams and SharePoint where people can find key information about the Microsoft 365 tools with FAQ's and videos,” says Slabbinck. “It’s a space for employees to ask questions and for our digital influencers to contribute and guide people.”
“We used Microsoft reporting tools to look at data from users and the influencers, to think of ways to enhance engagement,” says Dröge. “That’s how we came up with the webinar program, and got the insights to improve some of the sites where we publish information.”
“One webinar series was focused on My Analytics, which we launched during the pandemic,” says Katarzyna Slomka, Business Productivity Specialist at TME, who led the webinar series. “There was that need to support people to focus their time, to understanding their own working style.
“We made everything clearer for people, more streamlined,” adds Dröge. “And that is helping people to start to use new tools. Many employees have started using Teams together with Planner, for example. And they’re finding that Planner really helps them to visualize their tasks and work in a new, more agile way.”
An important aspect of the way that Toyota Motor Europe is using technology, is seeing it not in isolation, but as part of a wider organizational transformation. “There are a lot of initiatives that Toyota has been doing that are connected to IT support,” says Dröge. “But we want to relate them to broader HR themes around change management, to focus on really making people happier and secure with their workplace and supporting them to collaborate in better ways.”
“We are transforming from a car company to a Digital Mobility provider,” says Kylie Jimenez, Senior Vice President of People, Technology and Corporate Affairs at Toyota Motor Europe.
“This transformation is about creating products, systems and services to produce mass happiness for all. Not just for Toyota customers, but for the good of society. While some of this is hardwired into Toyota DNA, there is an aspect of cultural transformation that is still required.
“This has brought our IT&D, HR and Administrative functions closer to focus on collaboration, open sharing and innovation. Together we aim to inspire and enable the change for the organization by painting a picture of what is possible and then enabling it with the right digital workplace tools and resources.”
And as the company pivots to a new era, it is keen to invite its employees to redefine how the changing working environment can improve and facilitate the way the company collaborates. Ideas are being called for on how meeting rooms are refurbished and a series of workshops has been organized to ‘hack the future of collaboration at TME.’ The best ideas gathered from the workshops will be pitched to senior staff at TME and funded, as the company transitions to a new way of working that straddles physical and virtual spaces.
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Embark on a culinary journey through the ever-evolving world of digital leadership with our third edition of the CIONET Cookbook: Recipes for Digital Success. Unveiling the intricate trilemma faced by today’s Master Chefs, our trailblazing European CIOs address a challenge at the nexus of customer interests, digital transformation strategies, and IT modernisation. Their secret? Synchronising the gearing between customer, business, and technology to create a frictionless movement through the digital landscape.
The CIONET Cookbook uses the analogy of a five-star restaurant to explain the importance of optimally integrated technology, with the CIO as Master Chef. In order to provide the best service to its customers, a top restaurant must have the right atmosphere, an inviting menu, a well-equipped kitchen, talented and committed front-of-house and kitchen staff and smooth-running processes that ensure an enjoyable experience for diners.
Geopolitical tensions have dominated the headlines for over two years now. In this context, the cyber threat landscape is also evolving rapidly. The protection and security of critical infrastructure – both physical and digital – is becoming increasingly important.
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