Sarfraz Shaikh on Risk Management and Driving Continuous Improvement

Sarfraz Shaikh is the Director of IT at One Mesa, with over 14 years of experience helping the company grow from a small business to a mid-sized organization with ISO certifications. Starting in marketing and communications, Sarfraz’s journey reflects his versatility and adaptability in shaping IT strategies that align with business growth. With a background in IT education and a deep understanding of both technical and business needs, Sarfraz has led One Mesa's IT department through a period of significant transformation, emphasizing agility, cybersecurity, and compliance. His experience covers a broad range of responsibilities, from overseeing IT operations to guiding the company's adherence to ISO standards. 

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• Sarfraz’s transition from marketing to IT leadership at One Mesa
• The role of IT in balancing structure and agility within a growing company
• The impact of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award on business processes
• Insights into strategic IT planning and its influence on company-wide operations
• The evolving challenges of cybersecurity and regulatory compliance in today’s digital landscape
• How One Mesa has adapted its IT strategy to support diverse business units
• The importance of fostering a culture of continuous improvement and cross-department collaboration

In this episode…

Sarfraz Shaikh shares his unique journey from working in marketing and communications to leading the IT department at One Mesa. With an educational background in IT, Sarfraz was able to leverage his technical knowledge and communication skills to help shape the company’s IT strategies during a time of growth. Starting in a loosely structured environment, Sarfraz played a crucial role in developing a more formalized IT department, building a roadmap for the company’s hardware, software, and cybersecurity needs. He emphasizes the importance of alignment between IT and business objectives, especially in an industry as dynamic as oil and gas, where One Mesa operates across three distinct business units.

Sarfraz also dives into the value of frameworks like the ISO 9001 certification and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, explaining how they provide a structured approach to managing risk and improving processes across the organization. He describes how these standards ensure not only compliance but also foster continuous improvement, pushing the company to measure and demonstrate real results.

In addition, Sarfraz discusses the concept of “strategic agility,” where IT teams must stay nimble and responsive to rapidly changing technological landscapes. He highlights the intersection of agility and compliance, noting that IT departments must act as enablers, supporting the company’s growth while maintaining strong cybersecurity measures. By understanding industry trends and focusing on collaboration across departments, Sarfraz has been able to implement solutions that drive efficiency and security while adapting to new challenges.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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