In this episode of VistaTalks, Maciej Kranz, EVP and CTO, Member of the Executive Board at KONE Corporation, joins host Simon Hodgkins. KONE, a Finnish company specializing in elevators, escalators, and automatic building doors, is using technology to solve issues related to transportation and logistics. Maciej discusses the company’s use of sensors and data orchestration to create smoother experiences for people. KONE Corporation has a presence in over 60 countries and 60,000 employees, providing services to approximately one billion people daily.

Kranz, who previously worked at various technology companies in Silicon Valley, joined KONE to lead the technology organization. In the podcast, he discusses the importance of reinventing organizations to be ready to transform the urban experience. For example, building infrastructure could recognize people and give them a fast link through a turnstile and elevator to their destination floor.

Kranz also stresses the importance of creating a workplace culture of inclusion and diversity. He believes setting a North Star, reinforcing positive behavior, and providing feedback for challenges is essential in creating an inclusive environment. He also highlights the practice of “disagree and commit,” where effective arguments with each other lead to trust and maturity in relationships.

Additionally, Kranz discusses the democratization of data and the transformation of business models in the IoT industry. He believes that while there has been significant progress in technology, more work needs to be done to democratize access to data and transform business models. Maciej emphasizes combining technological innovations with business model transformations to ensure sustainability.

Towards the end of the podcast, Maciej predicts a future where electricity and data processing will be free and the possibilities that this could create. He notes that in such a world, it would be possible to end world hunger and transform deserts like the Sahara into thriving fields. Kranz is optimistic about the future and sees the past few decades of innovation as the beginning of what’s possible.

Finally, Maciej discusses his experience as a judge for the Think Global Awards, recognizing individuals, corporations, and non-profits for their global contributions.