Maggie is the Chief Operating Officer at Normative, a carbon accounting platform, which enables enterprises to calculate their full carbon footprints and engage their supply chains to reduce their emissions to net zero. Maggie is a technology industry executive, advisor, and speaker. She has extensive international experience building fast-growth digital businesses. Before joining Normative, Maggie was SVP and Chief Business Officer at SAP, Chief Revenue Officer at Capgemini, and Director of Global Cloud Sales at Fujitsu. Maggie is a Non-Executive Director at Spirent (LON:SPT), serves on the International and Women’s Committees of the UK Chartered Management Institute.
As part of Alex Partners’ Women in Tech podcast series we were delighted to be joined by Maggie Buggie. This blog shares highlights of our conversation with Maggie including valuable insights on topics shaping today’s business landscape: From her belief that ‘chaos creates opportunity’ to the transformative power of diversity in the tech industry, and the burgeoning business opportunities in carbon accounting, Maggie’s perspective offers a unique blend of wisdom and foresight.
Chaos Creates Opportunity
Maggie begins by discussing the notion that chaos, far from being a blocker, can be the breeding ground for innovation and growth. She sees chaotic times as fertile ground for innovation, especially in the tech industry. Rapid shifts in regulations, consumer demands, and market dynamics can be challenging, but they also offer a chance to create groundbreaking solutions. For businesses willing to adapt, chaos becomes the catalyst for growth.
The Power of Diversity
Reflecting on her journey as a woman in tech, Maggie emphasizes the significance of diverse perspectives in the technology sector. She highlights the essential need for inclusivity; a future shaped by a diverse group of minds leads to richer, more meaningful innovations. Maggie’s commitment to diversity is evident, with the Normative team comprising 46% women and 48 nationalities. The fusion of cultures, backgrounds, and ideas, undoubtedly accelerates business growth, fosters innovation, and ensures a wide range of viewpoints in decision-making processes.
Sustainability: The Business Imperative
Maggie talks about carbon accounting, a space where she sees huge potential. With the global shift towards sustainability, businesses are compelled to accurately report their emissions, navigate complex regulatory frameworks, and engage in carbon reduction efforts. Maggie highlights how accurate carbon data goes beyond ensuring compliance. It also presents significant business opportunities. By leveraging this data, companies can optimise operations, reduce costs, and enhance brand value.
The Role of Financial Services Driving Change
Surprisingly, the financial services sector emerges as a driving force in the sustainability landscape. Maggie explains how financial institutions are increasingly adopting accurate emissions management, aligning their portfolios with green credentials, and influencing businesses to embrace sustainability.
Skills Shift and the Power of Culture
Reflecting on the market today, Maggie highlights the essential skills for modern executives: staying up to date with market trends, technological advancements and regulatory change is crucial. Understanding the impact of technology, sustainability and ESG factors on business decision making is no longer a choice. It is a necessity.
Culture has emerged as a competitive advantage. By creating a company culture where innovation and collaboration thrive, companies can not only attract top talent, but also foster an innovative environment which leads to continuous growth.
Maggie’s story is a testament to the opportunities that emerge in the chaos of change. Within today’s evolving landscape of regulations and technology, there is the potential for businesses to not only thrive but to create a greener, more sustainable world.
At Alex Partners Executive Search we believe that successful global companies are created through a combination of innovation, ambition, and people. As companies scale, the collaboration of diverse, international, and multi-cultural people becomes paramount to enable companies to achieve their ultimate potential. Alex Partners work with some of Europe’s most innovative, high-growth, investment backed, technology businesses to help shape their sales, marketing, finance, product, operations, and people teams.
Learn more about Maggie Buggie and Normative
Listen to the full podcast with Maggie Buggie
For advice on Executive Search to grow your business, contact Alex Partners.
