(LATAM) VIDEO | Leadership Is Best Learned While Facing Challenges -  NotCo General Manager Mexico

Federico Hirtz, General Manager Mexico at NotCo, speaks with Maria Espona, Professor — ArgIQ and CDO Magazine Editorial Board Member, in a video interview about the profile of a data analytics leader, the essential technical and non-technical skills, the role of leadership, and the role of artificial intelligence in changing the food industry. NotCo is a Chilean food-tech company producing plant-based alternatives to animal-based food products.

Hirtz describes a data analytics leader as a curious person with a high standard for delivering, deep technical knowledge, and one who is brave and enthusiastic about change. He elaborates that technical skills can be learned from academics but the non-technical ones are learned from different experiences and the people they get exposed to at work.

Speaking further on the topic, Hirtz mentions that on-the-job coaching is the biggest source of value and that leadership is best learned while facing challenges like politics or lack of resources. NotCo looks for talent at universities and companies and admirable companies. The second aspect is experience which is followed by their values. Values develop culture, Hirtz adds.

When asked about the impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on the food industry, Hirtz says that he perceives AI as a powerful tool that can help bring disruption and new ideas to old-school industries. He explains that the current food industry is intensive in terms of using earth resources. NotCo aims to use technology to take animal-based foods out of the equation. The company is using AI to leverage the full landscape of over 20,000 plant ingredients.

Hirtz further says that gaining popularity will help allocate more resources in terms of trials in AI technology while also accelerating the innovation and development path for several industries. It can not only act as disruptive innovation but also help big corporations accelerate their current innovation paths.

In conclusion, Hirtz states that adding technology to current processes can improve them by increasing accuracy, reducing time taken, and also helping discover new ideas.

CDO Magazine appreciates Federico Hirtz for sharing his insights with our global community.