Clarity Talks – An interview with… Saif Mohammad, Chief Product and Technology Officer

My name is Saif Mohammad and I am the Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO) at Diligencia. With a passion for innovation and technology, I lead our team in developing cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses across the globe.

When did you join and what made Diligencia appealing to you?
I joined the company in November 2021 and I was particularly drawn to Diligencia because of its impressive track record in achieving economies of scale whilst delivering high-quality solutions. Diligencia’s ability to efficiently handle vast amounts of data across diverse markets in Africa and the wider Middle East is something that truly impressed me. I'm passionate about leveraging technology and streamlining processes to drive operational efficiency and I see Diligencia as an ideal environment for me to contribute my skills and help further enhance its capabilities. 

What are your main responsibilities? 
My core responsibilities entail helping to shape our strategic vision, overseeing the entire product development process to ensure timely delivery of high-quality solutions, guiding technology initiatives to stay innovative and competitive, nurturing a high-performing team culture and engaging stakeholders to drive collaboration and business growth.
 

What excites you most about your role?  
I am thrilled by the prospect of shaping the strategic direction of our products, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solve complex challenges and ultimately delivering value to our customers. Leading a talented team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity, and seeing our ideas come to life is incredibly fulfilling. The dynamic nature of my role, where no two days are the same, keeps me energised and motivated and the chance to make a tangible impact, both within the organisation and in the broader industry, is what excites me the most about being a CPTO. 

How long have you worked in IT and how did you get into the field?  
I have worked in IT for over 20 years. My journey into IT began with a childhood fascination with video games, sparking my interest in technology.  After completing a degree in computer science, I continued my education with a Master's degree, and I've been immersed in IT ever since. It's been an exciting journey and I've never looked back since those early days of gaming. 

What enhancements are on the horizon for the next 6-12 months? 
In the next 6-12 months, we are focusing on enhancing our flagship SaaS solution, ClarifiedBy.com. We are undergoing a complete redesign, introducing a new modern interface tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients.  This redesign incorporates advanced visualisation capabilities and introduces our innovative value-based modelling, empowering users with deeper insights and more intuitive navigation. 

We are also doubling down on AI-driven digital transformation initiatives to streamline processes. Through automation and intelligent algorithms, we are enhancing efficiency and accuracy, enabling our clients to make data-driven decisions with greater confidence and agility. 

Can you tell me more about the CIO Forum?  
The esteemed Global CIO Forum serves as a platform for technology leaders worldwide to collaborate, innovate and drive excellence. As a recipient of 'The World CIO 200 Awards' in 2023, I have had the privilege of being recognised for my contributions to the industry. This year, I'm honoured to have been appointed as the Country Ambassador for the United Kingdom within the forum. I'm excited to further our mission of fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing among technology professionals, and I look forward to leveraging this platform to drive positive change and advancement in the UK's tech landscape. 

What excites you about Diligencia’s future? 
I'm excited about Diligencia’s potential to continue making a significant impact in emerging markets. With our commitment to providing accurate and comprehensive legal entity data for Africa and the wider Middle East, I'm enthusiastic about the potential for growth and expansion into new territories. We will be leveraging partnerships to expand into Europe and APAC over the coming months. 

Additionally, as technology continues to evolve, I'm excited to see how we'll leverage advancements to enhance our offerings and better serve our clients. Diligencia’s dedication and steadfast commitment to excellence make me confident in our ability to drive positive change and continue leading the way in providing due diligence and corporate intelligence solutions. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I find great fulfilment in giving back to my community. For over two years, I've been dedicated to volunteering with The You Trust, a charity that supports vulnerable people in the south of England with bespoke care, therapy and advice. I am also involved with a local charity, the Caversham Muslim Association (CMA), where we are working on establishing a community hub in Caversham to provide much-needed programs and activities such as classes for children focused on understanding Islam and what it means to be a Muslim. It's incredibly gratifying to be able to contribute to projects that make such a positive difference in people's lives. 

I also like to stay active and fit. Playing badminton is a passion of mine, and I make it a point to hit the court at least twice a week. I'm also proud to be a part of 'Reading United,' a local badminton club where I not only get to improve my skills but also enjoy the friendship and competition. It's a great way for me to unwind, stay healthy, and connect with others who share my love for the sport.