In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Kaia R. Parv, the Interim CIO of Licensed Fund Management Company. Kaia offers invaluable insights into her impressive career in both finance and technology, touching on her journey from operations at Bank of America to leadership roles in asset management and hedge funds. She reflects on how lateral moves in her career have opened up growth opportunities, and underscores the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and embracing change in an increasingly automated world.

Kaia delves into the shifting dynamics of the workforce, particularly the transition from offshoring to automation. She advises the younger generation, particularly those born after 1990, to remain flexible and comfortable with frequent changes, as they may need to reinvent their skill set every few years. Both Kaia and Anthony agree on the importance of problem-solving skills and the ability to learn how to learn, as opposed to relying solely on technical knowledge. This approach will be key to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving job market.

The conversation also explores the growing role of AI and technology in businesses, particularly in marketing and development. While the full impact of these shifts has yet to be realised, Kaia discusses how companies are preparing for this transformation. With increasing automation, certain roles may become obsolete, but fractional roles—particularly in startups—are on the rise. These part-time or project-based positions offer flexibility and fresh perspectives without increasing full-time headcount, which Kaia views as a growing trend that will continue in the years ahead.

As the discussion turns to fractional work in senior roles like CFOs and CIOs, Kaia shares her thoughts on the value of long-term fractional projects that provide deeper expertise and experience. She notes how the post-COVID world has reshaped work culture, particularly with the rise of the digital nomad trend and flexible working arrangements. The ability to work autonomously across time zones has opened up new opportunities for global consulting, further solidifying the value of remote and flexible work environments.

Kaia also touches on the challenges posed by regulatory environments, particularly when it comes to fractional roles and the complexities of holding multiple jobs in different countries. She explains how evolving tax and immigration laws, such as the new digital nomad visa in Thailand, are signalling a broader global shift toward supporting flexible work arrangements. Kaia envisions a future where a simplified global tax system will make working across borders more straightforward, eliminating the need for complicated tax residency rules.

Finally, Kaia discusses the evolving work environment, focusing on the shift from traditional 9-to-5 roles to a results-driven approach. The rise of outsourcing and fractional work, with clear KPIs and deliverables, is helping companies become more agile and cost-effective. Through her own experiences, Kaia highlights the growing trend of businesses adopting this model to enhance productivity while maintaining flexibility and accountability. She concludes by reflecting on her own leadership journey, including her experience overcoming imposter syndrome, asserting her boundaries, and learning to solve problems independently.

Fractional Roles: The Future of Work You Can't Afford to Ignore! | Ep 199 | DevReady Podcast

We started the DevReady podcast to help non-techs build better technology. We have been exposed to so many non-techs that describe the struggle, uncertainty and challenges that can come with building technology.

The objective for the DevReady podcast to share these stories and give you the tools and insights so that you to can deliver on your vision and outcomes.

You will learn from non-tech founders that have invested their time and money into developing technology. We will discuss what worked, what didn’t and how they still managed to deliver real value to their users.  These stories are inspirational – demonstrating the determination, commitment and resolve it really takes to deliver technology.

Throughout the DevReady Podcast we also invite subject matter experts to the conversation to give you proven strategies and techniques to successfully take your idea through to delivery and beyond.

Enjoy the Podcast, it will challenge you, inspire you and provide the tools you will need to deliver real value with technology.