A year in review

Michael Shapiro, MD of Synthesis Technologies

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Every individual, each family and all companies will have had their own 2019 experience. And whereas they might all be affected by circumstances particular to them, our tendency is still to try to arrive at a collective consensus: How was the year for all of us? 

On a personal level, the year has been a good one. Our children continue to grow and to face the challenges that teenagers worldwide face. Aside from the usual tribulations, we found more than ever this year that as a family, there is a need to constantly balance the complexities that increased connectivity affords us. The danger is that the more we are “connected”, the more disconnected we find ourselves.

This is particularly relevant to me, as the Managing Director of Synthesis Technologies, where innovation technology is the very essence of who we are.

Our family is not unique in this sense. With an increasing number of South Africans being able to acquire smartphones, essentially mini-computers, access to information, communication and commerce has become the norm. Consequently, our customers, which include banks, insurance companies, non-profit initiatives and retailers, have recognised the importance of providing efficiency, information and accountability to customers.

As a homegrown South African company, we have the advantage of having a deep understanding of the nuances that make up this wonderful country, whilst at the same time being able to access the best of what our technology contemporaries around the world have to offer.

It has been a wonderful year for Synthesis. Our growth has continued unabated, with the demand for emerging technology solutions increasing constantly. The era of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) has not only arrived, but has also proven to materially change efficiencies and customers’ experience. It is no longer a strange and scary unknown that lives in the future, but rather, a very practical and important business tool. Without such a tool, we believe, few companies will thrive.

In order to keep up with this trend, we have needed to focus on the growth of our team. The choice of staff is key and, as a company, we have placed significant emphasis on defining the culture and characteristics that increase the probability of success. Extensive research has led us to three words and qualities that reflect the nature of the company as well as our team: 

Smart. Hungry. Humble.

As we know, nothing is static, and the fact that a member of our team may be smart, hungry and humble today does not guarantee that they will remain so tomorrow. What this means is that there is a constant need for training, upskilling and mentoring in order to achieve this. 

Over the past year, we have implemented a mentoring programme whereby each of our staff is mentored by another. In addition, each team member has an “employee advocate” so that career guidance, training and progress is always front of mind. We run ongoing self-growth courses, as well as financial training for our staff and their partners, so that each family can be skilled in these critical areas. 

We create wellness events such as team running evenings and Friday afternoon frisbee golf, and we run a competition which incentivises health and wellness in the months of February and October. (The Discovery Vitality programme was the impetus for this idea and I salute this ground-breaking, innovative product; imitation certainly is the best form of flattery. My prediction is that the Vitality wellness programme will surpass the Kreepy Krauly as the most innovative concept to come out of SA.)   

South Africa is a country of wonder. The year that saw the birth of the #ImStaying movement is the year that saw Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, coach Rassie Erasmus and the Bok team bring home the Rugby World Cup trophy to our country. The same year has seen a steadfast, albeit slow, fight against corruption and an honest confrontation of that which was holding us back. No country is perfect, but South Africans come pretty close. We continue to crack on with humour and optimism that is a truly unique feature and to find ways to laugh, even when it is dark.

I believe that Synthesis is a microcosm of the country. As a company that reflects the diversity and broad scope of our greater community, it is not possible to walk through our offices, to chat to our team, and not sense the passion and positivity, and feel the joy of appreciation for who we are.

May the year ahead bring success and blessings for us all.

For more information, go to: https://www.synthesis.co.za