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 AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a very large and broad spectrum of technologies which most people would be familiar with through... 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.
Topics Covered
- Kaia R. Parv’s career journey
- Continuous learning and adaptability
- Shift from offshoring to automation
- Reinventing skills every few years
- Problem-solving skills and learning how to learn
- AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a very large and broad spectrum of technologies which most people would be familiar with through... and technology’s impact on businesses
- Rise of fractional roles in startups
- Digital nomad trend and remote work
- Challenges in regulated environments for fractional roles
- Overcoming imposter syndrome and leadership challenges
Important Time Stamps
- From Bank of America to Fintech: Kaia’s Career Evolution (0:07 – 5:25)
- The Chameleon Career: How to Thrive in a Changing Job Market (5:26 – 8:44)
- AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a very large and broad spectrum of technologies which most people would be familiar with through..., Outsourcing, and the Future of Jobs: What’s Next? (8:45 – 14:07)
- Is Your Job Really 9-5? The Global Shift to Flexible, Fractional Work (14:08 – 19:40)
- Building a Remote Startup: Kaia’s Insights on Fractional Roles (19:41 – 23:15)
- Is the World Ready for Global Remote Work and Fractional Roles? (23:16 – 26:03)
- Fractional Roles & KPIs: The New Workforce Trend Explained! (26:04 – 36:24)
- Mastering Imposter Syndrome: A Leader’s Guide to Self-Confidence and Learning (36:25 – 40:05)
