Jim Fagan is a transformative and proven technology executive with more than 20 years of experience spanning across private and public companies, from private equity owned to large publicly traded multinational companies across the U.S., Asia-Pacific, and China. He has a track record of cross-functional success with a strong financial background, deep technical product, operations, sales, and general management expertise. Jim creates strategies and operationally delivers while also building and driving disruptive technologies into the market. He possesses experience in capital markets, bond, and equity with strong mergers and acquisitions experience including integration. Jim is considered an industry expert in cloud, data center, and software-defined networks (SDN), frequently speaking at industry leading events.

How can telecommunications technologies help humanity?

Telecommunications technologies empower communities. We have seen what’s possible with the virtual shift driving a new way of accessing goods and services like online grocery shopping, telehealth, and remote learning. We have also seen the digital gap widen across the world. As an industry, we are working toward providing and strengthening reliable connectivity to further empower communities across the globe while also finding new ways to strive toward a greener future. Not one company can do it alone, it takes many different companies coming together to make this possible. PTC’s Annual Conference offers a fruitful environment filled with learning and collaboration opportunities.

If one thing should be redeveloped within the telecom and related industries, what should it be?

As we progress as an industry, we can reflect on our many accomplishments as well as opportunities for further growth. There is always room for growth and part of that is the adoption of new technologies to be more agile, productive, sustainable, and cost-effective. As an industry, it’s critical that buyers and sellers are both keeping pace with the latest and greatest technologies so we don’t inhibit future growth and innovation.

Is it important for companies to continue to innovate their organization or offerings, and why?

As an industry, we have shifted our perception of what innovation means to us because of the accelerated demand within the past year and a half. We understand the increased importance of agility and productivity. To remain agile, productive, and competitive, we must continue to innovate whether that’s within the organization or through products and services.

What value does PTC hold for you/your company?

PTC provides a chance to learn from and collaborate with other individuals and organizations from around the world. GCX strongly values the opportunity to extend our efforts through PTC and engage in thought-provoking discussions and implement calls to action.

What would you share with those interested in becoming a PTC Member?

As a PTC Member for 12 years, GCX has found it extremely beneficial when gathering insight from other thought leaders in the industry. It’s a great way to see what individuals and organizations are doing around the world in regard to innovative technology, sustainable practices, and more.

What advice would you share with current and future graduates interested in this field?

Future graduates entering the tech industry might be excited to know that this is an industry that will never bore you. Technology and the way people connect is forever changing because of the people in this very industry. Organizations like PTC offer critical collaboration among thought leaders from around the world to help organizations and the industry as whole keep up with demand and foster innovation.

What industry mogul or up-and-coming leader have you followed or are currently following, and why?

I am continually amazed at the transformation of Microsoft under the leadership of Satya Nadella. Microsoft has possessed a strong cloud product portfolio over the past 10 to 12 years, but struggled to deliver a cohesive message in the market and drive significant traction. When Satya took over, not only did he fully commit to a cloud-based strategy but he was able to rapidly change the well-established culture and practices to drive significant growth in the cloud market and an ever-increasing product innovation cycle.

About Global Cloud Xchange (GCX)
Global Cloud Xchange manages and operates the world’s largest private subsea cable network, reaching more than 200 countries throughout the U.S., Europe, Middle East, Asia, and beyond. Our global network offers ultra-high bandwidth services up to 100Gbps+, empowering data to move at the speed of light. We support the world’s largest Internet, OTT content, enterprise, and cloud providers on the planet. We cover all aspects of cloud-centric connectivity from managed SD-WAN and hybrid networks, to direct cloud connections and 100 Gbps+ waves.