At the 3 Tree Tech Stealth Infrastructure Experience, Eric Norman, Head of Infrastructure Architecture & Innovation at IHG, delivered a keynote technology leaders couldn’t afford to miss. Known for blending decades of hands-on experience with a sharp eye for the future, Eric reminded us that the world of IT is undergoing its own Cambrian explosion, a transformative era of rapid evolution, unprecedented complexity, and boundless opportunity.

For decision-makers navigating this landscape, the question isn’t whether change is coming. It’s whether you’re ready.

The Shift to Cloud: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

 

It’s crucial to understand that a hasty ‘lift and shift’ approach to cloud migration is not the answer. Eric shared IHG’s eight-year journey from legacy data centers to a hybrid cloud environment. Though not glamorous, this strategic, intentional approach was the key to its success.

• Performance Hubs as Game-Changers: By strategically deploying network hubs worldwide, IHG solved the problem of latency and provided seamless connections for users across continents. Without this level of agility, your network is sacrificing performance (and revenue).
• Learn From the Long Game: Instead of migrating everything at once, IHG took an organic approach driven by business needs. This avoided the technical debt and spiraling costs that plague rushed migrations.

The key takeaway from Eric’s insights is clear: if you’re not building your IT strategy with the future in mind, you’re already behind. It’s not about where your business is now but where it will be in five years.

 

Security Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s Survival.

 

With edge connections multiplying and remote work creating new vulnerabilities, Eric emphasized that security needs to evolve as fast as the threats. His advice wasn’t about the tools you need but the mindset you need to adopt.

Eric highlighted that zero trust isn’t a one-and-done solution. It’s a strategic journey requiring seamless integration across vendors and platforms. Without this, you risk creating silos that could undermine your security efforts. He also pointed out the value of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) frameworks, which can simplify and future-proof infrastructure by combining networking and security. However, he cautioned against depending solely on vendors. Leaders must ensure their teams own the strategy and execution.

Security isn’t optional, and it isn’t simple. If you’re not designing with resilience, you’re betting on luck instead of strategy.

 

The People Side of Tech: Adapt or Fade

 

Technology may be the star, but the supporting cast—your team—is where the real transformation happens. Eric pointed out that today’s tech professionals face a stark choice: evolve their skill sets or risk irrelevance.

Traditional roles like network engineers are shifting toward software-defined infrastructures. Tools like Terraform and the DevOps model are becoming essentials, not luxuries. Leaders must invest in training and hiring to ensure their teams are equipped to navigate this new landscape.

For decision-makers, this means recognizing the importance of blending technical expertise with agility. It’s not just about finding the right people but empowering them to grow.

 

Breaches: It’s Not If, It’s When

 

IHG knows firsthand that breaches happen. However, as Eric explained, what sets resilient companies apart is their ability to bounce back. After a significant breach, IHG was back online within 48 hours, a testament to proactive investments in recovery infrastructure.

• Prepare for the Worst: If your breach plan is collecting dust, you don’t have a plan. You have a liability.
• Turn Crisis Into Opportunity: Breaches aren’t just challenges. They’re catalysts. Use them to secure the buy-in and resources needed to fortify your defenses.

Every leader knows that downtime is expensive. What they often miss is that preparedness is priceless.

 

What Leaders Need to Know

 

Eric’s keynote wasn’t about selling a vision of the future. It was about confronting the reality of today. The tech explosion is here, and only those willing to embrace change will not just survive but thrive. His advice?

• Build networks and security policies that are flexible, scalable, and integrated.
• Stop relying on legacy systems that hold your business back.
• Prioritize investments in people and processes alongside technology.

As Eric put it, “The question isn’t whether you’re ready; it’s whether you’re evolving fast enough to keep up.”