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Nathan Henderson Underscores Power of Technology

In a fast-paced, globalizing world, technology rules. From online virtual meetings to instant online communication, a strong foundation of new digital media and innovative technology emerges as a forefront prerequisite for success. On October 30, 2008, Brigham Young University Hawaii students welcomed Nathan Henderson, the Chief Operating Officer of the Global Service Partner Management to hear his counsel, insight, and the realities surrounding modern business technology. Henderson’s premise: Business Technology: Challenge and Opportunity. His promise to students: “This is going to impact you big time.”

Long before technology took the mainstream center stage, however, Henderson was already positioning himself to be ready when it did. Although born in Utah, Henderson did not stay put. His family moved to Saudi Arabia to work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He lived there for 12 years, and when the time came, he served a mission in Mexico.

Upon returning to the US, Henderson attended BYU in Provo to study manufacturing and engineering, but two years into the program, Henderson realized, “Engineering was definitely not my forte.” He considered changing his major to Spanish literature. After all, he had fallen in love with the people, culture, and language in Mexico. “But,” Henderson exclaimed, “I stuck with engineering. The job prospects, the degree’s usability, it all just caused me to stick with it.”

And he did. Henderson now works for the American division of Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing, commonly known by its acronym SAP, which is the world’s largest business software company and employs more than 51,800 people in more than 50 countries, serving more than 76,000 customers worldwide. “This powerful software,” Henderson said, “manages the key aspects that organizations use to collaborate and communicate, including human resources, finances, controlling, planning, scheduling, and accounting.” This multi-billion dollar company has become the largest ecosystem in the industry, and according to Business Week, one of the world’s top global brands.

Henderson explained to BYUH students that the days of referring to computer engineers and technology users as antisocial “geeks,” or “nerds,” are long gone. Henderson suggested that, “Technology involves everyone. It is on every level of a company, and at every front of the organization. I am here to prove that business technology is no longer in the basement.” Technology now evolves to meet and even create global trends that have changed the very dynamic of our society both tangibly and indirectly. It has redefined our core competencies, global standards, and regulatory compliance. The incredible power of the Internet and iPod has transformed music, video, and generated pod-casts that have now become a lifeline to business communication. Henderson exclaimed, “An unthinkable and unnecessary technology just a few years ago has now become a core part of all of our lives, and we didn’t even know we needed it. Now, we can’t imagine life without it.”

Though the global economy dangerously teeters on the brink of widespread recession, the importance of technology and information systems suggests it will continue to thrive. “We need more people in this field. There is a shortage of them, and no matter what stage the economy is in, companies are still desperate to fill their IT departments.” Many may wonder why that is. The reality, Henderson remarks is that, “There is such a misconception about IT people. Less than 5% of people in the IT business actually perform the computer code or programming. The overwhelming majority are the business people. They are the core of the business that is essential and paramount to the organizations’ usability, security, and efficiency.”

“My wildest dreams have been fulfilled by working in technology.” Henderson affirmed. “Technology is exciting, invigorating, and fulfilling. I can guarantee you that as you realize what opportunities lie in this ever-progressing field, you will be pleased with what you discover.” As BYUH students continue in their education and prepare to pursue their own career and professional goals, Henderson’s message will likely resonate well, calling attention to the powerful role technology now plays in our lives, a cutting-edge phenomenon offering realms of opportunity.