Leader’s Corner: Freddie Quek, Times Higher Education

Freddie Quek, CTO at Times Higher Education, stands out as a seasoned leader with a diverse and dynamic career. He shared insights into his journey, his passion for technology, and the evolving nature of the industry.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, Freddie Quek, the Chief Technology Officer at Times Higher Education, emerges as a seasoned leader with a career marked by excitement, adaptability and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. 

In this exclusive leader’s corner interview, Freddie explored the intricate facets of his professional journey, his childhood sparks of inspiration and the leadership philosophy that propels him forward.

Leader’s Corner insights with Freddie Quek

When asked to encapsulate his career development in one word, Freddie chose "exciting." However, he quickly expanded on the complexity of his journey, describing it as a "zigzag type." Why? “Because every day is a new challenge.” 

For Freddie, the allure of technology lies in its daily challenges and problem-solving aspects. He emphasised the ever-changing nature of technology, presenting professionals with new problems to solve each day, making it one of the most exhilarating fields.

Going back to the very beginning, Freddie traced his early inspiration to his grandparents' house, where he discovered a Radio Shack TRS-80. This encounter sparked his curiosity, leading him to envision a career in technology.

He noted that the technology industry is constantly undergoing change and acknowledged the daunting task of keeping up with the industry's pace.

“You need to know whether you are on that journey that you're willing to keep learning or you're thinking that that is done and therefore if it cannot be constant then you've got to look for something else.”

As a senior technology leader, Freddie sees curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning as critical traits in today’s increasingly digital world. “What is really important as an IT leader is to have this mindset of always constantly learning…you've got to reconcile to the fact that you cannot know everything.”