CEO Insights Magazine

The meteoric rise of remote work – fueled by the pandemic, changing generational attitudes to work, and staff shortages has forever changed the work landscape. With up to 20 percent of the US workforce predicted to be working from home by the end of this year, businesses of many sizes have come to terms with having staff working remotely. Many of these businesses have also expanded this to outsourcing with nearly 40 percent of SMEs and 70 percent of larger businesses leveraging outsourcing at least one business process. One of the CFOs navigating these shifting dynamics is Jamie Stewart at Cloudstaff.

Jamie Stewart is a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation through global staffing. As the Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFO) at Cloudstaff, Jamie brings a wealth of expertise and strategic vision to the organization's financial operations. With a career spanning over 20+ years and multiple countries, Jamie has established himself as a dynamic leader known for his astute financial acumen and dedication to excellence.

Below is an excerpt of Jamie Stewart’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights ASIA magazine.

Could you give a brief account of your professional background and experiences? What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

With roots tracing back to Aberdeen, my journey has been one of diverse experiences and continuous growth. Graduating with honors in History and Politics paved the way for my professional pursuit, steering me toward qualification as a Management Accountant. In my career in the shipping industry, I've traveled around the world, from Russia to India, before settling in the Philippines for the past 13 years. During this time, I've spent six years working for Cloudstaff.

Motivation, for me, is multifaceted. Personally, the aspiration for self-improvement interweaves with the endeavor to nurture familial bonds as a devoted father and husband. Professionally, witnessing the evolution of our clientele stands as a cornerstone of motivation, each success story a testament to our collective efforts. Equally compelling is the opportunity to mentor and empower my team, fostering their growth both professionally and personally. In essence, the synergy of personal and professional fulfillment propels me forward, instilling a sense of purpose in every endeavor and driving me to excellence daily.

How would you define Cloudstaff as an organization and its current position in the market?

Cloudstaff stands at the forefront of the evolving landscape of remote staffing solutions, representing the next wave beyond traditional BPOs. Positioned as a market-leading tech-enabled company, we leverage cutting-edge technology to differentiate ourselves in the market. Our commitment lies in delivering tailored solutions to our clients, addressing the global talent shortage by providing a robust platform for managing remote staff efficiently.

Our investment in AI underscores our dedication to innovation, recognizing its pivotal role in driving industry transformation. The exponential growth we've experienced is underpinned by our robust infrastructure and unwavering focus on compliance and security. Also, at Cloudstaff, we prioritize our most valuable assets, our people, by investing in their development and cultivating a vibrant company culture. This emphasis on culture and fostering strong relationships between staff and clients sets us apart in the market, propelling us to continued success and expansion in this dynamic sector.

As the Chief Financial Officer of Cloudstaff, how do you plan to apply your long professional experience in this domain to add more stars to the organization’s profile?

As the Chief Financial Officer of Cloudstaff, my approach is anchored in enabling the company's growth trajectory. I view my role as a facilitator, collaborating closely with peers to optimize our financial strategies. Together, we assess the most cost-effective avenues for advancement, meticulously tracking progress and implementing streamlined processes. My aim is to elevate Cloudstaff to new heights by fostering strong partnerships with clients, ensuring their goals to grow their businesses align with our staffing solutions. Acting as the global remote office for clients such as managing recruitment, HR, IT, productivity-enablement, compliance is something we take very seriously – doing that across all our clients brings a scale that demands a high degree of focus on operational efficiency and process.

Furthermore, staying at the forefront of technological advancements is imperative. Investing in cutting-edge platforms and embracing emerging technologies like AI is pivotal to maintaining our competitive edge and enhancing our brand reputation. My focus lies in enhancing operational efficiency, driving growth, and solidifying our position as a market leader. By executing these strategies effectively, we will undoubtedly amplify Cloudstaff's profile and reinforce our reputation as a provider of stellar solutions in the industry.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow to lead your team?

As a leader, my approach is centered on fostering a collaborative and empowering environment within my team. I firmly believe in the importance of active listening and being accessible to team members. Leading by example, I encourage the delegation of tasks, empowering individuals to take ownership and excel in their roles. Rather than micromanaging, I rely on the expertise of my team members, recognizing that our collective success hinges on the strength of our collaboration. Emphasizing a team-driven culture, I prioritize open communication and transparency, maintaining an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and perspectives.

In cultivating an environment conducive to innovation, I actively encourage thinking outside the box and welcome new initiatives from team members. By fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, we can collectively drive the organization forward, implementing new strategies and initiatives to achieve our goals.

In your professional journey so far, which are the milestones that bestowed you with the utmost satisfaction - both personally and professionally?

In my professional journey, witnessing the growth and development of my team has been immensely gratifying. From its humble beginnings with just a few hundred members to now boasting a large workforce of over 6000, seeing its professional evolution has been a source of immense pride. Additionally, guiding Cloudstaff through significant milestones, such as securing Series B funding, has been deeply satisfying. Collaborating with our esteemed board members, who bring invaluable expertise and insight, has been a rewarding learning experience, contributing to the company's growth trajectory.

On a personal level, witnessing Cloudstaff's exponential growth, surpassing 6 times its initial staff count, has been exhilarating. As we chart the course for the future, the boundless potential of the company fuels my enthusiasm and dedication. While past milestones have been fulfilling, it's the anticipation of what lies ahead that truly excites me and motivates me to continue pushing boundaries.

What are the new financial strategies/ advancements the organization is working on? What is the financial roadmap that you have planned for Cloudstaff?

At Cloudstaff, we're deeply immersed in exploring the transformative potential of AI within our financial strategies. Embracing the AI movement presents us with a myriad of opportunities to enhance efficiency and drive growth. We're keenly focused on leveraging AI to optimize various aspects of our business operations, from increasing productivity to improving economies of scale. Keeping pace with technological advancements is paramount in today's fast-moving landscape, and AI stands at the forefront of our strategic roadmap. By harnessing the power of AI, we aim to unlock new avenues for innovation and value creation, positioning Cloudstaff at the forefront of remote staffing excellence. We make this investment not only to support our own service delivery but to democratize access on behalf of all the SME customers in our portfolio. As we continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape, our commitment to embracing emerging technologies remains steadfast, driving us to a future of sustained growth and success.

What advice would you give to the upcoming financial leaders in the industry?

To the upcoming financial leaders in the industry, I advise a focus on enabling organizational growth while ensuring cost-effectiveness and fostering strong client relationships. Embrace technology advancements and invest in your team's development. Stay vigilant in monitoring processes, as the financial landscape is dynamic and ever-evolving. Your role is not only to manage finances but also to drive innovation and support the success of your clients. By staying informed, adaptable, and committed to excellence, you'll navigate the complexities of the industry with confidence and lead your organization toward sustained prosperity.

Jamie Stewart CFO, Cloudstaff

Jamie is a visionary financial leader with a knack for driving growth and innovation. With a wealth of experience in finance, Jamie is instrumental in shaping Cloudstaff's financial strategy and ensuring its sustained success in the dynamic outsourcing landscape.