A leader or entrepreneur’s professional journey is fuelled by passion, and passion can be born through varied life experiences. Meet an outstanding personality, Besim Ismaili, the Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Ela Analytics.
For Besim, his early involvement in mathematics, physics competitions, and Olympiads during his school years ignited a spark. These experiences, under the mentorship of his math teacher and father, Alimurat Ismaili, laid the foundation for his analytical skills and passion for numbers.
Besim has successfully led his journey with passion but continues to live with the purpose of inspiring others to think creatively and use technology to create a better world.
A Distinguished Journey
Besim is a recognized leader backed by a strong educational background including certifications from prestigious universities such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. He is also part of an exclusive network of CTOs and executives.
Over the past decade, Besim has gained extensive experience in various domains including IT, data analysis, big data, and financial services. He is well-known for his professionalism, principled work ethic, positive attitude, and prosperous performance.
Besim’s long-standing career is a testament to sheer hard work and dedication to his field of work- technology. His career started with recognition as the Best New Employee at Nordic Choice Hotels in 2011. He has been awarded MCP and MCTS in Microsoft Business Intelligence and was nominated as an MVP in Business Intelligence. One of his notable achievements was winning the Oslo Municipality #SmartOslo Innovation prize for many projects within the public sector.
Besim’s journey also includes winning the Vienna Fintech Hackathon with project #NUMUS and being a Silicon Viking Finalist, which opened an opportunity for business in Silicon Valley. Additionally, he was offered mentorship from notable figures at Singularity University and a spot at NASA HQ.
He adds, “Incorporating this achievement into my professional journey: Over the years, I’ve been deeply involved in various technological and entrepreneurial initiatives. Being recognized as one of the 8 Tech Game Changers in Norway is a highlight, underscoring my impact in the field. This recognition, along with my speaking engagements, mentorship roles, and participation in prestigious networks, reflects my dedication to using technology for global betterment. For more detailed insights, you can watch the full interview on YouTube here.”
Blogging and influencing in areas such as AI, machine learning, and data science are part of his efforts to use data for the betterment of the world. He wears a proud badge of honor on his strong professional network, with thousands of followers on LinkedIn and Instagram.
As a Tech Advisor and Mentor for the Oslo Business Region, Besim has had the chance to contribute to various technological and entrepreneurial initiatives. Public speaking is another passion of his, and he has presented at events like Oslo Big Data Day and the Global Big Data Summit in Santa Clara.
As a member of the exclusive group of 20 CTOs in the DN Executive Network, he is deeply involved in shaping the future of technology in Norway, constantly exploring, and discussing groundbreaking ideas to advance its field.
This journey reflects his commitment to leveraging data and technology for a positive global impact. He has been an MIT OCW Sustainer, a role that reflects his commitment to continuous learning and educational advancement.
About Ela Analytics
“In a world driven by data, let us use this power not just for technological advancement, but for crafting a future where innovation and ethics coexist. Let’s harness data not only for profit but more importantly, for progress and the greater good of society.”
Ela Analytics was founded by Besim and his wife Nurjeta Ismaili, the group CEO. After establishing the company together, they decided to name the company after their firstborn, Ela.
Today, Ela Analytics is revolutionizing the data management landscape by offering innovative consulting services and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions. The company’s focus is on harnessing the power of data to drive informed decision-making and improve efficiency across various sectors. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies in big data and analytics, the company aims to transform raw data into valuable insights, aiding businesses in optimizing their operations and strategies. Its commitment to ‘data for good’ underlines its dedication to not just profit but also making a positive impact in the world through data-driven solutions.
Besim and Nurjet are blessed with two kids, Ela and Anar. The couple is immensely thankful for the love and support both their kids have given them throughout their journey.
Encouraging Creativity and Innovation
At Ela Analytics, fostering creativity and innovation while maintaining a healthy work environment is a key priority. The company achieves this through a culture that encourages open communication and collaboration. Its team members are empowered to share ideas and take ownership of projects, giving them a sense of belonging and commitment. Besim motivates his team to think without limits, achieve the unconventional, and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
He prioritizes work-life balance and employee well-being, understanding that a happy and healthy team is more creative and productive. Regular training and development opportunities ensure Ela Analytics’ team stays at the forefront of industry trends, further driving innovation. It’s through reflecting on this innovative and effective work culture that the company aims to be an agile, developed, and pioneering organization.
Customized Solutions make Ela Analytics Stand-out
Ela Analytics differentiates itself in the market through its unique approach to data management and analytics. The company combines deep industry expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver tailored solutions that meet specific client needs. The company’s philosophy of ‘data for good’, along with our commitment to innovation and a client-centric approach, sets Ela Analytics apart from competitors in the field.
Streamlining the company forward, Besim ensures that people, culture, creativity, and innovation act as the cornerstones of success for the company and are reflected in everything it does.
Tackling Challenges Efficiently
The primary challenges in the data management and analytics industry include managing the ever-increasing volume of data, ensuring data security and privacy, and deriving actionable insights from complex data sets. At Ela Analytics, the company tackles these challenges by implementing robust data infrastructure, employing advanced security protocols, and utilizing sophisticated analytics tools. Its focus on continuous innovation and staying abreast of the latest technological advancements helps Ela Analytics to effectively address these industry challenges.
A Leadership Philosophy Like None
In this fast-paced and complex environment, Besim’s leadership approach emphasizes adaptability, continuous learning, and a strong focus on team collaboration. He believes in leading by example, fostering a culture of innovation, and maintaining open lines of communication with his team. This approach helps in navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities that arise in such a dynamic setting. His goal is to create an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Living by Ultimate Vision and Mission
Besim’s mission is to leverage the transformative power of data to create solutions that not only enhance business efficiency and profitability but also contribute positively to society. The vision for his work, particularly through Ela Analytics, is to be at the forefront of innovation in data management and analytics, making a lasting impact by driving ethical, data-driven decision-making across industries and communities. This vision is underpinned by a commitment to ‘data for good’, aiming to harness data in ways that benefit humanity and foster sustainable development.
An Ardent Supporter of Community Development
As a leader, Besim is well aware of his surroundings and emphasizes the importance of community engagement and mentorship. He recognizes the need of the hour and aims to develop young minds of today into potential leaders of tomorrow. In the coming years, he plans to dedicate more time to mentoring young entrepreneurs and data scientists, sharing his experiences and learnings.
Additionally, he is committed to advocating for ethical data practices and contributing to policies that shape the future of technology and data use. This holistic approach combines his professional endeavors with a personal passion for making a positive societal impact through technology and education.
Propelling towards a Prosperous Future
Over the next five years, Besim’s personal and professional goals are aligned toward continued growth and impact. He aims to deepen his knowledge and expertise in data science and fintech, possibly through further education or immersive experiences in these fields.
Professionally, he envisions Ela Analytics and Numus reaching new heights in innovation, expanding its client base, and making significant strides in using data for societal good. He also plans to strengthen his role as a thought leader in data analytics, contributing to discussions on ethical data use and sustainable development.
Besim wants to be Remembered as…
“I aspire to be remembered as a visionary and an innovator who used data to make a significant positive impact on society. My goal is for my peers and fellow entrepreneurs to recall my dedication to harnessing the power of data for good, my commitment to ethical practices, and my contributions to advancing the field of data analytics and fintech.”
