1. Miguel, you have an extensive background in business operations and strategic planning. Can you share the key moments that have shaped your career path and what led you to your current role at Smart MC2?
Throughout my journey, three defining moments shaped my path to becoming CEO of SmartMC2.
The first was leading large-scale operations in global companies such as Blue Yonder, LexisNexis, and Trilliant Networks. Managing millions of connected devices and delivering complex IoT and data-driven programs gave me both the technical depth and the strategic vision to understand how digital ecosystems can transform entire industries.
The second pivotal moment came when I transitioned into consulting, executive training, and academia. This allowed me to step back, work across different sectors, and coach leaders on aligning operations with strategy. It broadened my perspective and confirmed my belief that technology only creates value when connected to people and purpose.
And finally, founding SmartMC2 was the natural evolution. I wanted to create a company that applies IoT and data innovation to the areas that matter most: Smart Agriculture, Smart Cities, and sustainable digital transformation. A great example is our SmartCast project, where we bring IoT to agriculture, helping communities manage resources more intelligently and sustainably.
SmartMC2 represents the perfect continuation of my journey — combining global best practices with local impact, while pursuing innovation that is both scalable and meaningful.
2. You’ve specialized in leveraging advanced technologies and data transformation for business growth. How do you see emerging technologies, such as AI and big data, shaping the future of business operations?
AI, big data, and IoT are rewriting the rulebook of business operations, and I see them shaping the future in three exciting ways.
First, operations are shifting from reactive to predictive. With AI and IoT, companies can anticipate demand, spot risks early, and optimise resources in real time. In agriculture, for instance, IoT sensors paired with AI can forecast soil and weather conditions, enabling farmers to boost yields and reduce waste.
Second, these technologies are building truly connected ecosystems. They allow businesses to integrate data from operations, customers, and supply chains into one coherent view. This doesn’t just improve efficiency — it creates space for new business models, such as moving from selling products to delivering data-driven services.
Third, they are redefining the human role in operations. Automation will handle repetitive tasks, but people will play an even more vital role in applying adaptive thinking, creativity, and ethical judgment.
At SmartMC2, we see this every day in our Smart Agriculture and Smart Cities projects. For us, the future of operations is about the perfect balance: cutting-edge technology and human intelligence, working together to build organisations that are profitable, resilient, and sustainable.
3. In your opinion, what are the most crucial steps companies should take to effectively incorporate data transformation into their business processes?
Data transformation is not a technology upgrade — it’s a business reinvention. I believe there are four essential steps to make it succeed.
First, start with a clear strategy. Organisations must define what they want to achieve — whether improving efficiency, engaging customers, or unlocking new revenue streams — before collecting and analysing data.
Second, build a solid foundation. Data quality, governance, and security are non-negotiable. Without trusted data, even the most advanced AI tools will fail to deliver real value.
Third, cultivate a data-driven culture. Technology alone cannot change behaviour — people do. Teams at every level should be empowered and trained to use data in decision-making, with analytics accessible beyond just data scientists.
Fourth, scale with the right technologies. Cloud platforms, IoT, and advanced analytics should be modular, secure, and adaptable to future needs.
At SmartMC2, we live by these principles. Our IoT projects go far beyond deploying sensors — we ensure the insights generated are actionable, trustworthy, and aligned with long-term strategy. That’s the true difference between simply having data and achieving transformation through data.
4. Your role spans multiple regions and international markets. What are some of the unique challenges you face in managing customer operations across such diverse regions, and how do you overcome them?
Working across diverse regions is both exciting and challenging, and I usually see three recurring themes.
The first is cultural and regulatory diversity. Each market has its own way of doing business and its own compliance requirements. In the UK, for instance, strict data protection and metering standards shaped our approach, while emerging markets often require agility and innovation with limited resources.
The second is operational complexity. Different infrastructures, time zones, and maturity levels make it difficult to ensure consistent service. The challenge is to be robust and standardised where possible, but agile enough to adapt to local realities.
The third is communication and alignment. With teams and clients spread across geographies, success depends on building trust and ensuring everyone stays aligned on outcomes.
How do we overcome these? By investing in local expertise that understands the nuances, by standardising our core processes while leaving room for flexibility, and by creating a culture of collaboration powered by digital tools. At SmartMC2, whether we’re working with European municipalities or farming communities, it’s always about balancing global excellence with local impact.
5. What advice would you give to students or young professionals looking to pursue a career in business operations, particularly those aspiring to work in global or multi-region roles?
My advice is simple but powerful — focus on four pillars.
First, build strong fundamentals. Master the essentials of operations, project management, and data. These are skills that travel with you, wherever in the world you go.
Second, embrace a global mindset. Be curious about different cultures, learn new languages, and stay adaptable. The ability to connect across borders is a superpower in today’s business world.
Third, sharpen your soft skills. Communication, collaboration, and influence are just as important as technical expertise. They are what allow you to lead teams across regions successfully.
And fourth, stay curious about technology. IoT, AI, and big data are changing the fabric of operations — those who learn how to harness them will always be ahead of the curve.
In my own career, what truly made the difference was the combination of technical expertise with the ability to connect people, cultures, and ideas. For anyone dreaming of a global role, that blend is the key to unlocking opportunity and long-term success.
6. Finally, what motivates you to keep innovating and leading teams in customer operations, and what do you expect to achieve with the Paris School of Management?
What inspires me every day is the power of innovation to make a tangible difference. From managing millions of connected devices in energy to shaping Smart Agriculture and Smart Cities at SmartMC2, I’ve seen how technology, when combined with vision and teamwork, can genuinely improve lives and communities. That sense of impact is what keeps me moving forward.
I’m also deeply motivated by leadership — not just delivering results, but empowering people to think creatively, grow in confidence, and become leaders themselves. For me, the best legacy is the teams and individuals I help to develop.
With the Paris School of Management, I see an extraordinary opportunity to expand this impact beyond SmartMC2. By mentoring and educating the next generation of leaders, I hope to equip them with both the practical tools and the global mindset to thrive in an interconnected, digital, and sustainable world.
Ultimately, my goals are twofold: to continue driving SmartMC2’s growth and innovation in IoT and smart solutions, and to contribute through PSM to shaping future leaders who will carry forward the digital and sustainable transformation we urgently need.