Helmes

"Everything begins with a vision—or a problem," says Igor, discussing what he most likes about his job. Problems are a pleasure for Igor, a native of Belarus, who for nine years of his youth was a serious chess player. "Chess teaches you to think many moves ahead. It’s also a great example of how one little thing affects everything else." Igor considers the IT business an opportunity to play a kind of chess on a daily basis, "except," he adds, "in IT you have more than two players."

Igor’s problem-solving talents have been put to work for Helmes in overseeing everything connected to Microsoft technologies. "My job," says Igor, "is to manage a team of engineers across a variety of locations who design and develop these solutions." The team uses Microsoft technologies to create powerful applications to fit the requirements and budget of individual clients.

Originally an aspiring mathematician who eventually studied business management, Igor sees strategy and structure wherever he looks. "I like to watch football. A layman sees 22 guys chasing a ball. I see strategy, technique. You know, some of the most fascinating games can end in a scoreless tie."