The annual Guaranteed Irish Tech Forum took place yesterday with a panel of four female leaders in the tech industry with non-tech backgrounds. ‘Unveiling Unconventional Paths within the Tech Sector’ was the theme for this year’s event and the non-techie panel gave interesting insights into why their backgrounds are key to the success of their roles in tech.
AI is the hot topic in tech today and the panel see it as an opportunity for businesses but also cautioned against rushing into using it as a sole strategy. Maureen O’Rourke, Head of Digital Transformation Programme at An Post spoke of their recent experience in the area:
“In March we undertook a trial using Open AI so customers could generate a St. Patrick’s Day card. This was really well received and the customer feedback is now helping us inform new product development. There can be a rush to explore the opportunities of AI but it is an enabler for better service to our business and personal customers and not a strategy in itself”.
Innovation is crucial to every role and Susan Moss, Head of Public Policy & Government Relations for TikTok discussed how TikTok innovates while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and cybersecurity best practice. “TikTok is the only platform to engage a third party European security company to independently audit our data controls and protections, monitor data flows and provide independent verification”.
With their varied professional backgrounds, the panel discussed the importance of leveraging non-tech experience within a tech role. Gina Laverty, CFO at Viatel Technology Group said no matter what industry you are in, people are the secret to success “In relation to harnessing and developing talent, it’s crucial that the company’s purpose and the employee’s vision line up. Eliminating the hierarchy creates an appealing culture for attracting and retaining staff. Ensuring growth of the employee’s personal mindset will also lead to growth of the business”.
Chloe Murray, Blacknight advised how digital empowerment bridges the gap between business and technology and how to grow your digital footprint “Smaller companies need to have an online presence, it’s what consumers have come to expect from businesses of all sizes. Having a website and being online builds that extra layer of trust”
On the topic of AI Chloe said we’re all using AI without realising it “It has benefits in removing mundane tasks but it’s only as good as the information it is given and human intervention is necessary”.
As part of its 50th anniversary Guaranteed Irish is celebrating Tech Month with a mix of homegrown indigenous members and international businesses to discuss opportunities achieved through leaning into ‘outside the box’ thinking, diversity and innovation. The Guaranteed Irish Tech Forum was sponsored by Blacknight and MC for the event was Ann O’Dea, CEO & Founder of Silicon Republic, Ireland’s leading tech news service.