The Phoenix team had the pleasure of attending this year's Dublin Tech Summit at the RDS on May 30th and June 1st. Bringing together a diverse group of experts in the field, this was a great opportunity to network and explore the latest insights and trends in technology. We are excited to share our learnings and knowledge which we gained directly from inspiring leaders and entrepreneurs in the tech space.
From panel discussions with successful founders to practical workshops from industry experts, Dublin Tech Summit provided invaluable opportunities to connect with and learn from individuals and organisations who are shaping the world of Technology.
Key Topics:
Sustainability and Tech Innovation
WFH (Work From Home) and the Future of Work
Workplace Culture and Talent
AI and Ethical Development
User Experience and Digital Transformation
Sustainability and Tech Innovation
Sustainability was a prominent theme at the summit, highlighting the vital role of technology in driving positive change. The discussions emphasised the need for a fresh perspective, using technology to deliver services in a more sustainable manner. An alarming fact surfaced that manufacturers are the primary contributors to electronic waste, underscoring the urgency for innovative solutions. Leaders from eco-conscious tech startups like Swappie and Rent the Runway shared their success stories, demonstrating how they disrupted their fields by reimagining the use of technology to provide sustainable services. By embracing sustainability as a core business value, these companies inspire others to think differently and leverage technology for a greener future.
WFH (Work From Home) and the Future of Work
The summit explored the impact of remote work in shaping the future of work. While remote work offers functional flexibility, it was noted by a panel of tech founders from startups such as Manna, Cilter and Pointy that physical collaboration and the magic of in-person interactions can be lost. Hybrid work models, combining remote and in-office work, were considered as the optimal solution, particularly for more established startups who are no longer in their early days. Several other keynotes and panels also touched on the “paradoxical struggle of remote work” (Tristan Nelson, WrkWrk) where people desire the freedom to work on their own terms.
This relates to the struggle businesses face in encouraging employees back to the office, a common challenge among speakers at the summit. Employers, particularly in the tech space, are struggling to encourage their workforce to return to the office - even on a hybrid basis. This is largely due to their reluctance to respond to employees' desires and expectations. Why should employees be expected to return to an office that offers the same environment and culture as it did 5 to 10 years ago? According to a panel of industry experts, a company's return to office procedures should be a magnet - not a mandate (Peter Cosgrove,Futurewise). It is essential to adapt and improve the office and company culture to provide an environment which employees want to return to.
Workplace Culture and Talent
Industry leaders from Tech companies such as WrkWrk, Alva Lab sand Futurewise also highlighted the need for businesses to adapt their workplace culture to keep up with technological advancements. As previously mentioned, traditional office spaces need transformation to create environments that employees want to return to. Furthermore, employers face the challenge of not only attracting people back to the office but also fostering a culture that embraces change.
Neglecting company culture can lead to "unintended toxic culture" and "analysis paralysis" within the organisation., says Alisa Cohn, Author & Executive Coach, and CEO of Alisa Cohn & Associates Inc. To address this, it is crucial to identify the current culture and establish clear communication and expectations. Furthermore, enhancing and expanding the culture can be achieved through culture carriers, which are the people and employees who embody and promote the desired cultural values and behaviours. By prioritising culture and hiring talent that will adopt and share your company’s vision, businesses can create an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and employee satisfaction in the ever-evolving landscape of work.
AI and Ethical Development
AI is undoubtedly a global disruptor within the tech industry and beyond. We were fortunate to hear from leaders of innovative Tech companies such as Solidroad and Hubspot on the importance of embracing AI as a collaborative tool rather than fearing it as a replacement for human talent. It was emphasised that those who not only know how to use AI but embrace the power of AI will be the ones to thrive in the tech landscape. The future of work and effective hiring also lies in leveraging AI and machine learning to find and select candidates, streamlining the process and enhancing decision-making. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential dark side of AI.
The importance of regulating AI and technology for the well-being and safety of individuals was also a predominantly discussed topic at the summit. Perhaps the most striking insight of the entire event was from Angelina Sharyngina of Techfugees on the dangers of fake news and misinformation: "online violence turns into offline violence". This powerful statement underscores the urgent need for ethical development and responsible regulation of AI and technology, calling for accountability, transparency, and regulated growth. To harness the power of technology, we must prioritise empowering the youth and nurturing the next generation of critical thinkers who can navigate the ethical challenges and maximise the positive impact of AI on society. By embracing AI responsibly and ethically, we can unlock its potential to create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for all.
User Experience and Digital Transformation
User experience emerged as a central focus at the summit, underscoring the critical role of digital transformation in delivering positive and seamless customer experiences. Industry experts from tech firms such as momentive.ai, Stathletes and IBM Security Services highlighted that successful digital transformation goes beyond the mere implementation of AI; it involves a comprehensive, company-wide approach to digital solutions. The integration of technology should ultimately enhance human interaction and facilitate efficient and frictionless experiences for users. It became evident that achieving customer success requires a holistic perspective, involving all aspects of the business, rather than being solely confined to sales.
From marketing to customer support, every department plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless user experience. By embracing digital transformation as a strategic initiative, organisations can leverage technology to optimise processes, personalise interactions, and deliver value to their customers. This user-centric approach not only enhances satisfaction but also builds long-term relationships, fostering loyalty and driving business growth in the increasingly digital landscape.
We were privileged to attend this incredible gathering of brilliant minds, trailblazers, and tech innovators who are shaping the future of the industry. It wasn't just about exploring the latest trends, but empowering us to drive real change and fully embrace the transformative power of technology. Dublin Tech Summit 2023 has shown us that we're standing on the precipice of a remarkable, unprecedented era where technology, teamed with the passion and expertise of individuals, can and will revolutionise the world of work. As we move forward, let's foster workplace cultures that embrace change, empower the next generation of critical thinkers, and unlock the true potential of technology to create a future where possibilities are endless.
If you’re in need of advice and support on workplace culture, sourcing top talent, finding your next Tech role or any of the above topics, the Phoenix team would love to help.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you.