Hi everyone,

If you missed today's Interest group call, we recorded the discussion and encourage you to listen to it. If you're a director of a Solution Provider or MSP company, it's definitely a discussion worth tuning into.

Here's the link:
https://comptia.zoom.us/rec/share/9...GWjGk0mN6gCdBJuSWJS33H564ZSZ.NdWDokjSaYsVH4I_

No passcode required.

Rose

The tech industry has kicked off 2024 with a wave of mass layoffs, and unfortunately, women are bearing the brunt of these job cuts. According to a recent report by NTT Data, women are 1.6 times more likely to be laid off in the tech sector compared to their male counterparts, as highlighted by statistics from the WomenTech Network.

Why Are Women Leaving Tech?​

The issue isn't just about layoffs; many women are also choosing to leave the tech industry on their own. Nearly 57% of women in Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT) plan to leave their jobs within the next two years, citing poor work/life balance as a primary reason, according to WomenTech.

How Can We Retain Women in Tech?​

NTT Data offers several strategies to help employers retain women in the tech industry:

1. Encourage Mothers Back into the Workforce
   • There is a significant amount of untapped talent among mothers who have left the workforce. Companies should focus on accommodating these individuals, offering flexible work arrangements and part-time opportunities to attract them back.
2. Use an “Employee First” Strategy to Fill the Skills Gap
   • Employers should invest in training opportunities to help their current employees grow. This approach not only fills the skills gap but also makes employees feel valued and capable of advancing their careers within the organization.
3. Create a Gender-Inclusive Environment
   • A diverse team brings different perspectives and innovative solutions to challenges. Employers should start by revising their hiring practices to ensure they are inclusive.
   • It's also crucial to look internally and promote deserving individuals to higher positions, fostering a culture of growth and inclusivity.

Conclusion​

The tech industry must proactively address the gender disparity in layoffs and retention. By encouraging mothers back into the workforce, adopting an "employee first" strategy, and creating a gender-inclusive environment, companies can retain talented women and build a more diverse and innovative workforce. Let's work together to make the tech industry a more inclusive and supportive place for everyone.

Read the article: https://www.hrreporter.com/focus-ar...n-planning/how-to-retain-women-in-tech/386726

In the current phase of AI adoption within enterprises, leaders are now reviewing their early investments and integrations to measure and build on initial successes. By this stage, colleagues should be comfortable using AI to assist people and enhance process efficiency, aiming for higher quality outcomes with less effort.

However, it's crucial for organizations to consider not only the hard figures of the P&L but also the impact of new technologies and processes on their teams and talent. As with every evolution (and revolution), the initial excitement around new tools fades, and people find their own rhythm in using them. Simply put, without the right skills and culture in place, leaders won’t maximize the return on their AI investments. Culture always impacts how technology is used in practice.

Corporate culture and leadership—the "soft" but essential elements—play a significant role in supporting technology to prove its worth. The possibilities offered by even the best-executed AI technologies are only achievable with a well-integrated workforce, business processes, and agile leadership willing to listen to every part of a "three-body problem": AI/tech, people/skills, and culture/leadership. When viewed from this perspective, success becomes an equation: Success equals technology multiplied by the impact of the other components.

Take the Pulse—Regular Feedback is Key

Assuming that organizational leaders have developed a clear and sound strategy over the past couple of years to align AI investments with business objectives, and have made investments in either safe pilot schemes or transformational projects, it's time to go beyond finances and numbers. Leaders should check in on users and their expectations. Usage metrics alone don’t account for willing engagement versus grudging use. Understanding this difference can lead to better working experiences and stronger business outcomes.

Review the Impact of New Tools and Processes on Your People

• Are the tools being used as expected?
• How do employees feel about adoption?
• Are they using the tools as intended, with data privacy and security in mind, or are they using workarounds that compromise robust policy?

Ask probing questions from a spirit of honest inquiry. AI, perhaps more than almost any other technology, may elicit a wide range of human reactions. Leaders and colleagues may disagree on priorities, and society and organizations could have different views on how best to use their technologies and people. Intellectuals and social commentators are often split into two camps: the "doomers" and AI "boomers." For these reasons, listening and communicating with stakeholders is crucial. Don’t consider the issue or people’s concerns settled when every factor involved is constantly evolving.

Key Points to Consider:

1. Handle Changing Stakeholders and Review Processes: Stay adaptable and open to feedback from all stakeholders.
2. Don’t Neglect Skills and Training: Ensure continuous learning and development to keep up with AI advancements.
3. Success Equals Technology Plus Feedback, Processes, and Skills: Integrate technology with a strong feedback loop, efficient processes, and skilled personnel to achieve success.

By focusing on these areas, organizations can maximize their AI investments and drive meaningful, sustainable outcomes.

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2024/06/17/the-three-top-aspects-of-ai-success/

Hello

We were treated to a great session today by Ruth Wachelder, a general management specialist based in the Netherlands sharing her story. Ruth took us through her education and career path and told us about the 'say yes' attitude she developed in her youth. Watch the recording and refer to the slides to share in this inspiring story.

https://comptia.zoom.us/rec/share/m...TRA9PSSPiLABmvpe6EMG46u30ya0.zuqpoxVTnlGDcVZx

Passcode: 1f$M3#wP

Regards

Leanne

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing various business sectors, from healthcare to retail, and has significantly impacted industries like manufacturing through automation. The Asia Pacific (APAC) region leads in IoT adoption, with IDC forecasting IoT spending to reach US$436 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2023 to 2027. This growth persists despite economic challenges, supply chain issues, and semiconductor shortages, driven by the demand for automation, remote capabilities, and 5G deployment.

Large-scale smart projects in APAC, such as Singapore's Smart Nation initiative and China's 900 smart city projects, have accelerated IoT use. However, the rise of IoT also increases cybersecurity risks. Unsecured IoT devices can introduce vulnerabilities, making them targets for cyber threats. Weak passwords, lack of encryption, and poor patching are significant security issues.

Attack Surface Management (ASM) is crucial for mitigating IoT-related risks. ASM encompasses all assets exposed to cyber threats, both external and internal, including IoT devices, public clouds, and internal systems. ASM is part of Exposure Management (EM), which includes Vulnerability Management and Validation Management. ASM itself consists of three main sections: External Attack Surface Management (EASM), Digital Risk Protection Services (DRPS), and Cyber Asset Attack Surface Management (CAASM).

Discussion Post:

The Growing Impact of IoT and the Importance of Cybersecurity

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries worldwide, with the APAC region leading the charge. IoT spending in APAC is projected to hit US$436 billion by 2025, driven by automation, remote capabilities, and 5G. However, this rapid growth brings increased cybersecurity risks. Unsecured IoT devices can introduce vulnerabilities, making them prime targets for cyber threats.

Attack Surface Management (ASM) is essential for mitigating these risks. ASM covers all assets exposed to cyber threats, including IoT devices, public clouds, and internal systems. It is part of a broader Exposure Management (EM) strategy, which also includes Vulnerability Management and Validation Management.

How is your organization managing the cybersecurity risks associated with IoT? Let's discuss the challenges and best practices in implementing effective ASM strategies.

Read the article: https://e27.co/securing-the-future-of-iot-why-attack-surface-management-is-key-20240421/

With the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI), leaders in all sectors must acknowledge its permanence and rapid advancement. AI has evolved from a whispered concept to an unavoidable reality.

AI is increasingly integrated into various industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, marketing, and education. AI enhances quality control, supply chain optimization, and inventory management in manufacturing, allowing human workers to focus on more engaging tasks. In retail, AI aids in demand forecasting, personalized marketing, and store layout optimization, improving customer satisfaction and sales. However, human workers remain essential for providing empathy and personalized customer service.

In hospitality, AI introduces virtual concierges and manages housekeeping schedules, but it won't replace back-of-house roles like chefs or front-of-house roles like waiting staff anytime soon. AI lacks the ability to provide empathy, creativity, and human connection, making workers with strong, soft skills highly valuable in an AI-driven economy.

AI in Recruiting and Staffing​

In recruitment, AI is used in applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords, determining who moves to the interview stage. While time-saving, this method can overlook highly qualified candidates who don't use the right keywords. At my company, we interview every candidate on a 1-to-1 basis to avoid this pitfall. Employers using an ATS should understand that leveraging AI is a learning process, and the outputs depend on the prompts provided. Incrementally increasing AI screening criteria and human review can improve effectiveness.

AI also matches workers with suitable roles more efficiently. My company uses a smart-matching algorithm for temporary roles, similar to LinkedIn's AI-driven job matching and profile tailoring advice.

Join the Discussion​

How is AI impacting your industry, and what strategies are you using to balance AI integration with the human touch? Share your thoughts and experiences!

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...ctor-trends-and-best-practices-for-companies/

Traditional Identity Management: A Flawed System Historically, centralized identity management systems have been plagued by inefficiencies and vulnerabilities. These systems often create single points of failure, making them easy targets for malicious actors. The lack of transparency further strips individuals of control over their personal information, leading to privacy breaches, inefficient data handling, and identity theft.

Blockchain: A Safer Alternative Blockchain technology offers a decentralized solution to these issues. By distributing control across a network, blockchain significantly reduces risks of corruption and failure. This digital renaissance in identity management enhances security and decentralizes power.

Key Benefits of Blockchain in Identity Management:

• Transparency: Users can monitor and control who accesses their data.
• Immutability: Historical records cannot be altered.
• Autonomy: Individuals can independently own and manage their personal data.

Real-World Applications Several startups and corporations are already leveraging blockchain to improve processes in areas like government documentation and consumer banking. Estonia's e-Residency program is a prime example, offering global citizens a government-issued digital identity secured by blockchain. This initiative ensures transparent and immutable access to personal data, facilitating secure digital interactions across borders.

The Future: Universal Digital Identity As blockchain technology continues to integrate into identity management, it promises a future where individuals possess a single, universal digital identity. This could simplify processes from airport check-ins to healthcare access, making repetitive documentation a thing of the past.

Join the discussion: How do you see blockchain transforming identity management in the next decade?

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...ain-identity-solutions-seeing-whats-possible/