The Future of Work – People, Process & Technology
Last week, I was invited to be a panellist on the topic of the Future of Work – People, Process and Technology. Held at and hosted by The Lloyds Banking Group in concert with the Global Tech Advocates that was founded by Russ Shaw (in attendance), it was a well-attended affair. Specifically, the event was co-mounted with the GTA-Future of Work Think Tank, founded by Zoltan Vass and Louisa Steensma Williamson, and for which I’ve been a board member for a couple of years. As you will read below, a lot of the conversation centred around the impact of artificial intelligence. And one of the key takeaways was around making sure that we educate ourselves. I’m a believer that you learn by doing. So, putting my keyboard where my mouth is, I used AI (Perplexity) to craft a summary based on the multiple write-ups on LinkedIn of the event, including a few familiar faces, Tiffany St James, Claire Harman and Louisa SW, as well as a number of new names for me. Thanks to all for your inputs! Based on my prompt, this is what Perplexity wrote, almost unedited by me. I also asked it to create a relevant image (banner). The ‘data set’ was scrapped from all the LinkedIn posts and deposited in this Google document. Meanwhile, here’s the specific prompt on Perplexity:
“Create a 1000-word prose summary of the evening event attached. The event was centred around a panel featuring three speakers (Devyani P Vaishampayan, Minter Dial and Savvas Koufou) with Anthony Reed as chair of the panel. Regroup similar thoughts with subtitles. Provide a hierarchy of the thoughts based on the repetition or sense of attributed importance.”
I asked for two iterations. Then I asked Perplexity, based on the text, to provide me with 25 keywords (SEO), an excerpt and a series of engaging social media posts. The whole process took me a little less than hour, from start to finish. Please take a read and drop in your comments either about the content of the evening itself or add your opinions about how well Perplexity managed the job! N.B. Other than the parts that refer to the group of panellists, I’ve left text that refers to me in the third person as it was captured in the recaps.
The Panel
In the heart of London, under the auspices of Lloyds Banking Group and the collaborative efforts of Tech London Advocates & Global Tech Advocates, an evening event unfolded that would delve deep into the evolving landscape of work. The event, titled “The Future of Work – People, Process & Technology,” brought together a diverse group of over 80 attendees, ranging from industry leaders to curious professionals, all eager to explore the intersections of human endeavour, technological advancement, and organisational processes. Beside me, the panel featured two distinguished speakers: Devyani P Vaishampayan (REMCO Chair and NED) and Savvas Koufou (EY Partner), with Anthony Reed (Lloyds Director) skilfully chairing. This summary encapsulates the essence of the discussions, weaving together the shared insights and reflections under thematic umbrellas.
Continuous Learning and Motivation
The evening kicked off with a powerful message: the world we live in is one of perpetual learning. This theme resonated throughout the discussions, emphasising the importance of fostering a culture that not only values but actively promotes continuous learning. Devyani Vaishampayan emphasized the organizational responsibility to engage and empower individuals in their learning journeys. She argued that understanding the ‘why’ behind learning initiatives is crucial for personal and organizational growth. The panellists shared insights into how organisations can support their teams through periods of change, highlighting the significance of motivation and personal growth. Savvas Koufou highlighted EY’s commitment to motivating learners by aligning learning opportunities with formal qualifications, thereby underscoring the value of learning in professional advancement. It was clear that learning is not a one-size-fits-all journey; rather, it requires a personalised approach that caters to the diverse needs of a team.
Emotional Intelligence and Leadership
Another significant theme revolved around the critical role of emotional intelligence in the future of work. The discussions underscored that as artificial intelligence and automation become more prevalent, the human qualities of empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to understand and appreciate individuality will become increasingly valuable. The panelists agreed that leaders must cultivate environments where these qualities are nurtured, thereby ensuring workforce resilience and adaptability. The discussions underscored the idea that emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence should not be viewed as competing forces but rather as complementary elements that, when combined, can lead to more meaningful and purposeful work experiences. The power of storytelling was highlighted as a vital tool for leaders to connect with their teams on a personal and authentic level.
Technology and Human Agency
As the evening progressed, the conversation shifted towards the relationship between technology and human agency. The panellists shared a unanimous view: technology should serve as a tool that empowers people, not as a force that dictates their actions. This perspective was particularly poignant in discussions about AI and automation, where the emphasis was placed on using technology to enhance personalisation in learning and to make jobs more meaningful. The speakers highlighted the importance of keeping humans at the centre of technological innovation, ensuring that it is people who control the tech, not the other way around.
The value of the older generation in the workforce was also touched upon, with the panellists advocating for the reskilling and upskilling of the baby boomer generation. This, they argued, would not only leverage their wealth of knowledge but also bridge the digital skills gap, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace.
Process Changes and Organisational Alignment
Another critical theme of the evening was the challenge of navigating process changes within organisations. The speakers shared strategies for effective communication, collaboration, and change management, emphasising the need for a clear narrative that outlines the benefits for individuals, the organisation, and society at large. Storytelling was highlighted as a key tool for securing buy-in, with the panellists advocating for narratives that are personal and authentic.
The discussions also explored the importance of addressing the digital skills gap and learning needs by looking beyond the walls of individual organisations. The panellists encouraged businesses to connect and collaborate with external partners to foster a more holistic approach to learning and development.
Inspirational Takeaways
Perhaps one of the most inspiring moments of the evening came from a conversation with Minter Dial about finding one’s North Star. This discussion delved into the existential questions of purpose and direction, encouraging attendees to break out of energy preservation mode and embrace a journey of self-discovery and continuous growth.
The event concluded with a sense of optimism and a call to action for all attendees to embrace the future of work with an open mind and a learning mindset. The panellists’ insights into the critical intersections of people, culture, technology, and process left a lasting impression, underscoring the importance of safeguarding human agency while becoming informedly tech-enabled.
Conclusion
The “Future of Work – People, Process & Technology” event was not just an evening of discussions; it was a clarion call for professionals to navigate the evolving work landscape with empathy, intelligence, and a deep understanding of the human element. The insights shared by Vaishampayan, Koufou and Dial, provided a roadmap for creating work environments that are resilient, adaptable, and above all, human-centric.
As the attendees dispersed into the London night, the conversations and connections made during the event promised to spark further discussions and initiatives. The future of work, as painted by the evening’s discussions, is one where continuous learning, emotional intelligence, and a harmonious blend of people, process, and technology pave the way for innovation, prosperity, and collaboration. The challenge and opportunity lie in embracing this future with open arms, ready to learn, adapt, and grow in an ever-changing world.
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Thanks to the Lloyds Banking Group and the whole team at GTA-Future of Work, especially to Zoltan, Louisa, Louise, Jan, and Kylie, for putting on a great event. It was a pleasure to share the floor with you both, Devyani and Savvas.
