Today’s episode comes from Thom Singer’s widely successful podcast Making Waves at C-Level in which he interviews technologist, keynote speaker, and author Kate O’Neill about her outlook on tech, humanity, and careers. Kate is known as both the “Tech Humanist” and “Optimistic Futurist,” and is helping humanity prepare for an increasingly tech-driven future.  Listen in as they discuss where to start your conversations around digital transformation and the steps you can take to always be advocating for both the user and the customer. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn about:

The connection to humanity in technology

• It is essential to remember the humans that will be using the products that technology creates.
• Company jargon should not be used when describing products to customers.
• Consider what customers are going to do with the product and align company strategies with that use.
• Kate shares her experience with merging technology and humanity at early Netflix.

 

Conversations leaders have about digital transformation 

• Successful companies are consistently looking ahead to the next technological advancement.
• Identify what your company is trying to do as well as what customers want to do with your products.

 

Growing your ideal career

• Identify companies that interest you and take the initiative to reach out to them.
• Highlight the skills and expertise that you can bring to a company. 
• If a position doesn’t exist yet, ask the company if they can create one for your expertise. 

 

The powerful role of strategic optimism

 

• Strategic optimism will help identify the direction your company should be moving. 

 

• Consider not only what could go wrong but what to do when things go right. 
• Set yourself and your team up for success by creating contingencies for every situation, both bad and good. 

 

“Tech Humanist: How You Can Make Technology Better for Business and Better for Humans” by Kate O’Neill

Making Waves at C-Level Podcast with Thom Singer

 

Do you have an example of extraordinary efforts or innovation during these unprecedented times? We would love to hear your story and possibly interview you for an upcoming episode. Please reach out to us at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.