Harness Technology, Learning & Culture to Build Resilience in the Future of Work

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at Cloud Expo Asia where I shared about the transformative potential of technology, learning, and culture in cultivating resilience for the future of work. 🚀 

We kicked off the keynote discussing the critical fusion of learning and development with emerging technology to shape an adaptable and robust organisational culture prepared to face future challenges. This concept draws inspiration from how governments worldwide invested in higher education to create a knowledge-driven workforce. Organisations are now at a similar crossroads in the face of technological advancements.

I introduced two distinct approaches: the low road and high road strategies to navigate the uncertain times of today. The low road focuses on short-term cost savings at the expense of long-term workforce development, potentially leading to disengagement and high turnover. Conversely, the high road strategy emphasizes investing in training, skill enhancement, and employee engagement, resulting in better financial performance over the medium to long term.

Several organisations exemplify the high road strategy:

1. Innovation Driven Excellence: Apple's commitment to R&D and workforce development.

2. Operational Excellence: Toyota's continuous improvement philosophy adopted by companies like Salesforce and Adobe.

3. Employee Centric Approach: Microsoft, Google, and PALO IT invest heavily in employee training.

4. Leveraging Modern Tech Platforms: Companies like AWS and Microsoft Azure democratize technology, enabling startups to focus on innovation.

While the high road strategy is preferred for sustainable profitability, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. The innovator's dilemma, as coined by Professor Christensen in 1997, suggests that even with the right strategy, companies can lose market dominance if they underinvest in continuous learning and fail to adapt to evolving markets.

“It's the journey of application, it's the journey of interpretation,        it's the journey of involvement and collaboration, that makes learning stick.”

This concept applies to Learning and Development (L&D) as well. Relying on traditional L&D strategies can lead to falling behind, in rapidly evolving work environments. The solution lies in combining technology with a human touch, ensuring that learning is not just data accumulation but an immersive journey of application, interpretation, involvement, and collaboration.

How can we achieve that balance?

1. Humanizing AI: Tailored learning journeys that consider individual cognitive, social, and cultural differences.

2. Power of Empathetic Feedback: Feedback is valuable when it's actionable, empathetic, and integrated with coaching and mentoring.

3. Best of Both Worlds: Apply learning in a team context to improve soft and social skills.

In conclusion, while AI and technology offer incredible capabilities, the future of work lies in the integration of these tools with the human and social experience. The true power of technology comes from understanding the science behind education and learning and anchoring it in the human connection.

The conversations do not end here, we are excited about the prospects of our collective journey. Together, we continue to shape a future underpinned by knowledge, innovation, and most importantly, people.

Watch the full presentation here:

Shaping a more people-centric organisation? 

At PALO IT, we specialize in empowering organizations to develop comprehensive and sustainable strategies that drive growth and enhance their competitive edge. Our expertise spans from aligning internal stakeholders and creating a strategic roadmap to implementing innovative technologies in line with net-zero ambitions. 

Reach out to us to discover how we can help you take the first steps towards sustainable success.