On our next episode of ‘Tech Connects,’ we’re talking to two guests about a new report that dives deep into tech workplace and culture, especially as it relates to crucial issues such as age and gender.

Here’s our lineup for today. There’s Pam Nigro, who’s VP, security/security officer at Medecision, and an ISACA board director. There’s also Anna Murray, who’s founder, president and lead consultant of emedia, a SheLeadsTech Advisory Council member, and co-founder of a tech startup in the secure information exchange space called SIX3R0. In addition to their tech experience, both have insights into the experiences of women in the tech space.

Pam and Anna are going to walk me through the ISACA’s recent Tech Workplace and Culture 2025 survey report, which revealed how much tech pros prize life-work balance, how only 22 percent have a mentor despite a majority wanting one, and how 37 percent of women in tech have experienced gender discrimination at work, versus nine percent of men. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the current state of tech, so let’s jump in!

Here are some takeaways from our discussion:

· Foster Community and Emphasize Problem-Solving: If you’re a manager, you need to cultivate a strong sense of community and collaboration within technology teams, as this significantly contributes to employee retention. That means highlighting the intellectual challenges and opportunities for problem-solving inherent in tech roles, as these are key motivators for many tech pros.

· Prioritize Mentorship and Sponsorship, and Understand Their Differences: For companies, it’s critical to recognize the importance of both mentorship and sponsorship in career development. Everyone needs to understand that mentorship involves guidance, while sponsorship entails actively advocating for and opening doors for individuals. As managers, you should aim to create opportunities for organic mentorship connections and consider implementing structured programs within organizations.

· Address Job Churn and Create Diverse Career Paths: It’s important to acknowledge that younger professionals often seek rapid career advancement and may leave jobs due to boredom. Companies should offer engaging projects and establish clear career pathways, including options for those who excel as individual contributors.

· Promote Inclusive Practices to Combat Discrimination: It’s critical for everyone in tech to actively work to eliminate gender discrimination through awareness and inclusive leadership. That also means implementing unconscious bias training, encouraging a culture where all contributions are valued and credited, and advocating for diverse hiring practices.

We hope this episode has helped you with some new insights into mentorship, inclusion within the tech industry, and more. We'll see you next time-and remember, we are your best resource to find the tech talent you need to fill your open roles, and for technologists, the best place to grow your tech career.

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Our guest today is James Raybould, who’s Head of Turing Intelligence at Turing, a company building AI solutions for a variety of organizations. In addition, Turing also helps clients train large language models, or LLMs, which power the chatbots that millions of people use every day. James’s team leverages the latest research to build AI systems that help businesses transform. If there’s one thing we can say about the digital revolution these days, it’s on steroids thanks to AI.

I really wanted to talk to James because of his fascinating insights into how companies are adopting AI, the kinds of AI skills that tech professionals might need to succeed in this rapidly changing world, and the future of AI itself, which will include things like software agents working in sync to help humans accomplish their daily tasks.

Here are some quick takeaways as you think through the best ways to deploy AI within your own organization:

Prioritize Problem-Solving Over Tech Adoption: Don't rush to integrate AI simply because it's the latest trend. Before implementing any AI solution, clearly define the specific business problem you're trying to solve. Conduct thorough workflow analyses and understand the desired outcomes. This strategic approach ensures AI is used effectively and avoids wasted resources on unnecessary integrations. Focus on the customer in approach, not the technology out approach. Sometimes, the best solution won't involve AI at all.

Continuously Upskill and Adapt to Evolving AI Landscapes: Recognize that the tech industry has a diverse range of AI proficiency. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a newcomer, commit to continuous learning. Stay updated on the latest AI tools, methodologies, and advancements. Be prepared to adapt your skills and knowledge as the AI landscape evolves. Leverage training opportunities and engage with communities to bridge any knowledge gaps. Understand that embracing AI is a journey, and that everyone is at a different place on that journey.

Embrace AI as a Tool for Creative Empowerment: See AI not as a job replacement, but as a powerful tool that enhances your capabilities. Leverage AI to automate routine coding tasks, freeing up time for higher-level strategic thinking and innovation. Focus on developing your editing and curating skills to refine AI-generated code. Anticipate a shift towards managing and directing AI agents, and begin developing the necessary skills for this future role. Explore and experiment with AI-powered development tools to enhance your productivity and creative output.

Cultivate Effective Communication and Iteration with AI: Recognize that interacting with AI agents is fundamentally different from working with humans. Embrace the efficiency and directness that AI offers, while also understanding the importance of clear and precise communication. Master the art of prompt engineering to elicit desired outputs. Be prepared to iterate and refine your interactions with AI, continuously improving its performance. Understand that human oversight remains crucial for ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of AI-driven workflows. Practice clear communication, and understand that you will be able to iterate much faster with AI than with humans.

There was a lot more in that discussion, of course, so give it another listen if you feel so inclined. Thank you for joining us—and remember, Dice is your best resource to find the tech talent you need to fill your open roles, and for tech pros, the best place to grow your tech career.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our next ‘Tech Connects’ guest is Jenni Troutman, who’s Director of Training and Certification Products and Services at Amazon Web Services (AWS). In that role, she’s worked to help people interested in AWS and the cloud gain access to low-cost and self-paced training. Given that background, she seems like an ideal person to discuss the evolving landscape for cloud skills, the importance of certain technical and soft skills, and how certifications can act as a career catalyst. Let’s listen in!

Here are some quick takeaways as you proceed on your own cloud journey:

• Essential Skills for the Future: The tech landscape is rapidly evolving, especially with the rise of generative AI. While technical skills are important, soft skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and continuous learning are crucial. The ability to adapt to new tools and technologies is essential for staying relevant in this dynamic environment. Professionals should focus on developing a growth mindset and embrace lifelong learning to navigate the ever-changing tech world.
• Generative AI and Its Impact: Generative AI is revolutionizing various industries, from automating tasks to generating creative content. Professionals should strive to understand the capabilities of generative AI and how it can be applied to their respective fields. Learning how to effectively prompt AI models and integrate them into workflows is becoming increasingly valuable. Regardless of your role, staying informed about the latest advancements in AI and exploring its potential applications is crucial for career development.
• AWS Training and Certifications: AWS offers a wide range of training and certification programs to help individuals gain expertise in cloud computing and AI. These certifications can validate your skills and enhance your career prospects. While certifications are valuable, they should be complemented by practical experience and personal projects. Demonstrating your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world problems is key to impressing potential employers.
• Navigating the Evolving Job Market: The job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and it's essential to stand out from the crowd. Building a strong portfolio of personal projects that showcase your skills and creativity can make a significant difference. Additionally, networking and collaborating with others in the industry can open up new opportunities. While the future of AI is uncertain, embracing change and continuously upskilling will be crucial for long-term success in the tech world.

There was a lot more in that discussion, of course, so give it another listen if you feel so inclined. Thank you for joining us—and remember, Dice is your best resource to find the tech talent you need to fill your open roles, and for technologists, the best place to grow your tech career.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.