Latest news with #DigitalDisruption
Business Insider
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
An Amazon exec says junior developers have the most to gain from AI, not the most to lose
Tech leaders have been warning that AI is coming for junior developer jobs, but one Amazon executive says entry-level engineers shouldn't be worried — and they might actually have the most to gain. Rory Richardson, director of go-to-market for generative AI at Amazon Web Services, said that AI is leveling the playing field between junior and veteran developers. "A lot of studies that we're seeing as far as the impact of generative AI on this particular population is about getting your most junior noobs more performant," she said on an episode of the "Digital Disruption" podcast that aired Tuesday. AI tools that use natural language make it easier for early-career developers to learn and contribute, Richardson said. "I don't see anyone being left behind in this, mainly because it's so darn easy to use," Richardson said. "It's not like you have to learn a new programming language. It's all through natural language." She sees the biggest shift coming for newcomers rather than veteran developers. "It's opening the aperture of who's going to be able to relate to the technology," Richardson added. Richardson's optimism stands out in an area where layoffs have been widespread and job postings for software engineers are down more than a third from five years ago. This month, Google's Jeff Dean said AI may perform at a junior coder's level "within the next year-ish." Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott predicts "95% of code is going to be AI-generated" within five years, while Anthropic's Dario Amodei expects AI to be writing "essentially all of the code" by next year. Richardson instead sees AI as changing what entry-level developers do, rather than replacing them. She compared it to when graphing calculators reshaped database administrator jobs. "We're gonna see that same shift within all of our job families, I think, over the next two years," she said. "What they actually do is probably going to change as well, meaning you're going to not see this area as just a cost center that you have to maintain old code." Richardson said that when her kid is applying for a job in 2027, they probably wouldn't relate to computer language in the same way. "But the role of invention, context switching, synthesis, those higher-order ideas that make humans super valuable are going to be even more valuable," she said. The real risk, Richardson said, isn't being too junior but refusing to adapt. "Grit, creativity, those are those are still very important, the most human things possible," she said.
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Making Creativity a Business Strategy: Former Disney Exec Duncan Wardle Joins Info-Tech Research Group's Digital Disruption Podcast
In episode 12 of Digital Disruption, Info-Tech Research Group's popular podcast, award-winning innovation & creativity expert Duncan Wardle joins host Geoff Nielson to discuss why creative leadership will matter most in an AI-driven world and how imagination, empathy, and intuition may become tomorrow's most essential skills. TORONTO, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - With AI adoption accelerating and organizations searching for new ways to stay relevant, creative thinking is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after leadership skills. While automation advances, human imagination is becoming the new competitive advantage. To help leaders unlock this powerful yet often overlooked capability, Info-Tech Research Group has released its twelfth episode of the Digital Disruption podcast, titled "Disney Exec Explains Why Creativity Is the Most Important Skill for the Future". The newly published episode features Duncan Wardle, former head of creativity and innovation at Disney. In this thought-provoking conversation, Wardle explores the role of creativity in an AI-dominated world, revealing why imagination, curiosity, empathy, and intuition will be the most employable skills of the next decade. Drawing from his work with Pixar, Marvel, and Fortune 100 companies, Wardle explains to podcast listeners how leaders can overcome "no because" cultures, unlock bold ideas, and build environments that foster meaningful innovation. "The organizations that will thrive in the future are the ones that create room for experimentation, challenge their assumptions, and embrace divergent thinking," says Geoff Nielson, Senior Vice President of Brand at Info-Tech Research Group and host of the show."We're at a moment now where efficiency is prized and creativity often gets sidelined. Duncan Wardle's perspective is a reminder that technology alone isn't the answer; what we do with it, and how we empower our people to think differently, is where transformation happens." Digital Disruption, Episode 12: "Disney Exec Explains Why Creativity Is the Most Important Skill for the Future" Throughout the twelfth episode of Digital Disruption, Wardle introduces practical exercises to help leaders and teams access their most creative thinking, even in highly structured or regulated environments. From energizers that help teams break out of "busy beta" to the power of "yes, and" collaboration, listeners will gain the tools needed to disrupt stale mindsets and move from incremental to breakthrough ideas. The episode also touches on: Why AI gives more time to think, and how to use that time meaningfully The future of innovation in industries like entertainment, sports, and education Creating cultures of collaboration where ideas grow into action Tools to overcome rigid thinking and make creativity a repeatable process Geoff Nielson's conversation with Duncan Wardle offers a creative reset for leaders looking to spark innovation in the face of exponential technological change. Wardle also challenges listeners to rethink how ideas are generated and shared, emphasizing the need to prioritize human connection, create time for imagination, and encourage more courageous leadership in uncertain times. Episode 12 of Digital Disruption with Duncan Wardle is now available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. New episodes are released regularly, featuring bold conversations with thinkers, builders, and researchers shaping the future of business and technology. To learn more, visit the Digital Disruption podcast page and follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X for updates. For more information about guest opportunities and participation in upcoming episodes, please contact [email protected]. Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and influencers, are invited to attend Info-Tech LIVE 2025 to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders. For those unable to attend in person, Info-Tech offers a digital pass option, providing access to live-streamed keynotes, select sessions, and exclusive virtual interviews with speakers and analysts. Media professionals looking to apply for in-person or digital passes can contact [email protected] to secure their spot and cover the latest advancements in IT directly from the event or remotely. About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Making Creativity a Business Strategy: Former Disney Exec Duncan Wardle Joins Info-Tech Research Group's Digital Disruption Podcast
In episode 12 of Digital Disruption, Info-Tech Research Group's popular podcast, award-winning innovation & creativity expert Duncan Wardle joins host Geoff Nielson to discuss why creative leadership will matter most in an AI-driven world and how imagination, empathy, and intuition may become tomorrow's most essential skills. TORONTO, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - With AI adoption accelerating and organizations searching for new ways to stay relevant, creative thinking is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after leadership skills. While automation advances, human imagination is becoming the new competitive advantage. To help leaders unlock this powerful yet often overlooked capability, Info-Tech Research Group has released its twelfth episode of the Digital Disruption podcast, titled "Disney Exec Explains Why Creativity Is the Most Important Skill for the Future". The newly published episode features Duncan Wardle, former head of creativity and innovation at Disney. In this thought-provoking conversation, Wardle explores the role of creativity in an AI-dominated world, revealing why imagination, curiosity, empathy, and intuition will be the most employable skills of the next decade. Drawing from his work with Pixar, Marvel, and Fortune 100 companies, Wardle explains to podcast listeners how leaders can overcome "no because" cultures, unlock bold ideas, and build environments that foster meaningful innovation. "The organizations that will thrive in the future are the ones that create room for experimentation, challenge their assumptions, and embrace divergent thinking," says Geoff Nielson, Senior Vice President of Brand at Info-Tech Research Group and host of the show. "We're at a moment now where efficiency is prized and creativity often gets sidelined. Duncan Wardle's perspective is a reminder that technology alone isn't the answer; what we do with it, and how we empower our people to think differently, is where transformation happens." Digital Disruption, Episode 12: "Disney Exec Explains Why Creativity Is the Most Important Skill for the Future" Throughout the twelfth episode of Digital Disruption, Wardle introduces practical exercises to help leaders and teams access their most creative thinking, even in highly structured or regulated environments. From energizers that help teams break out of "busy beta" to the power of "yes, and" collaboration, listeners will gain the tools needed to disrupt stale mindsets and move from incremental to breakthrough ideas. The episode also touches on: Why AI gives more time to think, and how to use that time meaningfully The future of innovation in industries like entertainment, sports, and education Creating cultures of collaboration where ideas grow into action Tools to overcome rigid thinking and make creativity a repeatable process Geoff Nielson's conversation with Duncan Wardle offers a creative reset for leaders looking to spark innovation in the face of exponential technological change. Wardle also challenges listeners to rethink how ideas are generated and shared, emphasizing the need to prioritize human connection, create time for imagination, and encourage more courageous leadership in uncertain times. Episode 12 of Digital Disruption with Duncan Wardle is now available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. New episodes are released regularly, featuring bold conversations with thinkers, builders, and researchers shaping the future of business and technology. To learn more, visit the Digital Disruption podcast page and follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X for updates. For more information about guest opportunities and participation in upcoming episodes, please contact pr@ Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and influencers, are invited to attend Info-Tech LIVE 2025 to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders. For those unable to attend in person, Info-Tech offers a digital pass option, providing access to live-streamed keynotes, select sessions, and exclusive virtual interviews with speakers and analysts. Media professionals looking to apply for in-person or digital passes can contact pr@ to secure their spot and cover the latest advancements in IT directly from the event or remotely. About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Leadership Mistake That's Quietly Killing Trust Inside Your Company
The Leadership Mistake That's Quietly Killing Trust Inside Your Company getty In a world of constant disruption, it's not strategies or software that make the difference, it's trust. Trust in the mission. Trust in your coworkers. Trust in leadership. But building trust isn't about being nice. It's about being real. That theme sits at the heart of Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption , the new book by Mike Peterson. We recently sat down for a conversation about the hidden ways leaders sabotage trust, how to make accountability constructive, and why vulnerability is leadership's most underused asset. What sets Peterson's work apart is his use of narrative. Rather than offering abstract principles, he brings them to life through the journey of Ethan, a fictional CEO tasked with rebuilding a company from the inside out. But while the story is fictional, the insights are all too real. One of the first things Peterson told me was this: 'Leaders often mistake being approachable or friendly for building trust. But trust is built through consistent, transparent action.' When we look at why employee engagement remains low in so many organizations, one major factor is a lack of clarity and courage at the top. Too many leaders want to be liked more than they want to lead. They permit low engagement, avoid tough conversations, and fail to explain the 'why' behind decisions. And as the saying goes, 'what we permit, we promote.' In the book, Ethan inherits a culture where those very behaviors have corroded morale. He doesn't fix it with rah-rah speeches. He fixes it by naming what others won't. By explaining the purpose behind each tough call. And by making sure accountability is practiced, not just preached. Some leaders still believe that showing vulnerability will make them appear weak. But as Peterson explains, 'Vulnerability isn't weakness, it's leadership in its most human form.' In one of the most pivotal scenes in the book, Ethan admits to his team that he doesn't have all the answers and he asks for help. Far from undermining his authority, this moment earns him respect. Because when a leader is willing to be honest, it opens the door for everyone else to do the same. Psychological safety, after all, isn't a memo or a mission statement. It's what happens when people feel safe to speak, even when what they're saying is uncomfortable. And it begins at the top. Research from Leadership IQ has shown that when employees feel their leaders welcome suggestions, they're 12 times more likely to recommend their company as a great place to work. But if leaders don't model that behavior — if they dominate every conversation, dodge feedback, or deliver performative nods without follow-through — people stop talking. And that silence is deadly. Accountability Without Trust Is Just Blame One of the most refreshing aspects of Peterson's work is how he redefines accountability. Instead of a tool for punishment, it's framed as a function of clarity and trust. As he told me, 'Leaders get it wrong when they only invoke accountability after something goes wrong — by then, it's too late.' A Leadership IQ study found that only 29% of employees say they 'always' know whether their performance is where it should be. In other words, the majority are operating in a fog. That's not a people problem, it's a leadership failure. Worse, in 42% of organizations, high performers are less engaged than low performers. Why? Because those who give their all are often rewarded with extra work but little recognition. Meanwhile, low performers coast without consequences. The result? Burnout at the top, disengagement at the bottom, and silence in between. In the book, Ethan confronts this dynamic head-on. He introduces a new framework where expectations are clearly set, feedback is frequent, and performance is no longer measured by ambiguity or favoritism. He reminds his team that 'trust, communication, and accountability must go hand in hand.' And that's the only way it works. Set Expectations Out Loud, Not in Your Head Another theme Peterson explores is the danger of unspoken expectations. Far too many managers operate with a 'dual deadline' system — stating one date out loud while secretly hoping for another. And then penalizing employees for not reading their mind. This kind of silent standard doesn't challenge people, it sabotages them. Instead, we need to be clear, consistent, and explicit. In the book, Ethan starts every planning session by answering three questions: What does success look like? Why does it matter? And how will we know when we've achieved it? And as Peterson makes clear, when leaders are transparent about the 'why,' people don't just perform, they invest. Culture Is Created One Conversation at a Time Perhaps the most resonant idea in Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption is this: Culture isn't built in all-hands meetings. It's built in one-on-one conversations. In how leaders respond to failure. In how they show up during change. And in whether they treat employees as contributors or problems to be managed. In one especially powerful scene, Ethan walks into an executive meeting and calls out the fear in the room; not to shame anyone, but to free them. By naming the discomfort, he removes its power. And by speaking last, he makes space for others to speak first. That's how change happens: not by mandate, but by modeling. Leadership Is Human Work If there's one takeaway from my conversation with Peterson, it's that the future of leadership isn't about knowing more. It's about being more clear, more consistent, and more human. In an age obsessed with speed and scale, the leaders who will win are those who make their people feel seen, trusted, and challenged. Not coddled. Not ignored. And certainly not managed through silence.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Business Futurist Jonathan Brill Discusses the AI Era and Rewiring the Enterprise in New Episode of Info-Tech's Digital Disruption Podcast
Episode 11 of Digital Disruption, Info-Tech Research Group's popular podcast, features business futurist and expert Jonathan Brill. In a discussion with host Geoff Nielson, the episode explores the rise of the "octopus organization," where agility, distributed intelligence, and AI-augmented decision-making drive success in a complex world. TORONTO, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ - As enterprise leaders face growing pressure to move faster, adopt AI, and decentralize decision-making, organizations are rethinking how they operate from the inside out. To help leaders make sense of these shifts, Info-Tech Research Group's eleventh episode of the Digital Disruption podcast, titled "What AI Can Never Understand," features Jonathan Brill, named the #1 ranked futurist in the world by Forbes and described by Harvard Business Review as "the world's leading transformation architect." In a conversation with host Geoff Nielson, Brill breaks down how AI is accelerating the shift away from rigid hierarchies toward more decentralized, adaptive models of enterprise leadership. Episode 11 of Digital Disruption, Info-Tech Research Group's popular podcast, features business futurist and expert Jonathan Brill. In a discussion with host Geoff Nielson, the episode explores the rise of the 'octopus organization,' where agility, distributed intelligence, and AI-augmented decision-making drive success in a complex world. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group) In what is described as the era of the "octopus organization," Brill challenges conventional thinking around digital transformation. He explains how AI is no longer just a tool for efficiency but a strategic force reshaping organizational physiology, from decision-making to culture to the very nature of human value. "Jonathan Brill's perspective really pushes us to reconsider the role of IT leadership in this moment," says Geoff Nielson, Senior Vice President of Brand at Info-Tech Research Group and host of the show. "From decentralized decision-making to cultural transformation, this episode offers a new lens for thinking about how AI is disrupting the structure and strategy of the enterprise. It challenges leaders to not just adopt new tools, but to reimagine how their organizations think, learn, and act in a faster, more fluid world." Digital Disruption, Episode 11: "What AI Can Never Understand" In the eleventh episode of Digital Disruption, Jonathan Brill and Geoff Nielson discuss the rise of low-code and no-code platforms, the exploding volume of code and data, and the importance of building psychological safety for teams expected to innovate in unpredictable environments. Brill also challenges the hype around the "rise of the generalist," emphasizing the lasting importance of deep domain expertise, even as AI changes the nature of knowledge work. The key takeaways from the conversation include how to:
