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Later this month, I'll be delivering a keynote addressed to 150 Chief Operating Officers. The event brief is to explain cybersecurity in non-technical terms and keep it simple. The COO who suggested I do the session said their industry peer group were becoming a little lost in the technical jargon. "Navigating your cybersecurity complexity," here are some of the key terms we'll look at: Cybersecurity Triangle Some of the core principles of cybersecurity are confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Confidentiality ensures that sensitive data remains inaccessible to unauthorised users, safeguarding customer privacy and preserving business operations' integrity. Integrity guarantees the accuracy and trustworthiness of data. Availability ensures uninterrupted access to systems and data, maintaining business continuity. Critical Systems To effectively protect business assets, executives must initially assess their organisation's risk posture, identifying mission-critical and safety-critical assets. These assessments provide insight into where security measures should be prioritised to mitigate potential threats. Resilience and Recovery The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework offers a structured approach to cybersecurity, with the first four steps focusing on “Resilience” and the fifth on “Recovery.” This framework guides organisations through identifying, protecting, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber threats. Cybersecurity Maturity Assessing cybersecurity maturity is crucial for gauging an organisation's readiness to address evolving threats. Maturity stages range from “Partial” (Stage 1) to “Adaptive” (Stage 4), with each stage indicating an increased level of cybersecurity capability and effectiveness. Patching The operations cycle of cybersecurity involves continuous updates, scans, vulnerability identification, patching, and status reporting. This proactive approach ensures that security measures remain robust and up-to-date, reducing the risk of potential breaches. Vision and Plan Beyond these technical aspects, executives must establish a cyber vision that aligns with the company's overall vision and strategic goals. This includes defining key objectives for the current year and developing specific action plans to achieve them. These actions are more than patching! By understanding the goals of information security, assessing business assets, adopting frameworks like NIST, evaluating maturity stages, and implementing a proactive operations cycle, non-technical executives can protect their organisation's assets and uphold its reputation. Watch the video above to see the simple images that are greatly assisting many boards and executive groups on the topic of cybersecurity. Read more about my speaking services here, that includes cybersecurity.

This week, somebody I respect shared on LinkedIn that their coach had made them feel small and uncertain. Unfortunately, I’ve heard of several instances of “client envy” from inexperienced coaches over the last couple of years. At the core of Making Life Happen is the importance of Relationships - particularly Mentoring and Coaching. The Antidote for a Mis-firing Coaching or Mentoring Relationship has a range options. Choosing a coach is a pivotal step that holds the potential to revolutionise your professional and personal growth. Whether you aspire to shine in your industry, amplify your technical prowess, navigate a new role, refine your presentation skills, or seek guidance in life's crossroads, the right coach can be your catalyst for change. There are different types of coaches: Industry-specific coaches possess deep understanding and expertise within a particular field. They can simplify complex information and provide detailed insights when needed. Engaging with industry experts, either internally or externally, they can offer invaluable support, especially when entering a new industry. These relationships often foster reverse mentoring opportunities, benefiting both parties involved. On the other hand, technical coaches specialise in specific technologies and their practical applications. Technical coaches can provide invaluable knowledge and guidance for business leaders transitioning into the tech industry. Similarly, individuals with unique roles within their organisations, such as those in small technology functions, can benefit from technical experts to stay updated. Role-specific coaches assist individuals in establishing themselves within a new role, especially when taking on senior positions for the first time. These coaches may transition between mentoring and coaching roles based on the client's needs, offering direction, or prompting critical thinking as required. Skills coaches focus on enhancing specific abilities, such as communication or presentation skills. Engaging with a skilled coach can significantly improve your performance in these areas, often leading to increased confidence and effectiveness. Life coaches offer guidance on broader life objectives, employing empathy and emotional intelligence to help clients navigate personal challenges and aspirations. Establishing a trusting relationship with a life coach can lead to profound personal growth and self-discovery. Ultimately, the right coach is more than just an expert - it's someone you connect with on a deeper level. Effective coaching is a dynamic blend of mentoring and coaching, customised to your unique needs. By investing in coaching, you're investing in a future that's both successful and fulfilling, both personally and professionally. You can learn more about my Coaching and Mentoring services here.

In 2023, my interactions with over 100 CIOs revealed a significant focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, with growing interest from boards and executives in leveraging technology for sustainability. Despite widespread discussions on environmental concerns, many lacked depth regarding practical actions for their industries or organisations. I noticed this with the information some organisations shared on World Earth Day earlier this week. Sustainability & Green Tech is Now a True Priority. My latest 2030 Tech Trends report emphasises the importance of Sustainability and Green Tech initiatives. These efforts aim to promote environmental stewardship and reduce carbon footprints through practices like circular economy adoption and the development of carbon-neutral technologies, such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Looking into the near future, several key trends are expected to shape the landscape: Renewable Energy Investments: Global investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are forecasted to exceed $400 billion by 2024, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and climate change mitigation. Circular Economy Adoption: Businesses are increasingly embracing circular economy models by 2024, designing products for durability, reuse, and recycling to minimise waste and environmental impact. Green Technology Innovation: Advancements in green technologies such as energy-efficient buildings, electric vehicles, and sustainable agriculture are expected to drive economic growth and job creation, fostering a more sustainable future. Seamless Fulfilment: By 2024, retailers will prioritise omnichannel fulfilment capabilities, leveraging technologies to fulfil orders across multiple channels efficiently. Looking further ahead to 2030, organisations are anticipated to operate in the following ways: Circular Economy Adoption: The circular economy will gain momentum, leading to the widespread adoption of sustainable business practices like product recycling and waste reduction. Carbon-Neutral Technologies: Organisations will prioritise developing and adopting carbon-neutral technologies to mitigate climate change. ESG Integration: Environmental, social, and governance considerations will be integrated into investment decisions and business strategies, driven by stakeholder demand for transparency and accountability. Sustainable Fulfilment Practices: Retailers will adopt eco-friendly packaging, optimised logistics, and last-mile delivery solutions to minimise environmental impact and meet consumer demand for sustainability. This area is one of ten trends for 2030 and for more insights into these and my strategic services (keynotes, workshops and strategy development), email me here.

Firstly, thank you to everyone who has shown interest and support in Making Life Happen; the book is a bestseller across multiple categories on Amazon. A range of clients have asked me for an outlook into 2030, so that they can consider what this means for their strategy. The influence of technology in the ever-evolving business landscape cannot be overstated. Innovation currents are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. What will 2030 mean for your strategy? Here are ten key trends that will change how we work, live and care for one another. 1. AI and Machine Learning Everywhere: These technologies are not just buzzwords; they are driving forces behind revenue growth, workforce transformation, and operational optimisation. From predictive analytics to personalised customer experiences, AI and ML are revolutionising how businesses operate. 2. Data Privacy and Security: With regulatory compliance becoming increasingly stringent and cybersecurity threats on the rise, safeguarding data has become paramount. Organisations must invest in robust privacy measures and security protocols to protect sensitive information. 3. Hybrid Workforce and Digital Collaboration: The pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work, necessitating investments in remote work tools and digital-first talent acquisition strategies. Embracing cultural adaptation is crucial for fostering collaboration in a distributed work environment. 4. Digital Transformation Acceleration: Cloud adoption, customer experience enhancement, and automation are driving digital transformation initiatives. Agility and innovation have become imperative for organisations to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving digital landscape. 5. Blockchain for Trust and Transparency: Beyond cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology offers solutions to enhance supply chain traceability, disrupt financial services, and facilitate cross-industry collaboration, fostering trust in transactions and data exchange. 6. 5G and Edge Computing: Real-time data processing enabled by 5G and edge computing is unlocking new possibilities in IoT expansion and innovative applications across industries, ushering in an era of unprecedented connectivity and responsiveness. 7. Sustainability and Green Tech: As businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability, investments in renewable energy, circular economy practices, and green technology innovation are becoming imperative for long-term viability and environmental stewardship. 8. E-commerce and Omnichannel Retail: The digital shift in consumer behaviour has accelerated the growth of e-commerce and omnichannel retail. Personalised shopping experiences and seamless fulfilment across digital channels are reshaping the retail landscape. 9. Healthcare Innovation: Telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and digital health platforms are transforming healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing accessibility to healthcare services - particularly in remote or underserved areas. 10. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Navigating complex regulatory landscapes requires proactive risk mitigation strategies and regulatory technology adoption. Automation tools play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and managing risks effectively. In conclusion, as technology continues to advance, businesses must embrace these trends to stay competitive and relevant in their respective industries. Many need impartial help and guidance. I’ve now established a service that includes a keynote address, facilitated workshops with leadership teams, and a 5,000-word thought leadership paper that will enable more meaningful strategy development. Email me to learn more about the service.

Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the launch of Making Life Happen. This book is the one I would have loved to have read in my twenties, picked up again in my thirties, and used to remind myself about what was important in my forties. This book is your friend and companion, now available on Amazon today for just $1 USD. It encapsulates valuable insights and practical wisdom to empower you towards living a life of purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the book: 1. Understanding Your Priorities The foundation of living a fulfilling life lies in gaining clarity on what truly matters to you. In Making Life Happen, I emphasise the importance of identifying your core values and aspirations. While this may seem straightforward, it's often a challenging task that requires introspection and self-awareness. 2. Embracing Life's Transformative Moments Our lives are shaped by a series of moments, some chosen and others thrust upon us unexpectedly. Drawing from personal experiences, including overcoming loss and navigating various life transitions, I highlight the significance of resilience and adaptability in shaping our identities. 3. Lifelong Learning and Relationships The quality of our relationships and our commitment to continuous learning profoundly influence our personal growth. By viewing life as a series of interconnected experiences, we can leverage relationships and experiences to make informed choices and pursue meaningful connections. 4. Setting Intentions and Goals Moving beyond traditional New Year's resolutions, I advocate for setting intentions that align with your values and aspirations. These intentions serve as guiding principles, steering you towards fulfilling endeavours and rewarding outcomes. 5. Choosing Your Path In Making Life Happen, I offer readers insights to consider traditional and alternative career paths, including entrepreneurship. By leveraging our unique skills and experiences, we can create value in the marketplace and cultivate fulfilling careers aligned with our passions. 6. Marketing Yourself and Your Services For those embarking on entrepreneurial ventures, I offer practical advice on marketing strategies and client acquisition. Building a successful business entails effectively communicating your value proposition and cultivating strong client relationships. 7. Planning for the Future As we navigate the complexities of life, it's essential to envision our future selves and set goals that reflect our evolving aspirations. In the book's final sections, I share my outlook on the second half of life and the aspirations I aim to fulfil. In conclusion, Making Life Happen is not just a book—it's a roadmap to living with purpose and intentionality. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have shown interest in the book (it means more than you may know). Your support and enthusiasm inspire me to continue sharing my insights and experiences. For further inquiries or to avail of the $1(USD) offer on Amazon, hit reply to this email or contact me at david@changelead.com. Until next week… Let's continue making life happen, one intentional step at a time.

Today, I’m about to break one of my cardinal rules… (read to the end to learn what is!). For decades, I doodled on whiteboards… drew on A5s… sketched on a tablet… people took copies or photos and asked if I didn't mind sending these to them. Many referred to them as ‘Banger-isms’ (their chosen word and not mine!), and on April 11, Making Life Happen will be published with many of them included. This book is the one I would have loved to have read in my twenties, picked up again in my thirties, and used to remind myself about what was important in my forties. I went to the most credible source (CHAT GPT 😊) to provide ten reasons why somebody should read my latest book, and they sound pretty convincing. Here’s the summary… 1. Practical Insights for Personal Growth: Making Life Happen offers practical strategies for personal growth and explains how the 'dots' in your life can enable positive change. 2. Clear Guidance for Goal Setting: The book provides clarity on defining and pursuing goals, emphasising intentions to navigate life purposefully. 3. The Value of Lifelong Learning: Highlighting continuous self-improvement, it illustrates how embracing lifelong learning fosters personal and professional development. 4. Building Strong Relationships: The book enriches interpersonal connections by emphasising trusted confidants and meaningful bonds. 5. Career Development Strategies: Offering advice for employees and entrepreneurs, it guides career advancement with insightful stories and unique imagery. 6. Meaningful Life Outlook: By defining a meaningful outlook, readers gain a roadmap for fulfilment aided by vivid imagery. 7. Timeless Wisdom for Different Life Stages: Relevant across life stages, the book adapts to readers' evolving needs and priorities. 8. Re-Focus and Re-Balance: Essential for realigning priorities, the book guides readers through life's changes. 9. Accessible and Engaging: Its accessible style simplifies complex concepts, aided by relatable imagery. 10. Empowering and Motivational: Through its insights and imagery, the book inspires readers to seize control of their lives and pursue their aspirations. Everyone will know someone who could benefit from this book… Think of somebody who is wanting more, going through a change, or possibly wanting to clarify their direction. Followers Are Like Frequent Flyer Points... GREAT Until You Try To Use Them! Now I’m about to break my above rule - as on April 11, the book will be $1 on Amazon; incredible value! We’re trying to maximise the book's exposure to ensure it reaches those who could benefit. I have optimised keywords and categories on Amazon, but I need your help… If you’ve found my blog useful over the years, would you consider parting with a dollar next week?

As we embark on our first holiday break for 2024, it's a natural moment to reflect on our progress and the dynamics within our teams. How has your team performed this year? Many of us face significant expectations, and perhaps things haven't started as smoothly as anticipated. There are new and different obstacles, and a struggle to foster fresh meaningful ideas. When this is combined with a lack of collaboration, there is a need for a team get-together - this is where workshops can be incredibly valuable. Here are key indicators that your team could benefit from such a session: Legacy Thinking: A workshop can help break free from conventional thinking patterns if your team is stuck without generating new ideas. Communication Issues: Workshops improve dialogue, reducing miscommunications and ensuring everyone understands each other. Low Morale: Disengagement can hamper productivity; workshops can inject fresh perspectives and reignite motivation. Resistance to Change: In a rapidly evolving business landscape, workshops facilitate embracing new technologies and processes. Lack of Alignment: Conflicting goals lead to inefficiencies; workshops align objectives and foster a shared sense of purpose. Decline in Productivity: Missed deadlines and lagging projects signal productivity challenges that workshops can address. Don't let these issues hinder your team's potential. You may need to craft a tailored workshop to invigorate discussions and overcome hurdles, driving the team towards success. If you're grappling with any of these challenges and considering a workshop, feel free to reach out. Or you can view my workshop services here. Alternatively, explore models in the professional chapters of my upcoming book Making Life Happen, available for $1 starting April 11 (message me for more details).

Last year, I was one of the ten alumni invited by Swinburne to chat about our professional journeys and lives on the “Get Hungry” podcast with Lana Fried. A promo outtake of the podcast went viral on Instagram with 38K views. We discovered this from one of my daughter's friends! In the podcast, we spoke about me leaving school at sixteen, my mature student studies at Swinburne, my experiences as a Chief Information Officer (CIO) and digital exec, to now being a three-time author and respected speaker in the tech world. Many of the stories I shared in the podcast are from my upcoming book, Making Life Happen, which will be published on April 11th (read to the end of this blog for a very special offer!). Here's some of what we chatted about: 1. Where you begin is not permanent: We traced my path from beginning my career as a bank clerk, to executive roles, to where I am now—an author, advisor, and speaker in the global tech community. 2. The importance of setting goals: I stressed the importance of having clear goals - like my dream to switch gears from corporate life to becoming a thought leader and author. 3. Rolling with the punches: Despite hitting a few bumps in the road, I talked about how important it is to bounce back and keep going, especially when making the switch from corporate life to setting up your own business. 4. Cultural adventures: I shared some stories from my time living abroad and how those experiences shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally. 5. Turning dreams into reality: We talked about how I turned my dreams into reality by taking small regular steps towards those dreams. 6. Coming home: I discussed the challenges of returning to Australia after living in London for a decade and figuring out my place in the professional world here. 7. Work-life balance: We explored how it’s important to find that sweet spot between work and play, which is always a balancing act with a young family! 8. Leadership and diversity: Drawing from my time as a former CIO and digital exec, we talked about how diversity and leadership are so important in the tech world. 9. Family Ties: I shared some personal stories about how my upbringing and family have influenced my career and values. 10. Lightning Round: We wrapped things up with a quick-fire round of fun and quirky questions that gave a glimpse into my personal life. It was a great chat. You can listen to the podcast here. Finally, about the special offer - Making Life Happen will be $1 dollar on the 11th of April for those who register their interest here. Please feel free to share this with your friends and family!

As some of you may already know, my latest book, Making Life Happen, will be released on April 11th, and I couldn't be more excited to finally share it with the world. Making Life Happen is a project that's been close to my heart for quite some time now. It's the culmination of years of reflection, personal experiences, and insights gathered from both my professional and personal journey. I wanted to create something that would resonate with people from all walks of life, something that would inspire them to take control of their destinies and make the most out of opportunities presented to them. At its core, this book is all about helping you define what you want out of life and giving you the tools to go out and get it. Whether you're just starting out in your twenties, navigating the challenges of your thirties, or seeking to re-balance your life in later years, Making Life Happen has something for everyone. One of the key themes of the book is the idea of using key moments or 'dots’ in your life for good. These pivotal moments can often be overlooked, but they have the power to shape our destinies in profound ways. By recognising and harnessing these moments, we can propel ourselves forward and create the life we want. But it's not just about seizing opportunities; it's also about surrounding yourself with a supportive network of trusted confidants, creating a life of learning, and maintaining that special bond with a life partner. It's about navigating the ups and downs of your professional journey, whether you're growing a career as an employee or striking out on your own as an entrepreneur. Ultimately, Making Life Happen is a book that you can return to time and time again, whether you're in need of guidance, inspiration, or just a friendly reminder to stay true to yourself. Please, mark your calendars for April 11th, because this is one book you won't want to miss. Here's to making life happen, one moment at a time! Pre-order here!

As an executive navigating the ever-shifting landscape of technology and business strategy, I've noticed a trend: strategic planning timelines are shrinking, and the pressure for immediate results is mounting. That's why I'm embarking on a research study aimed at uncovering practical strategies for success in today's hyper-competitive market. In this study, we'll be tackling some of the most pressing issues facing modern organisations: 1. Creating Effective Strategic Plans We'll delve into the process of identifying organisational goals and translating them into actionable strategic plans, complete with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to keep teams on track. 2. Full Steam Ahead Mobilising teams into action is challenging, but we'll explore strategies to engage team members both intellectually and emotionally. 3. Making it Count Measurement and metrics are crucial for tracking the execution of strategies. We'll examine tools and techniques to ensure organisations are hitting their targets. But here's the thing – I can't do this alone. I need the insights of fellow leaders like you or within your network, and here are the questions we will consider. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a rising star in the tech world, your perspectives are invaluable. So, if you're interested in joining this study, reach out. Your participation could make all the difference. I plan to share the findings of strategic timelines and expectations later this year.

AI - everyone is talking about it. I delivered forty keynotes on the topic in 2023, making it my most requested keynote topic of the year. People’s interest in AI continues, and in January of this year, I began studying Artificial Intelligence at MIT. This blog breaks out AI history and why now. In the coming weeks I intend to demystify the topic. So - What is AI? - It's machines acting in ways that seem intelligent. MIT cites that AI has had four key waves. Here’s some history! 1. In 1956, a small group of scientists gathered for the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence, which was the birth of this field of research. Prior to this, Alan Turing developed the Turing Test in 1950; that if, within five minutes, a human couldn’t tell if it was a human or a computer, it was deemed intelligent. 2. In the 1960s, the first wave of AI involved problem reduction - breaking problems into simpler problems, then down to solvable problems. 3. In the 1970s, AI evolved to answer questions, subject to a set of conventions for situations, known as a ‘representation’. There were constraints with this AI because you needed to get the representation right! 4. Since the inception of AI, many expected AI at scale to be only fifteen years away. The progress was exciting for those working within the field, but AI didn’t realise its potential. As a result, investment in AI dried up in the mid-1980s and is known as the AI winter. 5. The third wave was in 2010 with Apple’s Siri and IBM’s Watson. This was made possible by lots of data and computing power. At this time, Geoffrey Hinton used gradient mathematics with great success for image detection. 6. The fourth wave involves CHAT GPT 3 and having AI at scale, with a million users within five days of its founding in November 2022. This deep learning neural network has over 175 billion machine learning parameters. The largest trained language model before GPT-3 was Microsoft's Turing Natural Language Generation (NLG) model, which had 10 billion parameters (early 2021). Why is AI happening now at scale? There are several reasons; the accumulation of large amounts of data, computational resources, large models are easier to train and flexible deep learning architectures. My blog in the coming weeks will break out these components … plus the differences between Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Robotics. If you have an upcoming event or team offsite, I’m continuing to deliver keynotes. You can learn more about these in the video above (it’s one of my best!) or contact me here.

Often technology strategies fail to resonate with their broader organisation. Earlier this month, I was chatting with an industry friend and occasional client. They were mobilising their team for 2024 and 2025, and their current technology strategy document wasn’t cutting it. It was too technical in places and focused on technologies rather than aspirations or outcomes. Here’s the strategy we created, which has resonated with their Executive Peers and the broader business. Enablement – Our organisation will be the enabler for delivery, applying resourcing specifically, swiftly, and smartly. Experimentation – The facilitation of experiments on emerging practices and technologies, qualifying their potential. Capability – Our people’s careers will be enhanced by offering experiences that deliver greater value. We will tenaciously seek to eliminate or automate menial work, creating greater capacity for the things that matter. Discipline – Prioritisation and delivery will be in partnership with the business. Together, we will achieve more important and meaningful outcomes. Future Scaling – We will have an eye on the horizon and proactively ensure our business is prepared and enabled. These were the five strategic themes, with a mission statement sitting above, and a business executive now sponsors each theme. An initiative program also sits below, with each initiative being aligned to a theme. Strategic workshops are one of my core offerings - read about these here or message me to learn more.