Navigating Tech Trends and Embracing Diversity: Insights from Dell Technologies Forum

Navigating Tech Trends and Embracing Diversity: Insights from Dell Technologies Forum

At the recently convened Dell Technologies Forum in Bengaluru, CNBC-TV18's Mridu Bhandari spoke to several industry experts on the dynamic landscape of technology and discussed strategies for navigating disruption. In a two-part discussion, industry leaders shared insights on emerging tech trends and the imperative of fostering diversity and inclusion.

Dell organized the Dell Technologies Forum: a premier tech conference for technology enthusiasts and business leaders that brings together emerging trends, cutting-edge technologies, dynamic speakers and concrete ways to transform organizations.

The first discussion brought together Manoj Chugh, an award-winning Transformational Leader and Manish Gupta, Vice President, Dell Technologies.

Manoj Chugh, leveraging four decades of industry expertise, spotlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal trend. He underscored the critical need for AI talent, emphasizing ethical considerations in development. Manoj delved into the synergy between Edge Computing and 5G, foreseeing a future where flexibility and scale, especially in multi-cloud environments, are paramount.

Manish Gupta provided tangible examples of AI and Edge Computing reshaping industries. From banking and telecom to healthcare and retail, these technologies tackled problems deemed insurmountable. Manish asserted that every company is now a tech company, emphasizing the need to embrace technology for a competitive edge.

Manish outlined strategies for organizations amidst disruptive technologies. Aligning technology with business strategy, understanding partner concerns, and fostering cross-collaboration are paramount. He urged leaders to stay abreast with the technology landscape and collaborate with tech partners.

Effective leadership has emerged as a cornerstone in navigating disruption. Manoj stressed on aligning technology with business goals, openness to new ideas, and driving continuous transformation. The message was clear: organizations must not only adapt but transform, inspiring their workforce to enjoy the journey.

The second discussion involved a spirited dialogue between panelists Kirti Patil, CTO, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance, Venkat Sitaram, Senior Director - Sales, Dell Technologies, Geraldine Tunnell, SVP, Global Field and Partner Marketing, Dell Technologies, and Shajy Thomas, Regional Head of Technology, Asia-Pacific, Technicolor

The discussion opened with the topic of diversity beyond gender. Kirti Patil emphasized that commitment to diversity must start from the top, becoming ingrained in the organizational culture. Geraldine Tunnell shared a real-world example of Dell Technologies’ diverse leadership team driving a successful cross-segment campaign, highlighting the business value of inclusivity.

Shajy Thomas provided strategies to mitigate unconscious bias, focusing on practical steps in hiring and promotion processes. Venkat Sitaram stressed on the role of leadership in fostering a sustainable culture of inclusion. Measuring diversity metrics, as emphasized by Geraldine Tunnell, indicates the importance of accountability.

The Dell Technologies Forum offered valuable insights into tech trends and diversity. The industry, as every panelist concurred, must pledge to create an inclusive and responsible ecosystem. Whether through embracing transformative technologies or championing diversity, the path forward requires commitment, leadership, and a collective pledge for a future that works for all.