Where Might Technology Disruption Come From Next? [Video]

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In the seventh episode of the Backstage Leadership Conversations podcast, host Nick Hall delves into the topic of technology disruption and its impact on the travel industry. Joined by Allister Frost, the future-ready mindset expert and a digital transformation pioneer, they explore the importance of adaptability and the need for organisations to embrace change in today’s context.

Allister shares his insights gained from his experience at Microsoft and working with international brands, emphasising that change doesn’t always have to be radical but can also come from small iterative processes that create significant impact. He discusses the intersection of technology and people, highlighting the need to focus on solving customer problems rather than simply adopting new technologies for the sake of being progressive.

The conversation turns to the allure of shiny object syndrome, where organisations fall in love with new technologies without considering their relevance or usefulness. Allister emphasises the importance of being human-centric and customer-focused when integrating new developments such as meta and AR into existing products and business models.

They also address the challenges faced by organisations in building agility into their structures and teams, with Allister advocating for a future-ready mindset across the entire organization. He emphasises that everyone within the company should be empowered to think about the future, generate ideas, and be open to exploration and experimentation.

Comparing the travel industry to others, Allister acknowledges its innovative nature but urges for greater progress and faster thinking to stay competitive. He emphasises that the industry must continue to evolve and learn at a faster pace than its competitors to become the destination and provider of choice.

Concluding the episode, the outcomes of the Abu Dhabi Business Events Week are highlighted, emphasising the importance of collaboration and fostering ideas within the travel industry.