We are here to discuss with Claire Fox, COO UNICEF UK, her vision regarding the digitalization changes and how to meet increasing demands in originating and innovating from it. What we know for sure, is that digitalization introduces both challenges and possibilities.
Claire Fox shares with us her point of view about this aforementioned process, which is rapidly penetrating in our society.
Q What do you think the implications of the age of technology and digitalization are?
We don’t fully understand the implications. Will it bring limitless opportunity or massive dislocation of jobs? Probably both. Most studies say more jobs will be created than are lost, but they will be jobs that don’t exist yet – we will certainly all require different skills.
I believe the impact will be very specific to industry, region and occupation though, and as leaders we must navigate this. You can easily see how automated transportation works, but I wouldn’t want employees in front line care-giving professions replaced by tech.
Q In your opinion, what is the most important skill needed to thrive in the age of technology and digitalization?
The pace of change will only get faster – we will see ground-breaking change after change impacting the work we do and how we do it. This means the ability to continuously learn in relation to our processes and our own personal skills is critical. Intellectual flexibility and the willingness to learn, relearn and transform ourselves in light of developing technologies, tools and approaches must be the bread and butter of employees and organizations alike.
Q What can humans bring that technology can’t?
Tech has undoubtedly transformed our lives, in the most part for the better. But automation can’t be creative or innovative. Machines can’t empathize or be passionate. Tech can’t build relationships or have emotional intelligence. In this age of exponential technical innovation and automation, we need even more than ever humanness. The full spectrum of human emotional intelligence must be front and centre of what we do. Without human skills – in design, development and application, technology advances can not only be ineffective but negligent.
Q What is your perspective on business ethics in the age of technology and digitalization?
Undoubtedly, the digital age will present us with some of the most challenging ethical dilemmas we have ever seen. Artificial intelligence, for example, is only as effective as the design and application. We’ve seen unconscious bias hard wired into recruited automation. We’ve seen articles on whether automated vehicles swerve and injure one pedestrian if the alternative is to continue straight ahead and injure greater numbers? Terrorist attacked have been planned through social media platforms.
Strong, ethical, values-based leadership and decision making is critical for us to successfully navigate the ethical dilemmas that the 4th industrial revolution will present us with.
Thank you, Claire, for sharing with us such interesting insights.
We are looking forward to many more inspirational topics. Don’t miss our speakers sharing their valuable insights, experience, and tips at Attend our upcoming HR Vision event – register now!
