Katie Sloan

Marketing director, Core Technology Systems

What's the most surprising lesson 2024 has taught you so far?

Apart from the fact that time seems to just keep speeding up more and more every year? One of 2024’s surprises has been the instability in the market we thought would even out after last year, but also the lack of considered change management and adoption when it comes to implementing AI into IT strategies.

This has led to disappointment for many organisations who believed generative AI solutions would do a lot more for them immediately, rather than understanding the human element involved in change management—collaboration, empathy, and adaptability—that remains the core driver of successful tech adoption.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

I think meeting with Maya Angelou would be transformative. Her impact on promoting equality, empathy, and resilience, resonates deeply in today’s world. Her voice in advocating for understanding across cultures is a lesson I think we could all draw from in the tech industry. With all of her efforts, contributions, achievements, and memorable quotes, I’m sure she’d provide some captivating dinner conversation and insight!

Which tech or channel figurehead has impressed you the most this year, and why?

I think at a channel level, there are loads of influential and impressive leaders taking steps to create positive change. On a larger platform, I think the efforts by Gina Gill, the chief digital and information officer for the UK Government, to modernise public sector IT, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, have demonstrated the positive impact tech leaders can make on society at large.

What technology trend do you think is being overhyped, and why?

Ooh tough one… there are many that I’m not really involved in, like the Metaverse, which feels a bit overhyped in its current form. While it has incredible potential for immersive experiences, it’s still in early stages and seems to lack the tangible ROI many businesses are looking for right now. But within our industry, a more prevalent example would probably be elements of generative AI that are overhyped by some people seeing and promoting its future potential – rather than the current capability and access; and the infrastructure, change management and adoption required to make it really successful.

If you were stranded on a deserted island but could have one piece of tech with you, what would it be?

I’d probably choose a solar-powered smart satellite phone. It’s practical, can keep me connected to the outside world – even if just with emergency SOS signals – and I could write, read digital books, listen to music and podcasts, or watch movies while I wait to be rescued… and most importantly, wouldn’t run out of battery!

What's your go-to productivity hack that keeps you on track during a busy day?

Using Microsoft Copilot has been a game-changer this year. I am an avid note taker and usually try to take a lot of handwritten notes in meetings, but Copilot has saved me so much time by not only providing notes and meeting summaries for me, but also drafting action lists and helping generate new ideas for next steps. I think the potential of Copilot is exciting, but it has certainly helped me be more organised and use my time more effectively, especially when really busy and covering multiple roles.

If you had the time to learn one new skill, what would it be?

Given more time in my job, I’d love to learn more about data science and its application in M&A deals. Understanding data at a deeper level and being able to translate it into actionable insights could add significant value to my strategic planning, but it would also be great to learn more about how business value is determined for sale or investment. On a personal level, whilst it might sound cliché, I’d like to learn another language like Italian or Spanish as I love to travel, and Italy is one of my favourite countries. I’ve not yet been to South America, so Spanish would be helpful to enrich the travel experience. I’d also like to learn sign language. There’s a long list of things I’d do with more time!