Tech guru at Wintec says technology is a tool not a destination
Waikato technology guru Rachel Kelly urged an audience at Wintec last week not to be afraid of the ever-changing world of technology and to instead use it to their advantage.
Rachel, who is the director of Hamilton-based company SparkTank and Deputy Chair of NZTech, was the keynote speaker at Wintec’s annual Technology Showcase and shared her views on some common fears around technology.
“Just the other day I was filming with Nigel Latta and his first question to me was ‘are machines going to take over?’ or I get asked ‘how do we prepare for the future when we know we are going to be replaced?’.”
Rachel said that while these were real fears, it was important to keep them in context.
“Technology is a tool – it is not our destination…your focus needs to be on how technology can fuel your why, and how it can help you do more of the things you love and less of the things you don’t.”
Rachel is a key player in the technology industry, both within the Waikato and beyond. She previously worked in California for a global high-tech manufacturing company before launching SparkTank, a multi-disciplinary consultancy working primarily with tech companies and start-ups, in 2014.
She said one of her main tasks with her clients was getting them to reframe the way they think about technology while breaking down some of the common misconceptions, which she reiterated with her Wintec audience.
“Whatever happens, do not become a paralysed victim to the story played over and over in the movies. You get to build your own future, technology is your tool and you can choose your destination.”
The Technology Showcase is Wintec’s way of ensuring its staff are up-to-date with the latest technology and innovative practices.
Wintec’s information technology director, Brad Vines said it gives staff the opportunity to pick up new technology skills which could enhance both their professional and personal life.
"We are privileged to have access to such great technology at Wintec. It is embedded in everything we do. Learning about these tools, and the context of when and how to use them, should make our work lives just that little bit easier, and take some stress out of our day."
Representatives from Vodafone, Microsoft and Apple also attended the showcase to discuss and demonstrate their latest gadgets.
Rachel, who is the director of Hamilton-based company SparkTank and Deputy Chair of NZTech, was the keynote speaker at Wintec’s annual Technology Showcase and shared her views on some common fears around technology.
“Just the other day I was filming with Nigel Latta and his first question to me was ‘are machines going to take over?’ or I get asked ‘how do we prepare for the future when we know we are going to be replaced?’.”
Rachel said that while these were real fears, it was important to keep them in context.
“Technology is a tool – it is not our destination…your focus needs to be on how technology can fuel your why, and how it can help you do more of the things you love and less of the things you don’t.”
Rachel is a key player in the technology industry, both within the Waikato and beyond. She previously worked in California for a global high-tech manufacturing company before launching SparkTank, a multi-disciplinary consultancy working primarily with tech companies and start-ups, in 2014.
She said one of her main tasks with her clients was getting them to reframe the way they think about technology while breaking down some of the common misconceptions, which she reiterated with her Wintec audience.
“Whatever happens, do not become a paralysed victim to the story played over and over in the movies. You get to build your own future, technology is your tool and you can choose your destination.”
The Technology Showcase is Wintec’s way of ensuring its staff are up-to-date with the latest technology and innovative practices.
Wintec’s information technology director, Brad Vines said it gives staff the opportunity to pick up new technology skills which could enhance both their professional and personal life.
"We are privileged to have access to such great technology at Wintec. It is embedded in everything we do. Learning about these tools, and the context of when and how to use them, should make our work lives just that little bit easier, and take some stress out of our day."
Representatives from Vodafone, Microsoft and Apple also attended the showcase to discuss and demonstrate their latest gadgets.
