Earlier this month, Unitec hosted its annual Tech Week event with an evening that explored the world of tech and career development. Organised by School of Computing lecturer Masoud Shakiba, the panel featured Jay Mclaren Harris, Group CEO, Comilla Group, Tama Kirikiri, Deputy Chief Executive Toi Mai, Teresa Pollard, Chief Digital Officer Te Pūkenga, Martin Carroll, Operational Lead Unitec/MIT – Te Pūkenga, and was MCed by Susan Bennett, Head of School, Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology.
The panel explored the fascinating concept of wayfinding and its impact on tech careers. Wayfinding, rooted in traditional Polynesian navigation, can transform careers by integrating practices like mindfulness and a deep understanding of our broader environment. It’s a refreshing approach, particularly in today’s complex business landscape, where adaptability is key.
During the event, they explored the essence of wayfinding: recognising and responding to unfolding events, understanding waypoints from your current position, and skillfully piecing together information to navigate your path. It’s about being open to change, recognizing when things aren’t working, and embracing the quest for additional knowledge to find solutions.
Career wayfinding requires keen observation of our personal and work environments, much like skilled sailors tacking and jibing to maintain momentum amidst shifting winds and currents. It’s not about conforming to a predefined job title or a linear trajectory but understanding career waypoints from wherever we are positioned.
A career is a lifelong and multifaceted journey beyond work alone. It encompasses various facets of our lives and offers countless opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
(For further reading – Wayfinding Leadership: Ground-breaking Wisdom for Developing Leaders by Dr Chellie Spiller, John Panoho and Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr )
Thank you to all the participants who attended this enlightening event!
Feedback
“I had the honour and privilege to firstly represent Toi Mai WDC Ohu Ahumahi and secondly to share the speaking platform with three incredible leaders in their respective fields at a Tech Week event hosted at Unitec. A night of rich kōrero and wānanga. Tēnā koutou Teresa Pollard koutou ko Martin Carroll ko Jay McLaren-Harris ko tā tātau Kaiwhakahaere o te pō Susan Bennett”
Tama Kirikiri
“TechWeek 2023 was amazing. So many thought-provoking sessions around the motu. Appreciated the opportunity provided by Unitec School of Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology to discuss the powerful opportunities and ethical challenges brought about by the social impacts of #GenAI (text and visual – like Pseudomnesia!). Also loved hearing from Tama Kirikiri, Teresa Pollard and Jay McLaren-Harris. Was not only inspired by their stories, but also humbled by their insightful responses to some excellent questions from the floor (eg Q: What ‘s the best superpower? A: Understanding where you come from).”
Martin Carroll
“Thank you, Martin Carroll; your contribution was humorous and thought-provoking. I very much enjoyed the talk and I know our students in Unitec School of Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology enjoyed the talk as well.
Ngā mihi nui, to you and our other presenters, Tama Kirikiri. Teresa Pollard, Jay McLaren-Harris. We are grateful for your support.
To Masoud Shakiba, and the Unitec events team – great mahi!”
Susan Bennett