Sexism in tech is like an onion–it has many layers and makes people cry
The big topic of discussion last week was the fallout from the PyCon conference. At the conference, former Adria Richards, who, at the time, worked in developer relations for SendGrid, heard two conference attendees behind her making jokes about “forking” and “dongles” in the sort of juvenile way that often happens in the tech industry. [...]
How to Improve Social Business Adoption as Told by IBM (Part 1)
I typically like to provide context around discussions with industry thought leaders and Executives of the Fortune 500. Yet some discussions should simply be left untouched and published as-is. It’s not a short article, but the insights around IBM’s journey to becoming a Social Business is remarkable and a must read for those that are [...]
Innovation Culture Eats R&D for Breakfast
Research and development is a mainstay of the innovation strategy for companies. And with good reason. R&D can invent new products and technologies that redefine markets. Think electricity, telephones, airplanes, semiconductors, the Internet. R&D can pave the way for whole new industries. Exciting, for sure! But there’s a problem. Too many companies treat R&D as [...]
Global Cloud Computing – Cultural Issues
As cloud computing gets adopted by people in many different countries around the world, across all the continents, it is quite evident that different countries see cloud computing with different lenses. There are many issues that affect the adoption of cloud computing, from regulatory issues to cultural issues to economic issues. At the recently concluded [...]
Changing the Molecules of the (Board)room
Every Monday night in a cozy Brown Stone on 39th street a group of New Yorkers congregate. I was once one of these New Yorkers. At exactly 6:15 PM I would climb on the small stage, strike my gavel and start the Toastmasters meeting: Good evening and welcome. The mission of our New York Toastmasters [...]
Cooperating with Law Enforcement in Social Networking
Social Networking is facing the prospects of being deputized by the Australian Federal Police, Facebook, and other social networking sites are increasingly becoming one of the most important sources for intelligence about people. Forget neighbors talking to the police, now we are looking at our socially connected world as being involved with law enforcement. IT [...]
Management, Bad Apples and Toxicity
In my real-world life I have a number of different management positions with both commercial and not for profit organizations. Management is a really interesting topic, especially given the generational shift that a Gen X to Gen Y move is bringing. One of the organizations I’m involved with is voluntary, and that introduces an entirely [...]
Cowboy hats and Cuban Cigars
I’m not sure what *exactly* this has to do with Defrag, but I’m filing this under “things I’ve experienced as of late that may hold something to explore.” In roughly the last month, I’ve experienced two cultural niches that are fairly distinct from each other: Ybor city and the Flea Market at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds. [...]
The Outlook for Enterprise 2.0 Abroad
Live blogged from the Enterprise 2.0 Conference, Boston. From the program – With a panel of Enterprise 2.0 Experts from around the world, this session dives into market conditions and adoption in markets outside of North America. Where is Enterprise 2.0 taking root and where is it not and are there cultural barriers to adoption? [...]
