Absolutely thrilled to announce we are LIVE with Big Boost Global on March 4th!
To celebrate International Women’s Week our “Big Boost Mondays” partners are hosting events across the globe, all on Monday March 4th. In Dublin, London, New York, Montreal, and APAC. Join our inspiring speakers from across finance, technology, business and academia, sharing their personal stories and careers. A celebration of diversity, equity, inclusion and innovation.
We have curated a fantastic program of Big Boost Monday DEI events in Asia, Europe and the US – across four centers, with 11 firms and 14 speakers.
We have amazing women from across our industry, academia, start-ups, tech and finance – coming together – to share their stories and inspire. Hugely exciting – special thanks to all our hosts – RBC, UBS, KPMG and UST – and all the companies taking part – the full list below – and all their amazing speakers.
The quote, “Making the hard easy is one thing, making the impossible possible is the big one,” encapsulates a profound truth about human progress and innovation. It speaks to the essence of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of what initially seems unachievable. This article delves into the realms of innovation, perseverance, and the human spirit’s capacity to transcend boundaries, turning the impossible into possible.
The Evolution of ‘Impossible’
Throughout history, numerous instances have been labeled as ‘impossible’ until they were achieved. From the Wright brothers’ first flight to the moon landing, each epoch of human history is marked by milestones that were once deemed unattainable. These achievements were not merely making the hard easy; they were redefining the limits of possibility.
Innovation as a Key Driver
Innovation plays a pivotal role in this transformative process. It is the act of seeing beyond the current limitations and imagining what could be. Innovators do not accept the status quo as an immovable reality but rather as a challenge to be overcome. They blend creativity, knowledge, and the courage to experiment, often leading to breakthroughs that reshape our understanding of what is possible.
The Role of Perseverance
Perseverance is the steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Making the impossible possible is not an overnight phenomenon. It often requires a relentless pursuit, enduring failures, and learning from them. History’s greatest achievements are stories of repeated trials, errors, and unwavering dedication.
Impact on Society
The transformation from impossible to possible has profound implications for society. It inspires new generations, fosters economic growth, and solves critical problems. When barriers are broken, it leads to technological advancements, improved quality of life, and a better understanding of our world and beyond.
Examples of Making the Impossible Possible
Medical Advances: From the development of vaccines to robotic surgeries, medical science has consistently turned impossibilities into life-saving realities.
Technological Breakthroughs: The evolution of the internet, artificial intelligence, and space exploration are prime examples of transcending perceived limits.
Social Changes: Movements that have overcome deeply entrenched societal norms and injustices also reflect this transformative power.
Conclusion
“Making the impossible possible” is more than a statement; it’s a testament to human potential. It encourages us to dream big, push boundaries, and never settle for the limitations of our current understanding. As we continue to innovate and persevere, the line between the hard and the impossible will increasingly blur, leading us into a future where the possibilities are limitless. This quote is not just a reflection on past achievements but a beacon for future endeavors, inspiring us to continue expanding the horizons of what we consider possible.
In the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity, traditional methods of ensuring system robustness are no longer sufficient. Security Chaos Engineering (SCE) has emerged as a proactive strategy to enhance system resilience by deliberately introducing disruptions. This method offers a unique opportunity for organizations to learn and adapt in the face of failures and outages.
Understanding Security Chaos Engineering
Chaos Engineering, at its core, is the practice of experimenting on a system to build confidence in its capability to withstand turbulent conditions. Security Chaos Engineering adapts this concept to specifically focus on security aspects. It involves intentionally injecting security failures and observing how systems respond, with the goal of identifying and addressing weaknesses before they are exploited by malicious actors.
The Need for SCE in Modern Cybersecurity
The complexity of modern IT infrastructures, combined with the sophistication of cyber threats, necessitates a shift from reactive to proactive security measures. Traditional security approaches often fail to uncover latent vulnerabilities. SCE provides a real-world testing ground to understand how systems behave under duress and how security measures perform in practice.
Implementing Security Chaos Engineering
1. Define Clear Objectives
Before introducing chaos, organizations must define what they hope to achieve. This could include understanding how an intrusion detection system responds to a simulated attack, or how quickly a team can contain a breach.
2. Start Small and Scale
Begin with small, controlled experiments. For instance, simulate a minor security breach on a non-critical system. Gradually increase the scope and complexity of experiments.
3. Continuous Monitoring and Analysis
Continuous monitoring during SCE experiments is crucial. Real-time data collection and analysis help in understanding the impact of the induced chaos.
4. Cross-Department Collaboration
SCE is not solely an IT or cybersecurity initiative. It requires collaboration across departments, including IT, security, operations, and even business units.
5. Learning and Adapting
The ultimate goal of SCE is to learn from failures and adapt. Post-experiment reviews are essential to document findings and implement improvements.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Several organizations have successfully implemented SCE. For instance, a major financial institution used SCE to uncover a flaw in their fraud detection system, which would have been catastrophic in a real-world scenario. Another tech company used SCE to test their incident response time, leading to significant improvements in their security protocols.
Challenges and Considerations
While SCE is powerful, it is not without challenges. There is a risk of unintentional disruption, and not all organizations have the maturity or resources to implement it effectively. Careful planning and a clear understanding of the organization’s risk tolerance are essential.
Conclusion
Security Chaos Engineering represents a paradigm shift in cybersecurity, moving from a purely defensive stance to a proactive, learning-oriented approach. By embracing SCE, organizations can enhance their resilience, learn from failures, and stay one step ahead of cyber threats. As technology continues to evolve, SCE will undoubtedly become an integral part of the cybersecurity landscape.
In 1993, at the Comdex trade show, Bill Gates, then CEO of Microsoft, envisioned a future where “information at your fingertips” would be a reality for every computer user. This phrase encapsulated Gates’ vision for the digital age, where accessing and processing information would be seamless and intuitive. Fast forward to the present day, Satya Nadella, the current CEO of Microsoft, has iterated upon this vision, now articulating a world of “expertise at your fingertips.” This evolution reflects not just the technological advancements but also a shift in how we perceive and interact with the digital world.
The Original Vision: “Information at Your Fingertips”
In the early 1990s, the concept of having immediate access to a vast array of information was groundbreaking. Bill Gates foresaw a world where computers would serve as gateways to all kinds of data, knowledge, and information. The phrase “information at your fingertips” was more than just a catchy slogan; it was a prediction of the coming internet revolution and the central role that personal computers would play in it.
Gates’ vision was realized in many ways with the advent of the World Wide Web, search engines, and the proliferation of personal computing. Information that once required a trip to the library or hours of research could now be accessed in seconds from anywhere in the world. This democratization of information access fundamentally changed education, business, and personal communication.
The Evolution: “Expertise at Your Fingertips”
Several decades later, under the leadership of Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s vision has evolved to reflect the changes in technology and its role in society. Nadella’s phrase, that he used at the recent AI Tour too, “expertise at your fingertips,” acknowledges a world where information is not only abundant but overwhelmingly so. The new challenge is no longer access but the ability to efficiently utilize this vast wealth of data.
Under Nadella’s vision, the focus is on harnessing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing to not just access information but to gain insights and expertise. This shift recognizes the importance of context, analysis, and the application of knowledge. It’s about connecting people with not just information, but with understanding and the expertise needed to make informed decisions and innovate.
Implications for the Future
The evolution from “information at your fingertips” to “expertise at your fingertips” represents a shift from the quantity of information to the quality of interaction with that information. It suggests a future where technology is more deeply integrated into decision-making processes, enhancing human capabilities rather than just supplementing them.
For businesses and individuals, this evolution means that the ability to process and interpret information is becoming as important as accessing it. Tools and platforms that help filter, analyze, and make sense of data will become increasingly vital. In essence, the future is not just about having information at our disposal but having the expertise to use that information effectively.
Conclusion
The transition from Bill Gates’ vision of “information at your fingertips” to Satya Nadella’s “expertise at your fingertips” is more than a change in corporate rhetoric. It reflects the journey of technology from a tool for accessing information to a partner in generating insights and expertise. As we look to the future, the focus will likely continue to shift towards deeper, more meaningful interactions with technology, shaping the way we live, work, and learn.
In 2016, Keiichi Matsuda’s “Hyper-Reality” presented a provocative future where virtual and physical realities coalesce, painting a vibrant, if not overwhelming, landscape of human interaction with technology. As we edge further into the 2020s, it’s compelling to juxtapose Matsuda’s vision with the current trajectory of our digital world.
The World of “Hyper-Reality”
Matsuda’s “Hyper-Reality” is a kaleidoscopic vision of the future, where augmented reality (AR) inundates every aspect of life. The film illustrates a future where digital information overlays physical surroundings to an extreme degree. It’s a world filled with constant digital interaction, advertisements, and virtual experiences that blur the line between what’s real and what’s virtual. This hyper-connected reality speaks to themes of technology dependence, information overload, and the loss of personal space and privacy.
The Current Technological Landscape
Fast forward to the mid-2020s, the world is witnessing rapid advancements in AR, virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). Technologies like AR glasses and VR headsets are becoming more sophisticated and accessible. However, the current state is a far cry from Matsuda’s vision. Today’s AR and VR are primarily used for specific purposes like gaming, education, and professional simulations, rather than being omnipresent in every facet of our lives. Do the Apple Vision Pro run the risk of becoming the device from the video? The current V1 version does not. And although people were afraid the iPhone and generally mobile phones will cause similar catastrophy, they did not. So I’m optimistic, for now.
Comparing the Visions: Information Overload
Matsuda’s film accurately predicts the information overload that we are beginning to experience. Today’s world is saturated with digital notifications, social media, and online advertisements, much like the protagonist’s experience in “Hyper-Reality.” However, unlike the film, our current reality still allows us to disconnect from the digital world, albeit with increasing difficulty.
Augmented Reality: Fantasy vs. Reality
In “Hyper-Reality,” AR is an invasive, omnipresent force, shaping both physical spaces and social interactions. In contrast, current AR technology is still in its nascent stages, used more as a tool for enhancing experiences rather than dominating them. The film’s depiction of a seamless blend of AR with daily life is still a concept rather than a reality.
Social and Psychological Implications
Matsuda’s film delves into the social and psychological impact of a digitally dominated world. It portrays a loss of identity and reality, themes increasingly relevant today. The rise of social media and the digital persona has started to blur the lines between online and offline selves, though not to the extreme depicted in the film.
The Role of Advertisements
A striking aspect of “Hyper-Reality” is the omnipresence of advertisements in the virtual overlay. Today, targeted advertising is becoming more sophisticated and pervasive, but it’s still confined within our devices. The film’s vision of an advertisement-saturated physical world remains a hyperbolic representation of our current trajectory.
Conclusion
Keiichi Matsuda’s “Hyper-Reality” serves as a vivid cautionary tale of technology’s potential to overwhelm and redefine our reality. While today’s technological landscape shares elements with Matsuda’s vision, particularly in terms of information saturation and the evolution of AR, we are yet to reach the extreme integration depicted in the film. As we advance technologically, “Hyper-Reality” remains a powerful reference point and a reminder of the need to balance our digital and physical worlds.
In a world where technological advancements occur at a breakneck pace, the announcement of Apple Vision Pro marks a significant milestone. While the features and specifications of this new product are undoubtedly impressive, the real victory lies in the broader impact and accessibility of this technology. This article delves into how Apple Vision Pro’s launch is not just a win for Apple but a triumph for technological reach and inclusion.
Innovative Technology
Apple Vision Pro, at its core, is a marvel of modern technology. Its cutting-edge features, such as advanced augmented reality (AR) capabilities, superior image processing, and seamless integration with other Apple products, set a new standard in the industry. However, what makes it truly groundbreaking is how these technologies are being made accessible to a wider audience.
Expanding Accessibility
Historically, high-end technological innovations were often limited to niche markets or exclusive user groups. However, Apple has taken a different approach with Vision Pro. By integrating these advanced features into more commonly used devices and platforms, Apple is democratizing access to cutting-edge technology. This move significantly expands the reach of sophisticated tech, allowing it to permeate into everyday life for millions of users.
Educational Impact
One of the most significant areas where Apple Vision Pro’s reach can be felt is in education. The AR capabilities of Vision Pro open up new avenues for interactive learning. Students can experience immersive educational content, making learning more engaging and effective. This technology, once a distant dream for many educational institutions, is now increasingly within reach, thanks to Apple’s efforts to make it more accessible.
Business Applications
In the business world, Apple Vision Pro is set to revolutionize how companies operate. From enhanced virtual meetings to improved product design and development processes, the applications are vast. Small and medium-sized businesses, which previously may have found such technology prohibitively expensive, can now leverage these tools to compete on a larger stage.
Healthcare Innovations
The healthcare sector stands to benefit immensely from the widespread availability of Apple Vision Pro’s technology. With its advanced imaging and AR capabilities, medical professionals can enhance patient care through more precise diagnostics and treatment plans. This technology, once limited to top-tier medical institutions, is now becoming more accessible, potentially transforming healthcare delivery worldwide.
Global Reach and Inclusion
Perhaps the most profound impact of Apple Vision Pro is its contribution to global technological inclusion. By making advanced technology more accessible, Apple is bridging the digital divide, allowing people from various socio-economic backgrounds to benefit from these innovations. This inclusivity fosters a more equitable technological landscape, where more individuals can partake in the digital revolution.
Enhanced Consumer Engagement through User-Friendly Interface
One of the key factors in Apple Vision Pro’s extended reach to consumers is its exceptionally user-friendly interface. Apple has a long-standing reputation for creating intuitive and easy-to-use products, and Vision Pro is no exception. This approachability means that even those who are not tech-savvy can benefit from its advanced features. By simplifying the interaction with complex technology, Apple has effectively lowered the barrier to entry, making these innovations accessible to a broader demographic. This inclusivity not only enhances the user experience but also widens the product’s appeal across various age groups and tech proficiency levels, thereby reaching a more diverse consumer base.
Strategic Pricing and Accessibility *
Apple’s strategic pricing model for Vision Pro plays a crucial role in its widespread consumer reach. While maintaining the premium quality associated with the brand, Apple has managed to price the product in a way that is competitive yet accessible. This balance makes advanced technology less of a luxury and more of a feasible investment for the average consumer. Additionally, Apple’s global distribution network ensures that Vision Pro is available in numerous markets around the world, further extending its reach. By breaking down financial and geographical barriers, Apple has made Vision Pro a realistic option for a larger segment of the global population.
Integration with Existing Apple Ecosystem
The seamless integration of Apple Vision Pro with the existing Apple ecosystem significantly contributes to its wide consumer reach. Users of iPhone, iPad, and Mac can effortlessly connect with Vision Pro, enhancing the utility of all these devices. This integration encourages existing Apple users to adopt Vision Pro, as it complements and enhances their current suite of devices. Moreover, for new users, the allure of a unified and interconnected technology ecosystem can be a strong incentive to choose Apple products. This synergy not only solidifies customer loyalty but also attracts new users who are looking for a comprehensive, interconnected tech experience. The result is an expanded consumer base that spans loyal Apple users and new adopters alike, all drawn to the innovative features and seamless connectivity of the Apple Vision Pro.
Conclusion
The announcement of Apple Vision Pro is not just a milestone for Apple; it represents a significant leap forward in making cutting-edge technology accessible to a broader audience. Its impact spans various sectors, from education and business to healthcare, and plays a pivotal role in global technological inclusion. The real triumph of Apple Vision Pro lies in its ability to extend the reach of advanced technology, making it a part of everyday life for people around the world. This democratization of technology is perhaps the most significant win in the announcement of Apple Vision Pro.
* Let me add a little perspective on the socio economic part quickly: yes, it is very expensive, 10x the price of a Quest. At the same time, for many (despite the Quest headsets being one of the sales records at Black Friday) this is the first device of XR they bought, being devoted to Apple products. As a result, this increases the addressable user market, and, as a longer affect, drives down the prices. So yes, it is not easily accessible to anyone now, but this step is needed to make it easily accessible sometime in the future.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Moore’s Law has stood as a beacon of predictable progress. Coined in 1965 by Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, it postulated that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles about every two years, while the cost of computers is halved. For decades, this law held true in the realm of general computing. However, as we step into the era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), the question arises: does Moore’s Law still hold relevance, particularly in the realm of AI accelerators?
The Evolution of AI Accelerators
AI accelerators, specialized hardware designed to speed up AI applications, are at the forefront of this discussion. These accelerators, which include Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), have seen exponential growth in capabilities, paralleling the demands of complex AI algorithms.
Exceeding Moore’s Law
In some cases, the evolution of AI accelerators seems not just to adhere to Moore’s Law but to exceed it. The increase in the processing power of GPUs, a common type of AI accelerator, has outpaced traditional CPUs significantly. This growth is driven by the escalating demands of machine learning models that require immense computational power.
The Role of Innovation and Architecture
The advancements in AI accelerators are not solely a function of increasing transistor counts. Architectural innovations, software optimizations, and new processing paradigms (like neuromorphic computing) play a significant role. These factors have allowed AI accelerators to improve at a rate that sometimes outpaces the predictions of Moore’s Law.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the promising trajectory, there are challenges. As transistors shrink to the nanoscale, physical limitations like quantum effects and heat dissipation pose significant hurdles. Furthermore, the rising costs of semiconductor manufacturing and the complexity of AI algorithms demand continuous innovation.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, the industry is exploring novel materials like graphene and new transistor designs to overcome these challenges. There’s also a growing emphasis on software and algorithm efficiency, which can complement hardware improvements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Moore’s Law in its original form is approaching physical limits, its spirit lives on in the realm of AI accelerators. The phenomenal growth in the capabilities of these accelerators is a testament to human ingenuity and the unrelenting pursuit of technological advancement. As AI continues to reshape our world, AI accelerators will undoubtedly remain at the heart of this transformation, driven by a law that has become synonymous with relentless progress.
Thanks to Mike Wilson, I already know the power of Yes. Let’s now look at the power of Yet! In our journey of learning and self-improvement, we often encounter challenges that seem insurmountable. Phrases like “I don’t understand this” or “I don’t know how to do this” are common refrains in these moments of struggle. However, there’s a simple yet transformative strategy that can change our perspective: adding the word “yet” to these sentences.
Understanding the Impact of “Yet”
The Psychology of Learning: The concept of “yet” is rooted in the psychological theory of a growth mindset, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed with time and effort. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes that our abilities are static and unchangeable. The word “yet” embodies the essence of a growth mindset. It suggests that while we may not have mastered a skill or understood a concept at this moment, there is always the potential for growth and learning in the future.
Overcoming Limitations: Adding “yet” to our self-talk changes the narrative from a final judgment to an ongoing process. It’s a reminder that not understanding or not knowing something is not a permanent state, but rather a temporary stage in the learning journey. This shift in mindset can have a profound impact on how we approach challenges and setbacks.
Practical Applications of “Yet”
In Education: Educators can incorporate the power of “yet” in their teaching methods. By encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles, teachers can foster resilience and a love for learning. When students say, “I don’t get this math problem,” teachers can guide them to rephrase it as, “I don’t get this math problem yet.” This encourages students to persevere and seek solutions rather than giving up.
In Personal Development: The concept of “yet” is equally powerful in personal and professional development. Whether it’s learning a new skill, improving at a hobby, or advancing in a career, acknowledging that you are in the process of learning can be incredibly motivating. It removes the pressure of immediate perfection and opens the door to gradual improvement.
The Challenge of Embracing “Yet”
Moving Beyond Comfort Zones: Embracing “yet” requires stepping out of our comfort zones. It involves acknowledging our current limitations and being open to the vulnerability that comes with the learning process. This can be challenging, especially in cultures or environments where there is a high expectation for instant expertise or success.
Continuous Effort and Persistence: The journey of “not yet” is often filled with effort, persistence, and patience. It demands a consistent commitment to personal growth and the understanding that progress may be slow and non-linear.
Conclusion: A Lifelong Journey
The power of adding “yet” to our self-talk is more than just a linguistic trick; it’s a fundamental shift in how we view ourselves and our capabilities. It’s a testament to the belief that with time, effort, and perseverance, we can expand our abilities and overcome challenges. So, the next time you find yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” try adding “yet” to the end. You might be surprised at how this simple word can open the door to a world of possibilities and growth.
In the realm of .NET application development, performance optimization is a critical aspect that can significantly impact the end-user experience. Two potent tools in the .NET developer’s arsenal for enhancing performance are Profile-Guided Optimization (PGO) and Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler settings. This article delves into the nuances of these techniques and provides practical guidance on leveraging them for optimizing your .NET applications.
Understanding PGO and JIT in .NET
Profile-Guided Optimization (PGO): PGO is a technique that improves the performance of applications by collecting data about the most frequently executed paths during a typical run of the application. This data is then used to optimize the compilation process.
Just-In-Time (JIT) Compiler: The JIT compiler is a component of the .NET runtime that converts intermediate language (IL) code into native code at runtime. Adjusting JIT settings allows you to fine-tune the compilation process for performance.
Steps to Optimize with PGO
Data Collection:
Run your application in a real-world scenario.
Use tools like Visual Studio’s Performance Profiler to collect data about the application’s runtime behavior.
Analysis:
Identify the hot paths or frequently executed code segments.
Focus on optimizing these areas, as they will yield the most significant performance improvements.
Recompilation:
Use the collected data to recompile your application.
The .NET compiler will optimize the hot paths more aggressively.
Optimizing with JIT Settings
Tiered Compilation:
.NET Core introduced tiered compilation.
Initially, code is compiled with a less aggressive JIT to improve startup time.
As the application runs, the JIT recompiles frequently used methods using more aggressive optimizations.
Inlining Control:
Method inlining is a common optimization where the JIT compiler replaces a method call with the method’s body.
Adjust the aggressiveness of inlining to balance between performance and memory usage.
Garbage Collection Tuning:
Garbage collection settings can impact JIT performance.
Adjusting the GC mode (e.g., server vs. workstation) and tuning GC parameters can lead to better memory management and performance.
Best Practices and Considerations
Test in Real-World Scenarios: Always validate that the optimizations are effective under realistic usage patterns.
Balance Performance and Maintenance: Over-optimization can lead to code that is hard to maintain. Strive for a balance.
Continuous Monitoring: Performance characteristics can change as the application evolves. Continuously monitor and re-optimize as necessary.
Use Latest .NET Versions: Newer versions of .NET often include improvements in JIT and PGO. Keeping your application updated can yield performance benefits.
Conclusion
Optimizing a .NET application using PGO and JIT settings requires a blend of strategic data collection, careful analysis, and thoughtful application of compiler and runtime settings. While the process demands a thorough understanding of the application’s behavior and runtime characteristics, the payoff in terms of enhanced performance and responsiveness can be substantial. By following these guidelines and continuously monitoring application performance, developers can ensure that their .NET applications are running at their optimal best.
When Rick McGuire asked me whether I’d be interested to be interviewed by Matthew Calder, I was jumping up and down. Of course, I am! And so many topics we got missed to cover below 🙂
You might ask what – like career advice, wearable tech, and more. Who knows, I might get the opportunity to be interviewed again later 😀 And – Star Trek rulez!
