In a world that often pits freedom against accountability as if they were opposing forces, the quote “Freedom is not the opposite of accountability, it is a path towards it” reminds us of the intricate connection between these two concepts. It challenges us to consider that rather than being in conflict, freedom and accountability can coexist harmoniously, fostering a society that thrives on principles of responsibility and liberty.

The Paradox of Freedom

Freedom, a fundamental human right, allows individuals to make choices and express themselves without undue restraint. It is often seen as the epitome of autonomy, where one can live life on their terms. However, an unchecked pursuit of freedom can lead to chaos, injustice, and harm. It is in this paradox that the importance of accountability becomes evident.

Accountability as a Moral Compass

Accountability serves as the moral compass that guides our actions within the boundaries of freedom. When individuals are held accountable for their choices and actions, they are encouraged to consider the consequences of their behavior on themselves and society. This self-reflection is the cornerstone of responsible freedom.

A Path Towards Growth

The quote emphasizes that freedom is a path towards accountability. It implies that when individuals are free to make choices, they have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Accountability, rather than being a restrictive force, is a means of fostering personal and collective growth. It encourages individuals to acknowledge their missteps, make amends, and strive for improvement.

Social Implications

In a society where freedom and accountability are regarded as interconnected, we witness several positive outcomes:

• Trust: Accountability builds trust among individuals and within communities. When people know that others will be responsible for their actions, trust in interpersonal relationships and institutions flourishes.
• Justice: Accountability is the cornerstone of a just society. It ensures that those who infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others are held responsible for their actions.
• Innovation: Freedom encourages innovation and progress. When individuals are free to explore new ideas and take calculated risks, they can push the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
• Equality: Accountability ensures that power is not abused. In a society that values accountability, individuals in positions of authority are answerable for their decisions and actions, promoting equality.
• Harmony: The coexistence of freedom and accountability fosters a harmonious society where individuals can exercise their rights while respecting the rights of others.

Conclusion

The quote “Freedom is not the opposite of accountability, it is a path towards it” reminds us that freedom and accountability are not adversaries; instead, they are partners in creating a just and thriving society. Freedom provides the canvas upon which individuals can paint their lives, while accountability ensures that the strokes are guided by responsibility and consideration for others. It is in this delicate balance that the true essence of human liberty is found, where freedom and accountability walk hand in hand toward a brighter future.

In a world that often celebrates convenience and comfort, the idea of intentionally choosing the harder path may seem counterintuitive. However, the quote “do at least one thing the hard way every day” challenges us to step outside our comfort zones and embrace challenges. This philosophy encourages personal growth, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the value of effort. In this article, we will explore the significance of this quote and how it can positively impact our lives.

The Value of Hard Work

At its core, the quote reminds us of the inherent value of hard work. Doing things the easy way might provide immediate satisfaction, but it rarely leads to personal growth or lasting accomplishments. When we choose the harder path, we commit ourselves to a process that demands effort, dedication, and perseverance. This willingness to tackle challenges head-on is where true growth begins.

Building Resilience

Life is filled with unexpected obstacles and setbacks. By intentionally taking on difficult tasks each day, we develop resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity. Resilience is a valuable trait that helps us cope with life’s challenges, maintain our mental and emotional well-being, and face future hardships with confidence.

Expanding Your Comfort Zone

Staying within our comfort zones may feel safe, but it often leads to stagnation. When we embrace the quote’s philosophy, we gradually expand our comfort zones. Over time, what once seemed difficult becomes manageable, and we become more adaptable and open to new experiences. This expansion of our abilities can lead to increased self-confidence and a greater sense of accomplishment.

Applying the Quote to Daily Life

Incorporating the idea of doing something the hard way into your daily routine doesn’t require monumental efforts. Here are some practical ways to apply this principle to your life:

• Learn a New Skill: Challenge yourself to acquire a new skill or hobby that you’ve always been interested in but thought was too difficult.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical fitness often involves pushing your body beyond its limits. Regularly engaging in challenging workouts can not only improve your physical health but also boost your mental resilience.
• Take on Responsibilities: Whether at work or in your personal life, volunteering for tasks or projects that are outside your comfort zone can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Engage in Problem Solving: Instead of seeking immediate solutions, take the time to work through complex problems. The process of finding answers through trial and error can be incredibly rewarding.
• Pursue Long-Term Goals: Set ambitious goals that require sustained effort and commitment. Achieving these goals will provide a profound sense of accomplishment and personal growth.

Conclusion

The quote “do at least one thing the hard way every day” serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential that lies in embracing challenges and stepping outside our comfort zones. While the path of least resistance may seem appealing, it is often the path of greatest resistance that leads to personal growth, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the value of hard work. So, let us strive to face challenges head-on, tackle the difficult tasks, and embrace the opportunities for growth that they bring. In doing so, we can unlock our full potential and live more fulfilling lives.

What am I speaking about? What is Big Boost Monday? It is a monthly event hosted by different tech firms that aims to inspire and empower people who are interested in finding their pathway into tech. The event features guest speakers from various backgrounds and sectors, who share their stories, programs, initiatives, and tips on how to get started in tech. The event also promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry, and showcases the work of FINOS, an open-source foundation for financial services.

Some of the past and upcoming hosts of Big Boost Monday include Morgan Stanley, Synechron, Microsoft, and FINOS. The event is usually held in London, but sometimes also in other cities like Dublin and Belfast – and now coming to North America, to New York City and Montréal / Les Lundis Géants / ! The event is free to attend, but requires registration through a link provided by the host. The event typically lasts for an hour and a half, with 30 minutes for networking and Q&A. It is Live and it is In Person. It is Your Tech & DEI meet-up, helping you find your pathway into technology in the city! It is open-source, an open community, open to all for opportunities.

• Registration, Networking – 17:00
• Talks Start – 18:00
• Talks Finish – 19:00
• Post-event Networking To Close – 19:30

Who is this for?

• Find out more how open-source is power innovation in finance
• Hear from leading Women in technology
• Explore different pathways to a career in technology
• Industry professionals, senior stakeholders, allies and sponsors
• LGBTQ+, Students, under-represented groups, and the curious
• Non-degree holders
• With local community outreach in Belfast / Ireland, and soon in NYC/Montréal

How will it work?

Hosted each month by different tech firms, opening up their offices to the wider community.

Join us on the night you can hear from 3 guest speakers talking about AI – the hottest topic at the moment! Alongside firms sharing their DEI journey, and the importance of building a diverse workforce within the tech industry.

All of these talks will finish with a group Q&A with the audience, moderated by the speaker.

Join us to:

‘Boost your Network, your confidence, your knowledge, your career and your pathway. Big Boost Mondays!’

This year at FINOS we are focusing on one of FINOS’ key existing projects: Open Source Readiness. This is FINOS’ term for helping the finance industry “do open source properly”.

2023-10-04 OSR Weekly Update

This last week, many of us among the OSR leadership have been occupied with meticulously reviewing the final batches of questions that would form the base of the Open Source Readiness exam. This crucial phase of our delivery for the Open Source in Finance Forum (OSFF) demands a sharp focus on the quality and accuracy of each question to ensure that the exam accurately assesses a candidate’s capabilities and understanding of the written material. Rob Moffat has been relentlessly leading us in this, collaborating tirelessly, and scrutinizing the wording, relevance, difficulty level, and applicability of each question to create a fair and comprehensive evaluation bar.

As part of the new content, and related to last week’s update on Supply Chain Security, we did bring up this as a leading discussion topic for the Architecture as a Code workgroup, part of DevOps Automation, where we discussed the aim and premise of the contribution we actually did towards https://osr.finos.org . And – speaking of contributions: if you have contributed to the Book of Knowledge at OSR, but haven’t yet been added to the about.md – here is your chance, make sure you would be part of the Book of Faces when we unveil it at OSFF – reminding me to point out that:

OSFF REMINDER: 4 WEEKS TO GO!

If you work for a FINOS member and live in New York, why haven’t you signed up to come to OSFF yet?

There are complimentary passes for employees of FINOS Member Firms so hurry up and register already!

The OSR and InnerSource SIGs are collaborating on running a booth at the event – would you like to help staff it? Get in touch if so!

If you haven’t received your unique member code, please contact osff@finos.org and we’ll get you sorted.

Sign up here!

In the renewing world of commerce, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage and convert customers. One of the latest trends that has been gaining momentum is iCommerce, short for Immersive Commerce. This emerging concept takes the traditional eCommerce model to new heights by offering consumers a more immersive and interactive shopping experience. In this article, we’ll explore what iCommerce is, why it’s gaining popularity, and how businesses can make the switch from eCommerce to iCommerce to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

The Rise of Immersive Commerce

eCommerce has revolutionized the way we shop, enabling us to purchase products and services online with ease. However, as consumer expectations continue to evolve, traditional eCommerce platforms are no longer enough to capture their attention. This is where iCommerce steps in.

Immersive Commerce leverages advanced technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 3D modeling, and interactive content to create a more engaging and lifelike shopping experience. Instead of simply browsing through static product listings, consumers can now virtually try on clothes, visualize furniture in their own living spaces, or explore products in a simulated environment.

Key Benefits of iCommerce

• Enhanced Customer Engagement: Immersive Commerce provides an engaging and interactive experience that captivates customers. It allows them to connect with products on a deeper level, increasing the likelihood of making a purchase.
• Reduced Return Rates: One of the challenges in eCommerce is high return rates due to discrepancies between the online product and the real thing. iCommerce reduces this issue by allowing customers to virtually experience products before buying, resulting in more accurate expectations.
• Personalization: iCommerce platforms can tailor experiences to individual preferences, offering product recommendations and customization options that enhance the customer journey.
• Competitive Advantage: As iCommerce is still relatively new, early adopters have the opportunity to stand out in a crowded market and gain a competitive edge.

Making the Switch to iCommerce

Transitioning from eCommerce to iCommerce requires careful planning and investment. Here are the key steps to consider:

• Assess Your Current Infrastructure: Evaluate your existing eCommerce platform, technology stack, and customer data to determine what can be integrated into the new iCommerce experience.
• Embrace Immersive Technologies: Invest in AR and VR technologies, 3D modeling, and interactive content creation tools. Collaborate with tech experts or hire professionals to implement these technologies effectively.
• Data Analytics: Leverage data analytics to gain insights into customer behaviors and preferences within your immersive environment. This will help you refine your iCommerce strategy and improve the user experience.
• User Training: Ensure that your staff and customers are well-versed in using the new immersive features. Providing tutorials and support can help bridge the learning curve.
• Marketing and Promotion: Showcase your immersive features through marketing campaigns and promotions. Highlight the benefits of iCommerce and how it enhances the shopping experience.
• Continuous Improvement: Gather feedback from customers and make iterative improvements to your iCommerce platform. Stay updated with emerging technologies and trends to remain competitive.

Conclusion

As eCommerce continues to evolve, iCommerce is poised to be the next frontier in online shopping. The immersive and interactive nature of iCommerce offers businesses an exciting opportunity to engage customers like never before. While the transition from eCommerce to iCommerce may require effort and investment, the long-term benefits in terms of customer engagement, reduced returns, and competitive advantage make it a worthwhile endeavor. By embracing iCommerce, businesses can create a shopping experience that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of modern consumers in an increasingly digital world.

Expressing gratitude is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, and it plays a crucial role in building and maintaining positive relationships, whether personal or professional. One effective way to convey appreciation is by using the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) model. This model provides a structured and thoughtful approach to expressing gratitude that ensures your message is clear, sincere, and well-received. In this article, we will delve into how to properly say thank you using the SBI model.

What is the SBI Model?

The SBI model is a communication framework commonly used in feedback and appreciation conversations. It breaks down the expression of gratitude into three key components:

• Situation: This is the context or specific situation in which the person’s actions or behavior took place. It provides a clear reference point for your appreciation.
• Behavior: This involves describing the person’s actions or behavior that you want to acknowledge and appreciate. Be specific and detailed when discussing what the person did.
• Impact: The impact focuses on explaining how the person’s behavior made a difference or had a positive effect on you or others. It helps the recipient understand the significance of their actions.

How to Properly Say Thank You Using the SBI Model

• Begin with the Situation: Start your thank-you message by setting the stage. Clearly state the context or situation in which the person’s actions occurred. For example, “Last week, during our team meeting…“
• Specify the Behavior: Next, describe the specific behavior or actions you want to express gratitude for. Be detailed and precise. Avoid vague statements. For instance, “You took the initiative to prepare a comprehensive report…“
• Highlight the Impact: The most critical part of the SBI model is explaining the impact of the person’s behavior. How did it make a positive difference? Use descriptive language to convey the impact genuinely and sincerely. For example, “Your report not only saved us time but also provided valuable insights that led to a more informed decision-making process.”
• Use Positive Language: Ensure that your message remains positive and appreciative throughout. Avoid any negative or critical comments. Emphasize the value the person’s actions brought to the situation.
• Be Sincere and Specific: Authenticity is key when expressing gratitude. Be sincere in your appreciation, and avoid generic or clichéd thank-you phrases. Specificity adds depth and credibility to your message.
• Personalize Your Thank You: Tailor your message to the individual and their unique contributions. This shows that you’ve put thought into your expression of gratitude and reinforces its sincerity.
• Offer the Thank You Verbally or in Writing: Depending on the situation, you can express your gratitude verbally, in person or over a call, or in writing through email or a handwritten note. Choose the method that best suits the context and your relationship with the person.

Conclusion

Using the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) model to say thank you is a powerful way to convey genuine appreciation. By providing context, specifying the behavior, and highlighting the impact, you can ensure that your gratitude is clear, sincere, and well-received. Whether in personal relationships or professional settings, this structured approach to expressing thanks can strengthen bonds and create a culture of appreciation. So, next time you want to say thank you, remember to use the SBI model to make your message truly meaningful.

In IT, the adage “Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast” might seem counterintuitive. IT professionals often find themselves racing against the clock to resolve issues, implement solutions, and keep up with ever-evolving technology. However, this principle, borrowed from military and tactical training, can be a valuable mindset for IT professionals. By focusing on careful planning, deliberate execution, and continuous improvement, you can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your IT operations. In this article, we’ll explore how to apply “Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast” to IT.

Planning and Strategy

• Start with a clear strategy: Slow down and take the time to develop a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with your organization’s goals. Understand the big picture and define your objectives.
• Risk assessment: Identify potential challenges, vulnerabilities, and risks that could hinder your IT operations. Planning for contingencies is key to ensuring a smooth process.

Training and Skill Development

• Invest in training: Rather than rushing into projects, invest in training for your IT team. Ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle tasks effectively.
• Cross-training: Encourage cross-training among team members to create a more versatile and adaptable workforce. This helps prevent bottlenecks and improves the overall smoothness of IT operations.

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing

• Document processes: Documenting your IT processes, procedures, and configurations can save time in the long run. A well-documented system is easier to troubleshoot and maintain.
• Share knowledge: Promote knowledge sharing within your team. When everyone has access to shared expertise, problem-solving becomes smoother and faster.

Testing and Quality Assurance

• Rigorous testing: Before implementing any changes or updates, conduct thorough testing in a controlled environment. This minimizes the risk of disruptions when changes are deployed.
• Quality assurance: Implement quality control measures to ensure that IT solutions meet the required standards and are free from critical defects.

Agile Practices

• Agile methodology: Embrace agile practices that encourage incremental progress, regular feedback, and adaptability. Agile frameworks like Scrum can help teams achieve smoother project delivery.
• Continuous improvement: Apply the principles of continuous improvement (Kaizen) to IT operations. Regularly review and refine processes to eliminate inefficiencies and enhance performance.

Monitoring and Analytics

• Real-time monitoring: Implement monitoring tools to keep a close eye on your IT infrastructure and applications. Proactive monitoring can identify issues before they escalate.
• Data-driven decisions: Use analytics to gain insights into your IT operations. Data-driven decisions can help you optimize resources and identify areas for improvement.

Incident Response

• Well-defined procedures: Have well-documented incident response procedures in place. When issues arise, a structured response process can help resolve them efficiently.
• Post-incident analysis: After resolving an incident, conduct a post-incident analysis to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.

In the world of IT, the “Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast” philosophy encourages careful planning, skill development, documentation, and continuous improvement. By applying these principles, IT professionals can achieve more efficient and effective operations, reducing the risk of costly mistakes and downtime. While speed remains important in IT, a methodical and deliberate approach can ultimately lead to faster and smoother outcomes, benefiting both the organization and its IT team.

Yesterday, thanks to Rick McGuire, I had the opportunity to listen to John Maeda to talk about UX in AI. But here, I will talk about his LEAD framework. I personally enjoyed listening to him, as recently I visited RISD (Rhode Island School of Design), where he was president between 2008-2013, and I could see him doing that too very well (also I could just listen to him talking about, like, anything – I even told him if he ever does standups comedy, let me know, I’d be first in line to get a ticket :D).

In the world of design, innovation and creativity are essential, but so is the responsibility to create with purpose and ethics. The LEAD framework, created by John Meade, draws inspiration from the culinary world’s Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat cookbook by Samin Nosrat. This unique framework champions design that is Light, Ethical, Accessible, and Dataful, setting a new standard for creative processes.

The LEAD Framework

Light:

Light design focuses on simplicity and elegance, stripping away unnecessary complexities. It’s about finding the essence of a design and letting it shine.
Meade’s approach encourages designers to create with a light environmental footprint, promoting sustainability in their work.
Ethical:

Ethical design emphasizes social responsibility. It calls for designers to consider the impact of their work on individuals and communities.
Meade’s advocacy for ethical design aligns with the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency, ensuring that design serves the greater good.
Accessible:

Accessible design is all about breaking down barriers. It ensures that design is available and usable by people of all abilities and backgrounds.
John Meade’s commitment to accessibility ensures that design reaches and benefits the widest possible audience.
Dataful:

Dataful design leverages the power of data and analytics to inform and improve the creative process. It’s about making design decisions based on evidence.
Meade encourages designers to embrace data-driven insights to refine and enhance their work.

John Meade’s LEAD framework represents a powerful approach to design that prioritizes simplicity, ethics, accessibility, and data-driven decision-making. His visionary leadership at RISD has not only elevated the institution but has also had a profound impact on the broader world of art and design. As designers continue to seek meaningful ways to create and innovate, the LEAD framework serves as a guiding light, ensuring that creativity is aligned with purpose and responsibility.

When I entered the brand-new Spatial Computing and Metaverse lab at my firm created based on my requirements, and I was no longer confined to the small spaces as before to play (no toy!) with the devices, I contemplated on how much this technology progressed and reached back to my usual innovation mind hive – Star Trek 😂

The concept of a Holodeck, as popularized by the Star Trek series, has captured the imagination of countless science fiction enthusiasts for decades. A Holodeck is a futuristic technology that creates immersive, interactive, and highly realistic virtual environments, allowing users to engage with their surroundings as if they were real. While the idea is thrilling, the real-world development of a Holodeck-like experience remains elusive. In this article, we will explore the major challenges and barriers preventing us from creating a Holodeck today. However, while creating a Holodeck-like experience presents daunting challenges, there are promising developments and approaches that could potentially overcome these limitations in the future.

The idea of a Holodeck, where people can step into fully immersive and interactive virtual worlds, is a tantalizing vision of the future. While significant progress has been made in various technologies like virtual reality, holography, and sensory feedback, the development of a true Holodeck remains a complex and multifaceted challenge.

Overcoming the barriers of immersive holographic projection, realistic sensory feedback, computational power, physical constraints, energy requirements, cost, and ethical considerations will require a concerted effort from scientists, engineers, and innovators. While we may not have a Holodeck today, continued advancements in technology suggest that we may one day bring this science fiction dream closer to reality. Until then, we can only continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible and imagine the endless possibilities that a Holodeck-like experience could offer. While the challenges in creating a Holodeck-like experience are formidable, the path forward is illuminated by the ongoing advancements in technology and the commitment of researchers and innovators. Overcoming these limitations will require interdisciplinary collaboration, investment, and a focus on ethical considerations.

As science and technology continue to advance, we move one step closer to the realization of this captivating vision from science fiction. The journey toward creating a Holodeck may be long and challenging, but the rewards, in terms of immersive entertainment, education, and exploration, could be truly transformative for society. In the future, we may find ourselves stepping into Holodecks not just for leisure but also for scientific discovery, training, and creative expression.

Feedback is an essential tool for personal and professional development, enabling individuals to grow and improve in various aspects of their lives. Harvard University’s HEAR framework, offers a structured approach to deliver genuine and constructive feedback. In this article, we will explore the HEAR framework and discuss how it can be effectively employed to provide feedback that fosters growth and development.

Deciphering the HEAR Framework

Harvard’s HEAR framework is an acronym that stands for four key principles to provide authentic and constructive feedback. Let’s delve into each element of the HEAR framework:

1. Hedge your claims: Begin by presenting your feedback with a degree of humility. Acknowledge that feedback is subjective and that your perspective may not capture the entire picture. Use language that conveys a sense of openness and flexibility.
2. Emphasize agreement: Find common ground and highlight areas where you and the recipient of the feedback share similar viewpoints or goals. This establishes rapport and creates a foundation for a collaborative approach to addressing issues.
3. Acknowledge the other side’s argument: Recognize and respect the recipient’s perspective, even if it differs from your own. By acknowledging their viewpoint, you demonstrate empathy and a willingness to engage in a constructive dialogue.
4. Reframe to the positive: When offering feedback, focus on potential solutions and opportunities for improvement rather than dwelling solely on problems. Encourage a forward-looking mindset that inspires growth and development.

Providing Genuine Feedback Using the HEAR Framework

Now that we have a grasp of the HEAR framework’s components, let’s explore how it can be effectively utilized to provide genuine feedback:

1. Prepare Thoughtfully: Before delivering feedback, take time to reflect on the situation or behavior you wish to address. Consider your own biases and perceptions to ensure your feedback is fair and constructive.
2. Hedge Your Claims: Approach the feedback conversation with a degree of humility. Use phrases such as “I believe” or “It seems to me” to convey that your perspective is one among many.
3. Emphasize Agreement: Start by identifying areas where you and the recipient align. Acknowledge their strengths, contributions, or shared goals. This establishes a positive and collaborative tone for the conversation.
4. Acknowledge the Other Side’s Argument: Show empathy and understanding by recognizing the recipient’s viewpoint, even if it differs from your own. Avoid dismissing their perspective and instead, express a willingness to explore it further.
5. Reframe to the Positive: Shift the focus from problems to solutions. Provide specific recommendations or suggestions that can lead to improvement. Encourage the recipient to envision a positive outcome and a path toward it.
6. Active Listening: Throughout the feedback process, actively listen to the recipient’s responses. Be open to their perspective and be willing to adapt your recommendations based on their insights.
7. Follow Up: After delivering feedback, check in with the recipient to monitor their progress. This demonstrates your commitment to their growth and development.

Conclusion

Providing genuine feedback is a valuable skill that can strengthen personal and professional relationships and contribute to individual growth. Harvard’s HEAR framework, consisting of “Hedge your claims,” “Emphasize agreement,” “Acknowledge the other side’s argument,” and “Reframe to the positive,” offers a structured approach to delivering feedback that is constructive and authentic. By employing this framework, individuals can engage in productive dialogues that inspire positive change and encourage the development of others. Remember that sincere feedback is a gift that can propel individuals toward their full potential.