Each panel, even with playful titles like ‘Data Witches and Wizards’ and ‘People, NOT Zombies’ offered a chance to deep dive into the collective experiences of the leadership community. One session that was particularly captivating was titled, Potions, Spells, and Technology Tales: DEIA and the Employee Experience. It was a powerful pivot from the many tech-focused narratives surrounding the AI hype to instead focus on the complexity of the human element—the core of all technological strides. The session discussed how technologies are only emerging because of the people who create them. It’s a theme that resonates deeply with us at OnPoint: We believe that technology is a tool forged by human creativity and ingenuity. This session underscored the importance of nurturing a workplace that champions this belief.

In this panel, Renee Wynn, former CIO at NASA, articulately stressed the active pursuit of company culture to foster employee growth. She also left us with a creative metaphor to shift our typically myopic perspectives – Next time you’re upset at being “in traffic”, take a moment to consider… You are the traffic. This simple line highlighted the importance of actively taking a step out of our own bubbles and acknowledging the whole view.

A brief discussion about the hybrid work environment was another area that sparked much of my own thoughts on company culture. The panel underscored the need for dynamic company cultures that adapt to the changing tides of our professional landscapes. What’s more, it presented the compelling question of how we can actively curate a culture that not only adapts but thrives in these conditions, fostering a sense of belonging and productivity regardless of physical location.

Wrapping up, Imagine Nation ELC 2023 was an extraordinary experience, and I personally had an absolute blast attending. The seamless blend of professional and personal interactions, the learning, and the unique opportunity to witness first-hand the ever-evolving state of technology we live in and how our nation’s leaders are thinking about these topics was a huge highlight of 2023. It was also a remarkable place to be on the day President Biden announced the Executive Order on AI regulation (more on that to come). We at OnPoint are already excited to see what’s in store for everyone next year. Until then!