The UK & Ireland CompTIA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Interest Group is excited to share "A Fireside Conversation with Traci Sewell from Sewell's Consulting". Traci is joined by @Hannah Lloyd , the Chair of the DEI Interest Group and VP of In-SOC and @Leanne Johnson, Director of the CompTIA Community in the UK & Ireland.

Traci has been instrumental in bringing significant change to the SQL Bits conferences, including a creche, multi-faith prayer room and much more!

Why not watch and pick up some actionable tips for your DEI initiative? There is a link at the end of the recording to ask Hannah and Traci questions directly.

Click here for access!

Why not check out all of our On Demand Webinars?

DEI stands as a pillar of progress, fostering inclusive environments that empower students from all walks of life and shaping a competitive and adaptable workforce that views differences as assets.

The article features an interview with Oklahoma Senator Mary Boren, who provides valuable insights into the role of DEI in shaping the state’s students, workforce, and economy. She addresses misconceptions and criticisms of DEI, emphasizing that it is not about promising equal outcomes but ensuring equal access to opportunities and fostering an atmosphere of decency, empathy, and intelligence.

Contrary to prevalent misconceptions, DEI is not synonymous with affirmative action. Senator Boren states, “DEI allows everyone to attend school and work with their merit. DEI opens doors for diverse backgrounds, including single parents, caregivers for older individuals, people with disabilities, and those dealing with mental health issues.”

Adherence to DEI principles is essential for breaking down unnecessary barriers and allowing more individuals to utilize their full potential. As Senator Boren notes, critics that draw parallels between DEI and affirmative action constrict the circle of opportunities, limiting workforce prospects for those wishing to find employment in the state.

I encourage everyone to read the article and share your thoughts. How do you see DEI impacting our work and the broader industry? How can we further integrate DEI principles into our practices?

Read the article: https://www.tulsakids.com/the-trans...education-workforce-and-oklahomas-prosperity/

I recently read an article discussing the ongoing evolution of drone delivery services. The race to fulfill the promise of drone delivery is heating up as regulators, customers, and service providers navigate the challenges and opportunities of this emerging field.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made significant strides in enabling operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), a crucial requirement for companies to deliver goods at scale. The industry has long called for clear guidance on extending operations beyond the sight of pilots, and it seems we are now seeing this come to fruition.

The article raises an interesting question: Who are the major players and gatekeepers responsible for success in this space? The answer lies in the trusted partners who traditionally deliver goods to people at scale - companies like Walmart, UPS, and Amazon.

In 2023, leading companies like Matternet, Wing, and Zipline received approvals to extend their operations, allowing major logistics partners like Walmart and UPS to plan for the integration and scaling of these efforts. More recently, companies like Flytrex and DroneUp have also made strides in BVLOS operations, vying for a competitive position in the industry.

With the question of feasibility seemingly answered, the next steps are expected to focus on partnerships and scaling.

I encourage everyone to read the article and share your thoughts. How do you see these developments impacting your work and the broader industry? What opportunities and challenges do you foresee with the growth of drone delivery services?

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/harris...e-big-3-in-us-drone-delivery/?sh=2ef3b9b354e2

I recently came across an interesting article that discusses the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of public relations (PR). According to Prowly's "The State of PR Technology 2023," 67.8% of PR professionals are leveraging AI for idea generation, narrative creation, research, and more.

The benefits of AI in PR are clear and compelling. It streamlines communication processes, enhances decision-making, and enriches customer engagements and experiences. These tools have the potential to significantly improve our effectiveness in developing strategic messaging and customizing our outreach.

However, the article also raises an important question: In our rush to embrace these technological advancements, are we risking the loss of the human element—empathy—that is so crucial in our field?

This brings us to a critical discussion point: How can we strike the right balance between artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI)? How can we ensure that while we harness the efficiency and allure of AI, we do not lose sight of the importance of human connection and empathy in our work?

I encourage everyone to read the article and share your thoughts on this topic. How do you see AI impacting our work? How can we maintain the balance between AI and EI in our PR strategies?

Looking forward to a thought-provoking discussion.

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...al-intelligence-in-marketing/?sh=37bf4be0206c

I recently read an intriguing article that discusses the fascinating convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) in the digital landscape. This convergence is creating a complex tapestry of interconnected devices and intelligent systems that is revolutionizing how we interact with technology.

While standard IT tools are sufficient for managing regular IT devices, the intricate and specialized nature of OT environments often requires more advanced solutions. Companies like OTORIO and other leading cybersecurity houses are overcoming this challenge by offering specialist solutions designed to navigate the complexities of OT landscapes.

The article also provides a comprehensive overview of IoT, describing it as a fundamental shift in connectivity. IoT represents the emergence of an extensive network of physical objects equipped with sensors, actuators, and interfaces that can collect, transmit, and exchange data via the Internet.

The landscape of industrial automation is currently undergoing a transformative metamorphosis spurred by the intricate intertwining of IoT and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). This convergence, often referred to as Industrial IoT (IIoT), is redefining the rules of operational efficiency, safety, and data-driven decision-making.

I encourage everyone to read the article and share your thoughts. How do you see this convergence impacting our work and the broader industry? What opportunities and challenges do you foresee with integrating IoT and OT?

Read the article: https://iotbusinessnews.com/2024/01/30/76777-the-importance-of-iot-visibility-in-ot-environments/

I recently came across an insightful article that I believe is worth sharing and discussing. The article delves into the current financial environment, characterized by high interest rates and the consequent need for businesses to seek innovative growth strategies while minimizing risk exposure.

The article highlights the significant transformation catalyzed by blockchain technology, which is emerging as a key player in bridging traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). This evolution is driven by the ERC3643 protocol, known for tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs), and the growing concept of blockchain interoperability.

Steven Ehrlich states, "Blockchain interoperability is the idea of enabling distinct blockchain networks to interact and integrate, communicating seamlessly to allow for the sharing of data between chains." This development is not just a technological breakthrough but also represents a new avenue for business growth and innovation. It offers a new world of financial liquidity for those seeking to harness blockchain-based liquidity sources for business development.

This topic is relevant to us as we navigate the evolving financial landscape. I encourage everyone to read the article and share your thoughts. How do you see these developments impacting our work and the broader industry? What opportunities and challenges do you foresee with adopting blockchain technology and the ERC3643 protocol?

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...y-in-a-high-interest-economy/?sh=5d036516346f

Hello everyone,

I want to prepare for the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 exam and am asking for suggestions about books, applications, and simulators with identical questions on the exam. I found many of them on the Internet and I don't know what to choose and they all cost money.

Thanks and best regards