Microsoft Inspire — Day One
15/07/19 08:30-10:30
Corenote Session — T-Mobile Arena
So today marked the official opening of Microsoft Inspire 2019 with a Corenote session at the T-Mobile Arena; and I think it’s fair to say that Microsoft know how to put on a party! Showered in all the escapades you would expect from one of the Worlds largest tech companies, the Corenote was a show you wouldn’t want to miss.
However, as some of you unfortunately did miss it, you’ll be pleased to know that you can catch up on what Gavriella Schuster and Judson Althoff had to say by watching the Corenote here.
The key takeaway for me this year was an acknowledgement that we at Ricoh Digital Services are aligned with Microsoft on our key focuses and core beliefs for the need for Innovation,
If you haven’t seen my shares on LinkedIn regarding our Modern Workplace apps, or our Machine Learning capabilities, then you’re missing out! Keep an eye out here in the coming weeks for case studies on our Smart Spaces application and the work we are doing with our sister company Ricoh Products Limited where we use Machine Learning to minimise waste.
Most astounding to me however, was how quickly they could lay and re-lay that wooden floor without me even noticing.
15/07/19 13:00–14:00
Simon Sinek — The Infinite Game — Mandalay Bay
This was a proper ‘Fan Boy’ moment for me. I’ve followed Simon Sinek for some time on You Tube, Ted talks and his books such as ‘Start with Why’. I was really looking forward to this, and he didn’t disappoint. In a packed auditorium of 5000+ people, Simon talked about how there is no ‘end’ to business, and there is no winner and if we treat it as such then we will be on a course of failure. This means we need to focus on change, innovation and pivoting on strategy where required.
It was also good to know that again at Ricoh Digital Services, we’re not a million miles away from doing the right things. We implemented a MOST in October 2018 which highlighted our Mission to be:
To Drive Business Transformation through Innovation
It wasn’t coincidence that our number one Objective was ‘Culture’ and to ensure we have a focus on our people as key to success. If our people are happy then they will do a good job.
Simon anecdotally told a story of an Airport attendant who was treating him and other members of the public like animals; when he quizzed her on this, she said “…because if I don’t, I will get in trouble”. This was a sign that people were too afraid to do the right thing, rather than get into trouble. We need to ensure that our culture is such that this is not the case and people can thrive by doing the right things, not what someone has told them to do.
Simon Sinek was engaging, funny and really knew his stuff. He admits he might not have all the answers, and we don’t have to listen to him, but a lot of what he said made sense. I recommend you look him up on YouTube if you haven't seen any of his work before.
15/07/19 16:00–17:00
The social executive: creating your online brand and how to use your platform to communicate. — Mandalay Bay
Next up was a session on personal branding and how you can get traction in the Social Media world. This was interesting for me, as it came at a time where I’m not only trying to create a following on Social Media business networks such as LinkedIn, but also to raise the profile of Ricoh Digital Services in the technological world by doing this blog.
There are some interesting stats below, which outlines the importance of a Personal Brand.
MerchCount — 4
In between all of the above, there was a meeting with Cloudm, a Cloud Management company that we may be looking to partner with, a lots of separate conversations on new tech, innovative ideas and of course a shameless grabbing of loot. My MerchCount so far is below, listed in order of usefulness…
Cisco Socks
Microsoft Bluetooth Water Bottle (?)
Azure Sunglasses
Cosmos DB Luggage Tag
Thanks for reading the blog, and if you require more information on any of the above, then please feel free to comment.
Neil Dallaway
Head of Digital Solutions, Ricoh Digital Services
