The Larsen Group

May 11, 2008

“Talking Talk Radio on Talk Radio:
An Engineer’s Journey to Become a Voice of Technology”
Guest:  Dr. Moira Gunn, host of NPR’s Tech Nation and Bio-Tech Nation

Anchoring Points:  

1. We all have a lot more capability than we realize we do that can take us beyond our current chosen fields. 
2. Opportunities exist for some of us to pursue a portfolio career, and for me this includes a role in the media, information systems consulting, and information systems educational program development.
3. A bachelor’s degree is insufficient in this day and age; we need to “up” our credentials and consider how to invest to add new dimensions to our skills.
4. “Inadvertent experiences” jettison us in new directions if we are open to it.
5. Over one-third of the world economy is driven by biotechnology.
6. Information systems have untapped potential to open worldwide common interest systems.  Systems such as Wikipedia are likely game changers and powerful equalizers for emerging organizations, regardless of size or location to play in business.
7. We need much different economic models to drive technology for the benefit of humanity, not just to drive the engine of business.  In addition, we need companies to focus on being somewhere between profit maximizing and not-for-profit – perhaps Social Businesses that operate with an understanding that they will not make “that much” money.
8. Check out bio-link.org for continuing education opportunities through community colleges in partnership with local companies.
9. The future calls for us to be much more attuned to individuals’ styles of learning (visual, auditory, kinesthetic), and the softer skills (emotional intelligence) in working and being with one another.
10. Do not forget to leave room for play, observation and reflection to harness for innovation and future technology and scientific advancement.

Additional thoughts from Dr. Zara Larsen:  

1. Never say never.