Keynote Presentation
Make no mistake, global trends have local impact. Relentless innovation in software, a tumultuous economic landscape, changing business models, a flattening world and a greater reliance on IT departments to drive out cost and support core business strategies add up to a world of constant change and boundless opportunities for those that are prepared.
Most of us are in this industry because we thrive on innovation, change and the potential of information technology to address the world’s most pressing problems and meet its full potential. We are lifelong learners by nature, but curiosity and quick study alone are not enough. Individuals need to develop strategies to stay ahead of technology trends and get hands-on, real-world experience of how to apply them.
In order to become and remain indispensable, individuals must:
- develop career plans
- engage in social and professional networks of like-minded individuals
- differentiate themselves
Likewise, IT managers need to pay increased attention to the human element if they are to get true value from software investment and continuously raise the bar on team performance if they are to move away from break/fix mentality and toward providing strategic partnership for their enterprise.
In this session Chris Pirie will examine current trends in the employment and workforce landscape, lay out the technology agenda for Microsoft and discuss ways in which IT Professionals, Developers and IT Managers can build skills strategies to help them thrive in today’s IT economy. He will discuss the importance of lifelong learning, career management, and team performance — including strategies for skill assessments, rigorous training and leveraging industry credentials to stay ahead, stay engaged, and stay indispensable.
About the Speaker
Christopher Pirie, General Manager for Microsoft Learning, leads the worldwide marketing and sales team to drive reach, revenue and increased customer satisfaction across all markets in order to help customers, partners and the field realize their potential by promoting Microsoft Learning’s comprehensive catalogue of certifications, trainings, learning references and resources.
Chris joined Microsoft in September 2004 as Senior Director of Learning Product Development. He was responsible for a 200 person team which developed portfolios of learning products used to train and certify millions of Microsoft customers and partners.
Chris began his professional career in his native England as a trainer and technical writer. He moved to the United States in 1991 and joined his previous employer Oracle in 1994. Chris has spent the bulk of his career in software training and adult education, including content development, product and services marketing, business development and sales management roles.
During his last three years at Oracle Corporation Chris was Vice President of Online Learning and responsible for defining and implementing a strategy to move customer, partner, and employee training online using an Oracle Learning Management System. He continued on to become Product Unit Manager for HRMS and Learning Management Systems.
Chris has a Degree in Literature and Philosophy from the University of Essex in England, and will take any opportunity to travel and sail with his English wife and two American boys.
