WIREDGOV

techUK’s CEO, Julian David, recently appeared on the Leaders Council podcast alongside Geoff Hurst and host Scott Chalinid. The discussion began by covering COVID-19 and its challenges, its effects on techUK’s business and staff, lessons learned, and how the tech sector has been able to help the country keep going through the pandemic. The conversation touched on how tech enabled flexibility and remote working, alongside productivity gains, but also the need to be conscious of people’s home situations and mental health.

From there, the discussion moved to leadership, how to keep people inspired and motivated, but also where, as a leader, one gets their own inspiration. Julian highlighted the importance of drawing inspiration from one’s own team, enjoying and being proud of the team. He also spoke about the importance of one’s own support network as a source of comfort and inspiration – family, friends, neighbours, and the importance of talking to a diverse crowd and opening oneself up to a range of views.

From there, Julian cited a few leadership inspirations:

• Ernest Shackleton, for his ability to inspire his team and keep them going through incredibly tough situations.
• Nelson Mandela, for his ability to overcome trying circumstances and his drive to reconcile communities and bring people together.
• Angela Merkel, for her low-key, understated, consensus-building style of leadership, as a successful approach and a good model for leadership.

Finally, Julian discussed his vision for the next year for techUK, the tech industry, and the “new normal”. He stressed the importance of digital to the UK as a whole, as well as the need to open up the industry to ensure that everyone has the chance to benefit from digital technologies. He also spoke about the need for a global view, and the need for greater international collaboration, and finally, the importance of ensuring that technology is responsible, for good, inclusive, and productive.

You can listen to the podcast in full here, either on Spotify or on YouTube. More information about Julian and the podcast is available here.