IT Pro Live Q&A: Rob Chapman, CEO of Firebrand Training
One of our expert IT Pro Live speakers gives us a look inside his daily work and the future of tech
Our first ever virtual conference, IT Pro Live, runs from June 22-26, and is packed with insightful panel sessions and keynote speakers from across the tech industry. To give attendees a preview into what they can expect from the show, we spoke to Firebrand Training CEO Rob Chapman about his background, his business, and what he’s looking forward to from the event.
What does Firebrand Training do?
We provide accelerated certification training & apprenticeships, focusing on digital and IT skills
What does an average day in your working life look like?
Not average, if it's a good day! Most of my time is spent talking to customers, staff and vendors about certifications and skills.
Why should people attend IT Pro Live?
At any time we should be learning from the wider world - in these times it's even more critical. The range of speakers and sessions will challenge and inform all participants.
What can attendees expect from your IT Pro Live session?
They’ll get candid stories from the front-line of pivoting a very in-person physical business to being 100% virtual.
What sessions are you most looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to Caroline Carruthers’ keynote on data driven digital transformation.
Is there anything you’re particularly hoping to learn from the show?
I’m interested in how and when other people's companies expect to bounce back, and what technology they see as critical to their future.
How has the COVID-19 outbreak impacted your work now and moving forward?
COVID-19 has forced us to pivot to online delivery of training, which has opened up new international markets which are now accessible to new customers. Home working, of course, has been a massive change - maybe ‘digital nomad’ companies are the new normal?
What gets you excited about IT?
My favourite element is the constant relentless change. I hate standing still and IT doesn't let you - unless you want to lose!
What do you see as the next big innovation in your field?
Productivity improvements driven by AI and machine learning will drive demand for new skills. Negatively, cyber security issues will continue and increase the need for skills as more businesses are impacted.
What are some of your IT goals through 2020 and into 2021?
I want us to be 100% un-tethered from physical offices and be more agile in rolling out new tech, as well as move to more best-of-breed applications and integrations.
Catch Rob's IT Pro Live panel discussion, 'Remote innovation', on Monday 22 June at 3.30 PM BST (10.30 AM EDT). Register for your free ticket now.
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