Factor

As we close out 2024, Factor would like take this moment to reflect on the incredible milestones achieved throughout the year. ✔️ The transformation from Sit-Down to Factor, unveiling a bold new vision for the future. ✔️ Launching our advisory arm, alongside the seamless integration of Datadriven. ✔️ Introducing Afterhours, a new standard in professional networking and engagement. ✔️ Rolling out the Factor App, a new platform for executives to connect, learn and engage through insightful readable and watchable content. ✔️ Hosting 48 targeted discussions and executive roundtables, creating meaningful connections. ✔️ Facilitating 1,823 personalised introductions across Factor events. ✔️ Presenting 42 talkshows and expert interviews, sharing insights from industry leaders. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support, vision, and expertise of our valued customers.   Your contributions have not only driven impactful conversations but have also been instrumental in shaping a community of C-Suite executives. Together, we have cultivated a platform for transformative ideas and meaningful connections that continue to inspire progress across industries.   As we look ahead to 2025, we look forward to deepening these partnerships with a stronger pact, continuing to grow and build our community of inspiring leaders, and being a disruptive and innovative force the B2B networking industry.   From the Factor team, we wish you a joyful festive season and a prosperous new year.   May this time bring you well-deserved rest, inspiration, and renewed energy for the year ahead.   See you soon! Abhishek Singh Adrian Buttigieg Alex Moffatt MRICS Ali Mehfooz Andrew Bakhsh Andrew Morgan Andrew Spiegelman Andy Luiskandl Anna Shersheneva, FCCA Anthony Canning Antoine Acklin Arun Singh Asaf Ahmad Ben Tabell Lauren Rice Si Ling S. Amy Zammit Ning Lim Rebecca Bragg Javier Ruda Jessica Reefman Joyce Ng Ashley Campbell Alba Oni Jessie Jin Victoria Symes Scott Tobin Danny B. Charlene Tan

When it comes to cyber security, leaders are betting big on the cloud.   In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, IT and security leaders are prioritising investments that protect and empower their organisations. Cloud migrations and Cloud security lead the way, with 44% of leaders focusing on these areas to enhance agility and defence against cyber threats.   Yet, investments in threat detection, network security, and email security remain critical as organisations build a robust, multi-layered approach to security. Learn more about the strategies shaping today’s cyber security investments by downloading the Factor App: App Store: https://lnkd.in/guFbnpSy Play Store: https://lnkd.in/g_XwrMcF Want to learn more about Factor's offerings? Website: https://lnkd.in/ggZBi_Ux Instagram: https://lnkd.in/g3B2k5k4 Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gPPaNjp5   #Factor #CloudSecurity #CyberResilience #ITLeadership #DigitalTransformation

"Collaboration is key to securing Australia's AI future," says Daswin de Silva, Professor of AI and Analytics at La Trobe University. In this episode of The Common Factor Series, Professor De Silva highlights the need to address sovereign AI risks by overcoming cultural barriers and fostering responsible AI practices. Discover how strategic actions today can shape a stronger AI future for Australia. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gevfgGwh For more insightful discussions, download the Factor app now. App Store: https://lnkd.in/guFbnpSy Play Store: https://lnkd.in/g_XwrMcF #Factor #ArtificialIntelligence #ResponsibleAI #DaswinDeSilva #Leadership

A cyber security leader's biggest threat? Some say it's a severe lack of talent.    As cyber threats grow in complexity, security leaders face mounting challenges beyond just technology.   In Factor's latest CISO Wave of Change report, nearly 30% of cyber security leaders cite skills and talent management as their biggest obstacle, highlighting the need to attract, retain, and upskill security teams.   With the recent passing of the Cyber Security Act 2024, Australia is taking decisive steps to strengthen its cyber defences - but addressing the skills gap remains a critical priority to keep pace with an evolving threat landscape. Leadership, innovation, and adaptability are key to building resilient security teams ready for the challenges ahead. Want to learn more about Factor's offerings? Website: https://lnkd.in/ggZBi_Ux Instagram: https://lnkd.in/g3B2k5k4 Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gPPaNjp5   #Factor #CyberSecurity #SkillsGap #LeadershipChallenges #TalentManagement #DigitalLeadership

Macquarie University's Acting Head of Department of Actuarial Studies and Business Analytics, Babak Abedin, emphasises the growing importance of responsible AI during our recent episode of the Common Factor Series. Babak stresses that leadership from organisations and governments is essential to harness AI’s potential while mitigating risks. To learn how responsible AI can shape the future of technology watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gevfgGwh Want exclusive insights? Become a member and join the Factor community today:  Apple Store: https://lnkd.in/guFbnpSy Google Store: https://lnkd.in/g_XwrMcF #Factor #ResponsibleAI #TechLeadership #AIethics #BabakAbedin #FutureTech

How are CDOs demonstrating ROI to non-technical stakeholders? When it comes to demonstrating ROI to non-technical stakeholders, Chief Data Officers (CDO's) are moving beyond technical jargon. Financial metrics remain the go-to method for nearly a third (32%) of leaders, reinforcing the importance of aligning projects with measurable business outcomes.   But ROI is more than numbers—it’s about building trust, communicating impact, and driving results. From effective storytelling to operational improvements, CDOs are finding innovative ways to connect their projects to the bigger business picture.   Discover more insights from CDOs and top Data leaders by downloading the Factor App: App Store: https://lnkd.in/guFbnpSy   Play Store: https://lnkd.in/g_XwrMcF Want to learn more about Factor's offerings?  Website: https://lnkd.in/ggZBi_Ux   Instagram: https://lnkd.in/g3B2k5k4   Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gPPaNjp5 #Factor #DigitalLeadership #CDO #ROI #StrategicAlignment #BusinessSuccess

Professor of Technology Law at Macquarie University, Niloufer Selvadurai, advocates for "regulation by design" as the future of AI compliance.    In this episode of the Common Factor series, Professor Selvadurai emphasises that embedding legal and ethical standards directly into AI systems during the design phase, ensuring transparency and accountability from the outset, will be critical going forward. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among lawyers, computer scientists, and business analysts, this approach could address challenges like misleading chatbot advice while adapting to AI's evolving landscape. Discover how this innovative perspective could shape the future of AI governance - watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gevfgGwh #Factor #AILaw #RegulationByDesign #TechnologyLaw #NilouferSelvadurai

How close is generative AI to achieving higher-order cognition? Professor of AI and Analytics at La Trobe University , Daswin de Silva, discusses the current capabilities and limitations of AI systems like GPT-4o1 during this episode of the Common Factor series.    While AI has made significant strides in tasks such as summarisation and creative content generation, the next challenge lies in developing AI that can truly reason, plan, and perform higher-order cognitive functions. Learn about the next frontier in artificial intelligence by watching the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gevfgGwh For more expert insights, download the Factor app today. Apple Store: https://lnkd.in/guFbnpSy Google Store: https://lnkd.in/g_XwrMcF #Factor #GenerativeAI #AIResearch #ArtificialIntelligence #DaswinDeSilva #Innovation #HigherOrderThinking

In the face of limited resources, how do IT leaders continue to innovate and lead effectively? The pressure to adapt and perform remains high. Are your strategies ready to meet evolving demands? Get expert insights and strategies from Factor’s latest research, now on the Factor App: Apple Store: https://lnkd.in/guFbnpSy Google Store: https://lnkd.in/g_XwrMcF #Factor #ITLeadership #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation #TechChallenges

Are we ready for the challenges and opportunities AI presents? Babak Abedin, Acting Head of Department of Actuarial Studies and Business Analytics at Macquarie University, joined us on the Common Factor Series to highlight the immense dependence AI systems have on data and the risks associated with their growth. With AI rapidly advancing, organisations face critical questions about data usage, personal privacy, and the role of humans in a tech-driven future. Babak emphasises the urgent need for widespread AI literacy—from early education to corporate and political leadership—to ensure informed decisions guide our path forward. Explore these thought-provoking insights and more. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/g5hm3xgP Want exclusive insights? Join the Factor community today. Apple Store: https://lnkd.in/guFbnpSy Google Store: https://lnkd.in/g_XwrMcF #Factor #ArtificialIntelligence #TechLeadership #AIethics #BabakAbedin #FutureTech