To provide practical approaches to staying updated with recent tech developments, we asked tech leaders this crucial question. Eight professionals, including founders and executives, shared their strategies, ranging from making learning a daily habit to forming a dedicated tech-research team. Dive into these insights to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

• Make Learning a Daily Habit
• Adopt a Multifaceted Approach
• Have Fun with New Developments
• Engage with the Tech Community
• Commit to Continuous Learning
• Set Up Google Alerts
• Dedicate Weekly Time for Tech Updates
• Form a Dedicated Tech-Research Team

Make Learning a Daily Habit

As a tech leader, I make learning a daily habit, not just a one-off activity. I subscribe to industry publications and podcasts to stay current on technology trends. I block time on my calendar to read and reflect each morning. I seek out opportunities like conferences, trade events, and meetups to connect with peers and colleagues driving innovation. 

Within my company, I encourage lunch-and-learns, hackathons, and workshops to cultivate a culture of continuous growth. I leverage social media to expand my network and gain different perspectives. Keeping an open, curious mindset is key; learning must permeate all aspects of life and work. The technology landscape evolves rapidly, so knowledge-building is an ongoing lifestyle, not a one-time event.

Ankit Prakash, Founder, Sprout24

Adopt a Multifaceted Approach

To remain updated with recent technology developments, I encourage a multifaceted approach. Actively engaging with thought leaders and industry experts through networking events, webinars, and roundtable discussions is suggested. These interactions provide valuable insights into emerging trends and technologies. Additionally, panel discussions and roundtables often feature engaging debates with industry leaders, which can give different perspectives on technology developments.

For software engineers, monitoring new version updates of the software you work with and exploring relevant engineering books is advised to help stay ahead of the curve.

Kishan Patel, Head of Blockchain and Digital Assets Recruitment, EC1 Partners

Have Fun with New Developments

Tech leaders should never be afraid to have fun with new developments. Just because I work in the sector doesn’t mean I need to remain staid about fresh technology.

One great example is ChatGPT. When the AI software was launched, people all over the world were coming up with ways to utilize it for humor. A Shakespearean drama about dog food? Yes, please.

Of course, I thought of ways to implement the new technology in my business, but that didn’t prevent me from sitting down with my kids and having fun with it. Playing breeds familiarity, so tech leaders should never limit themselves to practical uses only.

Rob Reeves, CEO and President, Redfish Technology

Engage with the Tech Community

One practical approach I’ve adopted to stay updated with recent tech developments is to regularly follow reputable tech news websites, subscribe to newsletters, and participate in online tech communities and forums. This helps me keep a pulse on the latest trends, innovations, and discussions within the tech industry. 

Additionally, attending tech conferences, webinars, and workshops provides valuable insights and networking opportunities. By staying engaged with the tech community both online and offline, I can stay informed about emerging technologies and industry shifts, enabling me to make informed decisions and guide my team effectively.

Jay Toy, General Manager, 88stacks

Commit to Continuous Learning

As a tech leader, one practical approach I’ve adopted to stay abreast of recent tech developments is continuous learning. This involves dedicating a portion of my daily schedule to reading tech blogs, listening to podcasts, and participating in online forums where the latest advancements in technology are discussed. 

This habit not only keeps me informed about the current state of technology but also stimulates my critical thinking skills, encouraging innovative solutions to technological problems. The world of technology is fast-paced and ever-evolving; hence, consistent self-education is crucial for staying up-to-date and relevant.

Michael Lazar, Executive, ReadyCloud

Set Up Google Alerts 

One practical approach to staying updated with recent tech developments is by setting up Google Alerts for specific tech keywords. This way, real-time updates and articles are received straight to the inbox. This keeps one informed about the latest advancements and trends in the tech industry. It’s a simple, passive way to stay updated without having to actively search for information.

Lukasz Zelezny, SEO Consultant, SEO Consultant London

Dedicate Weekly Time for Tech Updates

Setting time aside to catch up with everything every week is crucial. Consistency is key, so I make sure that I always spend some amount of time purely on catching up and getting acquainted with everything that’s going on, operations-wise. Knowing what’s going on, even if only just in a broad sense, means I’m never caught unaware and I always know how to respond.

Shaun Gozo-Hill, Director, 2Game

Form a Dedicated Tech-Research Team

Tech leaders recognize the importance of staying updated with recent developments. One practical approach is forming a dedicated tech-research team within the organization. This team’s role is to continuously monitor emerging technologies, assess their relevance to the company, and provide regular reports to leadership. 

By delegating this responsibility, tech leaders ensure that someone is constantly scanning the horizon for innovations. It allows leaders to focus on strategy while remaining informed about tech trends that can impact their industry. This approach enables agile adaptation to new tech, keeping the organization at the forefront of innovation.

Viraj Lele, Industrial Engineer, DHL Supply Chain