Google Australia and New Zealand Vice President and Managing Director Melanie Silva joined business and community leaders in Brisbane today for a wideranging conversation about the future of technology and the skills organisations will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Speaking with journalist and broadcaster Ellen Fanning at the QUT Business Leaders' Forum, Ms Silva reflected on the rapid pace of technological change and the growing influence of artificial intelligence across Australian industries.
She explored the role of digital capability in future business competitiveness, the skills needed to lead through disruption and how to accelerate growth in a digital world.
Tracking her career from the early days of Web 1.0 through to leading teams across the AsiaPacific region and her current role at Google, Ms Silva also outlined the principles that shaped her career and ability to navigate complex environments.
Drawing on this experience, she outlined the difference between simple technology adoption and true strategic innovation.
"The real interesting conversations, and the real unlock, happens when you don't just bolt tools on top of existing workflows and systems," she said.
"The real unlock happens when you say in a business context: 'What is the workflow between a customer and the cash register? And let's radically rethink what needs to happen, and where can this technology transform that entire piece?'"
She also noted the attributes that she looks for in teams.
"I don't want my people formatting fonts and adjusting slides. I want them doing the thinking. Machines are good at doing things that we find hard, but humans excel at creativity, problem-solving, and cognitive clarity," she said.
The conversation considered how emerging technologies are reshaping workplaces and creating new opportunities for innovation, while also prompting important questions about culture, capability and the human side of transformation.
QUT Provost Professor Robina Xavier said the forum underscored the value of hearing directly from leaders who were shaping the future of business and technology.
"As educators, identifying and nurturing talent is something we take very seriously," Professor Xavier said.
"Ms Silva's reflections on leadership, adaptability and lifelong learning reinforce the importance of embracing opportunities when they arise and remaining open to new experiences.
"As a university, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills and mindset they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world."
The event is part of the QUT Business Leaders' Forum series, which brings prominent national and international leaders to Brisbane to share insights on the trends shaping Australia's economic and social landscape.
QUT and the State Library of Queensland invite Brisbane's business community to witness the induction of six business icons into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame on Thursday 23 July at the BCEC.
Main photo (left to right): Professor Robina Xavier, Professor Sharon Christensen, Melanie Silva, Dr David Moffatt, Adjunct Professor Susan Rix
