Melissa Crawford
Director, Tech with Heart

Melissa Crawford is a leading Expert in the Future of work. With a rare skillset crossing both people and technology.
 
Her career to date has included senior HR Strategy roles across NZ's largest organisations crossing a variety of industries including Tech, Airline, Banking, FMCG, Retail, Education and Energy. Melissa has two technology degrees and loves being at the leading edge including becoming NZ’s first Certified Metaverse Expert and a member of the World Metaverse Council. Melissa is also passionate about People and organisational Psychology and caring for the heart of people. Melissa was listed on the 2023 HRD Hotlist, was the winner of the HRNZ Leadership Award and the overall Winner of HRNZ HR Person of the Year 2022.
 
Melissa is the Director of Tech with Heart. Her passion is sharing her knowledge with Learning curious people and working on projects to help shape a better future.

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Emerging Technology and Digital Psychology Behaviours shaping the future of work
 
The two questions I get asked the most are ‘Will robots steal my job’ or ‘Will AI steal my job’. Inevitably the answer is mostly no, but will it radically change or shape it? The answer is mostly yes. That’s why it so important to understand what’s coming from a technology perspective and also take a careful look at the human component of this transition.  The future is coming and the best way to be ready for it is to understand it and keep current with this fast-changing landscape.
 
This presentation will discuss some current and emerging technologies and the implications they may have as well as taking a deep dive into the impact technology has had on our communication.
 
In our current world of work the majority of our business communication is now digital (email, text, comms channels, mobile ph, online meetings, social media platforms). However, people have not been armed with enough information to understand the impact of this transition and its unintended consequences. This session will outline the subtle elements of digital communications and the developing norms on business culture. Looking at the impact its currently having on burnout, trust, productivity, connection, and psychological safety.