Tarrnie Williams

Date: May 10, 2017

Name: GradusTalks – Pathway to Tech

Presenters: Kraig Docherty, Sarah Veness, Laura Crawford, Tarrnie Williams, and Haidee Kongpreecha

Tech industry is facing a shortage of skilled entrepreneurs; moreover, successful young entrepreneurs are witnessing a good timing to transition themselves into this industry. GradusOne produces GradusTalks events to help young entrepreneurs get closer to their business goals. GradusTalks invites the tech panel to discuss their perspective on the current tech industry. In this presentation, the tech panel will share their unique experience on how to build the necessary skills in their industries. Furthermore, young entrepreneurs will learn their insight and apply to their pathway to tech.

The moderator for this presentation is Kraig Docherty, the Director of Talent Programs from BC Tech. The Tech panel includes Sarah Veness, the Web Developer from Omnifilm Entertainment, Laura Crawford, the senior manager from Mobify, Tarrnie Williams, the CEO of Blueprint Reality, and Haidee Kongpreecha, the Content Marketing Strategist from RED academy.

Keynote from Kraig Docherty

The current ecosystem in Vancouver is elevating the game of tech. There is a shift coming to tech industry. Many young entrepreneurs are looking for opportunities; in addition, tech industry is bringing back the key players to Vancouver.

Docherty believes the tech industry is facing 3 major challenges. First, there is a growing talent deficit. Local companies are required to access talents. The opportunities in tech are rising, but these positions are not filling. Entrepreneurs need to change rule of the game. There will be more graduates who are stepping into tech industry, yet they are competing with existing seniors. Based on statistic, 45% of workface only 10% are in tech sector. Eventually, entrepreneurs will see a shift in the tech industry.

The remaining 2 challenges are compensation level and work drain. BC Government has renewed their BC Tech strategy to help young entrepreneurs. This includes investing in post-secondary capacity, doubling co-op and work integrated learning, and supporting Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality development. BC Government looks for improvement, education, and support in tech industry.

The Tech panel discussion

The question of gender difference in tech industry is raised. Williams believes balance board equals to balance result. Opportunities exist anywhere. In tech, interest plays a bigger role in the industry. Kongpreecha believes passion is the key. Crawford believes networking is essential. Veness starts to see change mindset for young kids in school. Traditionally, school was lacking encouragement. Now, the tech industry is starting to see balance opportunities for everyone. Success cannot be measured by gender; in fact, different perspectives are the key to success.

For young entrepreneurs who want to work in tech industry but no tech skill can be challenging. Veness shares that she always had the interest before she worked in tech industry. With no tech background, she went to many meetups, seminars, and information workshops. She finally took the initiative to enroll herself into a tech course. Crawford had a similar experience. She was following a non-conventional path in her career, but she decided not to become a teacher. She enjoyed the interactions, talking and meeting. One day, she took the risk and stepped into the tech industry. The learning curve was steep, but the opportunity was worth it. Crawford advices young entrepreneurs to be vulnerable and honest.

“Become a sponge first, the hours I put in will pay off”

Williams suggests young entrepreneurs need to look inside themselves and ask why. They need to discover their own values. It is worth the time to think about the passion. Tech is everywhere because everything involves in tech. Kongpreecha does not feel she works in tech industry because she knows tech is everywhere. Young entrepreneurs need to go out and find the right people. They will realize tech industry is not just one industry; in fact, it is a part of everything.

Crawford believes the best way to know about corporate culture is to have informational interview. Networking on LinkedIn is another alternative. The key is that if young entrepreneurs do not ask, they will never know. In Blueprint Reality, Williams hire most employees through referrals. Williams suggests young entrepreneurs to network people who are in that company in their company events. They need to do research, such as following social media. Young entrepreneurs will be surprise how many people are willing to help out.

Kongpreecha believes soft skill is essential in tech industry. This includes good personality, work ethic and continuous learning. Young entrepreneurs need to look beyond technical skills. Team work is important according to Williams, and be resilient is key for Crawford. The ability to say “I don’t know” is significant from Veness. The willing to learn is important. Young entrepreneurs should never be afraid to have human connection. It narrows down to two major questions.

1. How badly do you want it?
2. How do you interact?

Veness mentions she loves teaching. Mentorship is a way to help people get motivated. Kongpreecha believes there are many opportunities to guide, especially in soft skills. Docherty was Crawford’s mentor. She had the pleasure to talk to Docherty outside of work. He offered her new perspective that leads to her success. Williams has been a mentor more than mentee. Overall, experience can be passed on and young entrepreneurs are encouraged to share. Being a mentor can learn a lot about themselves.

Comparing with other cities, tech industry in Vancouver has great ecosystem, great diversity, and great inclusive. However, there is limited funding. This means there is noth enough investors in tech who are willing to invest companies to become the next billion dollar enterprise. There is not enough exits in Vancouver. Williams shares when there is limited amount of funding, competitors from other cities will pivot and move on. Vancouver is still not close enough comparing with other cities. Veness advices young entrepreneurs that they should not assume fast pace as the next tech idea. Great idea is great, but great delivery is even greater. In Vancouver, companies tend not to see others as competition because resources are shared. Collaboration leads to better result.

Crawford believes the biggest challenge is the value alignment. Many young entrepreneurs come from different backgrounds. It is important to bring something different to the table. Kongpreecha believes manage expectation can a challenge. Communication must be clear.

Williams believes Virtual Reality will rise. There are many VR events in Vancouver, and many people have the passion to build something from VR. It will change everything. Other than VR, Fintech, Clean Tech, gaming and e-commerce are also booming. Eventually, all companies will become tech companies in future. Kongpreecha looks at it as a bucket of skills, which is digital development, digital marketing, digital design and soft skills. These skills are not just only for tech industry. They are important for all kinds of industries. Any traditional marketing will insert technology aspects.

To prepare for tech industry, it is important to reach out to people for training. Mindset is extremely important. Change can be rapid, support is the key, and focus on experience.

“Interest in tech? ask them to pitch you”