At NashTech, we’ve always believed that progress in tech doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s built through shared experiences, honest conversations, and strong partnerships. That’s exactly why we chose to sponsor and speak at the Freeman Clarke Tech Leaders Connect Expo this October.
The event brought together CIOs and CTOs from across the region to explore the evolving landscape of digital transformation, leadership, and the growing influence of AI in smarter software decisions.
We were proud to join speakers like Olly Rees, Head of AI and Innovation at Digi2al, and Sharon Prior, Founder of Inovio, whose sessions offered fresh perspectives on navigating complexity and leading with purpose. Our own Chris Weston, Senior Technology Consultant at NashTech, shared a talk that questioned long-standing assumptions in enterprise IT—particularly around the “buy vs build” debate—and encouraged leaders to rethink how decisions are made in the age of AI.
For us, it wasn’t just about presenting ideas—it was about listening, learning, and contributing to a community that’s always striving to do better. Because at the heart of every transformation is a human story, and we’re here to help shape it.
Drawing from Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception, Olly Rees encouraged attendees to get as close as possible to the problem space, while accepting that full understanding may never be achievable. His message was clear:
This human-centred approach sets the tone for meaningful transformation, where empathy and openness are as critical as technical skill.
Sharon Prior reframed digital transformation as a journey from survival to success, emphasising that:
She urged CIOs to ask themselves: “What outcomes are you creating that matter?”
Chris Weston’s presentation re-examined some ‘conventional wisdom’ around off-the-shelf software and new build, in the context of 2025 technology and practices. He highlighted three uncomfortable truths:
Weston’s call to action: audit your stickiest systems, run build feasibility studies with modern assumptions, and review partner contracts to ensure you're buying capability—not just capacity.
Across all sessions, a recurring theme emerged: technology is a tool, not the goal. Successful transformation is fundamentally human:
As Prior stated: “AI isn’t going to replace people’s jobs. AI is going to augment people’s jobs.” And perhaps most importantly: “Don’t start with the solution. Start with the problem.”
The Tech Leaders Connect Expo reminded us that the future of technology is not just about smarter systems—it’s about smarter decisions, deeper empathy, and more courageous leadership. Whether you're rethinking your software strategy or leading a transformation initiative, the message is clear: challenge assumptions, embrace complexity, and put people at the heart of every decision.