Monday, August 25, 2014

Reflections on Gender Bias and Gendercide

In 1995, I graduated from the University of Evansville with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.  Less than 10% of my graduating class was female.  “The presence of women in fields of science, technology and innovation remains significantly lower than for men, even in some of the world’s wealthiest regions, according to new research” from Susan Elan (2012).  

At the time, I was pretty naïve and believed that technical skill and acumen would set me apart, allowing me to be judged not based on my gender but my merit.  In a research study by Yale, scientists were “presented with application materials from a student applying for a lab manager position and who intended to go on to graduate school.  Half the scientists were given the application with a male name attached, and half were given the exact same application with a female name attached. Results found that the ‘female’ applicants were rated significantly lower than the ‘males’ in competence, hire-abilty, and whether the scientist would be willing to mentor the student” (Yurkiewcz, 2012).

Even when confronted with reams of data and the undeniable reality of gender bias on a daily basis, I still feel squeamish. Perhaps, we just aren’t building the right relationships?  Or, we aren’t cultivating the right skill sets?  Maybe, women are just intrinsically wired differently and thus unable to lead at the executive level?  One day, I hear women being told they are too aggressive and the next that they need to speak up more.  The messages are often mixed, extremely confusing and not at all helpful to steering our course.

Ben Waber’s data analytics firm, Sociometric Solutions, performed a study at a large call center using biometric sensors and email analysis.  He stated that “No differences in workplace performance or collaborative styles were observed at the company to support the idea that men and women perform or interact differently.  Nonetheless, women were disadvantaged when it came to winning promotions and reaching the upper echelons of management” (2014).  The study clearly shows that style is not a factor in disenfranchising women from key management positions.

 Unfortunately, many females are never even allowed an opportunity to contribute to society at large, aborted by their parents before they are full term.   According to a March 2012 issue of The Economist, there are three factors impacting this phenomenon: “the ancient preference for sons; a modern desire for small families; and ultrasound scanning and other technologies that identify the sex of a fetus.”  I can only assume that motivated reasoning is part of the issue in perpetuating gender stereotypes and thus devaluing women.  Research indicates that many people “respond to scientific or technical evidence in ways that justify their preexisting beliefs” (Mooney, 2011).   Additionally, individuals in countries with stronger religious influences that hold men in higher regard may use social desirability to style their beliefs in a manner that is more consistent with the  population at large. 

Common sense would seem to say that terminating pregnancy or limiting promotions based on gender is not positive for society as a whole, decreasing the diversity of thought and innovation.  In fact, studies show that organizations that have women in leadership positions do perform better.  “Encouraging gender diversity in your leadership pool means greater diversity of thought, which in turn, leads to improved problem solving and greater business benefits” (Cole).  “Organizations in the top 20 percent of financial performance counted 37 percent of their leaders as women” (Cole).

The evidence inexplicitly shows that there is a prevailing, negative bias for females in pretty much all parts of the world.  Even in developed countries, women represent a small percentage of leadership.  Beyond this, research indicates that countries and businesses that include the female contingent perform better.  As such, “…all countries need to raise the value of girls.  They should encourage female education; abolish laws and customs that prevent daughters from inheriting property; make examples of hospitals and clinics with impossible sex ratios; get women engaged in public life…” (The Economist, 2012).

  In particular, women need to value other women, promoting each other and countering motivated reasoning and social desirability. It is only by recognizing these limitations within our self that we can learn confidence and self-reliance.  It is paramount that women in my generation provide role models for others, both men and women.  We must believe in ourselves and not allow widespread bias to limit our desire and aspiration for success. The more we trust in ourselves and our fellow females, the more we demonstrate not just our value but our significance.  There are many challenges facing the modern world and we can only find meaningful solutions when everyone is involved, engaged and collaborative.

Christine 

References

(4-March-2014). Gendercide: The War on Baby Girls in The Economist.

Cole, Samantha (nd). Why The Most Successful Organizations Have Women and Millennials in Charge in The Future of Work.

Elan, Susan (1-October-2012).  Study: Women Encounter Inequality in Science & Technology Fields) in National Assessments and Benchmarking of Gender, Science, Technology and Innovation.
 
Mooney, Chris (18-April-2011). The Science of Why We don’t Believe in Science in Mother Jones.

Waber, Ben (30-January-2014). What Data Analytics Says About Gender Inequality in the Workplace. In Bloomberg BusinessWeek.

Yurkiewicz, Ilana (23-September-2012). Study Shows Gender Bias in Science is Real.  Here’s Why it Matters in Scientific American.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

VUCA and Generation Y

As I considered the many topics from Dr. Nat Irving's "Managing in the Future", one stood out to me; technology changes, as do attitudes, opinions and norms.  Nowhere is this more evident than in the motivations that I see in my own children.  Deborah Zabarenko describes the reluctance of many in Generation Y to learn how to drive a car, a phenomenon that I have personally witnessed with my oldest, Kendall, and most of his friends.    He would not agree to complete an online driving class, necessary for obtaining his learners permit, until 9 months after he turned fifteen.  Even then, I had to push him to complete the lessons and nearly drag him to the license branch.   Generation Y includes an increasing number of people for whom driving is less an American rite of passage than an unnecessary chore” (Zabarenko, 2012). 



 While we talk a lot of applying the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) model to management, I believe the example above demonstrates its criticality in our personal lives as well.  I’m a better parent because I work to understand how my children and their friends perceive and interact with their environment;  this may account for the large number of teens which tend to be at my home on any given weekend.    Yes, my house is not as clean and my pantry is lighter as a result, but I really wouldn’t change it.



Christine





Zabarenko, Deborah (1-July-2012). For Generation Y, Learning to Drive is No Longer a Rite of Passage in Reuters accessed on 23-August-2014, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/02/generation-y-learning-to-drive_n_1641117.html.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatility,_uncertainty,_complexity_and_ambiguity

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is any service or tool which can help an older person or a person with a disability perform activities that might otherwise be difficult if not impossible” (Facts: Assistive Technology). Such technologies include walkers, magnifying glasses, wheel chairs, and scooters. Based on the definition, it would appear that assistive technology is not a new conceptive.   Nevertheless, it is critical to many seniors, allowing independent living and avoidance of long-term nursing or home-health care. 



When we examining longevity in conjunction with the contemporary American lifestyle is it any wonder we are living longer?  We have clean, bacteria free water supplies in our homes, eliminating the need to seek or transport water.  We have modern waste treatment, allowing us to dispose of both excrement and landfill refuse.  Stable, predictable power supplies permit refrigeration, limiting food spoilage, and air-conditioning, preventing heat related health issues.


Assistive technologies abound and are enabling longer, healthier, more self-sufficient aging. It is often easy to become excited by unprecedented medical breakthroughs such as genome mapping and stem cell research.  However, it is actually the small, seemingly insignificant adaptations that often provide the greatest value. Consider the introduction of the first eyeglasses in Italy at around 1286 (Wikipedia).  How many discoveries or inventions would have been lost or delayed without the introduction of this assistive technology?


Christine
 
Facts: Assistive Technology.  Administration on Aging accessed on 22-August-2014, http://www.aoa.gov/aoaroot/Press_Room/Products_Materials/fact/pdf/Assistive_Technology.pdf.

Glasses.  Wikipedia accessed on 22-August-2014, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasses.


 

Technology Enables Exploration


Today, while traveling to Louisville to complete our MBA Capstone presentation, my colleague and I encountered a parking lot on the interstate; traffic was backed up as far as the eye could see.  Immediately, we decided to exit and take our chances on the back roads.  This adventure was completely dependent upon the advanced technology available through our cell phones.


 In 1996, I utilized my first GPS mapping system.  It included a wired sensor that I placed on top of the vehicle and the use of a very large laptop. It was intermittent at best and simply showed my route.  Modern GPS applications, common in all smart phones, provide search capabilities, multiple route selection and time to destination. 


Mobile mapping applications allow young and old to explore areas beyond the well-traveled interstate.  If embraced, I believe this is a throwback to a bye gone era, allowing exploration of the heartland.  This morning, we observed some beautiful topography and rich flora.  The winding roads and rich texture of Americana is best witnessed first-hand and technology provides a means of exploration without cumbersome and often confusing paper maps.  Through the use of technology, young and old alike can discover hidden gems in neighboring communities, bring variation to their commute or simply choose to take a different path.

Social Media Narrows Generational Gap


According to a Pew internet study, “nearly two-thirds of 50-64 year olds and 43% of those aged 65+ are now on Facebook” (2013). Personally, I love the connectivity and have found that I’m much more apt to communicate regularly with my aunts, uncles and cousins who are connected.  We regularly exchange pictures, follow each other’s adventures and comment on both the mundane and extra-ordinary. 


 At a recent family reunion, the questions were not about how much fun I had on vacation but rather details about various pictures, meals and activities. “How was Xplore? Was the trip to Tulum worth it? The food looked fabulous but how was the variety at the resort?”  It was surprising to me how much my great aunts and uncles knew about my life and my children. 
 
Undoubtedly, this is a positive benefit of modern connectivity.  Not only does it encourage multi-generational engagement but can genuinely help interested parties stay connected in ways not imagined 20 years ago.  Isn’t it amazing that I know when my mother’s second cousin is visiting and can choose to meet up with the extended family for a cocktail? While social media brings many challenges due to misguided or too personal posts, it can, also, build bridges between the young, the old and the distant.

Christine


 (6-August-2013).  More Elderly People Using Social Media, but Many Don’t Know What They are Doing in Daily News.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Challenge Complete ~ I'm not scared! ;)

Just a quick post to let everyone know that I completed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge tht was issued by my good buddy Ken May. Matt Rettinger was disapointed by the lack of Warrant playing in the background but perhaps we can accomodate his request next time.

I challenge my brother, Bryan Memmber, and my best girlfriend, Emily Millsap. I'm anxious to see if they donate, pour the bucket or do both. Hmm....

I must say that the family enjoyed drowing me way to much! Brats!

Really glad to see the awareness this social media craze has spurned. Life expectancy post diagnosis is only 2-5 years. More people need to be engaged in the fight to find a cure and prevention.

Challenge someone today to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!

http://www.alsa.org/fight-als/ice-bucket-challenge.html




Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Leveraging Technoloy to Support Youth

We talk a lot about how technology potentially harms children due to an inordinate amount of TV time, competitions on ultra-violent video games, inappropriate social media postings, inadequate interpersonal development, cyber bullying and virtual reality stranger danger. In contrast, today I leveraged technology to help my children; I registered for my sons’ online grade book. Not only can I monitor their homework submittals and test averages, but I can sign up for automatic email notifications for unexcused absences and automatic grade notifications based on user defined settings; I opted in for a weekly grade report and notifications for any grade which falls below 85. 



Some might call this helicopter parenting but I disagree. Knowledge is power and online grade books give parents a measure of insight into their children’s educational requirements. Today’s lessons are fast paced and in-depth; small missteps decrease opportunities for post-secondary education. Not utilizing available technology would seem short sighted and ineffective. Technology promotes productivity and utilizing online tools to monitor and course correct a child’s educational progress seems like a great fit.
   

Christine

Monday, August 18, 2014

Social Networking Benefits Not for Profits

I guess the last laugh is on me today. Earlier, I very much enjoyed videoing my children dumping a large bucket of ice water on my hubby in support of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. As I laughed at his chills, I reminded him that it was a really great cause. “The challenge requires participants to take the plunge within 24 hours of being ‘nominated’ or donate $100…” (Herbert, 2014). ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease attacks nerve cells and leads to paralysis.



Fueled through celebrity participation on social media, “The national ALS Association said it's received $7.6 million between July 29 and August 14, up from $1.4 million over the same period last year” (Herbert, 2014). Incidence of ALS increases with age but there are no proven genetic or environmental pre-cursors and only 1 FDA approved treatment. Life expectancy of ALS patients is 2 to 5 years.



The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, clearly, demonstrates the power of social networking to increase awareness and provide a platform for charitable giving. I have, personally, enjoyed the loud shrieks and shocked faces of my friends who have accepted the challenge. However, I’m not looking forward to reciprocating tomorrow afternoon; I was challenged today via Facebook. Peer pressure necessitates that I accept the physical challenge in addition to making a donation. I’m sure to spend the remainder of the evening painstakingly agonizing over who I will challenge tomorrow.



Christine



Herbert, Geoff (August 2014). Who started the Ice Bucket Challenge? ALS Association's viral fundraiser has NY roots. Accessed 14-August-2014: http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/08/als_ice_bucket_challenges_start_new_york.html

http://www.alsa.org/about-als/who-gets-als.html

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Artificial Intelligence to Offset Rapid Population Aging

Today, the average woman in the world bears half as many children as did her counterpart in 1972. No industrialized country still produces enough children to sustain its population over time or to prevent rapid population aging” (Longman, 2004). As citizens move to more urban lifestyles, there is little economic reward for having children. While raising children is costly, the elder actually consume more and thus create an unsustainable imbalance, draining a nation’s wealth due to increased healthcare costs. Economic growth with falling work forces can only occur if productivity increases (Longman).


Artificial intelligence would seem to be a good fit for this complex issue. First, web based healthcare models can dramatically lower the costs associated with preventive and diagnostic care. Does gramps really need to trek into a crowded, germ filled doctor’s office for a check up on his high blood pressure? Not if his WebMD interface includes biometric monitors, comprehensive analysis and diagnosis algorithms. Secondly, nations which embrace AI to replace less complex or repetitive tasks will increase their productivity, thereby minimizing their GDP loss. Perhaps a virtual or robotic bellboy will check you into your hotel the next time you are on vacation. Or, an interactive, virtual assistance will schedule your business meetings & travel itineraries. All systems have a natural balance; perhaps creation of artificial intelligence is the offset needed to counter decreased births.


Christine



Longman, Phillip (May/June 2004). The Global Baby Bust. Foreign Affairs. Accessed 15-August-2014: http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/59894/phillip-longman/the-global-baby-bust







Mom Creates App to "Motivate" Her Children

One of the pivotal differences between my own generation and that of my parents is that my children were given cell phones at an early age. As they’ve tested their adolescent independence, they’ve had a lifeline to their parents. They can text us or call us to check in or ask us for permission to participate in various activities. While it sounds great on paper, I’ve found reality is often much different. “You need to answer you cell phone!” is a common mantra in my house. I’ve found they love the convenience of being able to contact me when they want or need something but often ignore my communications to them. It was delightful to have my frustration validated by other moms (my kids are normal) but none of us had a truly effective solution to the problem.


Enter “Ignore No more!” Created by Sharon Standifird, “Ignore No more is a parental control app that helps solve the problem of defiant children ignoring their parent’s repeated phone calls and text messages” (Bland, 2014). Sharon has creatively leveraged technology to provide novel consequences for ignoring mom’s messages, the phone can be locked remotely and kids can only dial 911 or mom for a passcode to unlock. Taking the phone from the child as punishment has always seemed counterproductive so I love this solution. Way to go Sharon!




Christine



Bland, M. (August 2014). Fed-Up Mom Creates App that Shuts Her Kid’s Phone Off if He Ignores Her Calls. Accessed 16-August-2014: www.mommish.com


Friday, August 15, 2014

Technology Helps Seniors to Age in Place

I learned a new term this week, aging in place, a concept that keeps the elderly in their homes longer. With life expectancy increasing, models of this nature are vital; people are more apt to live healthy, content lives in the comfort of their own home versus institutionalized nursing homes. Unfortunately, mobility decreases as we age. “Falling is the leading cause of death by injury in those aged 65 and older, with 1 in 3 seniors falling each year” (Wang, 2014).



Scientists are looking at an array of products to detect falls, including radar and 3-D sensors used in gaming systems similar to the X-box (Wang). For most, the goal is to unobtrusively provide sensing for falls or other catastrophic incidences such as heart attack and stroke.


I support the notion that necessity is the mother of all invention. In this case, a colleague at work has been using small, relatively standard video cameras in conjunction with a laptop to stay connected to his elderly father in New York. He “checks” in on his day virtually several times a day. This allows dad to stay at home where he is comfortable and son to further his career half way across the country. Isn’t technology a great thing??



Christine



Wang, S. (June 2014) New Technologies to Help Seniors Age in Place. Accessed 15-August-2014: http://online.wsj.com/articles/new-technologies-to-help-seniors-age-in-place-1401749932

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Digital Content Lives Forever

In “The New Digital Age” by Schmidt and Cohen, they contend that in the future, “Everything an individual shares before the age of eighteen might then become unusable, sealed and not for public disclosure on pain of fines or even prison” (2013, 67). Looking at my own children and their associates, I have to wonder if the future should be now. I have witnessed several postings that I believe were questionable in nature, demeaning another person or publishing unflattering photographs.


While technology offers many positive benefits to youth in terms of increased educational models and global connectivity, there is a clear lack of understanding that digital contents lives forever. “Since information wants to be free, don’t write anything down you don’t want read back to you in court or printed on the front page of a newspaper” (Schmidt and Cohen, 2013, 56).


In the short term, the best solution seems to be diligently policing children’s digital profiles, providing guidance and corrections for unfavorable or less than complimentary social media postings. Also, frank discussions about cyber-bullying and utilization of privacy tools are in order. Until laws are implemented, which protect our children from the missteps of their youth, only individual action and persistence will prevent carelessness from wreaking havoc on their future.



Christine




Schmidt, J., & Cohen, J. (2013). Our Future Selves. In The new digital age: Reshaping the future of people, nations and business. New York: Vintage Books

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Lack of Women in STEM

Today, I had dinner with a great friend, who relocated to the greater Chicagoland area a few years ago. At 10 years my senior, she has provided great insight into corporate America and proved a good mentor, helping me navigate the many idiosyncrasies of a large, publicly traded company. She, often, re-iterates the struggles, she continues to face, as an intelligent, out-spoken female in the workforce. Ironically, at the start of my career, I thought that I was immune to any bias, believing my technical acumen would speak for itself and demonstrate my worth, as a key contributor to the organization. Our periodic pep talks re-energize me, validating and supporting my own opinions on women in business.


“The presence of women in the fields of science, technology and innovation remains significantly lower than for men, even in some of the world’s wealthiest regions…” (Elan, 2010). What is it that either drives women from or prevents them from ascending to positions of authority and consequence, even in the developed, seemingly, equality based countries of the world? My own experience tells me, it is not a lack of desire or experience; rather, it is a less than hospitable atmosphere. Our challenge, as emerging leaders, is to identify ways to leverage technology to shift the paradigm, not just embracing women, but cherishing, praising and capitalizing on their unique perspective and ideologies.



Christine

http://www.elsevier.com/connect/study-women-encounter-inequality-in-science-and-technology-fields

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

A Life without Technology?

Today is a special day for me; sixteen years ago, I welcomed my first son, Kendall. Given this momentous occasion, I thought it would be appropriate to take a look back, reminding myself of the scientific and technological innovations of the time. Notable introductions for 1998 were Tiger Electronics’ Furby, the 1st domestic robot, and Apple’s iMac. Other noteworthy happenings were the assembly of the 1st International Space Station modules, the 1st robotically assisted coronary artery bypass surgery and the incorporation of Google.



I could not have imagined, looking at Kendall, only a few hours old (with a full head of stick straight, standing on end hair) that as a teen, he would own a powerful, fully connected, personal computer which fits in the palm of his hand. I could not have predicted a world connected through the World Wide Web or that text messaging would replace the phone call, as the primary form of interpersonal communication. 



It’s easy to fear change, innovation and technological advances. It’s not unlike the trepidation of bringing a small, defenseless and, completely, dependent new being into the world. They become an integral part of our daily lives; we can’t imagine a world without them. I can’t fathom a world without Kendall; can you picture life without Google?



Christine





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_in_science

Monday, August 11, 2014

Students In the Future

Perhaps, technology can return us to what I can only imagine was a simpler time. I’m certain that school shopping 50 or 100 years ago was not nearly as stressful or exasperating as my most recent encounter with back to school supplies. Each teacher sends home an exacting list, detailing such extremes as a 1 ½” 3-ring binder with both front and rear, exterior, clear plastic pockets, college ruled, reinforced, loose leaf paper, and individual packs of 8 tab dividers. Seriously? What happened to the days of sending kids to school with a few pens, pencils and notebooks? Staples was a sea of haggard looking parents, searching for backpacks that pleased the teens without breaking the bank.



Surely, the back to school ritual will be easier for my children and grandchildren. I imagine they will simply need a single, tablet like device which will house all their course instruction, notes and study guides. They will complete all homework electronically and cease their contributions to the de-forestation of the Amazon. Their schedules and assignments will be accessible to parents, who will gladly utilize this new found information to avoid the dreaded “I forgot this project was due tomorrow” syndrome. Technology enablement promises to de-stress the back to school phenomenon in the developed world and holds the key to a more level playing field in the future, easing the disparity between the haves and the have-nots.


Christine

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Miniaturization Aids Daily Life

Today, we celebrated my eldest son’s sixteenth birthday. Young and old alike enjoyed the burgers, mac and cheese and Aunt Di’s made from scratch cheese cake. As little as 100 years ago, the notion of a party, encompassing four generations, would have seemed impossible. Technology, most notably miniaturization, aided in today’s celebration.
 

Due to her tether to oxygen, my grandmother is only able to attend family events because of her portable, re-chargeable O2 apparatus. Looking back, I’m not sure when this technology pervaded our landscape but it is not uncommon to see folks at malls, restaurants or grocery stores with small, purse size oxygen supplies. These devices offer a clear testament to how technology and innovation can improve the quality of human life.


No longer limited by the reach of flexible tubing, oxygen dependent patients are able to engage with family and friends and maintain their independence, shopping for groceries, attending doctor visits, and retaining social commitments. As our life expectancy increases, improvements of this nature will be critical to preserving both physical and mental health.


Christine

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Some Things are Better in Reality

Much to my chagrin, the concert crowd was older than expected with the median age in their early thirties. Perhaps, the greatest revelation was the rampant use of cell phones to record all aspects of the event. Some fans, literally, spent the better part of two hours with their faces eerily illuminated via LCD. Isn’t the point of a concert to relish the live performance? Upon further reflection, I noticed that most of these amateur videographers were young people, not the baby boomers or gen Xers in the crowd.


When I utilize this new found insight to ponder the seemingly inevitable convergence of humans, artificial intelligence and virtual reality, it becomes clear that the next generation will not be hampered by a feeling of loss at the lack of human and social interaction. Even when confronted with a loud, raucous opportunity to immerse in a cultural phenomenon, they chose to enjoy the spectacle through a digital medium. Is it any wonder that there are predictions of virtual vacations and digital sporting events? Why would they feel compelled to visit Rome or Paris? Do they have no need for the tactical, contextual experience? Virtual landscapes definitely have a place in improving our quality of life. However, I hope we don’t forget the beauty and unique attributes that can only be experience through reality.


Christine

Friday, August 8, 2014

Generational Insights are Not that Unique

If you are a fan of popular music in the western hemisphere, you have probably heard of Pitbull, a Miami sensation that has collaborated with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Christina Aguillera and Kesha (Wikipedia 2014). With a lively, Latin, flair, Pitbull has become a staple of hip-hop collaborations, hosting the 2013 American Music Awards and appearing at the 2014 World Cup. When I learned that he was performing at the Indianapolis State Fair, I knew that I had to play my “cool mom” card and get tickets for my teenagers. The evening promises to be enlightening. I’m confident that my children will be mortified to witness mom letting her hair down and having a good time.



I find it interesting that each generation believes that the one before was born “old, serious, out of touch” or just plain boring. My own youthful delusions of all knowing adulthood have long since vanished, replaced by the realization that life does not come with a road map. I hope that providing my children with brief glimpses into adulthood, reaffirming that all fun doesn’t vanish just because you have a job, a mortgage or children, help us bridge the generational communication barrier and bring us closer together as a family. At the end of the day, if we enjoy a few hours together without cell phones, TVs or gaming systems, it will be money and time well spent.



Christine



References
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitbull_(rapper)

Thursday, August 7, 2014

The Joy of Disconnecting

My family ventured over for dinner last night to celebrate my baby brother’s recent promotion. It was a rare treat to grill out, drink some wine, and catch up mid-week. More and more families are unable to enjoy events of this nature, as they scattered ever further in search of increased earnings, better education or a higher quality of life. For me, the greatest treat was enjoying the complete lack of technology. No cell phones. No computers. Not even a radio marred the relative tranquility of congenial conversation and good natured ribbing.


Over the last 18 months, since my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, we’ve made a concerted effort to plan these impromptu get togethers, family vacations and group dinners. Isn’t it a shame that it took a life threatening illness to force us to take action, abandoning cell phones and Facebook as our primary means of connection? I do still enjoy the pictures posted frequently of my nephew, as he embarks on some new mischief, but it is so much more meaningful when it’s live action. Sometimes, I think we allow technology too much room in our daily lives. Perhaps, we need to disconnect and enjoy being together. I, honestly, can’t say that I’ve created a life-long, enjoyable memory from Facebook but I have several from our recently family adventure in Mexico.



Christine

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Reflections on Human Micro Chipping

Implantation of microchips into humans for the purposes of tracking and identification was a class topic which I found myself mulling. Why did the idea make me uncomfortable? Why was my attitude not as gregarious and supportive as my peers? I believe my quandary lies in my ability to clearly see both the positive and negative benefits of this technology.




Applications within the medical community, quickly and efficiently archiving and accessing patient history, are quite impressive (Schmidt & Cohen, 2013). More sophisticated applications to monitor patient biometrics could prevent stroke or heart attack. Perhaps, they can even be used to monitor minute changes in blood chemistry to detect early signs of cancer. “The possibilities of thought-controlled motion…for prosthetic limbs are particularly exciting” (Schmidt & Cohen, 2013, 18). Beyond the medical community, convenience is a key benefit of human micro chipping, eliminating the need to carry social security cards, credit cards and cash. From a safety perspective, I clearly see that missing persons would be nearly eliminated with children and the elder tracked through their under skin devices. I can readily imagine a world in which I can easily move through the airport with just a swipe of my wrist and no need to carry passports, tickets or itineraries. “Centralizing the many moving parts of one’s life into an easy-to-use, almost intuitive system of information management and decision making will give our interactions with technology an effortless feel” (Schmidt & Cohen, 2013, 16).





And yet, I still question whether the benefits outweigh the risks. In the last year, we have seen an incredible amount of cyber security issues with credit card numbers stolen from Target retail stores and personal information, including email addresses and passwords, intercepted by the Heartbleed Bug. Beyond this, we saw one of the largest scandals in the history of the National Security Administration with un-warranted global surveillance of both private citizens and government officials. It is easy to envision a world where a would be thief scans my device as I run into the grocery, cleans out my bank account, runs up my credit cards and steals my social security number before I have reached the milk aisle. Is it unreasonable to think that hackers might maliciously modify criminal records just to wreak havoc on the developed world? How would you prove your innocence when all digital records clearly validate your guilt? Is it unthinkable that corporations might develop algorithms to predict future performance based on your movements throughout the day, including non-working hours?





While I support progress and development of new and improved technologies, I’m a huge proponent of caution. Allow both the human interface and the technology to develop, grow and nurture one another. Why do we need to rush off blindly thinking only of the positive and never of the risks or ramifications? Micro chipping humans can have multiple, positive implications for society including easier identification, better medical records and diagnostics, and increased mobility (Schmidt & Cohen, 2013).



Ironically, some of the benefits of the forecasted technological advances, particularly, for the use of prosthetic limbs, strike very close to home for me. An ultrasound only recently revealed that my soon to be born nephew is without a hand on his left side. Intellectually, I want to preach caution and accountability for risk. Personally, I want to rush into the unknown and provide ease of mobility and increased functionality. I don’t want to see him limited or singled out. Brown and Weiner’s assertion in Future Think: How to Think in a Time of Change that “When you design for the physically challenged, you design for everyone” is very prophetic (2005, page 13). It is not the development of the technology that troubles me but rather the usage.





I, whole heartedly, support technical advances, including micro chipping, which improve our quality of life. However, I believe it is my obligation and responsibility to hold governments, malicious individuals and singularly focused corporations accountable for misuse of this limitless data stream. In reality, it was not micro chipping that impacted my discomfort but rather a distrust of the institutions and people around me. Clearly, this is a bias that I must learn to recognize and overcome, allowing me to provide both support and opposition as warranted.





Christine






References

Brown, A., & Weiner, E. (2005). Looking Through Alien Eyes. In Future Think: How to think in a Time of Change.

Schmidt, J., & Cohen, J. (2013). Our Future Selves. In The new digital age: Reshaping the future of people, nations and business. New York: Vintage Books.

Life Expectancy Increases


The average life expectancy in 1854, the period detailed in Steven Johnson’s, The Ghost Map, was less than 45 years. Today, the average lifespan in the developed world is greater than 75 years and is predicted to rise over the next 20 years (Russell, 2014). At 41, I am, likely, smack dab in the middle of my life. Aging in the context of The Ghost Map is very much like an alien planet. I take for granted sanitary living conditions, clean water, abundant food, and a multitude of modern conveniences. With that said, I often wonder if the anxiety and stress that I experience is any less than my ancestors.


Surely, they are different as I struggle to balance work, children and leisure but the physical manifestation would seem similar. Ironically, the more I learn and experience, the less comfortable I am in the process of aging. I now add managing my own physical & mental health, planning for retirement, college for the kids, and caring for my parents into the bucket of every day worries. Beyond this, I ponder the plight of the world economy, fret over the continued deterioration of the environment, devote countless hours to staying abreast of the ever changing social-political climate and internalize guilt over “not doing enough” in any of the afore mentioned arenas. When will the time come between now and the end of my life that I don’t feel this constant pressure to do more, be more, or is this the reality of aging in the modern area?




Christine




References:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/davidjstokes/1850.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/davidjstokes/2000.htm

Russell, Kate (January 2014). Life expectancy gap widens to ‘shocking’ levels in London. Accessed 6-August-2014. http://metro.co.uk/2014/01/14/life-expectancy-gap-widens-to-shocking-levels-in-london-4262571/

Johnson, Steven (2006). The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic - and How it Changed Sceince, Cities, and the Modern World. New York: Riverhead Books.


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Technology Transcends Age

A few years ago, we vacationed in rural Costa Rica. The village homes were poorly constructed and without modern conveniences. But the children ran, laughed, and played. The adults grouped around meager porches and exchanged gossip. Everyone seemed happy, content and not at all ill at ease in their lacking of modern technology. After reading, “The New Digital Age,” by Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen, I decided that perhaps I should re-examine the apparent lack of progress. Sure enough, cell phones were rampant.


Having grown up in the developed world, I never really considered the many benefits of this seemingly innocuous technology. In fact, it allowed the shops to place orders, enabled us to communicate seamlessly with our B and B host, and supplemented the education received at the small, three room shack at the center of the village.


As in the US, this technology transcended age, gender and economic wealth; everyone, young and old, black and white, was carrying a phone. I think this is a great example of being blinded by my own bias. I’ve grown so accustomed to encountering cellular technology in developing countries that I’ve accepted it as a basic staple of life, discounting the many avenues it opens. As I age, I think this is a scenario that I will continuously have to ponder, challenging myself every day to see the wonder in the world around me.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Reflections on my MBA International Trip

Through the years, I’ve been very fortunate to travel abroad both professionally and personally.  I’ve developed a passion for exploring other countries’ culture, food and architecture, inspiring me to seek an ex-patriot assignment.  This was the largest motivator for obtaining my MBA at the University of Louisville.   Being able to combine both the education that I need to advance my career with an opportunity for international travel made the U of L Weekend MBA the perfect fit.   I selected the Korea-China trip because Asia is the fastest growing segment of Mead Johnson Nutrition’s portfolio.  Thus, it is the most likely candidate for an ex-pat assignment. 
A modern, thriving city, Seoul did not disappoint.   The varied topography, including large rivers, mountains and numerous parks and gardens, was quite lovely and provided a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the city and its numerous commuters.  Seoul was very multi-cultural and western friendly and I found it very easy to navigate.  The plethora of dining and entertainment options was almost over whelming at times.   Only the enclaves of traditional Asian architecture with their slate roofs and animal guardians called out that you were not in some flourishing, metropolitan US city.   Additionally, Koreans were very welcoming of Americans and I never felt uncomfortable or ill at ease.  Finding a sign or menu in English was quite easy and the people were very friendly and helpful. 
The three business visits in Korea revealed many similarities to the US.  As an example, the brand logos and visual brand language for both Nike and GM were identical to those promoted in the US.  All three businesses had multi-cultural staffs made up of not just native Koreans but also Americans and Hispanics. Nike controls manufacturing centrally, employing central management with regional influence, ensuring a globally consistent brand image.  GM leverages a global supply chain and international project platforms such as reduced carbon footprint and electric vehicle development.  The legal system is very similar and in fact many of the professionals at Kim & Chang were educated in the United States.  While there is some formality in business deals such introductions, the giving & receiving of gifts, and strict management hierarchies, these did not hinder communication or seem insurmountable.
With a per capita annual income of over $23K USD per person, the standard of living is improving, supported by free trade agreements with the US and EU.  With that said, I predict that Kim & Chang may have their position as Korea’s largest law firm challenged over the next decade as US firms start to open offices in Korea for the first time.  They will need to leverage their strong heritage and brand image in Korea in order to grow and remain competitive. 
Overall, I found Seoul to be a very welcoming city with both similar conveniences and many of the same headaches as any typical metropolitan US local including, many restaurants, heavy congestion, long commutes, sky-rocketing real-estate prices, etc…  It is only its close proximity to communist North Korea that makes it a less than ideal spot for an American ex-patriot.  The volatility and continued military action due to the conflict between North and South may hinder continued growth in the country. 
Our arrival in Beijing provided a very clear distinction from anything that I have witnessed in the US; pollution is a large and pressing problem in China’s capital city.  The scale of the city was mammoth and daunting at best as English was generally not provided.    Unlike Seoul and many US urban cities, there was not a plethora of city parks and natural habitat visible during our jaunts through the city.   However, the landscaping and floral decorations at many businesses and public sites were quite impressive.  Beijing provided the visual of a city in developing status with new, high-rise, high-gloss buildings positioned adjacent to small, dilapidated dwellings. 
While the historic architecture in the Forbidden City was stunning and the sheer magnitude of Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall were magnificent, I did not find Beijing to be as hospitable as either Seoul or a typical US metropolitan.  It was often difficult to communicate and finding signs or menus in English was not guaranteed.  Additionally, the service at restaurants and bars was atrocious and very frustrating.  Basic infrastructure that is often taken for granted in the US such as modern power distribution systems and clean water were lacking in many parts of Beijing. Beyond this, I found it disconcerting that so many people we encountered had never seen a Westerner and often took photos.  It felt very awkward and not at all welcoming.
However, the business visits in China revealed once again that many business concepts are universal and not country specific.  I found it very interesting that Oshkosh places such importance on corporate social responsibility, as this is a common theme in the US.   Additionally, Schneider Electric employed SAP, SIOP and Six Sigma, all programs that are seen in many US entities. 
In contrast, business dealings, especially events, dinners & press conferences, are very formal in China.  As an example, at a formal dinner, a typical seating arrangement for 12 would require a clear understanding of the key decision makers and their rank.  An example is provided to the below. 
            It would be very important that the most important guest is seated on the most important host’s right and the 2nd most on his left. The 2nd host is seated directly opposite.  The US does not observe such strict adherence to hierarchy or Face Value.  
Another clear distinction between the China and both the US and Korea was the ability to protect intellectual property.  GM Korea is a design center in Seoul which supports platforms and components utilized around the world.  Neither Oshkosh nor Schneider do design work in China.  As Oshkosh manufactures equipment for government owned entities such as airports, I predict this will be a challenge for them in the future.  The Chinese government has already started to require in country engineering and design in the energy and transportation arenas. It would seem to be only a matter a time before this trickles down to other industries. 
The visit to Weber Shandwick was surprising because the presenters were very vocal and public in their support for the communist regime.  Having traveled to southern China previously, this seemed inconsistent with many of the young people that I have encountered who long for Western freedoms.  As they are a public relations firm, I expected a similar disposition.   Freedom of speech is clearly not supported in Beijing in sharp contrast to any US metropolis. 
I enjoyed the Beijing portion of the trip as the historical architecture and relics were amazing, but did not find it to be welcoming of Western tourists.  Beijing suffered from horrible pollution and significant urban sprawl with a high cost of living.  This is perhaps not unlike NYC or LA, but it lacked a multi-cultural feel and the abundant censorship made it oppressive.  With both Facebook and Google’s Gmail blocked, it made communication with loved ones at home challenging and added to the sense of isolation.  Also, I found the shop keepers to be very aggressive and was uncomfortable by the number of people that openly gawked at us, as we moved through various portions of the city. 
As stated previously, I believe that many wholly owned foreign enterprises, WOFE, like Oshkosh will be challenged to operate and grow within China unless they start to include product development in country.   This will be especially true of companies that are generating revenue from the government and municipalities like Oshkosh.   They will need to carefully consider the IP risk of moving items of this nature to China versus the potential for lost revenue if they do not comply and are forced out of the country.
World Strides did an excellent job of providing the right mix of historical, cultural and business emersions.  The tours to the Buddhist Temple in Seoul and the Forbidden City and Great Wall in China were truly unforgettable.  I have visited other Asian cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore and Manila,   but had never visited cultural sites that were truly ancient.  The sheer scale, attention to detail and engineering, of the historic buildings was overwhelming at times.  For me, the trip re-affirmed my desire to complete an ex-patriot assignment.  Seoul is a destination that appeals to me because of its mixed cultural influence and ease of movement throughout the city.  While a nice place to visit, I learned that Beijing is not a city in which I would want to live.  The pollution, high cost of living and lack of ethnic variety did not appeal to me.  It was challenging to maneuver the city and communicate at restaurants and shops.  I believe the capstone trip was a nice complement to the overall educational experience of the MBA.  It allowed me to experience other cultures but also supported the premise that much of what I have studied is applicable not just in the US.  The foundations for the MBA are universal as business, regardless of where it occurs, is very similar.  The people, place, customs and language may change, but the desire to sell a product and the desire to buy a product have no national boundaries.  We are all consumers and we all have things we wish to buy to make our life better. 


Sunday, August 3, 2014

Balancing Technology with Human Interaction

People are living longer and longer; their quality of life often improved by the marvels of modern medicine. Is technology really improving our daily existence? We are in constant contact with work, never experiencing relief from the pressure and responsibilities. We text or Facebook family around the world. We know better their restaurant preferences, based on their check-ins, than the emotional happenings of their life.


Having supported my parents through the horrors of my dad’s lung cancer diagnoses and subsequent treatment with chemotherapy and radiation, I often ponder if the ends really justify the means. Is our quality of life being sacrificed purely in the pursuit of quantity, longevity? Is it really beneficial for the family to skip the annual reunion in favor of a Caribbean cruise? “Everyone is in touch via social media anyway. What is the big deal?” But, how will the young learn the family history? How will they understand the sacrifices made by the generations before them? How will they know where they come from?



I believe the biggest challenge facing the world is not global warming or economic growth, but determining how to leverage technology to improve both the quality and the quantity of our lives. It is finding the balance between a highly connected, virtual society and the need for human contact and authentic emotion.

Starting A New Journey

I've been a horrible blogger over the last 4 years. Yikes! Can't believe that it has been so long. So many exciting things have happened in my life over the last several years. I got re-married (I know...finally), my boys started high school (However did I get this old) and my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer (It has brought my family closeness and support). It has literally been a whirlwind of emotional highs and lows.

Last, but surely not least, I started my MBA in January of 2013. I am now just three short weeks from graduation. It has been such a great experience at the University of Louisville. I have made some incredible, surely, lifelong friends. I have been gifted with some truly excellent teachers and I have discovered so much about myself, my interests and my abilities that it is sometimes stagger to consider.

As part of my final elective, Managing in the Future, I am required to keep a journal for 21 days which reflects on our daily use of technology and aging/longevity. These are poignant subjects for me as I support my children just starting their journey toward adulthood and my parents as they enter retirement. How does technology help us? Where will it take us in the feature? Who benefits? Who gets left behind?

So, I decided, now was a great time to restart my blog and to include my daily reflections. It will be interesting to see how Dr. Irving challenges my thoughts, opinions and biases over the next several weeks. Welcome to the next chapter in my journey.

Christine