5app goes to Women in Tech & Business Expo + DTX London

In October 2024, four members of our developer team — Mejsun, Sarah, Rob and Andrew — had the opportunity to attend two key events at ExCeL London: Karren Brady’s Women in Business & Tech Expo 2024 and DTX London.

We were able to take in valuable insights from both events, which were packed with industry-leading speakers, and important discussions around the future of technology and the role of diversity in the tech world.

Highlights from DTX London

DTX (Digital Transformation Expo) London focused on three key themes: INNOVATE, COLLABORATE, ELEVATE. As a hub for visionary leaders, tech experts and cutting-edge solutions, it provided insights on how businesses can drive their digital transformations.

The team explored the latest trends in IT, cloud computing, AI and cybersecurity, all geared toward driving innovation and keeping businesses competitive - mainly through the use of AI.

Insights from the Women in Business & Tech Expo

Andrew, Rob, Mejsun and Sarah at Karren Brady's Women in Business & Tech Expo

At Karren Brady’s Women in Business & Tech Expo, the conversation centred on addressing the gender gap in technology. While progress is being made, women still make up only 26% of the workforce in the tech sector, a statistic that highlights the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion efforts. The Expo was a great opportunity to learn more about how businesses and individuals can work together to close this gap.

Did you know: 5app's current development team is 40% female!

One talk that stood out was from Amanda Whicher, UK&I Technology Director at Hays, who spoke about the importance of mentors, role models and representation. Amanda shared how having a mentor can help women navigate their career paths and build confidence in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She emphasised the need to break down preconceptions about where to find mentors and role models, while encouraging attendees to use their own experiences to inspire the next generation.

AI in focus

Artificial intelligence was a recurring theme across both events, with several talks focusing on the role AI will play in shaping the future of work. Sonya Barlow, founder of LMF Network, delivered a compelling keynote on 11 Ways to Use AI to Build Your Confidence and Career. She discussed the many ways AI can support women in tech, from improving public speaking to aiding in job applications and salary negotiations.

Dr. Stella Pachidi at Karren Brady's Women in Business & Tech Expo

While some uses of the definition of AI seemed very general (such as automated email replies being labelled as AI), it highlighted just how broad and adaptable AI is in today's workplace. Dr. Stella Pachidi from Cambridge Judge Business School revealed how AI is changing work processes and management. Her insights into how AI impacts decision-making and the importance of managers adapting to digital transformations by using AI to increase performance, not to replace tasks, were particularly interesting, and provided some useful food for thought as we consider how we'll use AI at 5app.

Key takeaways for 5app's development team​

Aside from the event’s content, one of the most important parts of the outing was simply coming together in person — especially welcoming Mejsun back to the team full-time after her maternity leave. As a remote-first company, it's always a pleasure to spend time together in person, especially when it's coupled with not just one, but two powerful learning opportunities!

A few standout takeaways that resonated with our work were:

• AI must be Useful, Usable, and Used: While innovation is key, ensuring that AI is practical and actually adopted by users is critical. 'Used' is often the most overlooked element.
• Reputational damage is a risk: A poor experience with AI — whether it’s a wrong result or no result — can lead to users losing faith in both the AI and the product itself. Guardrails are essential to prevent this.
• Be cautious with AI outputs: It’s important to be mindful of the accuracy of the information AI provides. Internal users (such as admins) have more leeway to verify results, whereas end users require more polished outcomes.
• Focus on solving the problem, not just on the technology: At the end of the day, the most successful AI tools are those that solve real problems, not just those that showcase fancy tech.

One interesting discussion came from Dr. Pachidi's talk, where she described how sports coaches now have to decide what AI data to share with their teams and when. This careful curation of information is a critical point, reminding us that while AI can offer great insights, human judgment remains crucial.

What's next for 5app?

Overall, the team found the events enlightening and packed with ideas we can apply to our work. Whether it’s using AI to elevate our products or fostering diversity in our teams, the key is to stay forward-thinking and adaptable.

We’re excited to take these insights back to the team and continue working toward building a stronger, more innovative future!