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Unleashing the Future of Work, Monthly Newsletter by James F. Kenefick


the future of work, newsletter, developers, technology, work, economiy

May, 2023

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:


............................................................. Business Goals

Worker Concerns Heighten Despite ........................................................................

A Constrained Labor Market A Single Minute Of This Routine Can ............................................................. Enhance Your Happiness

Recommendation Of The Month .......................................................................

.............................................................



jfk, james f kenefick, new york, newsletter, tech talk, innovations, leadership

Embracing the future of work is more than adopting new technologies it's about fostering a culture of innovation, nurturing curiosity, and recognizing the immense potential of the technology's compass guiding us, whether it's through breakthroughs in healthcare, seismic shifts in corporate strategies, or novel approaches to problem-solving, innovation is the wind in our sails.


As leaders, our role is not simply to ride this wave but to steer the ship leveraging the power of technology to enhance our humanity, foster sustainable growth, and build a future where progress and well-being walk hand in hand.


James F. Kenefick





THE IMPACT OF AI ON DEVSECOPS REVEALS AN EVOLUTION IN DEVELOPER ROLES AND EMERGING ROADBLOCKS


GitLab's latest DevSecOps research indicates a notable shift towards automation in software development processes, with 65% of developers now incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning in their code testing practices, or planning to do so within the next three years. The survey reached over 5,000 IT leaders, CISOs and developers across various industries to gather insights on the successes, challenges, and priorities for DevSecOps implementation.


A key finding of the report is the accelerating adoption of AI/ML in software development and security workflows. Current figures show 62% of software developers using AI/ML to check code, a significant increase from 51% in 2022. Additionally, 53% now utilize bots in the testing process, compared to 39% last year. The study found that organizations are integrating security earlier in the software development life cycle, with AI/ML playing a crucial role in identifying code vulnerabilities.

the future of work, newsletter, developers, technology, work, economiy

Despite these advances, developers and security professionals continue to grapple with toolchain complexity. The study revealed that 57% of security respondents use six or more tools, compared to 48% of developers and 50% of operations professionals. The complexity and expansion of these toolchains make consistent monitoring challenging, with 26% of security professionals identifying this as a problem. The report also highlighted an industry trend of "shifting left," incorporating security earlier in the software development lifecycle. This approach fosters greater efficiency through cross-functional collaboration, with 38% of security professionals reporting being part of a security-focused team, up from 29% in 2022.


As AI and ML become increasingly integral to the software development lifecycle, it's vital that organizations equip their security teams with the necessary skills and tools to leverage these new technologies effectively. This emerging emphasis on AI and ML is reshaping the priorities of security professionals, as they balance the demands of their evolving roles.


UNALIGNED CYBERSECURITY JEOPARDIZES YOUR

BUSINESS GOALS


WithSecure's recent report, based on a Forrester Consulting survey of over 400 global cybersecurity and IT decision-makers, spotlights a prevalent reactive and disjointed approach to cybersecurity. The study recommends a shift towards a holistic, outcome-based security model, which aligns security goals with business objectives. Outcome-based security supports business goals instead of merely responding to perceived vulnerabilities. It encourages leaders to streamline their cybersecurity strategies, focusing on capabilities that measurably achieve their desired outcomes.


Despite 83% of survey respondents expressing interest in outcome-based security, 60% reported a reactive approach to their current cybersecurity issues. The study also revealed that only 20% of respondents had complete alignment between cybersecurity priorities and business outcomes. The report additionally highlighted the challenges presented by the complex cybersecurity service market, which might lead IT buyers to allocate budgets haphazardly. The primary security challenges cited by respondents included gaining visibility into cyber risks, sourcing required skills and resources, and responding swiftly and effectively. This study underscores the need for a more innovative, outcome-based approach to cybersecurity in our increasingly digital world.

the future of work, newsletter, developers, technology, work, economiy


AS PAY LOSSES ESCALATE, WORKER CONCERNS HEIGHTEN DESPITE A CONSTRAINED LABOR MARKET

  1. The Lost Pay and Income Tracker by Morning Consult witnessed a 1.2 percentage point surge from March to April, predominantly fuelled by adults belonging to higher-income households.

  2. Job search activities remained unchanged from March to April, yet an overall upward trend has been observed since the onset of 2023. The promise of increased wages continues to attract employed adults to the job market, with the high level of search activity indicating a possible rise in the quit rates.

  3. As U.S. workers prepare for the potential ramifications of an economic slowdown, job loss expectations remain high. Both voluntary and involuntary separations have experienced a slight increase in recent months, potentially contributing to the pressures on wage growth due to increased labor market turnover.


The sharp uptick in the frequency of pay losses among high-income households raises red flags for the U.S. economy, especially during a period where escalating interest rates and turbulence in the banking sector are heightening borrowing expenses. High-paying sectors like tech and financial services are reevaluating projects and trimming down their workforce to brace for an environment with slower growth.


This leads to an intriguing query: Could the unique labor market conditions induced by the pandemic result in a business cycle downturn that impacts white-collar workers more severely than their blue-collar counterparts?


As the U.S. consumer concludes the quarter in a less than advantageous position and with increasing obstacles, it's probable that we will witness greater fluctuations and ambiguity in economic activity towards the year-end. Data from Morning Consult suggests that small businesses are already retreating from their hiring plans. With demand projected to dwindle, it's likely that we will observe further deceleration in the U.S. labor market in the upcoming months.



A SINGLE MINUTE OF THIS ROUTINE CAN ENHANCE YOUR HAPPINESS AND RESILIENCE DAILY

Research has demonstrated the remarkable benefits of journaling on both mental and physical health, such as enhancing emotional intelligence, reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and even decreasing blood pressure. If you're new to journaling, it might seem a bit unfamiliar or strange, but here are some simple strategies to help you start:


  1. Daily One-Sentence Journal: If you're pressed for time, this method, requiring less than a minute, might appeal to you. Write one sentence about your day or feelings at any time that suits you. This practice could provide mental health benefits and also serve as a record for future reference.

  2. Gratitude Journal: Combining the advantages of journaling and gratitude, this practice involves noting down three things you're thankful for each day. The benefits include improved mood, better mental health, and potentially increased lifespan.

  3. Bullet Journal: Ryder Carroll's creation, the Bullet Journal, has gained significant popularity. It's a flexible method to organize various aspects of life, including thoughts, appointments, plans, and activities.

  4. Morning Pages: This method, proposed by Julia Cameron in her book 'The Artist's Way', involves writing three pages of freehand text every morning. The goal is to clear your mind by putting your thoughts and feelings on paper.


There are numerous other ways to practice journaling; you can even create your own. Despite its simplicity and affordability, journaling has proven benefits, making it a worthwhile endeavor.

 

In conclusion, from exploring the changing landscape of software development in light of AI integration to diving into the intricacies of the labor market and finally touching upon the simple yet powerful practice of journaling for mental health, we've covered a vast array of topics today. Each topic underlines the significance of adaptability, resilience, and mindfulness, whether it's in technology, economy, or personal well-being.


Recommendation Of The Month

To those keen on understanding leadership in an increasingly complex world, I highly recommend viewing the TED Talk by Roselinde Torres titled "What it takes to be a great leader." Torres distills her 25 years of experience in observing truly great leaders into a forward-thinking presentation that could shape your perspective on effective leadership for the future.


Remember, in an ever-evolving world, the ability to adapt, continuously learn, and maintain a balanced perspective is key to success. Whether it's embracing new technologies, navigating economic fluctuations, or cultivating personal resilience, it's the pursuit of knowledge and self-awareness that ultimately empowers us. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and continue to grow.

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