Breaking Barriers, Building Futures and Thriving in 2025
Nicola Steel
Values driven tech recruitment & career coaching. I help AI driven purpose led startups & scaleups to attract, recruit & retain high performing software teams. I coach IT professionals to have rewarding careers.
As the year draws to a close, I’m excited to share this festive edition of Monthly Musings! From inspiring stories and innovative ideas to practical tips for career growth, this month is packed with insights to help you reflect, recharge and plan for a thriving 2025.
The Innovation Boom: Is Your Startup Ready?
With over $2 trillion in value created across equity and crypto markets, the innovation boom is reshaping opportunities for tech startups and scaleups. Technologies like AI, blockchain, renewable energy, and biotech are driving growth, offering new ways to scale and create value. AI is enhancing efficiency by automating processes and improving customer experiences. Blockchain provides secure and transparent platforms for new business models, while renewable energy offers sustainable, cost-effective solutions.
Startups that adopt these technologies are well-positioned to innovate, adapt, and contribute to the evolving economic landscape. Is your company ready to take advantage of the innovation boom?
The Power of Flexibility: A Game Changer for Retention
Daily conversations with candidates as well as a recent poll I posted on LinkedIn highlight the importance of workplace flexibility to retain your people. In my poll I asked, "Would you leave your company if it returned to a full-time in-office mandate?", a staggering 78% of respondents said yes. This underscores how crucial flexibility is for attracting and retaining top talent.
Here’s why flexibility matters:
As we plan for 2025, it’s clear that flexibility isn’t just a perk – it’s a necessity for fostering a thriving workplace culture. Would you like to discuss how flexibility and other strategies to retain your top talent? Book a time to discuss with me in more detail.
November Podcast Episodes
Revolutionising Work with AI: Insights from Denver Naidoo
I had the pleasure of speaking with Denver Naidoo 🌴 , Founder and CTO of Zeligate . Zeligate offers AI-powered assistants, known as Zelis, designed to handle routine tasks, allowing businesses to focus on more strategic initiatives.
We discussed the genesis of Zeligate, Denver’s journey from early computing days to creating Zeli, how Zeli transforms work dynamics by managing tasks like customer interactions and scheduling, and the importance of ethical AI practices in hiring and customer service. Listen to discover more about the future of work and how AI can drive business growth.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with Shamila Gopalan
In this month's episode of Ladies Leading Tech, I spoke with ⭐️Shamila Gopalan , founder of HerWit and Head of Growth at SisterWorks Inc. . With over 25 years' experience across three continents, Shamila is dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs and supporting migrant and refugee women in achieving economic independence.
We discussed how HerWit helps female founders scale through revenue growth and customer focus, and the impactful work of SisterWorks in breaking cultural and economic barriers. Shamila also highlighted the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and balancing social impact with business success. This episode is an inspiring exploration of leadership, resilience, and driving meaningful change.
Supanova’s ‘Level Up’ Career Extravaganza: Inspiring the Next Generation
I had an incredible time at Supanova’s Level Up Career Extravaganza, powered by the ACS (Australian Computer Society) (ACS). This immersive experience captivated and inspired students, professionals, and fans about the dynamic opportunities within the gaming and tech industries.
From Dean Ellis’s insights on LinkedIn to my session on uncovering the hidden job market, it was a day filled with learning and networking. It was fantastic to see students, graduates, and young professionals inspired to explore dynamic career pathways in tech and gaming.
Turning the Metaverse Into a Force for Good
I attended a thought provoking event where Richard Skarbez from La Trobe University explored the ethical dimensions of the metaverse, examining how virtual reality and AI intersect with moral frameworks like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. He emphasised that the metaverse’s potential lies in how we choose to address challenges like social inequality and climate change, ensuring it becomes a tool for positive impact.
Recommended by LinkedIn
This echoes Mo Gawdat ’s insights in Scary Smart which I have recently finished reading. Mo argues that human behaviour determines whether AI solves global challenges or creates harm. Both highlight the importance of guiding technology with integrity and foresight, ensuring it contributes to a more equitable and sustainable future. The choices we make today will shape the role of these transformative technologies in our world.
Unlocking Career Growth Through Networking
Are you struggling to secure interviews when you apply for roles on job boards? Networking is one of the most effective ways to discover career opportunities that might not be advertised. By sharing your goals with colleagues, friends, or acquaintances, you increase the chances of being recommended for roles that align with your aspirations.
Start by reaching out to your personal and professional networks. Let people know what kind of role you are looking for and the skills you bring. Many opportunities arise through word of mouth or personal recommendations, often before roles are publicly advertised.
The key is to be proactive and authentic. Networking doesn’t always mean attending events or meeting new people - it’s also about strengthening existing relationships and keeping them informed about your career goals. A simple conversation could lead to your next big opportunity.
Invest in Your Career
With the new year fast approaching, now is the perfect time to focus on your career goals. The Turquoise Tuesday (my "giving" alternative to Black Friday!) coaching offers are designed to help you gain clarity and momentum for 2025 while locking in 2024 prices. Take advantage of these one-time offers:
These offers are available until Friday 6th December although you can have your session in the new year. This is an opportunity to gain clarity and momentum for 2025 while locking in 2024 prices together with these special offers.
Who Inspires You Most?
In a recent poll, I asked, "Who inspires you more – Elon Musk or Dolly Parton?" The results were clear: 79% chose Dolly. Her focus on philanthropy and kindness stood out, which is a timely reminder as we approach the festive season, when community and generosity should be front of mind.
As a values-driven recruitment and coaching business, these results reflect the importance of care and connection in creating positive outcomes. It’s a simple reminder that leadership grounded in purpose and trust can make a real difference to everyone.
Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas
As the year ends, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas filled with rest, relaxation and fun times with family and friends. Thank you for being part of this journey, and I look forward to sharing more insights and stories with you in 2025.
Would you like to discover more out how I can help you. Book a time to discuss how I can help:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Many thanks
Nicola
Nicola Steel Such a rich and inspiring edition to end the year!