Open Tech Calendar

We're excited to announce Mode 2 Meetup episode 7, sponsored this time by Hymans Robertson

Mode 2 is a regular meetup about IT innovation within large companies across central Scotland.

Each meetup will feature two short talks and a chance to connect with IT innovators in a relaxed environment with free beer/wine and pizza. The talks for this meetup are:


1: Scott Finnie, Product Architect, Hymans Robertson

#agilerobocloud: 3 years behind the buzzwords

In January 2014, Hymans Robertson embarked on delivering a new “Robo-advice” offering using cloud-based, agile delivery. 3 years later we have a successful product that’s won several industry awards. In this talk, we’ll take a frank look at the journey behind the product: what went well, what didn’t; what we’ve learned and where we still have puzzles.


2: Paul Makin, Digital Finance & Identity Consultant, Trouver

Despite the presence of some very bright people, the established financial sector does not have a reputation for innovation. During this short presentation, Paul will explore why this is the case, and how - and if - it can be addressed. He’ll be drawing on his experience of working with teams developing innovative services in banks and other corporates, looking at where this has gone well, where it has failed, and what lessons can be drawn.

Paul has been working in fintech since long before it got that name, from the truly innovative (various precursors to Bitcoin) to the mundane (variations of card products for banks). His principal claim to fame is as the concept developer for M-Pesa in Kenya, by far the most successful non-bank financial service in the world. He has worked with banks, non-banks, financial regulators and others across Africa, South Asia, Europe and North America. Sometimes his ideas have survived the process.


Getting to Hymans Robertson

You can enter Hymans Robertson via the main entrance on Semple street.


Contact Us:
Mail: mode2meetup@gmail.com
Twitter: @mode2meetup
Periscope: @mode2meetup


What is Mode 2 Meetup about?

Technology is evolving at an amazing rate, and customer expectations with it. Headlines are dominated by tech companies disrupting the world with new technology and fearless business models. However many of the organisations we work in are far older than the Internet. Legacy technology, organisational silos and hierarchies are all around. Every decision involves many stakeholders and complex processes are everywhere. Change of any kind can be slow and difficult.

Can Silicon Valley thinking translate to our established, risk-exposed, regulated organisations? Should it? In any case, how can we apply technology and creativity to delight our customers and avoid being overtaken by competitors or disruptors?

We're aiming to create a friendly, relaxed environment where we can discuss the reality of innovation in larger organisations. There will be two short talks per month, with plenty of opportunity to network afterwards over free beer/wine and pizza. The talks will cover a broad range of topics about technology, business and culture change.

We need ideas and volunteers for future talks, although the golden rule is: no sales pitches! We're also looking for venues for future events, so please let us know if you are able to host a meetup.

We'd love to build a diverse audience representing the increasingly blurred line between IT and business across different industries: financial services, public sector, energy, consultancies etc.

Hope to see you there!