As Chief Technology Officer at Paragon, Stephen Lester has a unique vantage point on the tech landscape. We caught up with him to ask about his favourite innovations from the past year and his vision for the future.

What’s been one of your favourite tech innovations in the last year?

One of my favourite tech innovations in the past year has been GenAI. It has the potential to fundamentally change society, which is incredibly fascinating. One aspect that has particularly caught my attention is the integration of AI into code-writing processes. This innovation has the power to revolutionise software engineering by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining the coding process. Not only does it enhance productivity, but it also allows developers to focus on more creative and high-level aspects of their work.

What is one trend you foresee will change up the tech world in the next year?

Looking ahead, I believe GenAI will continue to shape the tech world in the next year. One emerging trend that stands out is the convergence of data and AI technologies, especially in the realm of customer experience. As businesses strive to meet the increasing demand for personalised experiences, they will rely more heavily on AI and machine learning algorithms to analyse vast amounts of data and deliver tailored solutions. This trend will not only help companies understand their customers better but also drive innovation in areas such as recommendation systems, predictive analytics, and virtual assistants.

What is a dream brand you would like to work with, and why?

While unrelated to work, there is one dream brand I would absolutely love to collaborate with – Patagonia. It’s not just about their cool gear; it’s about what the brand represents. I am deeply drawn to Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. They genuinely care about the planet and giving back, which resonates with me on a personal level. Working with Patagonia would allow me to blend my passion for the outdoors with my values of environmental issues and social consciousness.

If you could change one thing in the industry, what would it be?

If there’s one thing I could change in the industry, it would be the pace. Sometimes it feels like everything moves at lightning speed, and just when you think you’ve caught up, new trends and technologies emerge. However, I must admit that the constant innovation is what makes this industry so exciting and why I enjoy it so much!

And finally, if you could invent any piece of technology, what would it be?

Lastly, if I had the opportunity to invent any piece of technology, I would focus on revolutionising customer experience. In my line of work, developing new products that meet the evolving needs of our clients is crucial. While I am deeply interested in GenAI, the specifics of what I would invent are still a work in progress. The future holds great promise, and I am excited to see what it brings.