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By Shazamme System User 27 Mar, 2024
If you work in technology and sales, where deadlines loom large and targets never seem to relent, the idea of taking a break can feel like a luxury reserved for the fortunate few. However, as we approach the upcoming four-day Easter long weekend, it's the perfect time to remind ourselves of the importance of hitting the pause button and allowing ourselves to decompress. Here's why taking a break is crucial for professionals in the tech and sales industries, along with some practical tips on how to make the most of your downtime. Why Taking a Break Matters 1. Recharge Your Batteries: Working in high-pressure environments can drain your energy reserves. Taking a break allows you to step away from the daily grind and recharge both physically and mentally, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle challenges with renewed vigour. 2. Enhance Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills: Stepping back from work allows your mind to wander and explore new ideas. Breaks have been shown to stimulate creativity and enhance problem-solving skills, helping you approach tasks with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. 3. Improve Focus and Productivity: Contrary to popular belief, taking breaks doesn't hinder productivity – it enhances it. Regular breaks throughout the day have been proven to improve focus, concentration, and overall productivity, ensuring that you work smarter, not harder. 4. Reduce Stress and Burnout: Chronic stress and burnout are all too common in demanding professions like tech and sales. Taking regular breaks helps mitigate the negative effects of stress by promoting relaxation, reducing tension, and preventing burnout in the long run. Tips for Decompressing Over the Long Weekend 1. Unplug and Disconnect: Set boundaries by disconnecting from work emails and notifications during your break. Use this time to fully detach from work-related stressors and immerse yourself in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. 2. Engage in Mindful Activities: Whether it's going for a leisurely walk, practicing meditation or yoga, or simply enjoying a good book, engage in activities that promote mindfulness and present-moment awareness. These practices can help calm the mind and alleviate stress. 3. Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones: Use the long weekend as an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family. Plan meaningful activities together, such as cooking a special meal, playing games, or enjoying outdoor adventures. Building strong social connections is essential for overall well-being. 4. Indulge in Self-Care: Prioritise self-care by pampering yourself with activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul. Whether it's indulging in a spa day, taking a long bath, or treating yourself to your favourite meal, make self-care a priority during your break. 5. Reflect and Reset: Take time to reflect on your goals, priorities, and accomplishments. Use this opportunity to set intentions for the upcoming weeks and create a plan to achieve them. Long weekends - especially extra-long weekends like the Easter break - presents a valuable opportunity for professionals working in 'always on' industries like the tech and sales sectors, to hit the pause button, recharge their batteries, and prioritise their well-being. By taking breaks, engaging in mindful activities, spending time with loved ones, indulging in self-care, and reflecting on personal and professional goals, you can return to work feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to conquer new challenges with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury – it's a necessity for long-term success and fulfillment in both your career and personal life.
By Shazamme System User 18 Mar, 2024
Singapore has announced the implementation of stricter regulations for hiring foreign professional workers, alongside increased salary benchmarks, set to take effect from next year. Changes in Minimum Qualifying Salary Effective January 1, 2025, the Ministry of Manpower will raise the minimum qualifying salary for Employment Pass (EP) holders from SGD 5,000 to SGD 5,600 (USD 3,720 to 4,166) per month. This adjustment will be progressive with age, reaching up to SGD 10,700 for candidates in their mid-40s. The Ministry stresses that these changes aim to ensure fairness for local workers across different age groups. Maintaining High-Quality Standards The EP qualifying salary benchmark, which aligns with the top one-third of local Professional, Managerial, Executive, and Technical (PMET) wages, ensures that EP holders meet high-quality standards as outlined by the Ministry. Objectives of the Revisions These modifications are part of the Ministry’s broader revisions to foreign workforce policies. The objectives include sustaining a high-quality foreign workforce that complements local talent, supporting industry transformation for a more efficient and lean foreign labor force, creating better job opportunities for locals, and improving conditions for lower-wage workers while ensuring the efficacy of foreign workforce regulations. Sector-Specific Adjustments In sectors with higher wage standards, such as finance, a higher EP qualifying salary will remain applicable. Specifically, in the financial services sector, the EP minimum qualifying salary will rise from SGD 5,500 to SGD 6,200 (USD 4,092 to USD 4,613) per month, increasing progressively with age up to SGD 11,800 (USD 8,779) for mid-40s candidates. Progressive Wages Initiatives Aligning with Singapore’s Progressive Wages initiatives, companies employing foreign workers are mandated to pay all their local workers at least the local qualifying salary (LQS). The proportion of local workers receiving the LQS determines the company’s entitlement to foreign worker quotas. The LQS is regularly reassessed to match wage growth, uplift lower-wage workers, and regulate the foreign workforce. The increase in LQS from SGD 1,400 to SGD 1,600 (USD 1,041 to 1,190) per month, effective July 1, 2024, was initially announced in Singapore’s Budget 2024. These measures reflect Singapore's commitment to fostering a competitive yet equitable labour market while prioritising the well-being and opportunities of both local and foreign workers.
By Shazamme System User 05 Mar, 2024
Subtle biases often creep into the language of technology and sales job descriptions, influencing who feels encouraged to apply and who feels excluded. While studies suggest a decline in overt gender bias, stereotypes and misconceptions persist, particularly in certain sectors and seniority levels. The language we use in job descriptions plays a crucial role in attracting diverse candidates and fostering a sense of belonging and equality for all applicants. Here are some tips to create inclusive job descriptions and avoid gendered language when hiring in tech.
By Shazamme System User 21 Feb, 2024
Have you ever felt like you're not quite measuring up in the fast-paced world of tech? Yes? Well, you're not alone. Impostor syndrome is a common experience, especially in industries where change happens at breakneck speed. Tech roles often require years of study and training, making the pressure to keep up even more intense. But did you know that impostor syndrome affects people across all genders, with women and other underrepresented groups often feeling it more acutely? According to recent reports, women are underrepresented in tech-related fields worldwide, holding less than a third of all jobs in these sectors. This imbalance can contribute to feelings of impostor syndrome, where individuals doubt their abilities despite evidence of their success. As leaders, it's essential to create environments where everyone feels valued and supported. Specific and constructive feedback, recognition of individual contributions, and sharing personal experiences can all help combat imposter syndrome and foster a sense of belonging. Here are 5 things you can do to conquer Imposter Syndrome when working in tech. Acknowledge Your Technical Wins Take time to celebrate your technical achievements, whether it's successfully debugging a complex code issue, implementing a new feature, or delivering a project ahead of schedule. Recognising these accomplishments can help boost your confidence and remind you of your expertise in the tech field. Embrace Failure as Learning Opportunities In the rapidly evolving world of technology, failure is inevitable and often leads to innovation. Instead of viewing setbacks as personal shortcomings, see them as opportunities for growth and learning. Experimenting with new technologies, methodologies, and approaches can help you adapt and thrive in the ever-changing tech landscape. Build a Supportive Network Surround yourself with peers, mentors, and community groups within the tech industry who can offer guidance, feedback, and encouragement. Having a supportive network can provide valuable insights, help you navigate challenges, and offer perspective during moments of self-doubt. Challenge Imposter Syndrome Narratives Combat imposter syndrome by challenging negative thoughts and self-doubt with evidence of your technical skills and accomplishments. Keep a record of your successful projects, positive feedback from colleagues, and technical certifications to remind yourself of your expertise and contributions to the tech sector. Prioritise Self-Development and Wellbeing Invest in your ongoing technical education and personal well-being to maintain a healthy work-life balance and sustain long-term success in the tech industry. Take time for self-care activities, attend industry conferences and workshops, and participate in online communities to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in technology. Remember that continuous learning and self-improvement are key to thriving in the dynamic world of tech. While imposter syndrome may be prevalent in the tech industry, it's essential to recognise that it doesn't define your capabilities or potential for success. Remember, you are not alone in experiencing these feelings, and with the right mindset and strategies, you can confidently navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way.  If you are looking for a job in tech , or you are looking to recruit in the technology and sales space in APAC, please reach out to us for a chat or connect with the Kaliba team . Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date with what’s happening in the world of sales and technology jobs and recruitment. You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube .
By Shazamme System User 31 Jan, 2024
If you work in technology, staying at the forefront of innovation is non-negotiable, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has become a hotbed of innovation and opportunity to build and grow a career in tech. But with tech moving at pace, keeping up with the latest can be a challenge. For tech enthusiasts and IT sales professionals in APAC, there are a slew of transformative tech conferences slated throughout the year. These gatherings aren't just events—they're gateways to unparalleled learning, networking, and growth. So we've compiled a list of some of the top tech conferences in APAC for 2024 for anyone serious about thriving in the digital age. FEBRUARY 2024 Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit 26 – 27 February 2024 Mumbai, INDIA NDC Sydney 12–16 February 2024 Sydney, AUSTRALIA Women In Tech Fest 20-22 February 2024 Melbourne, AUSTRALIA CISO Sydney 20–21 February 2024 Sydney, AUSTRALIA JuiceIT 2024 15 February 2024 Adelaide, AUSTRALIA MARCH 2024 JuiceIT 2024 5 March 2024 Brisbane, AUSTRALIA 13 March 2024 Perth, AUSTRALIA Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit 18 – 19 March 2024 Sydney, AUSTRALIA World Of Web (WOW) Summit 26 –27 March 2024 HONG KONG APRIL 2024 Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 24 – 25 April 2024 Mumbai, INDIA App Growth Summit Singapore 2024 4 April 2024 SINGAPORE Black Hat Asia 16–19 April 2024 SINGAPORE The MarTech Summit : MarTech Revitalisation: Assemble, Synergise, Impact, Advance 23–24 April 2024 SINGAPORE MAY 2024 ATxSG2024 29 - 31 May 2024 SINGAPORE Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference 20 – 21 May 2024 Sydney, AUSTRALIA Tech In Asia Saigon Summit : Charting Vietnam’s Tech Future 30 May 2024 Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM Leading The Product 16 May 2024 Sydney, AUSTRALIA 24 May 2024 Melbourne, AUSTRALIA TNBT – The Next Big Thing – Australia 9 May 2024 Sydney, AUSTRALIA JUNE 2024 SuperAI 5-6 June 2024 SINGAPORE JULY 2024 Tech In Gov 23 – 24 July 2024 Canberra, AUSTRALIA Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 29 – 30 July 2024 Sydney, AUSTRALIA Tech In Asia Conference July 2024 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA EDGE 2024 – ANZ 28-30 July 2024 Gold Coast, AUSTRALIA AUGUST 2024 TECHSPO Auckland 2024 15 August 2024 Auckland, NEW ZEALAND CISO Singapore 20 August 2024 SINGAPORE CISO Brisbane 27 August 2024 Brisbane, AUSTRALIA CIO Edge 29 August 2024 Sydney, AUSTRALIA UX Australia 27–30 August 2024 Melbourne, AUSTRALIA & Online CIO Summit NZ 20-21 August 2024 Auckland, NEW ZEALAND SEPTEMBER 2024 Gartner IT Symposium I Xpo 9 – 11 September 2024 Gold Coast, AUSTRALIA TECHSPO Sydney 2024 18 September 2024 Sydney, AUSTRALIA OCTOBER 2024 Tech In Asia Conference October 2024 Jakarta, INDONESIA TECHSPO Singapore 2024 3 October 2024 SINGAPORE SXSW Sydney 2024 14-20 October 2024 Sydney, AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2024 YOW! Melbourne 2024 5-6 December 2024 Melbourne, AUSTRALIA These tech conferences serve as catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and professional growth within the APAC region. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge base, network with industry peers, or showcase your products/services, these events offer a myriad of opportunities to elevate your tech game and propel your career to new heights. Are there any major tech conferences you'd add to this list? Need help growing your tech team? Reach out to the Kaliba team . We're dedicated to helping build tech and IT sales teams across APAC.
By Shazamme System User 12 Dec, 2023
The quest for the right tech talent or the ideal role can be a multifaceted journey. Whether you're an employer seeking to fill tech roles or a job seeker exploring opportunities, here are some of the advantages of engaging a niche market recruitment specialist. For Employers Exclusive Access to Niche Tech Ecosystems As a specialised recruitment agency, Kaliba provides exclusive access to niche job ecosystems within the technology sector. Leveraging our extensive networks, we ensure that your technology job openings reach the right audience across APAC, from Cyber Security & Networking , CX & Marketing Technology , Fintech & Payments , Data & Analytics , Application Software , and AI & Machine Learning throughout APAC. Dynamic Talent Pool in Technology Kaliba maintains a dynamic and up-to-date talent pool comprising technology professionals, sales experts, and leadership talent. Our focus on hiring across the technology life cycle, across industry domains, including Cyber Security & Networking, CX & Marketing Technology, Fintech & Payments, Data & Analytics, Application Software, and AI & Machine Learning, ensures that we can swiftly connect you with qualified candidates, streamlining your hiring process. Agile and Efficient Tech Recruitment In the fast-paced technology landscape, agility is vital. Kaliba's expertise allows us to streamline the recruitment process for employers. We promptly identify and present suitable candidates, ensuring your company stays ahead in the rapidly evolving tech industry. For Job Applicants Deep Industry Expertise Kaliba possesses deep insights into the nuances of the technology sector across APAC. Whether you're a seasoned tech professional or an aspiring candidate, our industry expertise provides valuable insights , helping you navigate your career path with clarity. Personalised Guidance for Career Growth Navigating the diverse and dynamic tech job market can be overwhelming. Kaliba acts as your trusted partner, offering personalised support to tech professionals seeking career growth or transition. Whether you're advancing your career in Cyber Security, AI, or any other tech field, Kaliba ensures a guided and efficient job search process. Our tech recruitment specialists sometimes become your career-long allies and job search advocates. Confidential Job Search Handling Confidentiality is paramount for tech professionals exploring new opportunities. Kaliba understands this sensitivity and prioritises maintaining complete confidentiality throughout the job search process. Your current employer will remain unaware of your job search activities and motivations. Whether building your tech or IT sales team or exploring new opportunities in the tech sector, consider partnering with Kaliba to optimise and elevate your experience in the technology landscape across APAC. Connect with us today!
By Shazamme System User 05 Dec, 2023
Gartner's annual tech trends forecast for 2024 paints a dynamic landscape, spotlighting the ascendancy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) alongside key influencers like cloud services, security, and sustainability. Here’s what they’re predicting as the key tech trends for 2024. Democratised Generative AI (GenAI) GenAI democratisation via pre-trained models, cloud computing, and open source. Prediction: Over 80% of enterprises using GenAI by 2026, democratising knowledge globally. AI Trust, Risk, and Security Management (TRiSM) Guarding against AI-generated negative effects through TRiSM. Prediction: AI TRiSM controls increasing decision-making accuracy by eliminating 80% of faulty information by 2026. AI-Augmented Development AI aids software engineers in designing, coding, and testing applications. Enhances developer productivity, enabling focus on strategic activities. Intelligent Applications Applications with learned adaptation and autonomy. Utilises various AI-based services for dynamic user-adaptive experiences. Augmented-Connected Workforce (ACWF) ACWF strategy optimises human workforce value using intelligent applications and analytics. Prediction: 25% of CIOs will use ACWF initiatives to reduce time to competency by 50% for key roles by 2027. Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) Pragmatic approach utilising AI to evaluate digital and physical asset vulnerabilities continually. Agile protection reduces breach likelihood, discovered to be three times less likely. Machine Customers (Custobots) Nonhuman economic actors autonomously negotiating and purchasing goods and services. Prediction: 15 billion connected products behaving as customers by 2028, driving trillions in revenues. Sustainable Technology Framework for digital solutions enabling environmental, social, and governance outcomes. Prediction: By 2027, 25% of CIOs' compensation is linked to sustainable technology impact. Platform Engineering Discipline of building and operating self-service internal development platforms. Aims to optimise productivity, enhance user experience, and accelerate business value delivery. Industry Cloud Platforms (ICPs) Prediction: Over 70% of enterprises using ICPs by 2027 for accelerated business initiatives. ICPs combine SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS services into a comprehensive product offering tailored to industry needs. With such tech trends emerging and accelerating, it’s time for companies to ask themselves if they have the right staff or recruitment pipelines in place to take full advantage of these trends. Reach out to the Kaliba recruitment team to discuss your tech career or hiring needs. Source: https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/709153/ai-dominate-technology-trends-2024/
By Shazamme System User 06 Nov, 2023
From major layoffs at tech giants, to small fintech startups and apps In 2023, the tech industry continues to grapple with layoffs, impacting tens of thousands of tech workers. Major tech players like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Yahoo, Meta, and Zoom have implemented significant workforce reductions. This trend is not limited to industry giants; startups across various sectors, including crypto and enterprise SaaS, have also announced layoffs. According to a recent Tech Crunch article , the reasons for these layoffs often revolve around the macroeconomic environment and the necessity to achieve stability and profitability amid turbulent times. Tracking these layoffs is crucial in understanding their implications on innovation, identifying companies facing substantial pressures, and determining the availability of talent for businesses fortunate enough to be expanding. Unfortunately, it also highlights the human toll of layoffs and signals potential shifts in risk profiles moving forward.
By Shazamme System User 24 Oct, 2023
An interview with Lucas Brancatisano Just over one year since placing Lucas Brancatisano into a new role as an Account Executive with Bark.com, Kaliba's Cooper Knox had the pleasure of catching up with him to learn how it’s all going. In this 9-minute video, Lucas shares his experience of transitioning into a career in tech sales and what it’s like to work for Bark. If you are looking to get into tech sales, this video interview provides some great insight. Check it out! If you are seeking work in this space or are looking to recruit your next IT sales professional, we encourage you to reach out and connect with Cooper Knox and the Kaliba team. About Bark Bark are on a mission to revolutionise and become the market leader, go to online marketplace for professional services. As the UK’s largest & fastest growing services marketplace, BArk help people find the right professional for their project in over 1,500 unique categories. The business is already in scale up mode, profitable with a proven model but still has the feel and agility of a startup with a small team of just over 140 people and most of its work still to do. They use cutting-edge technology and an extraordinarily talented team of people to solve an age-old problem; how to find the best available professional for any job, every time no matter what the need. They are a dynamic, exciting, forward thinking business – but with the financial security of a PE backed, revenue generating established company – offering all the benefits of working in a scale-up environment (ownership, agility, responsibility and stimulation) without any of the worry. They placed sixth on the The Sunday Times Tech Track 100 and have a presence in ten countries globally with imminent plans for further expansion. Our thanks to Lucas from Bark for providing this insight into what ‘a day in the life' as Bark's Account Executive looks like. If you are looking for a job in tech, or you are looking to recruit in the technology and sales space in APAC, including Australia, Singapore or Hong Kong, please connect with the Kaliba team . ​ Want to join 30,000+ sales and tech professionals? Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date with what’s happening in the world of sales and technology jobs and recruitment. You can also follow us on Instagram .
04 Oct, 2023
A Kaliba Interview, by G reg Brown. In this episode of Tales In Sales, we caught up with CK Mah from Menlo Security. As the Regional Director of Menlo Security in Southeast Asia, CK works closely with security leaders to learn about recent security incidents they have experienced and discuss potential vulnerabilities in their environment due to the changing dimensions of their technology landscape. From these conversations, he provides his expert advice on the best possible security investments for mitigating these new risks. As an experienced senior executive and managing director, CK brings more than two decades of international experience across Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. With significant expertise in strategic business development and consulting in the financial, telecommunication, media and communications, high-tech manufacturing, and government-related industries within the Asia Pacific region, CK engages with C-suite leaders and board members in every industry to help them translate their security and technology budgets into measurable results. Kaliba's Greg Brown fired a few quick Q&As to get to know a bit about CK’s journey in sales to where he is today. Greg: We are often asked about how one might get into tech sales. What would your advice be? CK: I have learned that the most successful individuals are those who do things with passion. There are daily challenges, but it's our passion that will drive those storms and make us emerge stronger. Greg: Are there any transferable skill sets that someone could bring from another sector or a sales role in another industry that you think are valuable? CK: Unlimited mind-set. Every industry, every company, every customer, every product, and every situation differs. Thus, if we have a closed mindset, we can't analyse the situation and make objective or required actions suitable for each scenario. Greg: What has been the best investment you have made in your sales career? CK: Sustainable business strategy. This is my primary guiding principle. Aim for repeated success that is based on a win-win arrangement so it can sustain the next wave. And the next wave. Greg: Who has been the biggest influence on your career? CK: Most people will know of Warren Buffett, but fewer will know of Jim Rogers. He co-founded Quantum Fund with George Soros, now based in Singapore. Money is the by-product of a good investment strategy, not the only objective. Greg: And finally, If money were no obstacle (because, let's face it, a sales career can be lucrative, right?!), what would you be doing? CK: An architect by passion, but in the earlier days it was a less commercially attractive path. About Menlo Securit y Menlo Security enables organisations to outsmart threats, completely eliminating attacks and fully protecting productivity with a one-of-a-kind, isolation-powered cloud security platform. It’s the only solution to deliver on the promise of cloud security—by providing the most secure Zero Trust approach to preventing malicious attacks; by making security invisible to end users while they work online; and by removing the operational burden for security teams. Now organisations can offer a safe online experience, empowering users to work without worry while they keep the business moving forward. About Kaliba Kaliba is Asia Pacific’s trusted recruitment agency partner for specialist technology, sales and leadership talent. We’ve helped leading tech vendors build out their tech and sales teams across Cyber Security & Networking, CX & Marketing Technology, Fintech & Payments, Data & Analytics, AI & Machine Learning, and Application Software, throughout APAC. Stay tuned for more episodes of Tales In Sales coming soon! Got a Tale from the IT Sales field? Reach out and connect with Greg Brown or James Kennedy .
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