A cross-industry panel of early & mid-career IT professionals share their experiences on skills & opportunities in a changing digital world.
Speakers
Dr. Pasquale Lafiosca
Dr. David J. Harding
Dr. Esther Solomon Edun
Dr. Abdallah A. Abdallah
Agenda
19:00 - Event start with Opening Remarks
19:10 - Handover to Panel
20:10 - Branch AGM
20:30 - Event close
Synopsis
This panel of early and mid-career IT professionals share their experiences to discuss the phenomenon that many people with IT qualifications and experience are looking for jobs, but do not find it easy; and yet many employers struggle to wade through thousands of applications and cannot find suitable employees. The cross-industry panel shall share their experience and allow plenty of time for questions and discussion. The Branch AGM is after the talk, reporting on the work last year and electing the committee officers for the 2026-27 programme year. We are always looking for additional hands. If you can volunteer time to help the local IT community, please email us on bbnbr@bcs.co.uk for information and a chat.
About the speakers
Dr. Pasquale Lafiosca
Pasquale Lafiosca, PhD is a Software Engineer with experience across embedded Linux, IoT and cybersecurity. A former financial Police Inspector, he pivoted into technology through research in computer vision before stepping into software engineering roles and product development.
Dr. David J. Harding
Dr David J. Harding is a technology leadership adviser, researcher, and author specialising in the effectiveness of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and senior technology leaders. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in technology-enabled business transformation, David has worked with organisations across the public and private sectors, helping leaders navigate complex change, develop technology capabilities, and improve organisational performance. His research into CIO effectiveness culminated in a PhD from Cranfield University, where he developed a unique framework for understanding how technology leaders shape and redefine their roles in increasingly dynamic and digitally maturing environments. Through his writing, speaking, and advisory work, he helps technology professionals at all stages of their careers become more effective leaders and build sustainable long-term career success.
Dr. Esther Solomon Edun
Dr Esther Solomon Edun is a Cyber Resilience and Information Security professional with over 15 years’ experience across banking, cybersecurity, organisational resilience, academia and professional training in the UK and Nigeria. She is currently Information Security Training and Awareness Manager at the University of Warwick. Previously, at The Workshop Technologies, she developed and delivered cyber resilience and awareness programmes across five countries. She also brings over 10 years of experience in banking, giving her a broad perspective on career transitions, transferable skills and professional development. Esther holds a PhD from Cranfield University and an MBA from the University of Liverpool and is passionate about helping people navigate career growth and opportunities in a changing digital world.
Dr. Abdallah A. Abdallah
Abdallah A. Abdallah is an aviation technology professional, currently working as an Airline IT Systems Manager at TUI. He has experience delivering and supporting digital solutions across airport and airline ground operations. He holds a PhD in Transport Systems from Cranfield University, with research focused on semantic integration for aircraft maintenance documentation. He also holds an MSc in Software Engineering from the University of St Andrews and a BSc in Software Engineering from the University of East London. Abdallah's professional and research interests include aviation digital transformation, airline technology, seamless passenger journeys, digital process automation, and the application of emerging technologies across the aviation ecosystem. He is a member of the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). He combines academic research with practical airline technology experience, with a particular interest in translating operational challenges into effective and scalable digital solutions.
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
This meeting is conducted in accordance with the BCS Code of Conduct for Meetings.
BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society. Join BCS today
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For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.
This event is brought to you by: Beds, Bucks & Northants Branch
