Exploring the role and impact of a tech futurist during 2024.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to predict the future of technology, you’re about to step into the right shoes. I’m Tim Bates, otherwise known as The Godfather of Tech. With a career in technology spanning over four decades, I’ll use my experiences and insights to provide a glimpse into my dynamic world as a tech futurist.
Who am I, and how did I earn the name The Godfather of Tech?
Guess what? I’ve been a tech geek since way back! Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, I was that kid who’d rather hang out with computers than people. I got my hands on my very first computer and you couldn’t tear me away. But here’s the kicker. When I was barely a teenager, the U.S. Marshall caught me hacking. Instead of locking me up, they saw my knack for tech and recruited me. Suddenly, I was teaching government employees how to chase down digital pirates and hackers!
Fast forward and now, I’m kind of a big deal in the tech world. I’ve held the throne as the CTO of Lenovo, GM & Deloitte, and presently, I’m sharing my wealth of knowledge as a Professor of Practice at the University of Michigan’s College of Innovation & Technology.
People call me a Tech Futurist. I know my stuff when it comes to AI, immersive tech, and cybersecurity. But it’s not just about knowing, it’s about sharing. That’s why I’m a mentor, advisor, and a well-respected Fractional CTO, CIO, CISO, and startup guide. I’ve got a serious passion for helping the next generation of tech leaders find their path
So, What Is a Tech Futurist?
A tech futurist, in simple terms, is a visionary who predicts and guides the development of future technology trends. They leverage their deep understanding of current tech scenarios and potential advancements to forecast how technology could evolve and influence our lives in the future. Being a tech futurist is not just about predicting the future; it’s about shaping it. It requires a delicate balance of imagination, technical knowledge, a keen eye for patterns, and a deep understanding of societal needs.
The Impact of a Tech Futurist
Tech futurists play an essential role in steering the direction of innovative solutions. Their foresights often influence the decision-making process in tech companies, helping them anticipate industry shifts, opportunities, and potential risks. In essence, a tech futurist is pivotal in bridging the gap between what is possible today and what could be possible tomorrow, setting the stage for technological advancements that have the potential to revolutionize our world.