Spotlight On: Elise Cambournac, President & CEO, Greater Nashville Technology Council
June 2024 — In an interview with Invest:, Elise Cambournac, president and CEO of the Greater Nashville Technology Council, highlighted the Council’s recent successes, the factors driving tech companies to Middle Tennessee, efforts to prepare the future tech workforce, cautious growth strategies of companies in the region, access to capital for startups and ongoing collaborative efforts to address challenges
What were some key highlights and moments of growth for the Nashville Tech Council over the past year?
In the past year, we hosted a two-day event called the Analytics Summit. While its name suggests a focus on analytics, it primarily delved into topics related to AI, machine learning, ethical AI practices and data visualization. The event garnered significant interest, with some sponsorship levels selling out. We had nearly 600 attendees. Each day featured a morning keynote speech followed by up to five parallel breakout sessions. This reduced the number of sessions compared to previous years but allowed for more attendees in each session. The sessions covered a wide range of formats, including workshops, panel discussions and lectures, providing valuable content to our attendees.
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, as attendees were excited to explore new and emerging topics in the tech industry. Planning and organizing such events takes 8 to 10 months and securing relevant speakers is a time-consuming process. Given the exclusivity of ChatGPT in the previous fall, we were determined to capitalize on this opportunity and ensure the content we offered was timely and engaging.
What sets our conferences apart is our commitment to inviting experts and professionals from our tech community. This year, we had 35 invited speakers, some of whom were repeat contributors due to the relevance of their topics. We also introduced new voices from universities to Fortune 100 companies, offering diverse perspectives and enriching the content. This combination of factors contributed to the event’s success and reflected the growth we’ve experienced through our programs in 2023.
In addition to the Analytics Summit, we introduced a new event in the spring of 2023, known as the Tech Expo. The focus was on innovation in the enterprise, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, retail and healthcare, where our members are major employers of tech talent. We explored how enterprises can embrace innovation and collaborate with startups, small to mid-sized companies and service providers to drive it.
Our keynote speaker highlighted conversational AI, a subset of Gen AI, which generated significant interest. As a result, we organized a speaker series during the summer as a prelude to the Analytics Summit. Our observations show considerable growth opportunities for our members and a continued demand for valuable content. We aim to meet these needs through various formats, whether it’s a two-day conference, a two-hour workshop, or a speaker series. This commitment aligns with our workforce development initiatives, as we witness a growing desire among our members to deepen their expertise in technology, from data experts looking to advance in Gen AI to those new to the field but eager to learn. In 2024, we plan to expand our educational offerings to cater to this diverse range of needs.
Why do companies choose Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area for expanding, relocating or growing their tech operations?
There are several factors contributing to this trend. Some relate to the efforts of the city and the chamber in making Nashville an attractive place to do business, live and enjoy life. From a personal perspective, there are numerous reasons why people are drawn to Nashville, but the result is the continued growth of a talent pool that companies can tap into. Tech talent, in particular, is crucial for any company’s growth and expansion. Even in industries like retail, for instance, when companies set up their headquarters here, they often create tech-related jobs or open call centers. Without a vibrant tech community, it’s challenging for businesses to thrive. So, the first key factor is the growth and quality of our tech talent, which attracts companies to Nashville.
Affordability is another critical factor. Middle Tennessee’s tech talent doesn’t demand the same high salaries as Silicon Valley. When you balance the quality and affordability of talent, it becomes an appealing proposition for companies looking to grow.
Thirdly, I believe the work we do at the Tech Council plays a role in fostering a vibrant and connected tech ecosystem. Our partnerships with higher education institutions, community colleges, boot camp-style educators and the state’s focus on developing technology talent are all attractive to organizations. They see that we are actively working on building the tech workforce of tomorrow, not just relying on the talent available today. This forward-thinking approach appeals to companies because they know they’ll have a support system to help them grow.
Lastly, our region is known for its friendly and collaborative approach, setting us apart. Companies, irrespective of their size or type, want to attract the best tech talent. The leaders in our community are not only competitive but also eager to collaborate with us and other organizations. This collaboration is crucial in solving the workforce challenges we face. When we come together to create programs or initiatives aimed at adding more tech talent to our community, everyone benefits. It’s a more effective and impactful approach compared to individual companies trying to tackle the issue on their own. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can achieve more and have a greater influence.
How has the importance of up-and-coming technologies evolved in the region and what improvements would you like to see in preparing the future workforce for tech jobs?
We’ve always made tech education a priority in our region. Beginning with a coalition of tech education advocates in 2018, in mid-2022 the state successfully enacted legislation to make computer science a graduation requirement for every high school student. This initiative, which I refer to as “computer science for all,” is about to go into effect soon. The state has recognized the significance of computer science and technology in general, as these skills are becoming essential in almost every job. To address this, there’s an investment from the state in teachers and schools to introduce STEM, problem solving skills, and computer science into the curriculum from K through 12. The aim is to ensure that every 12th grader possesses basic computer science knowledge and only 12 states in the country have a similar requirement. We’re fortunate to have this state-level support.
However, there’s a gap between academic knowledge and the reality of tech jobs. Many students have a limited understanding of what tech careers entail, often associating them solely with coding. In reality, we have identified 32 classes of job categories in the tech industry. To bridge this gap, the Tech Council, with the support of community partners, is bringing students on field trips to visit various companies. This gives students a taste of what tech jobs are really like and sparks their interest. Our goal is to inspire students from middle school onward, whether it’s getting them excited about coding for video games or exploring opportunities in healthcare, retail, hospitality and more.
By the time they reach high school, we aim to provide a realistic view of tech careers and educate them about different tracks and pathways. We want them to study for jobs that are fulfilling and exciting, ideally in the tech field. These initiatives continue and we’re working closely with five rural counties to raise awareness and provide opportunities for students to understand technology in real-life settings. Additionally, we support teachers who are adapting to technology in their classrooms, helping them integrate it effectively into their teaching methods. Our members play a crucial role in these efforts, volunteering their time and expertise to coach students and provide hands-on experiences, whether it’s helping them create LinkedIn profiles or hosting students in their workplaces.
What are some significant expansions or company openings in the Middle Tennessee region over the past year and what factors contribute to this trend in the tech sector?
Over the past year, we’ve observed continued growth in our talent pool in the region. However, many companies have been cautious about expanding as much as one might expect. It’s more about focusing on the quality of growth rather than quantity. In 2022, we were in a phase of understanding what the post-pandemic landscape looked like and in 2023, companies began to reassess their operations and budgets. This led to a more deliberate approach in driving efficiencies in technology and operations.
There are essentially two predominant approaches companies have taken. One group, which values in-person work culture as their primary mode of operation, has insisted on employees returning to the office. For them, working from the office is the norm, with some flexibility for occasional remote work. Transitioning back to this model was more challenging than anticipated but aligned with their local culture.
The second group, however, took a different path during the pandemic, realizing the advantages of remote work and prioritizing it. While they don’t mandate remote-only work, they have members working remotely from far-flung locations. This approach creates a different company culture, where remote and hybrid work is predominant, leading executives to reconsider office space.
Additionally, there’s a middle ground where companies adopt a hybrid approach, emphasizing hiring within an hour’s drive of the office. They might consider candidates from nearby areas like Cookeville, with occasional office visits.
This diversity of approaches has fueled the growth of the tech ecosystem, additionally giving Nashvillians opportunities to work in tech roles for companies outside the region.
While 2023 didn’t see significant investments or the creation of new tech jobs like previous years, companies that moved to the region in earlier years reaffirmed their commitment to job growth over a more extended period. Although there hasn’t been any new major announcement of a top-tier tech company creating thousands of new jobs in Middle Tennessee, the growth hasn’t come to a halt.
Even as companies focus on operational efficiencies and budget considerations, the region continues to experience a steady demand for tech jobs. Our job reports consistently show 8,000 to 12,000 open tech positions in Middle Tennessee. While there hasn’t been a sudden surge, this number reflects an ongoing need for tech talent that companies are actively recruiting for.
Do you think there’s enough access to capital for startups and younger tech companies looking to establish themselves in Middle Tennessee?
Our entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nashville is quite robust. We have a significant presence of venture capital firms and investors in Middle Tennessee. Over the past five years, there has been a shift towards more local investment. While investors still choose companies aligned with their missions and goals, there’s a noticeable effort to support and invest in local startups and companies, making capital more accessible for those looking to establish themselves in the region.
Last year, you mentioned the need for more investment in transportation and affordable housing. Have you noticed a more focused effort to address these challenges and have any new challenges emerged?
The administration has taken note of these concerns and there is a collective willingness among various organizations, including the Chamber, nonprofits and others, to collaborate and find solutions. Numerous discussions, roundtables and panel conversations have centered on these topics, indicating a concerted effort. While there may not be definitive solutions yet, especially in the realm of transit, these issues remain a top priority for our community’s growth. Crafting a comprehensive plan will take time, but I’m committed to being actively involved and offering insights into how these challenges impact our tech community.
Are there any legislative or regulatory matters that the Council is keeping an eye on or advocating for?
One notable legislation that recently passed is the data privacy law at the state level in Tennessee. Regardless of where they do business, it is important that organizations are respectful of their customers and their customers’ information. After years of consideration, we believe our legislature struck the right balance to make it clear what companies must do in the state of Tennessee to protect consumer rights. However data privacy laws differ in each state and we believe federal legislation is needed because commerce rarely ends at state borders. Businesses that operate in multiple states may have to comply with various data privacy regulations for the same transaction which can become cumbersome, especially for small businesses trying to grow. For instance, if a small e-commerce business is selling to customers across the country, they must navigate the intricacies of each state’s data privacy laws. The impact of such legislation extends beyond traditional tech companies and can affect any business that uses technology or conducts transactions online.
Looking ahead, there are discussions in Congress, particularly within the Judiciary and Commerce Committees, about AI-related legislation. While it’s still in the early stages, it will likely build upon the foundation of data privacy laws. These conversations involve bridging the knowledge gap between lawmakers and the rapidly evolving technology landscape. As connectors between the tech industry and legislators, we aim to facilitate these discussions, educate lawmakers about the implications of emerging technologies and help shape legislation that aligns with the needs of our community.
Looking ahead, what are the priorities for the Council in the next year or two and what is your general outlook?
Our primary focus for the Council is to consistently deliver value to our members and constituents. This entails several facets, with a central emphasis on workforce development. Simplifying it, we’re committed to enhancing the skills and capabilities of employees within member companies. This involves offering services, workshops and content that aids in their professional growth and leadership development. We’ve made substantial strides in this area in 2023 and plan to expand our efforts further in 2024. Additionally, we’re exploring how we can extend our reach to different types of technologists beyond software engineers, ensuring that a wide spectrum of tech roles can benefit from ongoing education and development.
The second aspect of our workforce development efforts involves nurturing the tech talent pipeline. This encompasses various demographics, from young entrants to adult learners and career changers. Facilitating opportunities for these individuals to enter the tech industry has a significant economic development impact. Many entry-level tech jobs offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for both recent graduates and those seeking career transitions. We’re dedicated to supporting these individuals in upskilling and transitioning into tech roles and we’re actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share similar objectives.
For more information, please visit:
https://technologycouncil.com/
