Anusha Nerella

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Stablecoin issuers that treat verifiable truth as infrastructure, not as a compliance checkbox to satisfy regulators, will be the rails that autonomous finance runs on.

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In data-driven organizations, the distance between upstream and downstream teams can quietly become a fault line. Data engineers, platform architects, and infrastructure leaders focus on pipelines, governance, and reliability, while analytics, product, and business teams push for speed, insights, and measurable outcomes. When these groups operate in silos, even the most sophisticated data investments stall—buried under misaligned priorities, unclear ownership, and competing definitions of success. From my experience leading tech teams, one effective way to bridge the gap between upstream and downstream teams is by aligning business and technical drivers from the start. Silos are the true enemy of progress. Every successful data initiative needs a common framework that clearly defines how data is propagated, governed and maintained across the landscape. When both business and technology teams share this unified view, collaboration extends across horizontal and vertical layers of the enterprise architecture and business value. To help tech leaders turn fragmented workflows into high-impact, insight-driven execution, I asked members of the Leveraging Data Group, a community that I lead through Forbes Technology Council, for game-changing ways to align upstream and downstream teams.

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Quantum computing is moving out of the lab and into the boardroom—but consensus on where value will emerge remains elusive. As hardware matures and investment accelerates, leaders are being forced to make strategic bets amid competing modalities, timelines, and levels of technical risk. To cut through the hype, I asked members of the Quantum Computing Group, a community that I lead through Forbes Technology Council, a simple question: over the next five years, where will quantum deliver real, defensible value?

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Connected technologies are getting faster, more distributed and more intelligent, pushing connectivity beyond the old idea of “internet access” as a single pipe. Private 5G networks can give factories, hospitals and campuses dedicated wireless capacity; satellite internet can extend coverage far beyond traditional towers; and edge computing can move processing closer to where data is created so critical applications respond in real time. Together, these shifts are redefining what it means to be “online,” especially as people and organizations demand connected systems that work anywhere, including in remote locations, dense urban areas and high-stakes environments. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share the innovations they believe will help define the future of connectivity.

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Robotics is moving off the factory floor and into everyday products and processes in homes and workplaces. In this context, “robot-assisted” doesn’t necessarily mean a humanoid helper; it can be anything with sensors, software and motors that can perceive its environment and take physical action, from robot vacuums to surgical assistants. Better AI, cheaper components and easier-to-adopt deployment models are accelerating the shift from pilots to practical tools. The question now isn’t whether robotics will reach the mass market, but which sectors will embrace it first and how. Here, members of Forbes Technology Council predict which sectors will see the fastest mainstream growth in robot-assisted products and processes over the next few years.

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The next era of operational resilience will require not only uptime, security and redundancy, but also carbon-aware architecture.

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Technology-driven roles have expanded far beyond traditional job boundaries, blending technical fluency with strategic decision-making. Professionals in hybrid positions, from AI product managers to data-informed marketers to cybersecurity risk analysts, are expected to stay hands-on with rapidly evolving tools while still delivering measurable business results. That balance can be difficult to maintain, especially as new platforms and capabilities seem to emerge every week. Remaining effective in these roles requires more than curiosity. It calls for smart learning habits, a willingness to experiment and a clear understanding of how technical advancements connect to organizational goals. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share practical strategies to help hybrid tech-and-business leaders stay adaptable, engaged and impactful as the landscape continues to shift.

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Albania made waves in January 2025 when it introduced Diella, an AI-driven assistant built to help citizens navigate online government services through the e-Albania platform. In September, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Diella would join his cabinet as the “Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence,” with a focus on detecting irregularities and reducing corruption in public procurement. The move marked one of the world’s first attempts to give an algorithm an official government role, raising global curiosity about what it means when software takes over public service work traditionally carried out by a human decision-maker. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council weigh in on the broader implications, exploring how Diella’s appointment may shape the future of governance and long-term expectations for political accountability.

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Older adults represent one of the most powerful yet overlooked consumer segments in today’s economy. With more than $7 trillion in buying power, according to AARP research, this demographic is redefining what it means to age — embracing technology, wellness, travel, and lifestyle experiences at unprecedented rates. Yet many brands still underestimate or misunderstand their influence. Tapping into this market isn’t just a matter of inclusion; it’s a strategic advantage for businesses ready to innovate around the needs and aspirations of a rapidly growing population. From the same research, 77% of older adults want to age in place at home. An unaddressed market opportunity is to take the senior living community concept into one's home. This can look like a package of services and support to promote independence, community living and active engagement without the need to move from one's home or the capital investment of building, staffing and managing a campus. To help business leaders tap into this market, I ask members of the Age Tech Group, a community that I lead through Forbes Technology Council, for one opportunity they see to scale age tech.

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As workplaces become increasingly digitized and remote and hybrid models continue to grow, personal and professional lives are intersecting more than ever across digital platforms. As a result, companies’ cybersecurity risk perimeters are expanding, and even small missteps in digital security can lead to identity theft, data breaches or reputational damage. Strong, consistent digital hygiene practices at both the organizational and individual levels are now nonnegotiable. Here, members of Forbes Technology Council share practical habits for keeping business and personal data safe from manipulation and misuse.

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E-commerce businesses wrestle with two challenges: preventing fraud before it strikes and ensuring that legitimate customers can check out quickly and easily. Cybercriminals are faster and more sophisticated than ever before, using AI-powered bots, stolen credentials and fake identities to get around security measures. Tech-savvy consumers, on the other hand, expect seamless transactions—instant logins, one-click payments and no time-consuming verifications.  To maintain loyalty and trust, it’s more important than ever for e-commerce companies to strike a balance between robust security and a flawless user experience. Here, members of Forbes Technology Council discuss how businesses can address this issue head-on and demonstrate how smart strategies can support both strong security and steady sales.

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The next competitive edge won’t come from brute force. It will come from systems that think more like markets themselves

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Effective network management is critical for ensuring reliable system performance and safeguarding the flow of information that powers nearly every business operation. AI has quickly become the backbone of enterprise network management, setting the baseline for what secure and optimized networks will look like going forward.  From predictive analytics and self-healing architectures to AI-driven simulations that anticipate failures, organizations are using artificial intelligence to make their networks faster, safer and more resilient. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share how AI is being used today to transform network reliability, performance and defense in ways that are poised to become standard practice across industries.

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For organizations modernizing legacy stacks, shifting from a monolithic architecture to MACH (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless) promises modular systems that foster easier maintenance and agile innovation. Yet success takes far more than a technical rewrite—the transition often exposes flaws in architecture design, governance and team topology that must be rethought and refined. From “mini monoliths” that replicate legacy dependencies to fragmented ownership models that erode scalability, the real pitfalls of MACH adoption usually stem less from technology than from organizational inertia. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share the most common failure points they’ve seen in a MACH transition—and the technical and cultural strategies that can help prevent them.

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From communication latency and radiation-induced glitches to orbital debris and cyber vulnerabilities, incident response in space and aerospace environments brings unique and often high-stakes challenges. When things go wrong in orbit, no one can intervene in real time—distance, delay and the sheer cost of assets turn every second into a critical window to prevent mission failure or the loss of vital infrastructure. As satellites, spacecraft and supporting ground systems become foundational to global navigation, defense and commerce, the urgency of solving these problems grows. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share some of the most challenging—and pressing—incident response hurdles in space and aerospace and explain why addressing them is vital to protecting innovation and infrastructure both on and beyond Earth.

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Modern applications are intricate systems, built from interconnected components that must balance user demand, security risks and infrastructure limits. When one piece falters, the ripple effects can quickly escalate into downtime, lost revenue and frustrated customers. Fortunately, failures rarely arrive without warning. Subtle signals—whether in system metrics, logs or shifts in user behavior—often surface hours or even days in advance. By learning to detect and act on these early warning signs, tech teams can intervene before small glitches snowball into full-blown failures. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share the indicators they rely on to spot trouble before it takes applications offline.

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Collaboration platforms are mission-critical tools for modern workplaces, connecting teams, streamlining workflows and enabling faster decision-making. But choosing and deploying one can be a complicated process. Poor configurations can lead to tool sprawl, messy permissions, security gaps, data silos, broken automations and even employee resistance—all of which undermine productivity and trust. The good news: Most of these challenges can be avoided or fixed. With clear governance, thoughtful setup and a user-first approach, organizations can unlock the full value of their collaboration tools. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share the most common configuration pitfalls they see—and how to solve them.

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Technology is designed to make work faster and easier—but that doesn’t mean transformative tech initiatives happen quickly and smoothly. Even if a tech team is on board with a long-term project’s end goals, it can be hard to stay motivated when the finish line is weeks—or even months—away. It’s up to tech leaders to maintain momentum when a big project is going to be more of a marathon than a sprint. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share smart, practical strategies to help tech team members maintain their focus and enthusiasm throughout the ups and downs of a long-term, complex project.

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From online lenders to digital payment platforms, fintech companies aim to make financial transactions more accessible, faster and easier. With that ambitious goal comes constant pressure—to compete, they must innovate quickly, but global oversight frameworks can shift just as new products are coming to market. Fintech leaders are responding with strategies that embed compliance into the innovation process, improve collaboration across teams and strengthen engagement with regulators. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share approaches designed to help companies maintain both agility and compliance.

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When it comes to cybersecurity, leaders can’t afford to overlook the role their people play in safeguarding the organization. Often, employees are viewed primarily as part of the problem—especially as phishing, ransomware and insider threats grow more sophisticated. However, with the right training, tools and culture, employees can become one of a company’s most effective defenses against cyber risks.  By cultivating awareness and accountability across all levels of the business, leaders can turn team members into active participants who identify threats earlier, respond more effectively and play a central role in protecting sensitive information. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council outline practical strategies for turning employees into proactive partners in cybersecurity.

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Recent waves of layoffs across the tech sector have reshaped both the talent landscape and the competitive marketplace in unexpected ways. While many professionals were displaced from larger companies, their expertise, creativity and drive have given startups and emerging businesses across industries access to a deeper, more experienced talent pool. At the same time, strategies that smaller firms have long relied on to compete are now giving them an edge as their larger counterparts adjust to downsizing. With sharper business models and access to top talent once concentrated in Big Tech, smaller organizations are positioned to innovate faster and scale smarter. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council highlight key benefits startups and SMBs are gaining from shifts in the technology workforce.

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While financial contributions from tech companies can certainly help worthy causes, philanthropy doesn’t have to stop at writing checks. Tech organizations can drive meaningful change in many ways, from sharing their expertise to engaging directly with schools, nonprofits and local communities. When tech companies commit resources such as employee time, technical skills or access to platforms, they deepen employee engagement by embedding service directly into company culture—and create opportunities for community organizations to scale their impact more effectively. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council highlight meaningful approaches that extend beyond monetary giving and create lasting value for the communities they support.

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Quantum computing is often framed as the next technological arms race, with nations and corporations vying for breakthroughs that could reshape industries from finance to medicine. But as with any transformative innovation, the question isn’t just who gets there first. It’s who gets to benefit from it. Without intentional design, access to quantum tools and discoveries could be concentrated in the hands of a few, deepening existing inequities. To explore how leaders can prevent that outcome, I asked members of Quantum Computing Group, a community that I lead through Forbes Technology Council, to share actionable steps that ensure quantum computing delivers value for humanity as a whole, not just a privileged minority.

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In the evolution of enterprise automation, there is a quiet crisis forming: processes that work flawlessly in code but fail catastrophically in context.

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Synthetic data is becoming an increasingly attractive tool for companies looking to accelerate AI development. By simulating realistic scenarios, it can protect privacy, speed up model training and address some of the gaps and limitations of incomplete real-world datasets. This isn't a "silver bullet" solution, though: Poorly designed synthetic data can introduce bias, distort reality and undermine model performance. Below, 19 Forbes Technology Council members share the most important pros and cons to consider before adopting synthetic data in your AI strategy.

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Cybersecurity threats are growing more complex—and often, harder to detect. As companies expand their tech stacks and accelerate digital operations, they may be ignoring hidden risks rooted in shadow systems, human behavior and outdated assumptions. Below, industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share overlooked or unspoken issues that are quietly increasing cybersecurity risk in organizations across industries. Their insights on factors ranging from vulnerable no-code tools to compliance theater to digital clutter can help companies spot critical gaps in their cybersecurity strategies.

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Diffusion models gradually refine and produce a requested output, sometimes starting from random noise—values generated by the model itself—and sometimes working from user-provided data. Think of generating a photorealistic image just by typing “futuristic city at sunset” into a generative AI model.  Until now, diffusion models have mostly been used in creative industries like advertising or by individuals exploring their artistic sides. But as the underlying computing power improves, these models are being repurposed to simulate, predict and generate outcomes in fields far beyond the creative space. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share emerging and potential uses for diffusion models that could soon reshape everything from drug development to financial forecasting.

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The hybrid of mind mapping and LLMs represents a profound revolution in software engineering.

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Composable architecture structures systems using modular, interchangeable components, allowing organizations to adapt more quickly and deliver more tailored technology solutions. As the demand for agility, scalability and resilience grows, this approach is gaining traction across enterprise tech. Beyond the well-known benefits of flexibility and cost efficiency, composable architecture offers additional advantages that often go overlooked. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council highlight some of these lesser-known upsides, ranging from enhanced resilience and faster innovation to lower risk and improved team collaboration.

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In the rush to innovate, it’s easy for companies to confuse activity with impact. From launching flashy new features to holding endless brainstorming sessions, the motions of "pursuing innovation" can sometimes overshadow actual outcomes. Real innovation delivers measurable value—improved customer experiences, operational efficiency, strategic transformation—and if you're missing that value, you might not actually be innovating. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share common red flags that indicate a company may be confusing mere movement for meaningful progress. Watch out for these signs before your next big initiative misses the mark.

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Brain-computer interface technology has long belonged to the realm of science fiction, but it’s quickly emerging as a real-world innovation with the potential to transform how we live, work and interact. BCIs create a direct communication link between the brain and an external device, enabling users to control technology using only their thoughts. While the possibilities are vast, some applications are better positioned than others for early, widespread adoption—thanks to existing demand, supporting infrastructure and familiar user behaviors. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share compelling predictions about the earliest real-world use cases for this groundbreaking tech.

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Secure Access Service Edge offers a flexible, cloud-native framework for unifying networking and security, but successful adoption begins with a solid foundation. Before evaluating vendors or diving into configurations, tech leaders need to align on strategy, clarify business goals and assess their current infrastructure and risk profile. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share practical first steps companies can take when preparing for SASE. From conducting network assessments and mapping identity access to building cross-functional alignment and establishing digital trust, these early actions can help pave the way for a smooth and effective transition.

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In many businesses, platform engineers serve two sets of customers: external clients and internal colleagues. When building tools for internal use, following the same user-centered design principles applied to customer-facing products isn’t just good practice—it’s a proven way to boost team efficiency, accelerate development and improve overall user satisfaction. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share key design principles platform engineers should keep front and center whether they're building for clients or colleagues. From prioritizing real team needs to planning ahead for worst-case scenarios, these strategies can ensure internal systems are scalable, reliable and truly supportive of the teams they’re built for.

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As machine intelligence blends with human instinct, GenAI is reshaping how we use execution, experimentation and empathy throughout the design process.

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Data now fuels everything from daily operations to long-term strategy, making data literacy—the ability to read, understand and leverage insights from data—a core business skill for professionals across industries and specialties. But even with growing awareness, many companies still struggle to make their data literacy efforts stick. The most effective programs integrate data into everyday workflows, tailor training to specific roles, and foster a culture where people trust and understand the data they’re using. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share common pitfalls they’ve seen in data literacy initiatives and offer advice on how companies can build stronger, more data-fluent teams.

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DevSecOps integrates development, security and operations into a unified process so teams can detect and address risks earlier in the software development life cycle. However, companies in highly regulated industries—like healthcare and finance—may find the DevSecOps adoption process more challenging due to factors ranging from documentation requirements to technical debt to risk aversion and more. Below, tech industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share their advice for organizations in regulated environments that are just beginning their DevSecOps journeys. Their insights can help you avoid common (and costly) missteps, maintain compliance and build a foundation for secure, scalable success.