Balancing Career Acceleration and Progression in the age of AI

Tom Wu

Tom Wu arrived in Auckland in 2001 as an international student. His career journey began far from the corporate world — washing dishes in Asian restaurants and selling toys at night markets — before he steadily worked his way into large corporate environments. Tom is a large corporate veteran with 20+ years of experience in AI (Artificial Intelligence) and BI (Business Intelligence). Tom has worked across major organisations (ASB and Fonterra) and is now the founder of a job-seeker-centric AI startup, leading a small team focused on helping people access better career opportunities. Grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest, Tom brings real-world experience from both sides of the table. He is never short of insightful lessons and memorable stories — especially for those navigating their own career transitions.

Presentation

Balancing Career Acceleration and Progression in the age of AI

In this presentation, Tom covers two powerful perspectives: from an employer’s lens — learn how to land your first IT role faster in today’s competitive market — what hiring managers are looking for, how to stand out, and how to beat the competition; from a former large-corporate veteran lens — discover how to grow beyond ‘good’ to ‘great’, accelerate your career progression, and increase your impact and influence within the corporate world (or maybe start your side hustling). Tom shares practical, no-fluff insights you won’t find in textbooks.