As tech hiring slows, CEOs discuss ways to boost opportunities

CEOs were asked: A recent tech hiring survey showed demand plummeting for tech-oriented jobs in the area. Do you believe there are enough high-tech opportunities in the region? If not, what can be done to boost them?

Tech opportunities require the confluence of strong schools, affordable, attractive work/live communities, communications infrastructure and venture funding. In addition, the communities require a certain amount of momentum to create symbiotic relationships and attraction between tech companies to bring and keep them in a community. With South Florida’s limited real estate being primarily focused on housing and retail services, it is challenging for tech to develop a beachhead and to provide affordable housing for the anticipated workforce.

Andy Ansin, vice president, Sunbeam Properties

A childhood friend just lamented that he is looking for a new tech-oriented opportunity but likely it will require a move from South Florida. On a singular basis, it appears that we don’t have enough opportunities. While incubators and accelerators have popped up in many areas, it would be great to see a hub approach. Several companies co-locate and partner together to boost the viability from an industry perspective. Add in tax incentives and work-live-play-housing opportunities, then perhaps we can spark a boost in tech staying and thriving here.

Michael Balaban, president, CEO, Jewish Federation of Broward County

The brain drain challenge is an urgent reality for us in South Florida. At Lime, we have hired and continue to recruit some of the best talent in our region. There are many other organizations, like ours, committed to contributing to the Miami tech ecosystem. The success of our growth in South Florida is visible through Wyncode Academy and Wyntalent, which are doing an amazing job in training and placing the next generation of coders and entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, despite these efforts and the fact our robust universities create some of the brightest minds in the country, many leave the region for what they see as greener pastures. As a community of corporate leaders, we need to collaborate with our local government to build incentives for startups to set up shop in Miami and for companies already in our ecosystem to hire local tech talent. If we want Miami to thrive as a tech hub, it is up to each and every one of us to play a role. At the same time, we have to foster an environment that encourages young talent to stay in South Florida. It means encouraging new modes of transportation that attract young people with investments in transit and improved street infrastructure. It means doing what we can to make living here affordable and ultimately ensuring there is room for growth in this young industry.

Uhriel Bedoya, Florida general manager, Lime

Recently, there has been an effort to shift Miami’s traditional hospitality economy toward a tech-oriented one, which has netted some results but not enough to absorb the workforce. Miami has a lot to offer in terms of culture, art, architecture, and weather, which is attracting a younger demographic. We need to keep promoting those assets to convince big tech companies to move here.

Claudia Busch, founding principal, Berenblum Busch Architects

I was not aware of this recent survey, but I do know that southeast Florida has struggled with building out a tech ecosystem as vibrant as Charlotte, Boston or San Francisco. Without jobs, we cannot attract a talented labor pool, but without the labor pool, we cannot fuel a vibrant tech sector. World class tech education is also needed, locally. In Broward, business leaders are rallying behind Tech Lauderdale, an initiative designed to promote the growth, connectivity and awareness of the tech ecosystem. No doubt, technology is an industry the region should continue to sponsor and invest in, but success will require coordinated efforts between government, business and educational institutions.

Anita Byer, CEO, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk

I have actually been concerned about the over-selling of tech employment opportunities in South Florida for some time. The business of selling the opportunities has become more lucrative than the opportunities themselves. Yes, the region has high-tech opportunities, but the promised bonanza can only materialize if the number of employers is significantly expanded. I do not see that occurring immediately and certainly not without a well-designed plan to achieve it.

Carlos R. Fernandez-Guzman, president, CEO, Pacific National Bank (PNB)

How recent is this survey? I don’t think I can answer this question as I am not that familiar with the industry in South Florida.

Christine Franklin, president, Cherokee Enterprises

There aren’t very many high-tech jobs in our region — mostly because Miami’s schools are not particularly focused enough on technology. And that is what tech firms are most attracted to.

Arnaud Karsenti, managing principal, 13th Floor Investments

I believe there are and they are growing. Jobs in medical technology and cybersecurity, to name a couple, are becoming more readily available in the region and our educational institutions are answering the call to provide the necessary training through traditional degree and short-term training programs. Independent of what the survey may show, Miami Dade College graduates from tech-oriented programs are promptly placed in local jobs. MDC itself has several IT job openings that have been somewhat difficult to fill. Therefore, from the college workforce perspective, the demand for IT workers is greater than the quantity being supplied. There is a reason why eMerge Americas takes place here each year.

Bernie Navarro, founder and president, Benworth Capital Partners

Miami is a growing tech hub with a lot of potential as it bridges the gap between Latin America and the United States in the tech industry. Currently, as Miami experiences growing pains in its attempt to break through the ever-changing tech industry, the city will experience highs and lows within the ecosystem. I believe that there could always be more opportunities available for those not only in this region, but any region within tech-oriented jobs. We are looking toward a future powered by innovative technology and it is essential that we continue to empower tech startups and future founders in our communities, by continuing to give them access to resources such as conferences focused on FinTech and health, and educational opportunities.

Sanket Parekh, founder and managing partner, Secocha Ventures

I am not an expert on tech-oriented opportunities but it would seem like an emphasis on providing high-tech or tech skilled individuals with exposure to entrepreneurial folks who could identify business needs in a university class or forum format could lead to positive outcomes in the future.

Julio Ramirez, president, CEO, JEM Global Consulting

We need to support more tech companies in South Florida. There is no reason South Florida cannot — with its great weather, no personal income tax and good air travel connections — sustain a vibrant technology sector. This should be a priority for the chamber of commerce, business roundtable and other business associations.

Stuart Singer, administrative partner, Fort Lauderdale office, Boies Schiller & Flexner

Graduates from Florida universities are struggling to find jobs in the local market. My son is a good example. Graduated from FIU and is now working for Fidelity in New Hampshire because high-quality tech jobs are difficult to find in the Miami area. We must make it attractive for companies to create jobs here. The challenge takes time to address and has to be attacked on two fronts: 1) Enticing companies to create jobs in the area; 2) training students to fill those jobs.

Evelio C. Torres, president, CEO, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe

=====

THE MIAMI HERALD CEO ROUNDTABLE IS A WEEKLY FEATURE THAT APPEARS IN BUSINESS MONDAY OF THE MIAMI HERALD. Meet the current members of the roundtable.

RECENT QUESTIONS TO THE ROUNDTABLE HAVE INCLUDED:

▪ CEOs worry about climate change — and responding to the threat

▪ College degrees are invaluable, but technical skills also have merit

▪ CEOs spill the beans on how they get their news

▪ CEOs’ one simple rule for social media: Don’t be an embarrassment

▪ CEOs: Best holiday gifts bring cherished memories

▪ CEOs: Holidays celebrate team achievements, cement culture

▪ What is the future for commuter rail in South Florida?

▪ CEOs discuss South Florida’s cost-of-living issues

▪ CEOs in new class share their greatest professional achievements

▪ Ride an e-scooter? Most CEOs haven’t — yet

▪ CEOs offer diverse ways of luring and keeping good workers