Antonio Vieira Santos
Inclusivity, Innovation, and Accessibility with Antonio Vieira Santos Ep 227 - The Global Discussion
The host of The Global Discussion, Simon Hodgkins, speaks with Antonio Vieira Santos, an industry veteran who advocates for accessibility, inclusivity, and innovative digital transformation. Antonio, currently serving as Senior Business Intelligence and Innovation Evangelist at Eviden and Co-Founder of AXSChat, shared insights from his extensive experience in tech, corporate strategy, and digital transformation, all through the lens of accessibility and inclusivity.
Antonio's career spans numerous roles and industries, including telecommunications, business intelligence, and workplace innovation. Now based in Cork, Ireland, he brings unique perspectives on the future of work, the transformative power of AI, and, most importantly, a commitment to accessibility-centric innovation.
His work has consistently advocated for a digital world that leaves no one behind. At Eviden, part of the Atos group, Antonio ensures that digital tools cater to everyone, especially those with disabilities—a mission he passionately elaborated on during his conversation with Simon.
Accessibility-Centric Innovation: A Key Focus
For Antonio, accessibility isn't just a checkbox in product development—it's the core of what true digital innovation should aim for. During the episode, he highlighted a pressing issue: around 80% of websites are still inaccessible to people with disabilities. "The web isn't new anymore," Antonio stated, "yet the tools we use still fall short for a large part of the population."
Antonio argues that "being accessibility-centric" should mean involving people with disabilities from the outset. This proactive approach ensures that digital solutions are not only inclusive but also practical for diverse users. As he put it, prioritizing accessibility prevents "digital pollution," where innovations inadvertently create barriers instead of breaking them down.
Insights on AI: Enhancing Accessibility and Business Intelligence
As an advocate for responsible AI, Antonio views artificial intelligence as a powerful tool for creating a more inclusive digital environment. He shared practical applications of AI in accessibility, like generating subtitles for videos and alt text for images, making online content more accessible. For him, the goal is always to empower people, not replace them—a distinction that's critical in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.
An Entrepreneurial Spirit: Building Community Through Innovation
Antonio has also been a dedicated entrepreneur, founding several companies and initiatives over the years, including a coworking startup in Cork. He shared that his ventures outside his corporate role have allowed him to experiment, connect with different generations, and gain insights that inform his work in innovation and digital transformation. These experiences shape his approach to business intelligence, grounding his strategies in real-world problem-solving and human interaction.
Championing Inclusivity in Tech and Workplaces
Antonio serves on the advisory board of Women in Tech and co-founded The Digital Transformation Lab at University College Cork. His work in these organizations focuses on increasing diversity in tech, fostering inclusive workplace policies, and building support networks for underrepresented groups.
The Future of Work: Flexibility and Inclusivity at the Core
In their discussion, Simon and Antonio explored the future of work, a subject that has been a major focus for Antonio. He believes that hybrid and remote work setups can be powerful tools for inclusivity, enabling more diverse and flexible work environments. Antonio also underscored the importance of training and mentorship, especially for new hires entering a remote or hybrid workplace. "Without proper onboarding and support," he warned, "we risk leaving young professionals feeling isolated." His recommendation? Companies should go beyond technical training to offer robust programs on communication, collaboration, and mental health support.
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