This event was a vibrant evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration alongside fellow EB100 winners. The evening includes an insightful EB CoNNect session hosted by EB ambassador, Entrepreneur and former TV Presenter, Arti Halai.
The session featured a panel discussion on scaling smart in today’s digital landscape. The panel included industry leaders Andrew Grill (Futurist & Former IBM Global Managing Partner), Áine Rogers (Managing Director, SMB UK & Ireland at Cisco) and Dax Grant (Global CIO 100, Forbes Technology Council Member).
Read more on the event at Elite Business Magazine and watch Andrew’s previous keynote at Elite Business Live.
The power panel
A truly exceptional lineup:
- Andrew Grill – Futurist and former Global Managing Partner at IBM, with six startups under his belt and a passion for digital transformation.
- Áine Rogers – Managing Director of Small & Medium-Sized Business at Cisco UK & Ireland, and a passionate advocate for tech that enables growth, not chaos.
- Dax Grant – Global CIO 100, Forbes Tech Council member, and a respected authority on cyber resilience, digital trust, and leadership.
Together, they unpacked not just the “how” of scaling, but the “why” and the “what next”, delivering an afternoon of insights we’re still thinking about.
Scaling smart is not the same as scaling fast
Our panellists wasted no time distinguishing between smart growth and fast growth. According to Dax Grant, smart scaling is about following value: “Short-term, long-term, know the difference and align it with your purpose.” In other words, scale should be intentional, not impulsive.
Andrew Grill, drawing on both startup and enterprise experience, highlighted the power of accessible tools: “There are so many free or low-cost technologies out there. SMEs who embrace them are already scaling smart.” Naturally, the “elephant in the room” AI was never far from the conversation.
For Áine Rogers, smart scaling means readiness: “Cyber threats, hybrid work, digital expectations… SMEs must invest in secure foundations, robust connectivity and future-flexible tools.”
How do you know it’s time to scale?
Every SME faces the question: Are we ready? The answer isn’t always found in turnover or headcount. Sometimes, it’s in the signals.
Andrew shared that for one of his previous ventures, things really shifted at seven employees: “That’s when HR, systems and leadership suddenly mattered.” For others, it might be landing a flagship client like Vodafone or Diageo, opening the door to new markets and new expectations.
Tech overwhelm is real but it’s solvable
In a world drowning in platforms, systems and vendors, SMEs often find themselves paralysed by choice. The panel delivered practical advice for cutting through the noise:
- Áine: “Find a managed service provider who understands your size and your stage. You don’t have to navigate it all alone.”
- Andrew: “Choose future-ready tools. Don’t get locked into clunky systems—think 2026, not just 2025.”
- Dax: “Tech should match your growth phase. Sometimes, the smartest decision is to wait.”
AI isn’t just coming… It’s here!
AI was the hot topic, but what made this discussion special was the grounded, honest tone.
Andrew called for curiosity: “Spend half an hour a week playing with a new tool. That ‘aha’ moment is how innovation starts.”
Áine reframed the fear: “Think of AI as a digital intern. It can accelerate your day—but it doesn’t replace your judgement, your empathy, or your critical thinking.”
Dax went further: “Let’s not treat AI as some far-off superpower. It should sit next to us, not above us. It’s a companion, not a competitor.”
Cybersecurity isn’t optional, it’s mission-critical
If one theme came through loud and clear, it’s this: SMEs cannot afford to ignore cybersecurity.
Áine laid it out: “It’s not a ‘nice to have’ anymore, it’s a business enabler. And yes, your small business can be targeted.”
Andrew delivered a real wake-up call: “If you don’t have two-factor authentication turned on, you will get hacked. And yes, that includes your Gmail, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.”
His top tip? Introduce a family password and a team password. It’s a simple, no-tech defence against increasingly sophisticated attacks, and it could save your business.
Dax focused on cyber resilience: “Assume you will be attacked. Plan your response, test it, and communicate it. Your ability to bounce back, and retain trust, is everything.”
Leading with trust in a digital world
As much as we spoke about tools and technology, the panel made it clear: connection still wins.
- Dax: “Integrity will stand out more than ever. Your actions must match your values, online and off.”
- Andrew: “Your digital first impression matters. Google yourself. Is what people see truly reflective of you and your brand?”
- Anya: “Digital gets you to the customer. Human connection keeps them.”
One question, three brilliant answers
As the session closed, Arti Halai asked the panellists to complete one powerful sentence:
“The smartest thing an SME leader can do today to scale safely and efficiently is…”
- “Invest in the right security, connectivity, and mindset.” – Áine Rogers
- “Stay curious.” – Andrew Grill
- “Go back to old school, build on relationships, purpose and trust.” – Dax Grant
See also Andrew’s keynote at Elite Business Live.