Podcasts about diversity in technology

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Best podcasts about diversity in technology

Latest podcast episodes about diversity in technology

CXOInsights by CXOCIETY
PodChats for FuturCOO: How to become a great female chief digital officer

CXOInsights by CXOCIETY

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 15:59


Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) play a pivotal role in guiding organizations through digital transformation, aligning technology with business strategies to enhance competitiveness. As companies increasingly recognize the importance of digital leadership, women are making significant strides in CDO positions. Recent data indicates that women now represent approximately 20% of CDO roles, reflecting a positive trend towards gender diversity in technology leadership. This shift not only promotes inclusivity but also leverages diverse perspectives essential for driving innovation and success in the digital age.In this exclusive interview with Shannon Bell, executive vice president and chief digital officer at OpenText, we look at the growing importance of CDOs in the digital transformation of businesses and industries, as well as the role women play in the evolution of the role.1.       The future of many businesses today is defined by the extent to which they embrace digital. In your view why is this so? Why are organisations being driven to become more digital?2.       In this digital-first society, what are the qualifications and qualities that make for a successful chief digital officer (CDO)? Do you see an overlap between the roles of a CDO to that of a Chief Transformation Officer? How about Chief Technology Officer?3.       In your view, are women better suited to be CDOs than their male counterparts? [Please elaborate]4.       What systemic barriers do women face in advancing to CDO positions within Asian companies?a.       What role does corporate culture play in either facilitating or hindering women's progress to CDO roles?5.       How can women leverage their backgrounds in marketing and customer engagement to transition into CDO positions?6.       How important are female role models in the tech space for aspiring women leaders?7.       What is your advice for women aspiring to become leaders? Likewise, what is your advice for male leaders in support of future women leaders?

Better Tech
Leadership in Times of Change

Better Tech

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 20:35


In this episode of BetterTech, Haseeb Khan interviews Caroline Gorski, Co-Founder at Cerestrial LLP, a renowned technologist and strategist with over 30 years of experience in AI, machine learning, and digital transformation. Caroline shares insights from her leadership at Rolls-Royce's AI division (R-squared factory) and her mission at Cerestrial LLP to drive inclusivity in tech leadership. She explores AI's role as a global strategic asset, the challenges of diversity in technology, and how experimentation accelerates innovation. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on the future of AI and leadership in an evolving digital world.

The Modern India's Podcast
The Modern India Podcast #67-Indias IT Gender Balance: A Model for the Nordics Podcast Series- Cracking the Code: How India is Leading in Gender Diversity in Tech

The Modern India's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 36:59


India has built one of the world's strongest pipelines for women in STEM and technology, yet in the Nordics, where gender equality is a global benchmark, female representation in IT and tech leadership remains a challenge.  In this episode, Sunita Mohanty, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at Invest India, shares insights on what's driving India's success and what the Nordics can learn. With experience leading diversity and workforce transformation at Google Singapore, Sunita discusses the key policies, corporate initiatives, and cultural shifts that have shaped India's growing female tech workforce.  We explore:  - How India became a global leader in female STEM graduates  - The role of government policies like Vigyan Jyoti and WISE-KIRAN in bridging gender gaps in tech  - Lessons from India's structured digital skilling programs and corporate-government partnerships  - The future of women in AI, quantum computing, biotech, and emerging tech fields  - Sunita's personal journey and the impact of mentorship and leadership in creating lasting change  This conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, policy support, and workplace inclusion in building a more diverse and innovative tech sector.  Listen now to understand how gender diversity in technology can be strengthened worldwide.  The Nordic Council of Ministers supports this podcast.

The Geek In Review
The Evolution of AI in Legal Tech: A Conversation with ContractPodAi's Atena Reyhani

The Geek In Review

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 36:05


This week, we are joined by Atena Reyhani, Chief Product Officer at ContractPodAi, for an engaging discussion on the intersection of AI innovation and the legal industry. Atena brings her deep expertise in AI-driven product development and shares insights into the trends shaping legal technology and how ContractPodAI is at the forefront of this transformation. The conversation kicks off with a focus on the prevalence of conversational user interfaces (CUIs) in modern legal tech tools. Atena explains that CUIs, inspired by platforms like ChatGPT, are intuitive and reduce the cognitive load for users, making adoption easier. “Conversational user experience is now one of the ways of interacting with super intelligence,” she notes, highlighting how this design helps bridge the gap between human communication and AI capabilities. Atena also predicts a future shift towards deeper human-AI collaboration, moving beyond simple interactions to robust tools that integrate seamlessly with user workflows. When asked about the challenge of brand differentiation in a landscape where many tools appear similar, Atena emphasizes the importance of moving from basic chatbots to comprehensive, end-to-end solutions. She points to the rise of agentic AI, where multiple AI agents work together to provide dynamic, actionable insights. According to Atena, “AI can now analyze information, outsource tasks, and dynamically engage multiple AI agents to perform end-to-end operations,” paving the way for truly intelligent legal platforms. Atena delves into how ContractPodAi leverages AI to address real-world challenges in legal operations. With its Lea AI solution, the company has expanded beyond contract lifecycle management (CLM) to broader enterprise applications such as compliance and obligation management. Atena reveals an exciting new initiative, the Lea Marketplace, which she describes as “a one-stop shop for enterprise legal GenAI,” likening it to the Salesforce or Microsoft Marketplace. This platform will enable partners and subject matter experts to accelerate innovation through collaborative, industry-specific solutions. Reflecting on her career in AI and her recognition as an award-winning innovator, Atena speaks passionately about the tangible impact of AI on businesses and individuals. She also underscores the importance of diversity in technology development, stating, “Women bring a diverse perspective that is crucial for innovation.” Atena encourages more women to step into leadership roles and shape the future of AI and legal tech. The episode concludes with Atena's predictions for the legal tech industry. She identifies key challenges, including aligning AI capabilities with organizational needs and ensuring effective user adoption. “It's one thing to have the technology and another to use it to its full potential,” she observes, stressing the importance of strategic deployment, training, and change management. Atena's optimistic vision underscores the vast opportunities for AI to revolutionize legal operations. Listen on mobile platforms:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Blue Sky: ⁠⁠@glambertpod⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@marlgeb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.comMusic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript

SeventySix Capital Leadership Series
Bill Pascrell III, Special Advisor for IC360 - SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show

SeventySix Capital Leadership Series

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 39:30


On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Bill Pascrell III, Special Advisor to our portfolio company IC360. As Special Advisor, Pascrell will focus on policy development, strategic guidance, and strengthening IC360's position as the trusted authority in gaming compliance and integrity solutions. Pascrell is a Partner at Princton Public Affairs Group, Inc, the nation's largest state based public, regulatory and government affairs firm. He is a lawyer, strategic advisor, and consultant in the gaming sector through dozens of clients throughout the globe from the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Israel, Europe, South America, and Australia. He is recognized as one of the nation's top experts on internet gaming, lottery, horse racing, poker, esports, and sports betting, and continues to advise governments across the globe on issues involving the gaming industry. Pascrell serves on the Board of the Etain Foundation US, since its creation in 2019, with a focus on safer betting and gaming, grassroots sports, diversity in technology and projects with a clear link to the communities in which Entain operates. The Foundation has invested in dozens of projects to support its mission of integrity, compliance and responsible gaming. These programs include the creation and launch of the Seton Hall University Law School Boot Camp on Compliance, Integrity and Responsible gaming; a research partnership with UNLV creating initiatives to apply best practices in responsible gambling, policy and health; and alliances with NCAA and Professional Leagues to educate players about responsible gaming to name just a few. This work has earned he Enatoin Foundation US and Bill Pascrell, III many global responsible gaming honors and wards from organizations like SBC, GDC, EGR, and VIXIO. Pascrell led the successful 10-year campaign to legalize sports betting in the United States, culminating with the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) by the U.S. Supreme Court and has worked in every state that has legalized sports betting since the repeal of PASPA in 2018. Pascrell also quarterbacked a successful campaign to pass the first-in-the-nation Online Gaming Act in New Jersey in 2013 and helped develop the regulatory regime that implemented the legislation. He has work in all 7 states that have legalized online gaming and continues his advocacy to further expand online gaming to other interested states. He has also been a pioneer in passing first in the nation legislation on Lottery Courier, Esports Wagering and Fixed Odds-Horse Racing. Public service and governance have been a cornerstone of Pascrell's career. He has served as Counsel to New Jersey Governor James Florio (1989-1992), Chief of Staff to US Congressman Herb Klein(1992-1994), and Passaic County Counsel from 1998 to 2019, advising on critical governance matters through multiple terms. Nationally, Pascrell has been a trusted political advisor to prominent leaders, including Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, U.S. Senator and Democratic Presidential nominees U.S. Senator John Kerry and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, U.S. Senator Jon Corzine, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, and Governors James E. McGreevey, Richard Codey and Phil Murphy. A graduate of Rutgers University, Pascrell earned his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law and has completed executive programs at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. His blend of academic excellence and practical leadership has earned him recognition as one of the most influential figures in public administration and governance. Bill Pascrell III: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billpascrell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pascrell3rd/ X: https://x.com/BillPascrell3rd

Lead with Heart
E70: Creating Equal Opportunities in Tech with Ruthe Farmer, Founder of the Last Mile Education Fund

Lead with Heart

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 36:15


Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!On today's episode, I'm talking to Ruthe Farmer - the visionary founder and CEO of the Last Mile Education Fund. Last Mile is a nonprofit that is committed to addressing social mobility and tech diversity by investing in overlooked and under-resourced talent. They take a disruptive approach to bridging critical gaps in financial support for low income and underrepresented students, ensuring they can complete their degrees and enter the tech workforce. Ruthe is sharing the innovative approaches employed by Last Mile, the importance of increasing diversity in technology, their abundance-based philosophy, and more. In this episode:[02:38] The Last Mile Education Fund - increasing diversity in the tech and engineering fields through financial support[09:53] Last Mile's disruptive approach to getting students into the workforce[12:49] Last Mile's funding model and its abundance based philosophy[20:25] Identifying and accessing partnerships[26:23] Last Mile's policy advocacy and advice for grassroots organizations to start influencing policyRESOURCESCONNECT WITH RUTHELinkedIn: Ruthe FarmerInstagram: @lastmilefundWebsite: lastmile-ed.org My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox's easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.orgCONNECT WITH HALEYHaley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFREWebsite: thesavvyfundraiser.comProduced by Ideablossoms

The Tech Blog Writer Podcast
3102: 150,000 Innovators and Counting: Technovation's Journey to Transforming Tech Education

The Tech Blog Writer Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 33:13


Have you ever wondered how we can address the ethical challenges of AI while empowering the next generation of innovators? In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Tara Chklovski, the visionary aerospace engineer turned educator and the founder and CEO of Technovation—the world's largest tech entrepreneurship program for girls. Tara has spent the last 15 years redefining what it means to create meaningful impact through technology education, with over 150,000 girls trained as tech entrepreneurs and innovators across 120 countries. Together, they've developed more than 12,000 apps and AI-based solutions tackling real-world problems. Our conversation delves into the inspiration behind Technovation, including Tara's journey from aerospace engineering to founding a nonprofit dedicated to leveling the playing field in tech education. We discuss the role of the AI Forward Alliance, a global initiative led by Technovation in partnership with organizations like UNICEF and Google, aimed at equipping 25 million young women with the skills needed to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Tara also shares powerful stories of transformation, from a young girl in India who overcame cultural barriers to become a Google software engineer, to communities in Kenya where girls are developing tech solutions to combat water scarcity and address critical social issues. These examples underscore the importance of diversity in technology and the role women can play in creating ethical and equitable AI systems. We explore how Technovation's curriculum incorporates responsible AI development and empathy-driven innovation, preparing a new generation to navigate the complexities of AI ethics. Tara also discusses the economic and societal benefits of closing the gender gap in technology, emphasizing how investing in young women can yield exponential returns for communities worldwide. What does the future hold for Technovation and the movement to empower women in AI? How can we all contribute to fostering a more inclusive and ethical tech industry? Tune in to find out, and as always, we'd love to hear your thoughts—how do you see diversity shaping the future of AI and technology? Let us know!

Mediterranean Sustainability Partners
Raising the bar : Creating diversity in Technology

Mediterranean Sustainability Partners

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 39:16


Segment 1 : investing in teams and how to assess them.  Segment 2 : Why investing in diverse teams is raising the bar Segment 3 : how that leads to diverse companies Biography of Janneke Niessen Janneke is founding partner at CapitalT, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, board member and diversity advocate. She has started and exited two international technology companies. She is on the board of several organisations and is regularly asked for advice by the government, all on the crossroads of technology, talent, investing and diversity. She speaks regularly at international events, appears in podcasts and writes for several publications such as Fortune MPW, TNW, Wonder Women Tech, Inc, Cambridge and Jinek. As the co-initiator of InspiringFifty—an initiative to increase diversity in technology by raising the visibility of female role models—Janneke published The New Girl Code to inspire young girls to pursue careers in technology. Janneke is also a strong supporter of more diversity in venture capital and one of the initiators of #Fundright, a self-imposed quota for venture capital investors to improve inclusion in the investment ecosystem. She has been named one of Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year, one of the 10 most prominent angel investors, Most Innovative Leader and EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

The Voice of Retail
Technology in the Service of The Customer with Michon Williams, Chief Technology Officer, Walmart Canada

The Voice of Retail

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 28:11


Michon Williams is my special guest in this episode, sharing her career journey, emphasizing an early interest in technology and explaining her role as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Walmart Canada.Michon highlights the importance of balancing innovation and stability, operating on three horizons: stability, incremental improvements, and long-term disruptions. We discuss the need for local solutions in Canada due to unique market requirements, the rapid pace of innovation in retail, particularly post-pandemic, and the role of AI in enhancing efficiency and customer experience. Michon advises retailers to foster a culture of experimentation and continuous learning and encourages women in tech to be curious and proactive in their career development. About MichonMichon was recruited to Walmart Canada as Vice President of Product & Delivery to steward their accelerated investment in technology in 2021. Promoted to Chief Technology Officer, Michon and her team are responsible for core systems strategy and delivery, technology infrastructure and operations, infosec and architecture across stores, pharmacies, supply chain, merchandising, core data platforms, associate tools and enterprise technology (including real estate). Michon is a long-time advocate of the environment and inclusion and leads programs in support of Green Technology and to promote and advance Diversity in Technology. About MichaelMichael is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Secure conference with leaders from The Gap and Kroger talking about violence in retail stores, keynotes on the state & future of retail in Orlando and Halifax, and at the 2023 Canadian GroceryConnex conference, hosting the CEOs of Walmart Canada, Longo's and Save-On-Foods Canada. Michael brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael also produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in North America, Remarkable Retail, Canada's top retail industry podcast; the Voice of Retail; Canada's top food industry and the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor, with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail influencers for the fourth year in a row, Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer, and you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state of the retail industry in Canada and the U.S., and the future of retail.

B The Way Forward
Ethical Artificial Intelligence with Deloitte AI Institute's Beena Ammanath

B The Way Forward

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 50:47


On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” Host Brenda Darden Wilkerson is joined by Beena Ammanath, an executive, author, advocate, AnitaB.org board member, and nonprofit founder, who aims to increase awareness on the use, risks, and benefits of artificial intelligence, all while promoting diversity in this niche tech space. Beena is the Executive Director at the Deloitte Global AI Institute, where she helps companies and businesses learn how to leverage AI in the most practical and safe ways possible. Through this conversation, Beena offers listeners insight on how to utilize AI in every aspect of business and in our own personal career paths. As a computer scientist by trade, there was nothing in Beena's education or curriculum about ethics in the AI space, which led her into forging her own unique path to incorporate them into her career. Beena penned Trustworthy AI, a book that bridges the gap for readers on ethics and AI, and Zero Latency Leadership, which looks at other new emerging technologies that are on the horizon. Through all of this work, she also became an advocate for women and minorities in the AI realm, knowing that in order for AI to be successful, it needs to have diverse voices at the table. Brenda and Beena discuss how more people can become “AI Fluent”, why diversity in technology is crucial, and how to raise your voice to make the best use of these technologies. “Diversity has so many different angles. It's the culture, the experience, the education, age, the geographic location you come from. There are so many nuances to diversity, and for your AI products to be robust, you have to factor in. Start with the largest demographic, but try to bring in as much diversity to your AI teams as you can, because it's only going to make your product better and make more profit.” For more, check out Been and Delloitte... On LinkedIn - /bammanath | /delloitte On the Web - https://beenammanath.com/ | Deloitte AI Institute - AI Insights --- At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations. --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org  --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond  Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski  Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine  Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

UncleRob, Everybody's Mentor
Ep 124: “Your Life is a Jungle Gym, not a Ladder" with Robyn Ward

UncleRob, Everybody's Mentor

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 75:20


Can you learn how to be a better leader? Hint; Yes, you can! Is it time for an entirely new leadership paradigm? Are new women leaders, leading the NWSL and WNBA to a period of historic and sustained growth? In this episode, Rob sits down with the incomparable Robyn Ward, from here in Los Angeles, for a super joyful conversation, and they deeply and widely explore the transformative power of conscious leadership frameworks. They delve into the evolution from traditional management styles to a more present and flexible approach, highlighting the importance of somatic intelligence and the eight C's framework. Robyn shares her journey from proudly growing up in Indiana, to Los Angeles, her life as a Mom, entrepreneur, venture capitalist and now leadership coach. She shares the inside story of becoming a key relationship catalyst and investor in the Angel City Football Club, and her unique insights into the rise of women's sports in the NWSL and WNBA and their impact on business and community engagement beyond the game. This conversation uncovers the significance of representation, the need for diversity in technology and entrepreneurship, and the profound influence of parenthood on personal growth and leadership. Join us for a compelling discussion that bridges business, sports, and personal transformation. Sign Up to Her Newsletter Here: http://founderforward.com/newsletter-signup Feel free to follow and engage with ROBYN here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynmward/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynmward?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Website: https://www.robynmward.com Website: https://founderforward.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/founderforward/ We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
The Future of Tech and Society at Viva Tech 2024 | An On Location VIVA TECH Conference 2024 Coverage Conversation with François Bitouzet

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2024 28:02


Guest: François Bitouzet, Managing Director at Viva Technology [@VivaTech]On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran%C3%A7ois-bitouzet-180a89/____________________________Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli____________________________Episode NotesEvent Recap and HighlightsMarco Ciappelli opens the discussion with a warm greeting, reflecting on his recent travel experiences and upcoming conferences. François Bitouzet, the guest of honor, then dives straight into the heart of the Viva Tech 2024 event, providing detailed insights into its scope, significance, and impact.An Overview of Viva TechFrançois explains that Viva Tech is a four-day event held annually in Paris, focusing on bringing together stakeholders in the innovation sphere. This year's event saw the participation of 155,000 attendees from 120 countries, showcasing thousands of startups, tech leaders from companies like Google and Meta, corporate giants such as Audi and LVMH, as well as public sector representatives.The Unique Format and InitiativesOne of the most distinctive features of Viva Tech 2024 was its two-fold format. For the first three days, the event catered to the B2B audience, allowing startups and investors to network and collaborate. On the final day, it opened its doors to the general public. This approach aimed to make technology accessible to everyone, regardless of their professional background.François highlighted various initiatives like the “100+100” program, where 100 successful business women in tech spent a day mentoring young girls. This not only promoted diversity and inclusion but also inspired the next generation to pursue careers in technology.Focus on AI and Other InnovationsWhile Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a major talking point, François emphasized that the event delved deeper into how AI is shaping different business sectors rather than just focusing on the technology itself. By bringing in sector-specific insights, the event sought to provide a realistic perspective on the current impact and future potential of AI.Memorable Moments and CreativityFrançois shared several memorable moments from the event, including a live Q&A session with Elon Musk, who joined virtually to answer unfiltered questions from the audience. This showcased the raw and authentic engagement the event aims to foster.Another highlight was the collaboration with the European retailer FNAC, which set up a kiosk where speakers could sign books for the attendees. This initiative bridged the gap between traditional formats and modern technology, exemplifying how the old and the new can coexist harmoniously.Looking AheadAs the conversation winded down, Marco and François discussed the future of Viva Tech, hinting at more surprises and creative content for next year. François emphasized the importance of injecting poetry and romance—metaphorically speaking—into the world of tech to retain its human touch and inspirational value.Call to ActionFinally, Marco encouraged listeners to make plans to attend Viva Tech 2025, expressing his excitement about potentially meeting his audience in person. François echoed this sentiment, inviting everyone to experience the blend of innovation, business, and meaningful impact that Viva Tech promises.ConclusionThe episode concluded with both Marco and François expressing their shared optimism for the future of technology and its potential to not only transform industries but also enhance our quality of life. They agreed that events like Viva Tech are crucial in driving this change by making technology accessible, inclusive, and genuinely impactful.____________________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-cybersecurity-society-humanity-conference-and-event-coverage____________________________ResourcesLearn more about VIVA TECH 2024: https://vivatechnology.com/____________________________To see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcastAre you interested in sponsoring our event coverage with an ad placement in the podcast?Learn More

Human Capital Innovations (HCI) Podcast
S50E19 - Orchestrating Life-Work Harmony, with Trina Celeste Limpert

Human Capital Innovations (HCI) Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 30:28


In this podcast episode, Dr. Angela Schill and Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Trina Celeste Limpert about orchestrating life-work harmony. Trina Celeste Limpert, a seasoned author, speaker, and tech industry veteran with a thirty-year career at eBay and Oracle, is the founder of RizeNext Corp and co-founder of Tech-Moms.org. Her initiatives have cultivated a vibrant community of over 500 alumni, fostering diversity in technology and providing pathways for aspiring technologists. Trina and her family reside in the heart of Utah's Silicon Slopes. Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network! Check out the ⁠HCI Academy⁠: Courses, Micro-Credentials, and Certificates to Upskill and Reskill for the Future of Work! Check out the LinkedIn ⁠Alchemizing Human Capital⁠ Newsletter. Check out Dr. Westover's book, ⁠The Future Leader⁠. Check out Dr. Westover's book, ⁠'Bluer than Indigo' Leadership⁠. Check out Dr. Westover's book, ⁠The Alchemy of Truly Remarkable Leadership⁠. Check out the latest issue of the ⁠Human Capital Leadership magazine⁠. Each HCI Podcast episode (Program, ID No. 655967) has been approved for 0.50 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®). Each HCI Podcast episode (Program ID: 24-DP529) has been approved for 0.50 HR (General) SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCPHR recertification through SHRM, as part of the knowledge and competency programs related to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (the SHRM BASK™). Human Capital Innovations has been pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that can be used towards initial eligibility and recertification of the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials. Each HCI Podcast episode qualifies for a maximum of 0.50 points.

Learning Tech Talks
Engineering Inclusivity in Tech: Fostering an Inclusive Environment in a Tech-Driven World with William A. Adams

Learning Tech Talks

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 61:25


Have you ever wondered what truly drives innovation in the tech world? Is it the rapid development of technology itself, or the people behind the scenes who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table? That's what I'm talking about this week with William A. Adams, a tech advisor at Microsoft. Together we'll explore the often overlooked but essential aspects of diversity in tech. I think you'll find our conversation isn't just about ticking boxes or meeting quotas; it's about understanding how a varied range of backgrounds and viewpoints can lead to breakthrough innovations and a more inclusive tech environment. We also don't shy away from the tough topics and discuss the systemic barriers that still exist, the progress we've made, and the road ahead. Hopefully, our conversation will help you gain an understanding of why inclusivity is not just a moral obligation but a business imperative. Furthermore, you'll glean some tangible steps everyone can take to create a truly inclusive culture. Show Notes: In this episode, Christopher navigates a discussion on diversity in technology with seasoned technologist William A. Adams. They dig into the impact and importance of diversity as we transition into the AI age, highlighting the biases ingrained in AI systems and the steps needed to counteract them. William shares his extensive background in the tech space, from his early years self-teaching computer programming to his impactful career at Microsoft, including his work with the LEAP program to foster more inclusive hiring practices. Together, they explore the human condition's role in these challenges and the urgency of creating equitable systems and humane AI. They encourage proactive engagement, innovation, and the creation of new opportunities in tech to ensure a fair and inclusive future. This episode is a call to action for individuals to leverage their autonomy and influence the direction of AI and technology positively. 00:00 - Introduction 01:46 - William A. Adams: A Tech Journey from the Past to Present 04:58 - The Evolution of Technology and Its Accessibility 10:33 - Diversity in Tech: Beyond the Surface 19:44 - Navigating Cultural and Generational Shifts in the Workplace 29:19 - The Impact of AI on Identity and Work 31:16 - Addressing Bias in AI Systems 36:22 - Creating Opportunities in the Age of AI 46:43 - Leveraging AI for Humanity's Benefit 52:32 - The Future of AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities 58:46 - Concluding Thoughts on AI and Human Agency #diversity #ai #futureofwork #bias #ethics

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
Find Your Tribe and Be Part Of The Most Passionate Innovators In The World Of Technology | Unveiling Innovation at the Europe's Biggest Startup and Tech Event | An On Location VIVA TECH Conference 2024 Coverage Conversation with François Bitouzet

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 27:38


Guest: François Bitouzet, Managing Director at Viva Technology [@VivaTech]On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran%C3%A7ois-bitouzet-180a89/____________________________Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli____________________________Episode NotesA Celebration of Technology and InnovationThe VIVA TECH Conference 2024 in Paris proved to be a rendezvous of the brightest minds and innovators in the tech realm. With a blend of key speakers, groundbreaking sessions, and vibrant discussions, the event will be a melting pot of ideas, creativity, and collaboration.In Conversation with VisionariesMarco Ciappelli, along with his guest François Bitouzet, the managing director of VIVA TECH, engaged in insightful dialogues touching upon varied aspects of technology's impact on society. From the language of tech to the importance of collaboration and the role of diversity in innovation, the conversations were both enlightening and thought-provoking.Spotlight on Key ThemesThe event will spotlight key themes such as AI, sustainability, Internet and democracy, and the creators' economy, amongst other. The intersection of technology with democracy sparked crucial discussions on safeguarding democratic processes in the digital age.Business with a TwistAmidst the flurry of innovation, VIVA TECH aims to provide a unique platform for startups to connect with potential investors and clients. The business-focused approach of the event adds a touch of creativity, epitomized by the 'bar-hopping' networking concept on Rue Montorgueil.Building Connections and Finding Your TribeAt the core of VIVA TECH 2024 there is the core mission of building connections and fostering collaboration. The event focuses on bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to find common ground, empower each other, and unlock new possibilities in the tech landscape.An Echo of ExcitementAs VIVA TECH 2024 is about to start in Paris, it echoes with the buzz of excitement and anticipation. The convergence of ideas, the clash of perspectives, and the melding of creativity set the stage for a transformative experience for all attendees.____________________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-cybersecurity-society-humanity-conference-and-event-coverage____________________________ResourcesLearn more about VIVA TECH 2024: https://vivatechnology.com/____________________________To see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcastAre you interested in sponsoring our event coverage with an ad placement in the podcast?Learn More

The Melting Pot with Dominic Monkhouse
E296 | The AI Factor in Business: How to Strategise with Expert Asha Saxena

The Melting Pot with Dominic Monkhouse

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 37:02


Are you ready to demystify the complex world of artificial intelligence in the workplace? Are you unsure about how AI can transform your business strategy and operational efficiency? If you're grappling with these modern challenges, then this week's episode of Mind Your F**king Business should be the top one in your playlist.This week we dive into the world of AI with the brilliant Asha Saxena, CEO and founder of Women Leaders in Data and AI (WILDA), and an admired technology veteran with 30 years of experience. As an innovator, author, and esteemed professor at Columbia University, Asha brings a wealth of knowledge in big data, analytics, and the transformative power of AI. She articulates the necessity of a role we'll soon come to know as the Chief AI Officer – a role tasked with marrying technology with business and strategic data implementation.Asha goes beyong beyond the mere technicalities and explores the human side of tech. Her book, "The AI Factor," penned during the pandemic, aims to simplify AI concepts for business leaders and tackles the crucial issue of biases in AI models, which have far-reaching impacts on society. With Women Leaders in Data and AI, she promotes diversity in technology spheres and emphasises inclusive AI development.Whether you're the head of a company contemplating using AI in your operations or a professional eager to upscale your skill set for a future integrated with AI, this episode will give you the insights you need for your journey.On today's podcast: The role of tech leaders addressing gender biasAI in business strategyA peek into the future of Artificial IntelligenceFollow Asha:WebsiteLinkedInThe AI FactorRecommended reading:Good To GreatGreat By ChoiceEnjoyed the show? Leave a ReviewMentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

You Can Sit With Us
What Inclusion Looks Like with Dwana Franklin-Davis

You Can Sit With Us

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 36:57


About Our Guest: Dwana Franklin Davis is the Chief Executive Officer of Reboot Representation, a coalition leading pooled philanthropic efforts to enable Black, Latina, and Native American women to graduate with computing degrees by 2025, aiming to close the diversity gap in tech. With an extensive background in technology and leadership from companies like Mastercard and IBM, Dewana is a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the tech industry. Currently based in New York City, she holds a BS in Management from Purdue University, an MS in Information Management, and a Certificate in Project Management from Washington University in St. Louis. Her board roles include the James McKelvey School of Engineering National Council at Washington University and National Center of Women & Information Technology. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of You Can Sit With Us, host Lexi B sits down with Dwana Franklin Davis, a visionary dedicated to bridging the diversity gap and fostering an inclusive tech sector. Through their engaging dialogue, the podcast explores Dwana's impactful work, the nuanced challenges of diversity in technology, and actionable strategies to create meaningful change. Starting with Dwana's personal journey, the conversation delves into the motivations and experiences driving her advocacy for underrepresented groups in computing fields. The episode dissects Reboot Representation's in-depth report focusing on nine crucial policy areas that organizations must address to nurture a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. The podcast unpacks complicated issues around paid sick leave, mental health benefits, and interview processes, emphasizing the need for company-specific strategies tailored to employee needs. Key Takeaways: Reboot Representation's commitment to closing the diversity gap in tech by supporting the graduation of Black, Latina, and Native American women in computing fields. The critical need for transparent and equitable policies across salaries, hiring, and internal job boards to democratize access to tech opportunities. Companies are urged to increase flexibility with remote work options and provide mental health support that resonates with their diverse workforce. Highlighting the importance of mentorship throughout the interview process to ensure candidates are given every opportunity to succeed. The compelling case for organizations to actively listen to their employees, understanding the unique needs and circumstances of their diverse talent pool. Notable Quotes: "We want employees that are going to be their best when they're their full selves at work." - Dwana Franklin Davis "People don't leave companies; they leave managers." - Dwana Franklin Davis "We need to temper that a little bit." - Dwana Franklin Davis, regarding the impatience of the new generation in the workforce. "Does your employee base feel safe to be there?" - Dwana Franklin Davis, on the significance of creating a trusted environment for employees. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lexib/message

Tech Talk with Jess Kelly
TechFoundHer Bootcamp 2024

Tech Talk with Jess Kelly

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 13:42


Máirin Murray, founder of TechFoundHer Bootcamp joins Jess to preview the 2024 event and discuss how diversity in technology benefits the entire ecosystem.

Dream Nation
Success Without Formal Education is Possible! Learn How With Jarrett Albritton

Dream Nation

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 55:16


Listen up because this is the key to success!Diversity in technology is the future's cornerstone. Today, we explore how to forge a successful career without a formal degree and how generational wealth is attainable in the industry. Education is not a barrier when it comes to technology. Get ready to jump straight into six-figure jobs and empower future generations.Right here, right now, I'm giving you the tools you need to shape your future.Don't fall behind; fight for your dreams!Guest Jarrett Albritton:https://www.jalbritton.comhttps://www.instagram.com/doctaj/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

BragTalks
Episode 37: Developer Career Masterplan Book Launch: Heather VanCura & Bruno Souza

BragTalks

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 28:28


In this episode of ⁠⁠⁠⁠BragTalks⁠⁠⁠⁠, host Heather VanCura and her guest and co-author, Bruno Souza, share about their achievement of publishing a book. Bruno shares about the process of writing a book and Heather discusses with him how the book creates a new category in the careers genre combining knowledge and career insights from industry experts in the technical careers space. Season 6 is all about sharing stories of personal accomplishments and Bruno and Heather have an inspiring story to share about becoming published authors. Listen to learn how you can start achieving your dream of writing a book and how we did it. We are excited to share about our book, “Developer Career Masterplan” ! Bruno Souza and I wanted to write a book that shared the stories and knowledge we have gained over the last two decades helping developers grow their careers.  You can order as an ebook or in paperback format on Amazon . Biography: For more than 20+ years, Bruno Souza helps developers to share their knowledge using presentations and blogs, so they can help their communities, inspire their audiences and grow in their careers. Bruno is a developer and entrepreneur. An international speaker, Bruno has presented worldwide to audiences of all sizes. He is a JavaOne Rockstar Speaker, a The Developer's Conference Rockstar Speaker, a Java Champion and an Oracle Developer Champion. Bruno runs the https://code4.life initiative, where you can get more information about how to improve your career as a software developer. Heather VanCura is a Vice President at Oracle, leading the Java Community Process (JCP) program and MySQL Community Outreach team. With 20+ years of experience at Oracle and Sun Microsystems, she actively engages with the developer community as an international speaker, event organizer, and mentor. She has visited six continents and over fifty countries meeting developers and helping them to engage in standards-related and open source projects. Heather is passionate about promoting diversity in technology and volunteers with organizations like Women Who Code and IEEE Women in Engineering. Her extensive involvement includes serving on the boards of Dress for Success and FIRST LEGO League NorCal. Heather's dedication to empowering developers and advocating for diversity makes her a respected leader in the industry.

Women Who Code Radio
Conversations #86: Christine Blyth, Head of Business Advisory and Technology for Block

Women Who Code Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 11:41


Anna Astori, Software Engineer and WWCode Boston Director sits down with Christine Blyth, Head of Business Advisory and Technology at Block. They discuss Christine's management style, her advice for women looking to get into senior leadership roles, her views on innovation and her take on the state of diversity in technology.

Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
488: Women Who Code with Alaina Percival

Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 38:40


Alaina Percival is the Co-Founder and CEO of Women Who Code, with a mission to empower diverse women to excel in technology careers. Alaina delves into the origin and mission of Women Who Code, highlighting its community building, free technical events, and collaboration with companies to promote diversity in hiring. Victoria adds her personal experience with the organization, emphasizing its positive impact on her career. They discuss the challenges faced while expanding Women Who Code, including the need for systems and processes to manage growth. Alaina recounts stories of discrimination faced by women in tech and stresses the need for continued support and encouragement. The conversation also touches on the financial benefits of diversity and the alignment of Valor Ventures with Women Who Code's values. This discussion offers a detailed look into the women in tech movement, the importance of community, and the drive to create a more equitable industry. It serves as a reflection on both the strides made in fostering diversity and the work still needed to create a truly inclusive technology field. __ Women Who Code (https://www.womenwhocode.com/) Join the Women Who Code Slack! (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctj9HJr-5yadDbKYygBYBfNUWmjgODlkp8lgLou26AedIkuQ/viewform) Women Who Code Podcast (https://www.womenwhocode.com/podcast) Follow Women Who Code on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/womenwhocode), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-who-code/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womenwhocode/), GitHub (https://github.com/WomenWhoCode), Twitter (https://twitter.com/WomenWhoCode), or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/WomenWhoCodeGlobal?themeRefresh=1) Follow Alaina Percival on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainapercival/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/alaina). Follow thoughtbot on Twitter (https://twitter.com/thoughtbot) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/150727/). Become a Sponsor (https://thoughtbot.com/sponsorship) of Giant Robots! Transcript: WILL: This is the Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots Podcast, where we explore the design, development, and business of great products. I'm your host, Will Larry. VICTORIA: And I'm your other host, Victoria Guido. And with me today is Alaina Percival, Venture Partner at Valor Ventures and Co-Founder and CEO of Women Who Code, with a mission to empower diverse women to excel in technology careers. Alaina, thank you for joining us. ALAINA: Thank you so much for having me. I'm thrilled to be here. VICTORIA: I'm thrilled to have you as well. I reached out. As you know, I was previously a Director of Women Who Code D.C. and helped to organize our DevOps and cloud series when I lived there. And it really had a huge impact on my career. So, I'm just super psyched to talk to you today. What's going on in your world, Alaina? ALAINA: So, in addition to my full-time job of working with Women Who Code, I'm also a mom of two young children, and so they're currently three and five. And so, it's summer. We've got summer camp. Every week is a different program with different details and things that you have to read and stay up on. It's a lot of additional project management added on over the summer. I'm looking forward to getting back to the school year, where I can kind of focus on just one role. WILL: That's amazing. And I can totally relate because I have a four, a three, and a one-year-old. Yes, it's a different story when you have to, like you said, project manage around them. So, that's amazing that you're wearing so many hats, and you're doing that. Hats off to you. ALAINA: Same to you. [laughter] WILL: Victoria, what about you? What's going on in your world? VICTORIA: Well, it is summertime at the beach, so all the kids are out. [laughs] It's busy. But that means that you know, the weather is warming up. It's tempting to try to go surfing again, so we'll see if that ends up happening anytime soon. But no, I'm hanging out. I'm local. I'm kind of done traveling for a little bit, so not until I go out to Outer Banks to visit my baby niece and nephew in August. So that's where I'm at right now. I'm kind of hunkered in trying to survive without air conditioning here and get through the summer. [laughs] WILL: You don't have AC? VICTORIA: I do not. Yeah, there's a lot of houses around here just never were built with it. I have heat, but I have no air conditioning. ALAINA: Are you being hit with the heat wave that's happening? VICTORIA: Yes. But it's still very mild. We're spoiled here for sure on weather. WILL: [laughs] VICTORIA: It's like 77, and I'm like, ugh, it's so hot. [laughs] WILL: I'm in Florida, and it amazes me. So, I got up early, around 7:00 o'clock, to go out for a run, and it's, like, 87 degrees. And it feels like almost 100 at 7:00 a.m. And I'm like -- VICTORIA: Oof. WILL: How? [laughs] Like, the sun is barely out, and it's already reaching 100. So yeah. ALAINA: I feel you. I'm in Atlanta. Yesterday, I had an in-person meeting. Typically, we're entirely remote. So, I was wearing real pants [laughs], and it was a hard day. We're not quite as hot as Florida. We are in the low 90s. But yeah, this weather is for real. WILL: Yes. [laughter] VICTORIA: That is the...yeah, working in person again in a hot climate. [laughs] I forgot the challenges of that of, like, trying to navigate life while having to be fully clothed is difficult in that kind of weather. So, I'm glad. I hope you all find some ways to stay cool and to entertain your children [laughs] so that you have some sanity and can get through the summer. I've also been really interested in the European model of just taking five weeks off in the summer. Doesn't that sound nice? WILL: Yes. [laughs] ALAINA: Yeah. I started my career off in Germany. I worked for Puma. Their headquarters is right outside of Nuremberg in a town called Herzogenaurach. And people really do take the whole month off August. And, in fact, you would even separate out the salaries. So, you got something called urlaubsgeld, which was vacation money. So, you would get kind of a little bonus going into August, and then everybody would take off. So, I agree with you. We should be doing that. VICTORIA: Yeah, we should be doing that. And I'm so excited. Maybe we can segue into, like, your background and how you got started. How did you go from there to founding Women Who Code? ALAINA: Yeah, so after working at Puma, I somewhat came back to the United States. I did a dual degree program, an MBA where I was studying between Atlanta, so I could get back in the United States, spend some time with my family, and then also the Sorbonne in Paris. And I did an MBA and a degree in organizational management, Master's in organizational management. Then I went to work for really small ones, performance wear company. And that was more, like, a startup because you really had to think outside of the box. You know, you're a small $10 million a year company, and Nike and Mizuno, you know, these big companies are your competitors. So, I had the opportunity to move out to San Francisco. It was one of the cities that was always on my list of, hey, if you get a chance to do it, go for it. And I did. So, I moved out there, and I kind of hit a bit of a wall with my career, an unexpected wall because up until that point, I had just this really, you know, successful early career. I got out there, and they're, like, Puma. You know, you haven't worked for Microsoft, or Twitter, or Facebook, or Google. Who are you? So, I started learning to code just to transition my skill set to help me understand the culture and the language and just getting more involved in the tech community. And I was still struggling a little bit in figuring out my transition pathway and got more and more involved with Women Who Code and started, you know, spending my nights and weekends. And finally, I was at a small startup that had gotten acquired, so I had my official tech credibility. And I went to work for one of the top technical recruiting firms, executive recruiting firms in the Bay Area, as their head of developer outreach. And I largely chose that role because they were allowing me to run their philanthropic arm, and I focused that around supporting underrepresented communities, you know, get a leg up in the tech community. And then, while I was there, I was working with CTOs, vice presidents of engineering, directors of engineering on a day-to-day basis. And I started learning what they were doing in their career to help develop and cultivate the success that they were having, and I started bringing that knowledge and programming into Women Who Code. And that's where our mission around seeing diverse women excel in technology careers came about is, you know, that piece of retaining and seeing diverse women excelling was an area that wasn't really the focus at the time. And I feel like it sounds funny now because it's such a big piece of conversation. But that was the beginning. VICTORIA: Yeah, it's so interesting that your experience from being in a startup and then how you moved up into being really involved in the hiring and the process of how women...how anyone would actually, like, move up in their career led you to have that background to found Women Who Code. And for people who maybe don't know, [laughs] no, I certainly know what it is. Can you talk a little bit more about what it offers to women and what it offers to companies who are looking to hire diverse women? ALAINA: For individuals, we are the largest and most active community of diverse technologists. We have close to 350,000 members. We're serving members across 147 countries. And we're producing close to 2,000 free technical events every single year, so that's about an average of 5 per day. Once those events take place, if you happen to miss them if you happen to not be in a location where they're having them in person, we're putting a lot of that on our YouTube channel. So, you can go back when you have time, when you're available, still invest in yourself and learn some of these technical and career-related skills. You can also, you know, when you think about, say, the 2,000 talks that are being delivered at Women Who Code, the majority of them are being led by and delivered by diverse technologists. So, we're creating role models and helping people who are on their career path have a sense of belonging, see a pathway to success. People who are thinking about the career path see themselves represented as thought leaders, as leaders in the tech industry. And that sense of belonging, that sense of drive, is just so important to be able to continue on in your career. But we work with companies. So, Women Who Code is dedicated to accessibility. All of our programming is free or scholarship accessible. And so, what we do is we work with companies, and we do this for two reasons: for programmatic reasons. Because we know that if companies develop strong diversity, equity, and inclusion, and belonging practices, that we will reach our mission and vision so much faster than if we work with every individual in the world. But it also creates an opportunity for us to be able to support the community. So, we work with companies to sponsor Women Who Code to donate to support Women Who Code's programming. We have our first-ever walk coming up, so a walk, run, roll called Women Who Code to the Finish Line. And we're going to be having that in September of this year. And that's going to be an opportunity for the stakeholders. You know, often, people who aren't in our community but absolutely support us say, "How can we help?" And so, companies can form teams and go and walk, run, roll to change the face of the tech industry. Right now, we're also in a position where the tech industry has been doing a lot of layoffs, so there's a lot of instability. And so, when that happens, our programming thrives. So, people are coming to our events in high numbers. People are participating in our programming. People are visiting our job board. It's the time when companies are stepping back and pulling back on their funding and things like that. So, I just encourage every single company to...if you have a great technical job open, make sure you're sharing it with the Women Who Code community because we have incredible technologists. They deserve access to companies that are willing to support them and the best roles that are available in the industry today. WILL: Alaina, I just want to honestly and truly say this, what you're doing is amazing. Having a background in nonprofit, over 140 companies, over 300,000 in your membership, and it's an international nonprofit. It's truly amazing what you're doing and helping women find their role and help them become better. I'm truly just blown away by, you know, you started in September 2011, so you're coming up on 12 years this year. And just 12 years as a nonprofit and doing this, share with us how was it received at the very beginning? Because I feel like that was a different time that we're in right now. ALAINA: Yeah, it started off as a meetup, just a community group in San Francisco. And it was incredible. It felt like our little secret. And we were spending time together. We were learning. We were building connections. And just it was this incredible community. And then, the world started talking about, hey, we need to teach girls to code. We need to teach women to code. And we were this community of people in the industry. Our average age at Women Who Code is 30, so 50% of our members are currently in technical roles. So, we had this moment of, hey, we need to elevate the voice of those who are in the industry right now, alongside teaching girls to code and teaching women to code. Because if you miss out on that, it actually becomes a threat to the women in the industry who, every time you hear "Teach women to code," you're saying she doesn't already know how to do it. And we had so many people in our community who already did and already had to kind of prove themselves on a regular basis or constantly underestimated. In the early years, a Women Who Code leader who told me that she was managing a booth at a conference, and everyone was an engineer except for one recruiter, and the recruiter's name was Brian. Someone walked up to her and said, "Are you Brian?" Because it was easier to imagine that her name was Brian than that she was one of the engineers at the table. And so, kind of going through this, we said, hey, we need to elevate our voices. We need to elevate the needs of women in the industry. And it feels being in it day by day, that nothing's happening. But when you look back over 13-15 years, you see that parental leave policies have improved significantly, that we see numbers in leadership going up across the board, that it's part of the conversation that relatively standard and tech companies to have DEI roles within the organization, within the people team. And so, these are not enough. It's just the beginning. But it is a lot that's taken place over the past 10 to 15 years. VICTORIA: I agree. And I can relate as someone who was a project manager working in a technology space. Was it back in, like, 2013 or something? And you'd go to tech meetups, and most likely, I would be the only woman there. [laughs] But then, with Women Who Code, my friend invited me to go to a Ruby event, and it was, you know, all women. [laughs]. There was a woman who was even giving the instruction. And so, that was just a really cool feeling after having been out networking and feeling kind of isolated to really find a lot of people who are similar to you. And I remember part of the narrative at that time when we were talking about increasing inclusion and diversity in technology; there was a narrative that, well, there just aren't as many women in tech. And being a part of Women Who Code, I could be able to, like, answer back to say, "Well, there actually is a lot of women in tech." And it's the bigger problem that women would get started because they're interested in the industry and having good careers, but then they would fall out midway. So, there just wasn't enough progression in their careers. There wasn't enough support on the parental leave side, or there just wasn't enough community to keep people interested, like, when you're the only one. And many of our members they were the only women in their company, and then Women Who Code was where they found people they could really connect with. So, I just think it's interesting that it solves a particular problem where we would have women who are just interested in learning to code who would come to our events. And then, we had women who were actively coding in their jobs and teaching others in these leadership roles within the community to advance their own careers. And that's certainly what I did, and how I broke into executive leadership was, like, I'm a director at Women Who Code and I've got all this other leadership experience. And I'm bringing that network with me. It really increases your value to employers and demonstrates your leadership abilities. ALAINA: Yeah, I couldn't agree more. The program which we kind of fell into, it's our volunteers, is our program that I'm actually most proud of at Women Who Code. And it's probably because I get to know our volunteers because I know so many people's lives and careers are impacted by our programming. But that leadership development, that practice-based leadership that our volunteers are able to obtain, the doors that get open, and just like you said, it opened doors. And I remember it hit me when one of our volunteers told me she was interviewing with SpaceX. And one of the reasons they said they were excited to talk to her was because of her Women Who Code leadership experience. And I just thought to myself, we're doing something right. [laughs] VICTORIA: Yeah, absolutely. And I think maybe part of Will's question before, too, is, like, did it always feel like you were doing something right? Or did it all just come together naturally? Or what kind of bumps did you initially hit when you were getting things off the ground? ALAINA: Yeah. When we first got started and realized, hey, we need to make Women Who Code more accessible, we were doing everything in a very manual way. We needed to adapt to building systems and processes, and that's not the fun part of running a volunteer organization. And when you're moving so fast, it means slowing things down a little bit to be able to make sure that you can do things better, more consistently, more efficiently, but it's so critical. And so, I would say we kind of launched outside of the Bay Area in a couple of cities. And it just snowballed until we expanded into 20 to 40 more cities within probably a year outside of that. And we just really needed to catch up on creating systems and processes, which is not beautiful at all, but it's an important part of running a real business, a real company. WILL: That's amazing. First off, I just want to say I am so sorry that the world we live in looks down upon women or anybody. So, I'm just so sorry that, like, the story you said about Brian, asking the lady that. I feel like that's so disrespectful. I am so sorry if you ever got treated that way or anything like that. And so, I was going to ask this question, and then I kind of answered it. But the question was, do you think women are at a place to where kind of equal in tech? And I kind of answered my own question and said, "No." And so, I want to reframe it. What do you think it will take to continue to help the women get to that level of where it should be? ALAINA: It's going to take a lot of things. But the fastest and easiest way to create more equality for women and girls in the tech industry is by investing and supporting the incredible talent that is in the industry today. We need them to thrive. We need them to stay in their careers. We need them to become leaders with power and influence to create more equity in the industry so that when future generations are coming in, they're coming into an industry that is less broken for them, that is more welcoming, that shows and demonstrates more opportunity. This is one of the most exciting and innovative industries to be a part of. So many things are being shaped and built for the first time that are systems that are going to be the foundations for years or centuries to come. And so, it's more important now than ever for us to be thinking about bringing equity into that so we're not dealing with technical debt, where we're starting from a system that has more equality to it. VICTORIA: I really appreciate that perspective. And I'm curious how that relates to your work at Valor Ventures as well. ALAINA: Valor Ventures is very aligned with the values of Women Who Code, which is why I chose it. I am passionate about creating more equality and opportunity for diverse individuals to thrive and succeed in general but via the tech industry. And so, when I move into focusing on entrepreneurs and focusing on seeing diverse entrepreneurs succeed in building thriving organizations, I see an opportunity to have someone who will be thinking earlier about the policies and the practices that are going to build more equitable teams, products that are really for all of their users. VICTORIA: I think that's a great mindset. And it reminds me that when we talked about, like, the importance of diversity, and equity, and inclusion, that it's not purely a moral thing, even though morally we know we want to support and be inclusive, but that it's also good business strategy [laughs], just by the value of having different perspectives and different types of people, and then being able to have your products be accessible for a diverse group as well, right? ALAINA: Yeah, the data shows teams that are diverse are smarter. Companies that have women represented in leadership they have a stronger ROI. There's business reason behind it. There's certainly a social-moral reason that it just should take place. But, you know, if you need to come back to your shareholders or your investors, there's financial data around it. WILL: Yeah, I totally agree on all that, like, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. MID-ROLL AD: Now that you have funding, it's time to design, build, and ship the most impactful MVP that wows customers now and can scale in the future. thoughtbot Liftoff brings you the most reliable cross-functional team of product experts to mitigate risk and set you up for long-term success. As your trusted, experienced technical partner, we'll help launch your new product and guide you into a future-forward business that takes advantage of today's new technologies and agile best practices. Make the right decisions for tomorrow today. Get in touch at thoughtbot.com/liftoff. WILL: What have you seen hold back women in this space? And the reason I'm asking this question is because there are some biases out there, and, at times, we don't even realize it. For example, I know we have parental leave. And before I had kids, I didn't understand parental leave at all. But then, now that I have kids, I'm like, oh, it is not even close to being enough time during that time, you know, four or five hours of sleep at night, just all those things. So, in your experience, what have you seen? And hopefully, we can use this as a learning opportunity for anybody that just may be blind to it. What have you seen that kind of holds it back? ALAINA: That's holding back, like, implementing specific policies and practices or? WILL: Yes, holding back the policies, or maybe women not being as prevalent in tech roles any of those areas. ALAINA: So, sort of two different approaches with that is I'm optimistic. I think most companies, yes, they care about the bottom line, but they want to be doing the right thing if it's easy. Leaders like me we need to put pressure on companies making better decisions. But also, industry leaders and organizations out there need to be able to make it easier for companies to make the decisions that are going to create more equity inside of their organization. I know that's taking the responsibility off of them a little bit. But companies won't make commitments. They won't do the hard things if they don't know how to do it. And so, the easier that we can make it for them to make the right decision, the more likely they are to make the right decision. VICTORIA: I think that people want to do the right thing if it's easy is a really succinct way to explain a lot of, like, social and moral [laughs] issues right now, right? Most people generally want to do the right thing, but it can be complex. I'm curious about, speaking of complexity, for Women Who Code, going through, you know, being an organization that was built around in-person events, and then having COVID happen, so, like, what were some of the challenges of the last few years and changes that you experienced along the way? ALAINA: Yeah, when COVID hit, that was a big moment for the whole world. It was certainly really hard for organizations that rely on in-person activities. You know, our major conference supplied a third of our operating revenue. Our members were going to, you know, close to 2,000 in-person events. And so, we had to adapt just like everyone else. The organizations and the companies that adapted were the ones that thrived. So, we had to completely retrain all of our volunteers from doing in-person events to be able to create digital events for our community. We had to figure out how to produce major events, and conferences, and hackathons and do it in a remote way. And then, of course, there's the day-to-day that absolutely everyone had, and that was, you know, just your team went from meeting in person to everyone being remote. And some of the great things that came out about that is we were serving members in about 26 countries and about 80 cities, and now we serve members in 147 countries. It just made it accessible that if you don't happen to be in a location where an event is happening and you also don't happen to have childcare, be able to participate, that you are still able to participate in an online setting. And then, what we saw with being able to start moving more of, you know, those talks that were being delivered to our YouTube channel, it then became even more accessible. People spent about five years of life watching our YouTube trainings, and that's time people are investing in themselves. And when I say they did it, and I'm talking about in 2022. So, our YouTube channel, our trainings, they continue to grow, and then our online events continue to happen. But luckily, now we are able to start going back in person. And it's, again, just so amazing to be able to see the people you haven't seen in a long time, feel that feeling that is just a little bit different for an in-person event. WILL: That's amazing. So, from, say, 2019, 2020 to now, it went from 80 countries to over 140, just because of the pivot to go more, like, YouTube and tech. Is that kind of what you're saying about the growth of it? ALAINA: Yeah, so about 80 cities, so about 25 countries to serving members in 147 countries. WILL: That's amazing. ALAINA: Yeah, a tremendous amount of growth and creating accessibility around the globe. Previously, we were really only able to focus on tech hubs that had an ecosystem to support it. But, you know, just because you're from a rural area of your state or from a country in the Global South, you still deserve access to this incredible community and all of the free accessible programming that Women Who Code has to offer. When we have a conference, we have people from 88 countries participating. And when you sign into the networking session, you're going to hop on the phone with someone from Nigeria, someone from Bangladesh, someone from your same city, and it's just such an incredible experience to be able to have that global focus and reach. WILL: Wow, that is so amazing. So, let's talk about right now. What does your next milestone look like, you know, in the next six months or next year? What does that look like for you? ALAINA: As I mentioned before, one of the big challenges we've had this year is our programming is going so, so well, but our funding has pulled back a little bit. And so, we're working to diversify our revenue strategy a little bit and have a traditional nonprofit walk that we've never done before. And it's a remote walk, so anyone all over the world can participate just like you can with our digital events. But this has been something new for us. Because when we went through it during COVID, again, you know, you'd get on the call with all of your partners. You know, the world is going through something, and you kind of say, oh yeah, we're in it together. But you don't see the grace that you saw in 2020 and sort of the camaraderie, and we're in this together, and we're going to give you space and support you, you know, in every way that we can that, you know, is just really missing this time around. You know, we have members who absolutely need support in their careers right now. And so, it's navigating through something different. VICTORIA: Yeah. And I guess talking more about inclusivity, like, we have all this free content, and it is Women Who Code. But I remember when I was an organizer, I had a few people ask me, "Well if I'm a man, can I come to your event?" And I was like, "Yes, it's open to everyone," right? Like, it's promoting women, and it's about women growing in their careers. And certainly, if that's not also your intention with attending the event, you should keep that in mind and make sure you're leaving space for other people. But I also really appreciated that it's open for everyone and that it's open for everyone who is in the women umbrella, and being intentional about that, and that it's inclusive of everyone who relates to being a woman, right? ALAINA: Yeah. Women Who Code welcomes all genders. We, you know, really struggle with our name from a brand perspective because it isn't as inclusive as we'd like it to be. So, actually, after we say our name, we try not to repeat the word women anywhere else. From the beginning, been dedicated to having an open, accessible community. But we definitely require, you know, that you are following our code of conduct, that you're there for the intended purpose of the event. And we want to make sure that we're protecting our community. VICTORIA: Well, I really appreciate that. And I appreciate...it sounds like a value organization that I'm with. I always look for those things that that's what we're really promoting. There's been so many changes that have happened with Women Who Code and in your career. If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice when you were first getting started, what would you tell yourself? ALAINA: If I was going back and thinking about what I would tell myself in the beginning, I'd probably tell myself to focus on data sooner. Coming from the history of being a meetup group to transitioning to being a global nonprofit, we dragged our feet around focusing on data impact, and really, it's because we're constantly doing so much programming. We're always doing so many things, and anything you add on is an extra thing to do. And so, I would say focus on the data much sooner. VICTORIA: I can speak to there being a lot of events. I remember back in the heyday in D.C., it was, like, algorithms on Tuesdays and Ruby on Thursdays, and then next week, it would be DevOps. And there was just always something going on. And I thought that was so cool. And I really appreciate just really everyone who is involved in putting on those programs. I really want to emphasize, too, like, the value for companies working with Women Who Code. And what do they get out of the partnership, and how can they really engage with the community? ALAINA: Yeah. So, companies that work with us, it's a partnership. They are there to support the community, and that's what they have to do to really develop trust. And we're going to make sure that we're guiding them in that process. So, if we see an opportunity for them to engage in a more authentic way, we're going to point that out. But companies are often hiring from our community; that's one of the big reasons, not just through our job board because our members are unicorns. They're diverse technologists, and everyone wants to hire them. And so, you can just say, "Hey, come work for me." But really, they want you to explain who's on the team? What are the exciting projects, and what are the exciting technologies that your company is building? So that they can actually identify that your company is an organization that they would want to work for before just applying for a job. And that's what a lot of our partnership creates space for. So, maybe getting an opportunity to join our podcast and tell the story and get to know some of the diverse leadership team or diverse engineering team, learn about some of your, like, commitment to DEI and things like that. Because when a senior engineer receives multiple job outreaches, they're going to respond to the one that they've heard of, that they already know is a good company, that they know is supporting and investing in building equity into the tech ecosystem. That's going to go a long way in them deciding to reply. WILL: That's awesome. Earlier, you mentioned being inclusive of all the members. I think I know the answer, but I just want to double-check. If I want to volunteer, am I able to volunteer at Women Who Code? ALAINA: Yes, absolutely. If you visit our website...and we just updated our website, so I encourage everyone to go visit womenwhocode.com today. It's looking different than it has over the past five years. There's a sign-up to volunteer. You would be absolutely welcome, Will. WILL: Awesome. And, as a volunteer, what would that look like? What could I get involved in? What areas? ALAINA: You could decide to be a speaker. You could apply to be a network leader. You could become a lead in a particular technology area. We have six technical tracks. Our tracks are cloud, data science, Python, mobile. When [inaudible 32:53] hears about it, we will have emerging technologies track that was expanded from our blockchain community this year. And then, we also have a career track as well. So, you can become a lead focused on one of those particular areas in our digital communities. You can get engaged with the Women Who Code community in many different ways. We also have some really cool programs like mentor me and buddy system, so getting involved in those. Building long-form connections or long-time connections with individuals in the community really helps to create a sense of belonging and start to build trust and an opportunity to exchange knowledge. VICTORIA: I always really appreciated people who were, like, "Do you need a space to host your meetup?" Or "Do you want us to buy you pizza for your meetup?" [laughs] Those are very easy ways to engage. And it's true that the membership does see and pay attention to, like, who is regularly getting involved in committing to this, and it makes a difference in your brand and reputation. ALAINA: Absolutely. The companies that work with us absolutely hire from the Women Who Code community. I'll give two examples. So, one of the most exciting examples was we had an event at a company, and they sort of were connecting in an authentic way, not, like, an interview way, but they essentially were doing an early interview with people who were there. And so I remember that it took place on Tuesday, and they had a job offer on Friday at the company that they were at. So, they were just able to move so quickly and hire someone from our community. And then, ages ago, Snapchat was at our first-ever conference, and they had hired four or six people at that event. And it was just so cool to see that we're not a recruiting agency, so we really just rely on either individuals or companies to tell us when they have these amazing career outcomes. So, every time we hear about it, it's always exciting to me. VICTORIA: That's super cool. And I wonder, what is the thing you're most excited about coming up for Women Who Code this year? ALAINA: We have CONNECT Asia taking place later on this year, and so that's our major technical conference with a focus in the Asia market. It's going to be just really, really exciting. We haven't had one since pre-COVID. It's still going to be a remote event. We had CONNECT LATAM, so our first-ever conference focused on Latin America last year. And this year, it's focused on Asia. So, it's really exciting to get back and provide some support to our regional audiences and really showcase some of the incredible talent and leadership coming out of those regions. WILL: That's amazing. So, the question I have for you, and it's easy to assume this question, but I want to hear from you because I know you talked about, at the beginning, how it was when you started the nonprofit. But what is the wind in your sails? Like, what keeps you motivated and going? It sounds like it's an easy answer, but just from your heart, what motivates you? ALAINA: Oh, it is absolutely the stories that I hear, like I said, especially from our volunteers. So, the Mexico City volunteer who, in under a year, told me her salary increased 200%. The director from Toronto, you know, when she stepped up, was an individual contributor, and under one year, she made it to director level, and today she's a vice president. So, when I think of the career impacts that are taking place for our members, and every single time I hear about it, it drives me to wake up. It drives me to work harder. It drives me to deliver better program and just makes me completely connected to what we do as an organization. VICTORIA: What a great benefit. And for myself, personally, it absolutely has been a factor in the last, like, two jobs I've gotten. [laughs] They're like, "Oh, you are a director at Women Who Code? That's so interesting." So, I really appreciate everything that you've done and happy to be a part of that. And my personal network, I know many women who have been through that and benefited immensely from having that networking community. And really, even just being able to see yourself and know that you belong in the industry, I think, is really, really important. ALAINA: I'm sure I'm going to be telling your story the next time someone asks me. [laughter] VICTORIA: That's great. No, please do. And let's see; we're wrapping up at the end of our time here. Is there anything else that you would like to promote? ALAINA: Yeah, please visit womenwhocode.com. If you have technical jobs available, please post them to the Women Who Code job board. Again, it's just womenwhocode.com/jobs. Join our community. Check out our amazing, new, beautiful website, and follow us on social media @WomenWhoCode. VICTORIA: Love that. Thank you so much for joining us today. You can subscribe to the show and find notes along with a complete transcript for this episode at giantrobots.fm. If you have questions or comments, you can email us at hosts@giantrobots.fm. And you can find me on Twitter @victori_ousg. WILL: And you can find me @will23larry. This podcast is brought to you by thoughtbot and produced and edited by Mandy Moore. Thank you for listening. See you next time. ANNOUNCER: This podcast is brought to you by thoughtbot, your expert strategy, design, development, and product management partner. We bring digital products from idea to success and teach you how because we care. Learn more at thoughtbot.com. Special Guest: Alaina Percival.

The Great Retention
34. From Success to Significance: Leadership Lessons with Daugherty Business Solutions CEO, Ron Daugherty

The Great Retention

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 32:11


Imagine having a clear path to your very own 'Emerald City', a shared vision that motivates and inspires every single member of your team. On today's episode, we sit down with Ron Daugherty, President and CEO of Daugherty Business Solutions, as he reveals just how this can be achieved.   Daugherty Business Solutions has achieved remarkable recognition as a top workplace, ranking 2nd in the nation in the Top Workplaces USA program. Ron shares insights into maintaining a common sense of purpose across their geographically distributed teams and discusses the unique elements of their company culture, including the famous Daugherty Party Band. He unveils his vision for Daugherty's future, aiming to grow the business from $350 million to $1 billion in revenue and eventually transform it into an employee-owned company. Ron also highlights the impactful Access Point program, driving diversity in the technology workforce. Stay tuned for Ron's valuable advice on creating top workplaces. Don't forget to join our leadership community at thegreatretention.com to stay informed about upcoming events and other helpful content designed to help you go further as a people-first leader and develop a winning culture, everywhere your leadership influence reaches.   Resources related to this episode Visit https://www.daugherty.com/ Daugherty Business Solutions Awards: https://www.daugherty.com/awards Ron was the 2023 Chairman of the American Heart Association Heart Ball: https://vimeo.com/802872845/945b856c7b  Learn more about Access Point: https://accesspointprogram.com Watch the official “Daugherty Brought The Party” Music Video: https://vimeo.com/712238626/bd1f24e60b  Credits Theme Music

The Fiftyfaces Podcast
Episode 211: Andy Ayim MBE: Setting the Standard at Angel Investing School

The Fiftyfaces Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 30:21


Andy Ayim, MBE is an investor and founder based in the UK, and runs an Angel Investing School designed to “teach people how to invest small tickets in start-ups effortlessly.” He has run the School since January 2020, and is a venture partner and board member of numerous technology companies. Passionate about financial education and entrepreneurship, he has held been entrepreneur in residence at accelerators such as Entrepreneur First, and OneTech and spent time as Managing Director at the London Accelerator Backstage Capital, which focuses on supporting underrepresented founders. He was awarded an MBE in 2020 for services to diversity in technology. Our conversation starts with Andy's early interest in finance and investing and he describes how his family had to order the Financial Times specially to their local newsagent in Tottenham. He became an entrepreneur at an early age and became fascinated by the business of investing and building a business. We trace this through his love of music and then hear about how he entered an accelerator program. Andy describes what makes an accelerator program successful and he stresses the importance for him of building deep relationships and trust at the early stages of an entrepreneurial venture. We turn then to the Angel Investing School and bust some myths about what it is to be an angel investor and what the curriculum taught at the school entails. We conclude with a discussion of the upcoming London Tech Week and what it offers for entrepreneurs and budding angel investors. Learn more about The Angel Investing School: https://angelinvestingschool.com/ Sign up to Andy's weekly newsletter here: https://andyayim.com/ LTW: https://londontechweek.com/ Connect with Andy on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyayim/ This podcast is brought to you with the kind support of Tom Raber and Alvine Capital, a specialist investment advisor and fund placement boutique with offices in London and Stockholm. An early adopter of the “reverse enquiry” form of placement, Alvine relies on insight and dialogue with its pan-European investor base to develop and source investment solutions from a wide variety of industry providers.

The Fiftyfaces Podcast
Episode 211: Andy Ayim MBE: Setting the Standard at Angel Investing School

The Fiftyfaces Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 30:21


Andy Ayim, MBE is an investor and founder based in the UK, and runs an Angel Investing School designed to “teach people how to invest small tickets in start-ups effortlessly.” He has run the School since January 2020, and is a venture partner and board member of numerous technology companies. Passionate about financial education and entrepreneurship, he has held been entrepreneur in residence at accelerators such as Entrepreneur First, and OneTech and spent time as Managing Director at the London Accelerator Backstage Capital, which focuses on supporting underrepresented founders. He was awarded an MBE in 2020 for services to diversity in technology. Our conversation starts with Andy's early interest in finance and investing and he describes how his family had to order the Financial Times specially to their local newsagent in Tottenham. He became an entrepreneur at an early age and became fascinated by the business of investing and building a business. We trace this through his love of music and then hear about how he entered an accelerator program. Andy describes what makes an accelerator program successful and he stresses the importance for him of building deep relationships and trust at the early stages of an entrepreneurial venture. We turn then to the Angel Investing School and bust some myths about what it is to be an angel investor and what the curriculum taught at the school entails. We conclude with a discussion of the upcoming London Tech Week and what it offers for entrepreneurs and budding angel investors. Learn more about The Angel Investing School: https://angelinvestingschool.com/ Sign up to Andy's weekly newsletter here: https://andyayim.com/ LTW: https://londontechweek.com/ Connect with Andy on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyayim/ This podcast is brought to you with the kind support of Tom Raber and Alvine Capital, a specialist investment advisor and fund placement boutique with offices in London and Stockholm. An early adopter of the “reverse enquiry” form of placement, Alvine relies on insight and dialogue with its pan-European investor base to develop and source investment solutions from a wide variety of industry providers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech Transforms
So What? Generative AI with Tracy Bannon

Tech Transforms

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 35:18 Transcription Available


Tracy Bannon, Senior Principal/Software Architect & DevOps Advisor at MITRE, returns to Tech Transforms for our So What segment to discuss all things generative AI. Following Tracy's presentation at the RSA Conference 2023, she and Carolyn discuss everything from software development lifecycle to the potential that various AI models may have. Key Topics[01:29] - Software Development Lifecycle: RSA Conference Recap[04:48] - Generative AI as a Service[07:36] - Potential for Disinformation [12:04] - Potential of AI for Developers[17:15] - Low Code / No Code Capabilities[26:14] - Discussion Roundup[31:14] - Tech Talk QuestionsQuotable QuotesDefinition of generative AI: "Generative AI is under the umbrella of large language models. And a large language model is just that. It is a model where vast amounts of text data have been fed in and it uses statistical analysis to figure out the likelihood that words or phrases go together." - Tracy BannonOn generative AI models: "It's only as good as the information that's going in, garbage in, garbage out." - Tracy BannonGenerative AI advice: ''Know that we have to really get focused on the ethics of using these tools. Know that there are big security risks, but get familiar. Get familiar. It isn't going to take your job today. It is going to augment many jobs, but it's not going to take them completely away." - Tracy Bannon About Our GuestTracy Bannon is a Senior Principal with MITRE Lab's Advanced Software Innovation Center. She is an accomplished software architect, engineer and DevSecOps advisor having worked across commercial and government clients. She thrives on understanding complex problems and working to deliver mission/business value at the speed. She's passionate about mentoring and training, and enjoys community and knowledge building with teams, clients and the next generation. Tracy is a long-time advocate for diversity in technology, helping to narrow the gaps as a mentor, sponsor, volunteer and friend.Episode LinksSo What? Tech Transforms Federal News Roundup with Katy CraigApplying AI to the SDLC New Ideas and GotchasIt's 5:05The Kill ChainProject to ProductReal Technologists PodcastGreenlights

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
Securing Bridges | A Live Stream Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Guest: Kevin Johnson | Episode 43

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 47:31


The Tech Jawn
Happy Juneteenth: The Tech Jawn 87

The Tech Jawn

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 54:19


Timnit Gebru, co-founder of Black in AI, advocate for diversity in technology, and founder of the DAIR, believes that we should have some type of government oversight for Artificial intelligence.The European Parliament, a main legislative branch of the European Union, passed a draft law known as the A.I. Act, which would put new restrictions on what are seen as the technology's riskiest uses.AIs trained on other AI output will start producing junk within a few generations according to researchers so maybe the solution to the AI apocalypse is waiting it out.IKEA Uses AI to Transform Call Center Employees Into Interior Design Advisors.Link to Show Notes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Future of Mobility
#159 – Gavin Jackson | Oxa – The Operating System for Autonomy & The Best Applications for Self-Driving

Future of Mobility

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2023 61:33


Gavin Jackson is CEO at Oxa. Key topics in this conversation include: What is means to build the “operating system for autonomy” Oxa's unique business model and go to market strategy The most promising near-term applications for autonomy How much of ADS software is consistent between applications Oxa's approach to application-specific development for autonomy Links: Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/gavinjackson https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-jackson-28b845/ https://oxa.tech/ Gavin's Bio: Gavin Jackson is CEO at Oxa. We was previously the Managing Director at Microsoft, and before that the Managing Director of Amazon Web Services, UK & Ireland. Gavin has more than 20 years' experience working in some of the most prominent technology companies of their time. He spent 10 years in various leadership positions at EMC, and was the EMEA Vice President and General Manager of Cloud Services at VMware before joining Amazon Web Services. Gavin is a mentor to a number of start-up companies and an avid supporter of diversity in technology. Gavin is an alumni of Cranfield Business School and IMD School of Management, and also attended Harvard Business School, majoring in business finance. About Oxa: Oxa is accelerating the transition to self-driving technology today. It has developed the software solution for businesses wanting to deploy autonomy into their operations safely, efficiently and reliably. From the virtual testing environment, to the software driving the vehicles and the cloud-based management tools, Oxa helps any business with transportation in its value chain get the most from their fleets. The company has created a platform that can be deployed today across industries including mining, shared passenger transport, and agriculture. Future of Mobility: The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, effective, and accessible mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields. linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/ brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/

Aarna's News | Inspiring and Uplifting Stories of Women In STEM
046 Sukrutha Bhadouria: Struggling ≠ Failing, Engineering Leadership and Gender Diversity in Tech

Aarna's News | Inspiring and Uplifting Stories of Women In STEM

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 31:11


In this inspiring episode, we dive into the world of engineering leadership and gender diversity in the tech industry with our special guest, Sukrutha Bhadouria. As the Director of Engineering at Salesforce and the Chief Technology Officer at Girl Geek X, Sukrutha is a passionate advocate for changing the world for girls and promoting gender diversity in technology. Join us as Sukrutha shares her remarkable career journey and the importance of enjoying your studies or work to excel in your chosen field. She debunks the myth that expertise is always a prerequisite for success and encourages taking risks to pursue a path that brings true happiness. Get ready for invaluable insights and advice on navigating the tech industry, seizing opportunities, and leveraging your strengths. Tune in to this episode to gain inspiration and practical tips from Sukrutha Bhadouria's wealth of experience and leadership in engineering. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that aims to eliminate the gender gap in STEM fields and uplift women in tech!What You'll Learn: It's important to enjoy and have a positive attitude towards your studies or work. It's okay to pivot and take risks in your career. Expertise is not always a prerequisite for success. Resources Mentioned: The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Hardcover Contact Us: https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/ nerdytechcash@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aarna-sahu/support

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
A Conversation with Adam Shostack @done_With_That | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 40

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 45:12


ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
A Conversation with Chris Roberts @sidragon1 | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 38

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 48:48


ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
Conversation With Jess Vachon @infosec_jess | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 37

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 44:16


Guest: Jess Vachon, Chief Information Security Officer, Context Labs BV [@contextlabsbv]On Mastodon | https://infosec.exchange/@infosec_jessOn Twitter | https://twitter.com/infosec_jessOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessvachon1/________________________________Host: Alyssa MillerOn ITSPmagazine  

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
Conversation With Jerry Bell, @jerry On InfoSec.Exchange (Mastodon) | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 35

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2023 48:41


Guest: Jerry Bell, VP and CISO, IBM Public Cloud [@IBM | @IBMcloud] and founder & co-host of the Defensive Security Podcast [@defensivesec]On Mastodon | https://infosec.exchange/@jerryOn Twitter | https://twitter.com/MaliciouslinkOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/maliciouslink/InfoSec.Exchange | https://infosec.exchange/home________________________________Host: Alyssa MillerOn ITSPmagazine  

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
Conversation With Tricia Howard @TriciaKicksSaaS | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 34

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2023 45:27


Guest: Tricia Howard, Senior Technical Writer II at Akamai Technologies [@Akamai]On Mastodon | https://infosec.exchange/@triciakickssaasOn Twitter | https://twitter.com/TriciaKicksSaaSOn LinkedIn | http://linkedin.com/in/triciakickssaasWebsite | https://triciakickssaas.com/________________________________Host: Alyssa MillerOn ITSPmagazine  

McKinsey on Start-ups
Base10's Ade Ajao: A data-driven approach to funding more diverse founders

McKinsey on Start-ups

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2023 33:18


On today's episode of McKinsey on Startups, we talk to Adeyemi Ajao, the cofounder and Managing Partner at Base 10 Partners. The San Francisco-based VC firm focuses on startups bringing automation technology to a variety of sectors in what it calls the Real Economy, including logistics, retail, healthcare, finance, and food. Its investments have included Nubank, Instacart, Figma, and Rappi. While Ade and his co-founder TJ Nahigian take a particular, data-driven approach to choosing their investments, that is far from the most distinctive thing about Ade or Base10. Last year, with the closing of a new $460 million fund, Base10 became the first Black-led venture firm to hit the milestone of having more than $1 billion in assets under management. Ade is half-Nigerian and he grew up in Southern Spain, where he co-founded and eventually sold a company called Tuenti, a social networking site often called the “Spanish Facebook”. He relocated to the West Coast to get his MBA and Stanford, and before co-founding Base10 in 2018, he co-founded and sold another startup, Identified, and was an active investor, helping to launch such successes as Cabify and JobandTalent. Base10 is not formally a diversity-focused investor, but a large share of its investments do happen to be with minority founders, and Ade and the firm spend a lot of time thinking and working to grow the pipeline and increase opportunities in tech for Black and other underrepresented populations. Its Advancement Initiative is a $250 million growth-stage fund that donates 50 percent of returns to HBCUs to fund scholarships for minority students, with several HBCUs also acting as LPs.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
A Conversation With Helen Patton @CisoHelen | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 33

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 49:08


GuestHelen PattonChief Information Security Officer, Cisco Security Business Group [@CiscoSecure], Cisco [@Cisco]On Mastodon | https://infosec.exchange/@cisohelenOn Twitter | https://twitter.com/CisoHelenOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenpatton/Website | https://www.cisohelen.com/HostAlyssa MillerOn ITSPmagazine  

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
A Conversation With Bill Diekmann @bdiekmann | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 32

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022 45:26


ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
A Conversation With Josh Nickels @Imlordofthering | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 31

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2022 45:54


GuestJosh NickelsCyber Security Engineer at Dematic [@DematicGlobal]On Mastodon | https://infosec.exchange/@ImlordoftheringOn Twitter | https://twitter.com/imlordoftheringOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-nickels/HostAlyssa MillerOn ITSPmagazine  

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
A Conversation With Gina Yacone @gina_yacone | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 30

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2022 47:06


ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
A Conversation With Maril Vernon @shewhohacks | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 29

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2022 47:26


GuestMaril Vernon"One Woman Purple Team" | Co-founder of The Cyber Queens Podcast | Purple Team Lead/Sr SE | Social Engineer | Physical Pentest | CTI | Administrative Officer- Offensive Ops @ CSFI | MSCSIAOn Twitter | https://twitter.com/shewhohacksOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilvernon/HostAlyssa MillerOn ITSPmagazine  

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
A Conversation With Lesley Carhart @hacks4pancakes | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 28

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2022 45:38


GuestLesley CarhartDirector of ICS Cybersecurity Incident Response at Dragos [@DragosInc]On Twitter | https://twitter.com/hacks4pancakesOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/lcarhart/Website | https://tisiphone.net/HostAlyssa MillerOn ITSPmagazine  

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
A Conversation With Eric J. Belardo | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 27

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2022 51:42


GuestEric J. Belardo, The "Cyber Papa"Founder at Raices Cyber Org [@RaicesCyberOrg]On Twitter | https://twitter.com/ebelardo73On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebelardo/On YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/EricBelardoCyberHostAlyssa MillerOn ITSPmagazine  

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
A Conversation With Derrick @CanBusDutch | Securing Bridges Podcast With Alyssa Miller | Episode 24

ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2022 47:08


Today's guest is Derrick @CanBusDutch. They talk about embedded systems security, in particular in vehicles (i.e. CAN Bus architectures).________________________________It is a podcast, yes, but you can join us as we record each episode live on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Youtube.Live, Every Wednesday at 1pm PDT | 4pm EDT (USA) | The Recorded Podcast version is published a few days later.Our ability to improve the security posture of our organizations depends heavily on connecting the security function with the various aspects of the business. Join our host, Alyssa Miller, as she and her guests examine key ways to build and secure the bridges between security, product development, the executive suite, and beyond.Listen in as Alyssa sits down with senior and executive security leaders from various industries to share stories of successes and failures we experience working across business teams. Explore practical strategies for building sponsorship and gaining buy-in for security initiatives.It's time to build and secure the bridge to the business.________________________________GuestFordOn Twitter | https://twitter.com/wrentreeco________________________________HostAlyssa MillerOn ITSPmagazine  

Back2BasicsMode
The Wisdom App: Back to the Basics of Communication | SE2/EP147 | Back2Basics

Back2BasicsMode

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 34:55


Dayo Akinrinade is the founder of Wisdom, a new, VC funded, social audio app on a mission to democratise access to mentorship and create an open and diverse community centred on conversational knowledge-sharing. Wisdom was named, Apple's App Store App of the Day and included in TechRadar's best Andoid Apps of 2022.Dayo started out as an IT Management Consultant at Accenture and Deloitte. Subsequently, driven by the lack of diversity in London's tech ecosystem, she joined the founding team of OneTech, London's largest diversity in startups programme, backed by the JP Morgan Chase Foundation. In 2019 she was named in the Financial Times Top 100 Most Influential Ethnic Minority Leaders in Tech.She has spoken on panels and lectured on diversity in technology at various organisations including the UK Govt Department for International Development, Uber, Google and Oxford Said Business School. Her projects have been mentioned in publications including Forbes, CityAM and the Evening Standard.Subsequently, after spotting a gap in the market, she went on to found Africlick, a cultural dating app targeting 1 billion Africans globally.Dayo holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Manchester and a M.Sc. in Technology from University College London.Support the show