European Women in Technology 2024 – Part 1

During the event, Yvette and Sophie documented insights from numerous presentations and panel discussions, this 2-part blog is a compilation of the main takeaways from this year’s edition. Both parts will go over three of the event’s presentations. Watch out for part 2!

Presentations:

• How technologists can impact healthcare and save lives
• People-first business transformation
• Embracing Human X Digital: Transforming the future with AI-powered networking

How Technologists Can Impact Healthcare and Save Lives

The first panel talked about how technology is changing healthcare, making it better for patients and more efficient for doctors. Speakers shared their views on these changes, pointing out the opportunities and challenges of using technology in a strictly controlled field.

The Intersection of Technology and Healthcare

The healthcare industry is on the brink of a major transformation, driven by innovative technologies. This session explored how these advancements are not just theoretical but are actively being implemented. The panel, consisting of four senior leaders from Takeda (leading pharmaceutical company), delved into the nuances of applying technology in a regulated environment.

Key Takeaways from the Session

1. Industry Transformation: The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are undergoing significant changes thanks to technology. Innovations in AI and big data are at the forefront, enabling more precise and efficient patient care.
2. Innovative and Trustworthy AI: Implementing AI in a regulated industry requires careful consideration of ethics and reliability. The panelists discussed how trustworthy AI can be applied to ensure compliance and improve patient outcomes.
3. Career Navigation for Women: The session also touched on the unique challenges and opportunities for women in technology, particularly in leadership roles within large organizations. Insights were shared on navigating a successful career path in this field.

AI in Healthcare: Things to keep in mind

1. Data Quality is Paramount: AI is only as effective as the quality of the data it uses. One of our recent blogs explains why!
2. Continuous Inquiry: Never hesitate to ask questions about AI, no matter how trivial they may seem.
3. Societal Impact: AI is not just a tool; it represents a significant societal change and touches all aspects of life.
4. Align with Business Strategy: Your data strategy, with regards to AI, should support and enhance your overall business strategy.

Challenges and Innovations in AI

1. Solving Real Problems: AI should address real-world issues in life sciences to ensure everyone receives quality healthcare.
2. Marginalization of Women: Women in IT often face an environment that undermines their efforts and confidence. Support systems, such as pregnancy leave, are not always in place. This touches upon the former point; this is a very relevant real-world issue. A lot of issues women face in live do not apply to men and, therefore, are simply not thought off. AI could address this issue but has many challenges within this framework as well. It is known that one of the larger challenges is to train an AI with datasets that are evenly represented by men and women.
3. Scalability: Developing predictive models is one thing, but implementing them at scale to achieve real outcomes is another challenge.
   1. Predictive Models in Healthcare: AI can predict outbreaks of infectious diseases and optimize the storage of bioactive medicines in hospitals.
4. Regulatory Gaps: The lack of regulations for generative AI requires careful consideration of ethical and legal aspects.

Conclusion

The integration of technology in healthcare is not just about advancements but about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. By focusing on trustworthy AI, effective data strategies, and overcoming challenges, we can ensure that these innovations lead to better health outcomes and a brighter future for all.

People-first business transformation

In today’s fast-paced business environment, successful transformation hinges not only on innovative strategies but also on prioritizing your team. This talk delved into this very topic, elaborating on effective leadership in international settings. This section will go over two important transformation strategies and elaborate on the insights from Ricoh’s leadership: key leadership traits, practical steps for leaders, Ricoh’s approach to change and the importance of the human element.

Prioritizing Your Team in Transformation

The session emphasized methods for guiding teams through change, with a focus on their growth and well-being. Leaders must balance strategic goals with the needs and aspirations of their team members, ensuring that changes are both sustainable and positively received.

A standout point was the concept of “failing fast.” This approach advocates for rapid experimentation and learning from failures to foster innovation. By creating an environment where failure is seen as a step towards improvement, organizations can accelerate their adaptive processes and stay ahead in dynamic business landscapes.

What’s more, creating an engaging and loyal team environment is crucial. This involves fostering a culture where employees feel valued and their contributions are recognized. A people-first culture not only boosts morale but also enhances overall productivity and adaptability.

Insights from Ricoh’s Leadership

Ricoh offers a wealth of experience in leading transformations. The company’s ethos, encapsulated in “The Spirit of Three Loves” – love your neighbour, love your country, love your work – underlines the importance of a supportive and fulfilling workplace.

Key Leadership Traits

• Be Bold and Brave: Leaders, especially women, are encouraged to take bold steps and face challenges head-on.
• Be Visionary: Making ideas visible and communicating them effectively is vital.
• Stay Connected: Leaders should avoid isolation in private offices. Instead, they should be in the field, listening to their team to understand the realities of the workplace.
• Empathy and Adaptability: Understanding the needs of the team and adapting strategies accordingly can significantly enhance effectiveness.

Practical Steps for Leaders

• Assess Needs and Resources: Understand what you have and what you need.
• Plan and Execute: Develop clear objectives and actionable plans.
• Invest in Your Workforce: Programs that nurture curiosity and continuous learning are more valuable than technical skills alone.

Ricoh’s Approach to Change

With over 80,000 employees in 200 countries, Ricoh demonstrates effective global leadership. The company focuses on:

• Resourcefulness and Willingness to Change: Leaders must be the rising tide that lifts all boats.
• Engaging with Teams: Terms like “Gemba” (actual place) highlight the importance of being present and understanding the difficulties of different roles.
• Building Trust: Visiting teams and understanding their challenges helps build trust and informs better decision-making.

The Human Element of Transformation

Ricoh’s approach is underpinned by the belief that people want to be seen as individuals, not just employees. Effective change requires:

• Visible and Transparent Communication: Be honest about uncertainties and involve the team in problem-solving.
• Measuring Impact: Before investing significant resources, measure the potential impact to ensure real solutions.

Conclusion

Leading business transformation in global settings demands a people-first approach. By embracing failures, fostering a supportive culture, and staying engaged with your team, leaders can drive sustainable change. Ricoh’s principles offer a valuable blueprint for any organization looking to navigate the complexities of international business with empathy and insight.

Embracing Human X Digital: Transforming the Future with Secure AI-Powered Networking

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital transformation, the network serves as the foundational pillar, seamlessly integrating digital innovation with human interaction. As we venture into realms such as AI solutions, Digital Twins, and data collection for automation, the importance of a scalable, adaptable, and secure network is obvious. In the European Union, adherence to the new NIS2 directive is a key consideration, ensuring that this digital evolution aligns with compliance standards. The theme “Human X Digital” captures the essence of our journey into the future, as it recognizes the role technology plays in reshaping human experiences and interactions. This section will discuss the key takeaways and briefly address the final discussion on human-machine communication.

Key Takeaways

1. Human and Digital Collaboration:

The synergy between human ingenuity and digital technologies drives innovation across various industries. There are numerous examples where collaborative efforts between humans and AI have led to ground-breaking advancements, highlighting the limitless potential of this partnership.

2. Cyber Security & Data Privacy:

In a world increasingly reliant on digital solutions, assessing risks and implementing robust strategies to safeguard personal data and critical infrastructure is paramount. The new NIS2 directive underscores the need for strict compliance, ensuring that our digital future is secure and resilient.

3. Integrating Networking and Security:

Technology and AI have the power to unite networking and security functions, driving comprehensive business transformation. By enhancing operational efficiency and strengthen security, it paves the way for a more connected and secure digital ecosystem.

Securing Human-Machine Communication

The session concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on securing communication between machines and humans. As we increasingly rely on AI and digital solutions, ensuring secure and effective communication is crucial. The focus remains on developing robust frameworks that can adapt to diverse scenarios, safeguarding the integrity of human-machine interactions.

Conclusion

In short, the fusion of human and digital realms through secure AI-powered networking holds immense potential. By addressing key challenges in cyber security, data privacy, and networking integration, we can drive meaningful digital transformation. Additionally, empowering underrepresented groups in tech and securing human-machine communication are essential components of this journey, ensuring an inclusive digital future.

This concludes part 1 of the 2-part series, watch out for part 2 with three more presentations from European Women In Technology.