On May 26th and 27th, our team members Yvette and Sophie attended the 2024 installment of European Women In Technology. This event’s main purpose is to share ideas and discuss current issues that matters to women and their allies within the tech industry. Women can find role models or find mentorship on this event as well.
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. This is part 2 of the series, be sure to check out part 1 as well!
Presentations:
- What do the mind and computer have in common?
- Women Rising: fostering an inclusive workspace to unlock innovation
- ROI: return on inclusivity
What do the mind and computer have in common?
Have you ever wondered about the similarities between a computer and the intricate programming of the human mind? In this session, Anne explored the interesting similarities between how our minds and computers work. She gave helpful examples to explain our mind’s “programming” and shared useful tips for changing our mindsets. This section will cover important points and highlights from the Q&A.
Discover the Similarities Between the Mind and a Computer:
- Algorithms and Memory: Just like computers, our brains operate through complex algorithms and have a memory system. Anne explained how the neo-cortex functions similarly to a computer’s RAM, serving as short-term storage.
- Neurons as Electrical Parts: Neurons in our brains connect and transmit information, akin to the electrical components in computers.
Session Q&A Highlights:
- Interesting Books on the Topic:
- “NLP: The Essential Guide to Neuro-Linguistic Programming” written by Tom Hoobyar, Tom Dotz and Susan Sanders: A recommended read to understand and explore one’s mental programming.
- “Core Qualities: a gateway to human recourses” written by Daniel Ofman: A concept that helps identify areas where we might be overextending our strengths.
- Unravelling Someone’s Programming:
- Observing alone isn’t enough to understand someone’s mental programming. Anne pointed out the importance of making genuine connections and recognizing projections in our interactions.
Anne’s session was a thought-provoking journey into the parallels between the human mind and computers. It provided valuable insights and practical tools for anyone looking to understand and improve their mental programming.
Women Rising: Fostering an Inclusive Workplace to Unlock Innovation
In her talk “Women Rising: Fostering an Inclusive Workplace to Unlock Innovation,” Rashmi Sharma highlighted critical insights into gender diversity in leadership within the tech and financial sectors. Here’s an overview of the key points:
- Underrepresentation of Women: Only 13% of founders or top leaders in major tech and financial companies are women, showing a big gender gap in leadership roles.
- Impact on Financial Performance: Adding just 10% more women in top roles can increase a company’s profits by 13%, showing that gender diversity has financial benefits.
- Entrepreneurial Insights: Research shows that men get more funding than women. However, startups led by women make more money for every dollar invested compared to those led by men.
- Call to Action: Sharma emphasized the need for practical steps such as intentional allyship. This means supporting underrepresented people, helping their voices be heard, and improving decision-making by fighting biases.
- Mentoring and Career Development: Highlighting initiatives like Girls’ Day, Sharma stressed the need for mentorship and early exposure to STEM fields to encourage more girls to choose careers in technology.
- AI and Future Jobs: Rashmi Sharma urged the audience to embrace technological advancements while highlighting the irreplaceable human element in digital transformations.
- Personal Impact: Even small efforts can make a big difference. Sharma highlighted the significance of inspiring just one girl to pursue a tech career.
In summary, Rashmi Sharma’s presentation highlighted how gender diversity improves business performance. She called for real actions to promote inclusivity and focused on preparing for the future of work with a human-centered approach to technology. Her ideas encourage organizations to prioritize diversity and support women in leadership roles.
ROl: Return on Inclusivity
In today’s competitive world, businesses see the great benefits of being inclusive. It’s not just about meeting diversity targets but more about creating a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. This idea was expressed in Marie-Estelle Carrasco’s talk “ROI – Return on Inclusivity,” which showed how inclusivity boosts innovation and improves business results.
1. Understanding Inclusivity: A Continuous Journey
Inclusivity goes beyond token gestures; it’s an ongoing effort vital for supporting diversity in organizations. By being inclusive, businesses can reduce biases and create a more innovative environment. It’s not just about having different voices but actively listening to them and considering their perspectives in decision-making.
2. Inclusivity in Data Practices
One important point discussed was how inclusivity affects data practices. This means choosing diverse datasets and considering different viewpoints. By including various perspectives, businesses can discover insights they might not find otherwise.
3. Human-Centric Approach
At its core, inclusivity means recognizing the value in every person. It’s about making a place where everyone’s special strengths, sometimes referred to as ‘superpowers,’ are appreciated and used. This makes sure that even quieter voices are listened to and respected, making the workplace better for everyone.
4. Inclusivity in Action
Concrete examples showed how inclusivity can be put into action. For instance, one example described a program that brings neurodiverse people into roles like coding and quality assurance. These efforts not only support ethical practices but also boost innovation by tapping into talent pools that aren’t always considered.
The “ROI – Return on Inclusivity” presentation explained why inclusivity is crucial for business success, not just a trendy term. When businesses make inclusivity a priority, they can discover new creativity, make better decisions, and grow steadily over time.
In conclusion, the European Women In Technology 2024 event showed how technology is changing industries. It stressed the need for inclusivity to drive innovation. Key talks focused on using AI, putting people first in business changes, and blending human and digital teamwork. There was also a strong focus on how gender diversity and inclusivity can boost business success. Overall, the event highlighted ways to use technology, promote diversity, and prioritize human aspects to achieve meaningful and inclusive growth in the tech sector.
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