Humans in tech (or why to make a mindset shift we need to let our mind shift and focus on what’s really important)

Since I work in tech, and I happen to be a female, many a time I have been encouraged to speak and write about “women in tech”. At first I thought “Sure great idea, let’s spread the word and create awareness on a topic that historically has either been dismissed or used as the next trendy buzz word”.

So I decided to dig deeper, read about it, and do some research. What I realised was that just by virtue of being a certain way (physical appearance, gender, race, etc.) it does NOT make you an expert on a topic (Note: there are actual diversity and gender studies professionals who dedicate their careers to this, and regardless of how much I support and value their work, I am not one of them and neither do I have their knowledge).

We have watched societies around the world develop and change for decades. That said, there is still a long road ahead of us. For the ones in doubt, and since we are all tech people who believe in numbers (we know they never lie), feel free to check the stats on the topic (https://www.statista.com/chart/4467/female-employees-at-tech-companies/, https://www.cio.com/article/3516012/women-in-tech-statistics-the-hard-truths-of-an-uphill-battle.html, https://builtin.com/women-tech/women-in-tech-workplace-statistics). I won’t go into the too many reasons why representation is important for all of us. The business value in having diverse teams is undisputed. Even the most old-fashioned companies are slowly coming to realise that organisations are much better off, making more money, when they look at the society (or for any business person - customer base) as it is – a mix of point of views. Critical in today’s world to providing the adequate product/service demanded by their customers. And this is where my expertise comes into play. I am part of a Salesforce team helping companies and professionals find the perfect balance within their company. Enabling them to bring greater value, not only to their customers, but to the organisation and the people in it.

 Working in tech recruitment provides me with a unique opportunity to be constantly in touch with professionals (many of which also happen to be female!). I began to wonder about their perspectives and what they have to say about being a woman in tech. Trying to remember what they had said, I came to realise – I had nothing…

Why?

Purely because “women in tech” don’t really speak about being a woman in tech as they do not see it as a “thing”. All the amazing and knowledgeable Salesforce experts I am lucky to work with every day focus on one thing and one thing only – the TECH. Whether it is taking on more complex projects or getting more certifications, training in the newest tools, taking part in bootcamps and conferences, mentoring juniors etc. they all proactively strive for greatness in what they do best – working in tech (not so much talking about it…).

Some of them have been invited to lead talks on this trendy topic but many actually prefer to spend their time building and developing their tech career rather than focusing on their gender, as they believe their achievements speak louder than words.

And yes, of course, there will be an occasional “in my next challenge I would prefer to work with modern, open-minded, diverse, inclusive and collaborative teams” but who doesn’t want that?!

For various historical and cultural reasons, originating from times when life was fundamentally different, men and women have had certain strictly assigned roles. However, life as anything, is ever-changing and if we want to evolve we need to learn to adapt. A few months back, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said something quite striking in its simplicity:

“Just as slavery and colonialism were a stain on previous centuries, women’s inequality should shame us all in the 21st. Because it is not only unacceptable; it is stupid,”.

It is stupid, isn't it? Who in their right mind (including purely business acumen) would want to lose on literally everything (capabilities, ideas, problem-solving, value, solutions, etc.) half the world's population can bring to the table?

So let’s acknowledge that. Take it in. Stop being stupid and move on. Instead of me speaking about “women in tech”, I invite my professional network to share their opinion and comment - so we - together as people in tech, can start a healthy dialogue about the value of diversity of opinions and solutions based on different minds rather than gender, race, religion, etc.

What do you think?

#humansintech #professionalsintech #diversityintech #salesforcejobs #leadingtheway