JSG CEO: Women in Tech, Leadership, and the Critical Need for Training

In a recent conversation with Jim Roddy , CEO of the RSPA - Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), Janet Schijns , CEO of JSG , shed light on women's challenges in technology and leadership roles. With a career dedicated to driving change and empowering women, Schijns emphasized the need for intentional mentorship, training, and action to address the systemic barriers holding women back.?

A Sobering Reality: Women in Tech Are Losing Ground?

Despite decades of progress, women in technology are facing significant challenges. According to the World Bank, women comprise 35% of STEM employees in the U.S., yet STEM roles account for only 25% of the total U.S. workforce. By the end of 2023, women held 35% of tech jobs—a statistic that has stagnated rather than grown.?

Schijns noted that these challenges have worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. "We've seen regression, especially during and after COVID," she explained. "Caregiving responsibilities, hybrid work shifts, and layoffs disproportionately impacted women."?

A Women in Tech Network study revealed that women are 1.6 times more likely to face layoffs than men, mainly due to less seniority. The study also found that 69.2% of those laid off in the 2022 tech downturn were women. This disproportionate impact, compounded by women's underrepresentation in technical and leadership roles, has created what Schijns calls a "double hit."?

Systemic Barriers in the Workplace?

Schijns attributes the challenges to structural issues within the industry:?

• Role Vulnerability: Women are overrepresented in non-revenue-generating roles such as HR, marketing, and legal—areas that are often the first to face cuts during economic downturns.?
• Lack of Mentorship: A shift in office dynamics has caused some men to hesitate to mentor women, further limiting their advancement opportunities.?
• Training Gaps: Many women lack access to critical reskilling and upskilling opportunities, particularly in emerging fields like AI.?

"Training is key to overcoming these barriers," Schijns emphasized. "AI is transforming every industry, and if women aren't part of that transformation, they'll be left behind."?

The Role of AI in Women's Careers?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents both a challenge and an opportunity for women in tech. The Skillsoft Women in Tech Report 2024 revealed that 60% of women are not yet using AI at work. However, of the 40% who do, 73% report increased productivity, and 19% say their work is more streamlined.?

The Boston Consulting Group found that 68% of women in tech use generative AI tools weekly, compared with 66% of men, signaling parity in adoption rates. Despite this, a Skillsoft study highlighted a critical issue: 63% of women say they need more training to use AI effectively.?

"AI isn't coming for your job," Schijns said. "The person who uses AI better is coming for your job. Ensuring women have the skills to lead in an AI-driven world is critical to creating an equitable future."?

The Importance of Financial Independence?

Schijns spoke passionately about the broader impact of empowering women through career opportunities and financial independence. Drawing from her personal experience as a survivor of domestic abuse, she explained:?

"Financially independent Women are nine times less likely to be abused. A strong career can be a lifeline. That's why I dedicate myself to helping women achieve financial independence and career success."?

Her organizations, JS Group and the Advancing Leadership Network (ALN) are addressing this need through programs that offer mentorship, training, and leadership development.?

Mentorship and Training: Janet's Call to Action?

Schijns outlined clear steps for organizations and individuals to support women in tech:?

1. Mentorship Matters: "Pick a woman in your organization who has potential. Bring her to industry events, introduce her to your network, and help her build the skills she needs to succeed," she urged.?
2. Career Planning: Schijns encourages leaders to ask women about their career goals and actively help them achieve them. "It's about actual actions—teaching someone how to read a P&L or helping them build a one-page career plan. These steps matter."?
3. AI Training: As industries increasingly rely on AI, Schijns called for accessible reskilling programs to close the skills gap. "AI is the number one topic women want to learn about, but they often lack the resources to do so. Organizations need to prioritize this."?
4. Empowering Leadership Development: Coaching programs can help women develop critical leadership skills, including decision-making, communication, and time management. A study by the International Coach Federation (ICF) found that 70% of clients reported improved work performance, and 67% experienced better work-life balance after coaching.?

JSG and ALN: Driving Change in 2025?

Starting in January 2025, JS Group and the Advancing Leadership Network will launch new leadership coaching programs designed to equip women with the skills they need to thrive in leadership and emerging fields like AI. These programs are Schijns' way of turning insights into actionable solutions.?You can learn more here: https://coaching.advancingleadershipnetwork.app

A Path Forward?

Janet Schijns' insights highlight the urgency of supporting women in tech through mentorship, targeted training, and leadership development. "We can't just talk about it," she said. "We need to act—introduce women to opportunities, invest in their training, and ensure they're part of the conversation about the future of work."?

The stakes are high, but with leaders like Schijns driving change, the industry can create a more inclusive and innovative future. For those ready to join the effort, listen to the Trusted Advisor Podcast and explore JSG and ALN's upcoming initiatives to support women in technology and leadership.?