Key Takeaways From Trailblazing Women Summit, Dublin 2024 ?

What a great way to mark 2024 with the #TrailblazingWomen splash, at the beautiful and sustainable Dublin Tower ??

Let's get straight to it - all you need to know on this year's Summit and a special gift at the end!

Salesforce is kicking us off with the debate on "AI and Ethics."

Dr. Abeba Birhane suggests that diversity is the remedy for the AI biases we're encountering. Similarly, Raj Kaur Khaira , Co-founder & Deputy Global CEO at AutogenAI highlights a crucial statistic: women entrepreneurs in the Artificial Intelligence sector aren't receiving equal attention and funding compared to their male counterparts. She emphasizes the necessity of revisiting the criteria for funding eligibility to foster inclusivity and reduce biases in the processes.

As we keep hearing nowadays, combatting bias to enhance data quality won't involve removing any biased data, as it's not feasible at this stage. Instead, the solution lies in incorporating more accurate data into the mix. Sounds promising :)

The bias against South Asian women is another topic that struck a chord with many. Unfortunately, South Asian women are often perceived as "vulnerable" and "weak."

I must say, these types of false stereotypes can be resolved through interaction and education. If someone learns more about South Asian culture and history, they will realize how brave South Asian women have been throughout history and their significant influence on the tech world ????

Her friend described the endeavour of change as "Pouring drops of Ribena into the ocean," she added with a smile.

But hey, every little bit counts! She's dedicated and still fighting for a better world, which is what really matters when you lay your head down at night.

In the second phase of my PhD, Dr. Abeba contributed to the discussion on diversity and success.

(A brief pause to acknowledge someone's PhD...??)

As she puts it, her identity shaped her research.

And that's precisely what I mean when I say, we shouldn't impose multicultural perspectives on those in authority. Instead, we should diversify the pool by including individuals with various cultural backgrounds and opinions that have shaped them as leaders today. ??

Thanks for making this session relatable, Salesforce and Carolan Lennon . It's refreshing to hear about the basics of AI development and the ethical concerns, instead of sticking to safe questions.

In the second segment of the panel, Susan Brady greets us with her bright pink suit and red nails, what a look!?? She emphasizes the significance of flexibility, particularly for women in the workforce.

"You're juggling your job, kids, and everything else," she's a strong advocate for flexibility and hybrid working.

We anticipate witnessing more flexible arrangements for the sake of fairness.

Simply put, the corporate world was not created by women or for women.

Let's count on change to transform it into a more adaptable system for everyone!

Our next panellist on this session is Aurélie BESSON , Consumer Marketing Director at Rossignol Group .

Honestly, Aurelie was so genuine that I couldn't help but wonder how she navigated the corporate world for years ?? But jokes aside, what a warm and approachable leader!

She emphasized the significance of support systems and acts of kindness, stating, "Helping each other... Especially among women."

Something we all should keep in mind.

Aaaaand it’s Brigid Charmant , SVP of Sales at Salesforce.

She's undeniably an influential leader. I was fortunate to be introduced to Brigid by Zahra Bahrololoumi CBE during an event years ago. Her authentic voice seems to perfectly align with her role. And I'm certain this is just the beginning of her professional journey. ??

She likes a challenge. So naturally, she began with a Sales role ??

When she said,?

"You’re waiting for someone to tell you, hey, girl you can do it”

I really felt that...?

However, she realized later in life that people can have various paths to similar outcomes. We all should embrace the importance of learning and believing in ourselves ??

I enjoyed listening to her story. She feels like a familiar face even though I met her only once. And THIS is on the importance of role models!! ??

We return to Aurelie's adventures at Rossignol. She mentioned how the shifting audience is impacting Rossignol in terms of its marketing content and analysis. With more and more people opting to escape crowded cities and travel to the mountains and the sea, Rossignol is expanding its target audience and influence. It will be interesting to see how AI will help them elevate. ??

Aurelie also reflects on her personal career journey. She experienced a significant shift in mentality over the years at work. Starting as a Marketing Assistant, she had to carve out her own path and find her balance. I believe that's the essence of writing your own story – without handouts, without capital, without the fuss.

Let me repeat that for all of us: Writing your own story... Without handouts. Without capital. Without the fuss ???

Overall consensus: You must take charge of your agenda.

Assign yourself tasks. Allocate specific time slots. Establish your working schedule. As Susan stated, "If something goes onto my diary, it’s happening!"

That's a great mindset. And here's a simple reason why:

If you don't manage your time, someone else will.

Your time is incredibly valuable, and the quality of your activities shouldn't be determined solely by asking, "Is this worth my time?" Because if that's the only question you're asking, you might be selling yourself short.

Consider the task's impact in 5 years' time and the value it holds for you. We cannot underestimate the importance of value because if my work didn't ignite something within me as I typed these words onto a blank Word document at a random cafe, I wouldn't be as happy and fulfilled as I am today. And you would notice…

Why torture either of us??

Let's choose careers that we enjoy. You never know which path will bring you the most success and money, especially in the age of technology and social media.

DO WHAT YOU LIKE! It will be rewarding and worth it in the end ??

Onto the next part!

Aisling Bea, an award-winning Stand-Up Comedian, Writer, and Actor, takes the stage. What a character!

On a side note, why are all Irish women so pretty? Like, is that a thing? Just curious. Not sure if it’s the Dublin Tower or some beauty commercial with very intelligent people... Just google them, and you’ll see ?

Aisling emphasizes the "general sexist belief around women liking to gossip, women liking to chat, etc." And she added, yes, we do like to chat!

I have a few things to add as I am quite opinionated myself... ??

We don't only like to chat; we also like to comment on each other's nails, hair, and outfits while sipping coffee on a sunny Sunday. Yes. And?

This doesn’t make us less professional; it makes us human. Just like 22 men running after a ball and the rest of the men in the universe spending their lives talking about it don’t make any men less VP-material. #InsertSass?? #GameOn!! #JustBanterDon’tBeMad #ManCityForever LOL

Jokes aside, my point is, people are more than free to have personal traits and, from time to time, more gender-specific interests. This does not mean your gender defines you or your interests. But rather, in some moments, there’s a beautiful understanding and consensus in being with like-minded people and bonding over common interests. And this has no correlation whatsoever when it comes to your professional outlook. So, let’s keep those two apart.

Moving on to more important topics,

Aisling speaks about her face being used to generate AI-based adult content. I wasn't surprised but definitely disappointed.

She openly discusses her experience and shares that she almost brought it onto the stage as comedy material. However, she ultimately decided against it.

Because if a "14-year-old girl becomes the victim of this type of content, she may not have the platform, influence, or courage to fight against it humorously like so," she said.

Aisling believes we should take an additional step in AI ethics and ensure a human is in charge, not just in the loop.

Now, I'd like to leave you with this heavy yet very real problem of today's world. As Aisling says, even fascinating AI developments might hurt our girls and women more than others. Let's spread awareness, not believe everything we see, and stand with women.

Here's to a unified front to Ignite Innovation.

Here's to Women and Allies in all countries, sectors, and life circumstances.

Notes to the curious readers, as every year, this year, once more, I shed a tear or two listening to the panel, writing about it, and proofing it. Thank you.

Lots of love and hope,

D.