Women Embracing Tech & Innovation

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, I had the honor of speaking on a panel entitled “Women Embracing Tech & Innovation” at the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Symposium. Moderated by Christine Devine, News Anchor for KTTV Fox 11 News, I was joined by an outstanding group of tech leaders for a lively discussion on the state of women in tech. Together, we explored ways to encourage women to build their confidence around technology and innovation, the challenges women face in these fields, and how these challenges can be addressed to foster greater gender diversity and equality. The great news is, many companies are getting it right and progress is being made!

We concluded by discussing the most useful technology innovations in business over the next few years, with AI taking center stage. Here are a few of the highlights I shared during the panel discussion.

Building Confidence in Technology and Innovation

For businesses to thrive and our economy to grow, women must be more present and visible in tech and innovation sectors. Currently, women constitute only about 28% of the tech workforce , indicating a significant loss in potential benefits that diverse teams bring.

The business case has long been made. Diverse teams have been shown to drive more innovation and yield higher financial returns; companies with gender-diverse leadership are 21% more likely to outperform their peers . Women in leadership positions advocate for more inclusive products and services, ensuring technological advancements benefit a broader segment of society. Moreover, women bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches, leading to more comprehensive solutions.

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Challenges Women Face in Tech and Innovation

Despite progress, women continue to face headwinds in tech and innovation. These include systemic issues that require policy reform, organizational culture shifts, and the need for increased support for women in tech. We also know that unconscious bias and stereotyping lead to fewer opportunities for women. And while many companies have done incredible work to tackle these issues and attract and retain women, those that haven’t contribute to nearly 50% of women in tech leaving their jobs by the age of 35 due to non-supportive workplace environments. Balancing work and life is another challenge, yet flexible working arrangements and parental leave can help mitigate this issue. Additionally, the lack of female role models in senior roles limits inspiration for aspiring female technologists. I firmly believe you can’t be what you can’t see -- so we must advocate for more women in leadership if we hope to inspire the next generation.

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Current Landscape and Opportunities for Empowerment

Pushing for systemic changes to support and uplift women is crucial in fostering a diverse and innovative future. Women represent just 28% of the tech workforce , with even lower percentages in engineering roles (16%) and computing-related jobs (26%). To change this outlook, we need to start reaching girls early, instilling confidence and interest in technology from preschool and elementary. From being thoughtful about the toys we give to young girls, to the messages that are emblazoned on their tee-shirts (let’s go with BRAVE and BOLD vs. CUTE and SWEET), to the successes we choose celebrate. The messages we send at an early age are powerful. And while there’s always room for dress-up clothes and dolls, girls can make some of the most complex Lego masterpieces I’ve ever seen. Let’s celebrate their brains and their bold ideas in a world where society prioritizes beauty.

In the workplace, mentorship programs can help women navigate their careers and gain the confidence needed for leadership roles. Implementing inclusive policies like maternity leave and flexible work schedules can make a significant difference. Additionally, creating networks and communities for women in tech to share resources and support can foster a more inclusive environment.

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?Technology Innovation in Business Over the Next Few Years

As a marketer in cyber, I believe the most impactful technology innovation in business over the next few years will likely be the continued advancement and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In marketing, AI will enable highly personalized campaigns, increasing engagement and conversion rates. In cybersecurity, AI will play a critical role in threat detection, among other areas, identifying and responding to cyber threats in real-time to improve business security. However, AI will also enable bad actors to conduct malicious activities more efficiently, complicating the security landscape. Businesses that adopt and integrate AI technologies will likely gain a significant competitive edge, driving growth and innovation in the coming years.

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Progress Made and the Road Ahead

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts have evolved significantly across the technology sector. At Optiv, we have developed a global workplace culture that embraces diversity of thought, background, and perspective . Nearly 60% of our expanded leadership team is gender and ethnically diverse and/or veterans, and 36% of Optiv’s people leaders are women -- far outpacing industry benchmarks.

As Optiv’s first female CMO, I’ve had the pleasure of playing a role in many of the company’s industry-leading DEI initiatives (led by our incredible DEI leader, Marlee McAlpine) and serve as an executive sponsor of the Optiv Women’s Network (OWN), the company’s oldest and largest employee resource group with nearly 300 members. OWN offers industry and networking events, mentorship, employee engagement, and a quarterly speaker series. Collaborating with organizations like the Executive Women’s Forum and Women of the Channel further strengthens our efforts. You can read about Optiv’s DEI journey in our ESG report here .

There are approximately 4 million open jobs in cybersecurity globally -- the need is massive and there is no shortage of opportunity. We must, however, ensure that opportunity is open to everyone. And while there's much work ahead, the solutions are there and progress is being made.

Together, we can inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders. The time to act is now.