Women Transform Tech #6: the impact of female leadership in tech start-ups, the quirky aspect of working with women in tech, and so many events

In this edition, Tech O’Clock brings the all-female auto shop that empowers women, not just with car repairs but also with confidence, how women in leadership are reshaping tech startups and the latest insights from AI's impact on women in tech.

We're excited to spotlight Mayuri G. , a standout member of our marketing team at Women in Tech Netherlands. With over 7 years of experience in business development and analytics, Mayuri has helped companies grow and build lasting partnerships across multiple industries. Asked about how it’s like working with a team focused on women in tech, she says: “What’s especially unique is how effortlessly conversations can flow from coding challenges to breaking down systemic biases in the industry”.

In Community & Events, we spotlight key happenings like Lieke (Cornelia) Lamb ’s involvement in shaping AI policies at Prinsessendag and her participation in the Digital Economy Advisory Meeting. We're holding an empowering workshop with TP Vision , designed to connect and inspire women in tech. Plus, our Cloud 9 meetups continue to grow, offering a space for impactful networking and personal growth. Make sure to sign up for our Role Model Masterclasses and upcoming PET events, where we're inspiring the next generation of tech talent.

Join us in pushing boundaries, making tech fun, and fostering inclusivity ?

Tech O’Clock

This all-female auto shop lets you get a mani-pedi while your car gets a tune-up

Patrice Banks, founder of Girls Auto Clinic, created a space that not only provides expert auto repairs but also empowers women to take control of their car maintenance. Her all-female auto shop offers everything from oil changes to brake repairs, all while fostering a welcoming environment where women can feel comfortable asking questions. What makes it even more unique? Customers can enjoy a mani-pedi at the in-house salon while their cars are serviced. Banks' mission is to eliminate the intimidation many women feel at traditional auto shops by combining transparent communication with hands-on education through workshops and classes.

Her story is a brilliant example of how women can thrive in male-dominated industries, transforming spaces to serve women better and make them feel empowered, both behind the wheel and under the hood. It's a movement toward greater gender equality in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated, with women now making up 12% of the auto repair workforce.

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In Europe, there are some great women-led automotive businesses, similar to Girls Auto Clinic in the U.S. While a lot of these businesses focus on creating a comfortable and empowering environment for female customers, they also bring something extra to the industry. For example, the Women Automotive Network in Europe is actively fostering a more inclusive environment for women in the auto industry. Their events, like the Women Automotive Summit in Germany, are designed to support women at all levels of the automotive sector, from workshops to leadership positions.

Impact of AI on Women in Tech (The Skillsoft Women in Tech Report)

According to the 2024 Skillsoft Women in Tech report, AI is both an opportunity and a challenge. While 40% of women use AI in their roles, 63% report a lack of necessary skills and training. “This AI skills gap not only obstructs individual career growth but also poses a significant barrier to leveraging the full potential of AI in the workplace. It underscores the critical need for equitable access to skill development and training opportunities in the AI space.”

AI presents a growing gap in technical skills development, and many women in tech express a desire for more opportunities in AI and machine learning training.?

The Impact of Female Leadership in Tech Startups

We need more women in leadership positions, especially in tech, for several reasons. First, women help create products that better reflect the needs of all users, making tech more inclusive. Plus, research shows companies with gender-balanced leadership are more profitable. Having women at the top also inspires more women to enter the industry, closing gender gaps. While female founders are on the rise, challenges like lack of funding persist. Thankfully, more female venture capitalists are stepping up to support women-led startups.?

Positive Impacts Emerging

• Businesses with a minimum of one female entrepreneur yield greater ROI; they earn 2.2X as much per dollar invested compared to all-male counterparts.
• Diverse founding teams generate creativity by having individuals with different genders subconsciously influence their ideas. Patents created by mixed gender teams have more than 80% women inventors.
• Female tech leaders influence the culture and ensure that a company has policies that accept diversity, inclusion, and flexible working. This opens up opportunities for the marginalized in society.
• The two important aspects of product design that women have been proven to excel at are identifying various users and analyzing their needs and issues. This fosters creation of products that are easy to use, are human-centered, and enhance the lives of users regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or social status.

Female leadership in tech is powerful, but let’s be real—women still face a mountain of challenges. Gender stereotyping, discrimination, and being second-guessed come with the territory, often from the moment we apply for jobs or pitch for funding. It doesn’t help that 60% of women in STEM report facing harassment. This toxic environment can push talented women out, especially when guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities are so limited.?

In startups, women often lead with a participative style, prioritizing collaboration and open communication, which fosters creativity and talent development. They excel at transformational leadership, inspiring teams through growth and skill-building, which boosts employee satisfaction and reduces turnover. Women also tend to have stronger emotional intelligence, making them more attuned to their team's needs and creating inclusive, empathetic cultures where everyone feels heard. This leadership style is a key ingredient in building successful, innovative startups where people thrive.

Women Talk Tech

In this edition of Women Talk Tech, we’re happy to introduce Mayuri G. , team member from our marketing team at Women in Tech?Netherlands . With over 7 years of experience in business development and analytics, Mayuri has helped companies grow and build lasting partnerships across multiple industries. With extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development, Mayuri has been pivotal in shaping our outreach and impact. Her expertise in IT and manufacturing industries, combined with her strategic vision and leadership, has consistently turned innovative ideas into successful campaigns. Outside of work, she’s an avid dancer who knows how to bring people together, both on and off the dance floor!

What's the most unexpected or quirky aspect of working with a team focused on women in tech?

The best teams are those where technology meets empathy, and breakthroughs happen not just in the code, but in the camaraderie and support we build together.

One of the most unexpected and delightfully quirky aspects of working with a team focused on women in tech is the blend of hard-core innovation with a deep sense of camaraderie and empowerment. Picture this: one moment, you're diving into a serious debate about the latest cybersecurity protocols, and the next, there's a meme war breaking out in the chat, or someone sharing an uplifting story about smashing yet another glass ceiling. The mix of high-intensity tech problem-solving paired with spontaneous bursts of humour, support, and real talk is what sets these teams apart.

What’s especially unique is how effortlessly conversations can flow from coding challenges to breaking down systemic biases in the industry—often in the same breath. And don't be surprised if your team meetings include a round of shout-outs for small wins, motivational pep talks, or even impromptu discussions about wellness hacks to beat imposter syndrome. It's a space where ambition and empathy coexist, where the drive to push boundaries in tech is matched only by the desire to lift each other up. It's like being part of a tech-savvy sisterhood that’s all about celebrating brilliance, both in the code and in the people behind it.

Events & Community news

The past month has been packed with exciting collaborations and events at Women in Tech Netherlands. From involvement in shaping AI policies at Prinsessendag 2024 to critical discussions on digital infrastructure with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, we continue driving change. ??

September 9, 2024 - Prinsessendag 2024. AI & Politics Pledge

Our Director, Lieke (Cornelia) Lamb, on behalf of Women in Tech Netherlands, participated in the annual 'Prinsessendag' organised by #AlliantiePolitica and the Nederlandse Vrouwen Raad (Dutch Women's Council) at the South Holland Provincial House.

Alongside other organisations, Lieke signed the AI & Politics Pledge, advocating for equal opportunities in politics, especially regarding the challenges, risks, and questions AI poses for gender equality.

This pledge was presented to Marietje Schaake, marking an essential step in addressing the intersection of technology, AI, and politics.

Politics—and technology—shouldn’t be exclusive to men, and this discussion emphasises the importance of inclusivity in shaping the future! We thank Irina Tziamali and Tapasya Vreeken - van Tol for the spotless efforts.

September 12, 2024 - Adviesoverleg Digitale Economie

On September 12, 2024, Lieke (Cornelia) Lamb , Director of Women in Tech Netherlands, actively participated in the Digital Economy Advisory Meeting hosted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Invited to share her expertise, she provided critical insights on workforce-related challenges, including digital talent shortages and labour-saving innovations. This collaborative discussion focused on how to maintain the Netherlands' digital infrastructure and secure a digitally successful future. Lieke highlighted the importance of exchanging diverse perspectives and the role cooperation plays in addressing labour market tightness.

October 1, 2024 - Empowering Women at TPV Europe

This year, TP Vision has taken an exciting step toward fostering a more inclusive workplace by partnering with Women in Tech?Netherlands . As part of this initiative, we’re thrilled to offer an exclusive workshop for the women at TPV Europe.

The event will feature a panel discussion with inspiring women in tech, interactive sessions to raise awareness, identify challenges and explore potential solutions and a collaborative brainstorming to improve workplace culture. It’s not just about learning but also about building community and having fun!

Together with Women in Tech Netherlands, TPV Europe aims to foster awareness, uncover areas for improvement, and collaboratively develop actionable solutions tailored to their needs. Their commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment through this partnership with Women in Tech Netherlands is truly commendable. By providing spaces for women to connect and collaborate, they are actively contributing to closing the gender gap in tech.?

We encourage other organisations to follow in TPV Europe’s footsteps and partner with us at Women in Tech Netherlands. Together, we can create a more equitable tech industry and empower more women to thrive in this field. Let’s work collectively to drive meaningful change - become our partner and leverage workshops on diversity and inclusion straight from our team. Contact Marisa?? Monteiro Borsboom and Alessia Vitale .

October 2, 2024 - Our monthly Cloud 9 community event

Cloud 9 ??, our in-person community meetup in Amsterdam, is:?

?? open to all

?? a great chance to connect and build relationships within our community

?? a blend of tech talks and sharing personal passions

?? designed to help you expand your network

?? ideal for connecting with those passionate about making a social impact

??? Wednesday, October 2

? 5:30 - 8:00 PM

?? Restaurant het Groene Paleis, Rokin 65, 1012 KK Amsterdam

Details: https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/7244364726112059393/about/

REGISTER HERE to become a member and sign up to join our event > https://wit-h.com/login

October 15, 2024 - Workshop ‘Your Passions’, part of the Role Model Masterclass

Our Role Model Masterclass Series is a four-month journey of personal growth and networking with inspiring role models. Throughout this journey, there are four workshops, each lasting two hours, featuring two expert speakers per session. Each workshop has a unique theme, providing valuable insights and practical advice.

The first workshop - Your Persona - took place on September 10, 2024 and was facilitated by Francia Agterhof and Dr. Margarita Lourido . And this is how Maryam Khaghani Milani , MBA Data Analysis Student, experienced it:

The topic was highly relevant and important for everyone nowadays. Self-sabotage is a crucial concept, and understanding which types we tend to exhibit is incredibly valuable. What I found most interesting was the website support provided at the end, offering feedback and solutions – something that doesn’t usually happen in most workshops.

Both speakers were well-educated, knowledgeable, and answered questions effectively. The interaction made the session feel more friendly and engaging, ensuring it wasn’t boring at all. Everyone remained joyful and happy throughout the session. I believe the reason we started with around 34 people and ended with 15 was due to the session running slightly over time.

The speakers gave us the opportunity to participate in a more detailed online workshop, along with providing well-prepared documents for everyone.

Lastly, the topic resonated with me on a personal level, as it closely aligns with my thesis subject. I am currently discussing with my tutor how to incorporate self-sabotage as a factor in my research.

Ready to supercharge your tech career??

??? October 15, 2024 | Your Passions with Joy Adamson and Dr Sophie Jablonski | Register here: https://wit-h.com/networks/events/123111

??? November 12, 2024 | Your Presence with Lieke (Cornelia) Lamb and Lieke Muller | Register here: https://wit-h.com/networks/events/123112

??? December 10, 2024 | Pay it Forward with Selen D. and Béatrice Blondiau | Register here: https://wit-h.com/networks/events/123114

October 16, 2024 - [Masterclass] Executive Presence and Visibility- Show yourself and Be Yourself, Confidently?

Women in Tech?Netherlands and Barbara Rogoski , through her company Successful Speaker Now!, have made a partnership to help the members of WIT to improve your communication and presentation skills through coaching and mentoring.

Join us on October 16th, from 18:30 CET, in this one-hour KICK-OFF FREE masterclass. Executive speaker coach and senior TEDx coach Barbara Rogoski will share tips and tricks on what you can do to increase your visibility at work and consciously develop your executive presence. More details here.

October & November - PET events

The PET (Promotional Event Technology) events are a wonderful opportunity to bring children into contact with technology in the broadest sense from primary school. The events are organized for students in groups 6, 7 or 8 and take place in various places in North Holland. The students do inspiring workshops, which touch on as many aspects of technology as possible. On October 7 in Purmerend, October 24 in West Friesland and November 14-15 in Hoorn, we will be there to help Dutch school children get to know the 7 worlds of technology.?

Whether it’s workshops, masterclasses, or community events like Cloud 9, these initiatives reflect our commitment to empowering women in tech. Join us in these efforts—together, we’re making tech more inclusive. ????

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Women in Tech?Netherlands team

This newsletter is brought to you by Cristina Damian , creative & critical thinker. Dissects modern social issues with the precision of a mechanical engineer and the passion of a gourmand. She has co-founded successful ventures in sports engineering and sustainable mobility. Claims she can do pretty-much any marketing and project management activity even in her sleep. Unafraid to challenge norms and biases, she’s on a mission not to empower, but to give back the power to women - in tech and everywhere else. Currently she’s part of the team at Addvals and a NeuroMindfulness? coach for ambitious people. And if you're curious, yes, she handles chaos like a pro and refuses to shrink to accommodate egos — because, frankly, who has the time?