Session: Diversity instead of simplicity. Why diversity promotes innovation and what you can do for it
Companies thrive on innovation, and innovation thrives on diversity.
A better working atmosphere, higher reputation and more extensive market coverage are just a few of the arguments that should convince companies of the added value of diversity. And the advantages of a diverse work environment can also be measured quantitatively. Companies that have a high proportion of women in managerial positions, for example, generate higher returns on average.
Diversity has a decisive influence on the innovation performance of a company: "Industry affiliation", "Country of origin", "Gender", "Professional career", promote more agility and are a real innovation booster, as a study by Boston Consulting shows.
But how do you promote diversity? What can each of us contribute to promoting diversity in our own company?
In our workshop we explain the latest findings on this topic, discuss our experiences and finally work out recommendations for action together.
Bio
Innovation, technology and (lack of) diversity - a field of tension in which we both move for the majority of our professional careers. The only women at major partner events, the only female team lead among 19 team leads - we've seen it all. We also know how it works differently and we know how to get there: Together!
Astrid, Dynamics Specialist at Microsoft, founded the #TheNewITGirls initiative together with Doris Schlaffer in 2019. Together we founded the first comprehensive women's network that connects women across the IT industry, from developers to marketers, and thus closed a gap.
#TheNewITGirls jointly promote the networking and promotion of women in the field of digitization and technology. There is also a regular exchange with keynote speeches from members. Kristina Maria, #ITGirl from the very beginning, has also officially been part of the team at https://www.thenewitgirls.com since 2020.
Astrid Wieland has always been active in the IT industry and has got to know many facets of the IT world over the years. Through close interaction with customers & partners, as well as a large network in the industry, Astrid was able to gain numerous insights into the current challenges of companies in the DACH region.
Kristina Maria has been dealing with communication in all facets for over 20 years, both on the agency, as well as on the startup and corporate side. During her studies, she discovered her penchant for digital communication and, among other things, co-founded a Europe-wide online portal.
As a Xennical, she grew up in an analog childhood and a digital youth and still loves to create a connection between the two worlds. Interest in technology and innovation brought the career changer to IT.
Today she heads Marketing & Communications at the innovation service provider Zühlke Austria and, as a full-time working mom of a four-year-old, is particularly committed to promoting women in management positions and the compatibility of child and career.