Session: Seven Counterintuitive Secrets to a Thriving Career in Tech
Are you overly qualified but you are not getting access to the plum projects or the next promotion? Are more junior male colleagues getting ahead of you in spite of delivering great work? Are you getting the feedback that you need to be “fixed” in order to succeed? Are you tired of people selling you a magic bullet that will fix forever the gender imbalance in leadership positions?
During my 20+ years in tech, I've gotten all those barriers and more. Actually, more than 40% of women that start in tech leave the sector. I'm now Global Director of Scientific Support and Customer Operations for a large Fortune Future 50 tech company, award-winning inclusion strategist and coach, and DEI board advisor for a British non-profit focused on activating diverse communities to make AI work for everyone.
In this talk, I condense key learnings from my journey living in 6 countries, spearheading several DEI initiatives in tech, coaching and mentoring women and people from underrepresented communities in tech, as well as writing a book about how women succeed in tech worldwide.
First, I’ll debunk common beliefs such as that there is a simple solution to the lack of women in leadership positions in tech or that you need to be fixed to get to the top. Then, I’ll present 7 proven strategies that will help you build a successful, resilient, and sustainable career in tech.
Bio
Dr. Patricia Gestoso is an award-winning inclusion strategist, a technologist with 20+ years of experience in digital transformation, and a career and life coach.
She helps organisations and leaders leverage diversity and technology in their strategy so they can reach untapped markets, boost innovation, increase revenue and reputation, and attract and retain talent.
Patricia advises companies, NGOs, and governmental organizations on the topics of inclusive products and workplaces, technology, science, client services, acquisition integrations, and ethical artificial intelligence.