Women in Tech Addressing Gender Diversity In C-Suite Of Tech Companies

Love this article from Forbes. This really drives home the initiatives that we are working on in CompTia's AWIT group. We are seeing those same issues in our space and want to lead the way on conversations as well as a road to change. Hoping to have a ton of people in our session at CCF in a couple weeks so we can start making the much needed progress we all want to see.

Modern business needs AI, but AI needs you

In the digital age, where data overload has become the norm, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a beacon of hope, offering us the tools to sift through the cacophony. The advent of today's AI models, particularly the large language models powering generative AI, has revolutionized our ability to process vast amounts of data, even enabling the creation of poetry. It's my belief that, when approached with caution and intelligence, AI has the potential to significantly enhance the lives of nearly everyone.

In the realm of business, AI's capabilities can unearth insights and generate outputs at a pace far beyond human capacity, acting as a force multiplier for our innate business acumen and benefiting all stakeholders involved.

However, it's imperative to recognize that AI, for all its potential, is a potent tool requiring judicious handling. The art of providing and managing the essential guidance for AI operations stands as a crucial new skill that every business leader must acquire.

Why AI Needs Human Oversight

It's important to remember that technology, by itself, lacks a moral compass. The deployment of extraordinary tools like AI necessitates equally extraordinary measures to ensure the protection of individuals affected by these technologies.

This responsibility extends beyond mere rhetoric; it demands a proactive and critical examination of the outputs generated by AI and the data underpinning these results. The ethical use of AI transcends technological considerations, touching upon deeper cultural values. It calls for a commitment from those in charge to wield these powerful tools with respect and consideration for the people they are intended to serve.

This discussion invites you to share your thoughts on the ethical use of AI in business and beyond. How can we balance the incredible capabilities of AI with the need for human oversight and ethical considerations? What measures can be implemented to ensure that AI serves as a tool for positive change without compromising our values and the well-being of society?

Let's delve into the complexities of navigating the AI landscape, exploring how we can harness its potential responsibly and ethically. Your insights and experiences are invaluable as we tackle these pressing questions together.

Read the article: https://www.fastcompany.com/91035128/modern-business-needs-ai-but-ai-needs-you

Women in Tech Addressing Gender Diversity In C-Suite Of Tech Companies

Have you ever pondered the reasons behind the predominant male presence in the tech industry? It's an intriguing question, especially considering that gender diversity within tech is notably lower compared to other sectors. This disparity is not merely a cultural phenomenon but a global issue that persists despite the growing awareness of its implications. Surprisingly, many countries have yet to take significant steps towards bridging this gap.

These obstacles often lead to discouragement among women, causing many to veer off their tech career paths or abandon them entirely. Workplace bias, particularly hostile in tech environments, manifests vividly during hiring and promotion processes. Women are stereotyped and subjected to biases, with some holding the erroneous belief that tech roles, especially high-level positions like CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs, are better suited to men due to the demanding nature of these jobs. This is further compounded by societal norms attributing superior leadership skills and competencies to men.

Another significant hurdle is boardroom politics. Women who ascend to C-suite positions in tech report having to exert double the effort to prove their worth compared to their male counterparts. While networking and informal discussions about promotions are common among men, often taking place in leisure settings like golf courses, women frequently find themselves unable to participate due to family or childcare commitments, forcing them to sacrifice work-life balance for career advancement.

The gender gap is also evident in education, particularly in STEM fields, where male students predominate. This imbalance in educational settings carries over into the corporate world, influencing hiring practices. However, it's noteworthy that tech companies with women in leadership positions tend to outperform their counterparts. This success could be attributed to women's risk management strategies and their meticulous attention to detail.

This discussion seeks to explore the experiences of women in the tech industry, the barriers they face, and the strategies they employ to navigate these challenges. How can the tech industry foster a more inclusive environment that not only welcomes women but also supports their advancement? What role can mentorship play in empowering women in tech? Let's delve into these questions and share insights on how to dismantle the barriers that hinder women's progress in the tech sector. Your experiences, thoughts, and suggestions are invaluable as we aim to create a more equitable and diverse technological landscape.

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...in-c-suite-of-tech-companies/?sh=4e2c3cf12f93

Revolutionizing IoT: How Edge Computing Redefines Data Routing and Security

I recently came across an insightful article that discusses the promising fusion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing in addressing the challenges of data processing and security in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

  1. Efficiency and Security: Integrating IoT with edge computing can lead to more efficient and secure data routing. By implementing a software-defined distributed edge network, data can be processed more swiftly and securely.
  2. Immediacy: In a digital landscape where immediacy is not just desired but demanded, this fusion emerges as a beacon of innovation, ensuring swift, secure, and seamless operations.
  3. Technological Revolution: We stand on the brink of a technological revolution. The quest for efficiency and security in IoT has led to this groundbreaking approach, paving the way for a smarter, more efficient world.
This fusion of IoT and edge computing presents an exciting opportunity for us to enhance our operations and services. I believe this is an important conversation for us to have as we continue to innovate and adapt to the changing technological landscape.

I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas on leveraging this fusion of IoT and edge computing in our operations.

Read the article: https://bnnbreaking.com/tech/revolu...computing-redefines-data-routing-and-security

How Close Are We to Widespread Drone Deliveries?

I recently read an intriguing article about the potential of drone deliveries in transforming the logistics industry. Despite the current challenges, the article suggests that if logistics companies can find a way to overcome these hurdles, drone deliveries could be the next big thing.

Here are some key points from the article:

  1. Last-Mile Delivery: Drones are well-suited for short-range applications, making them ideal for last-mile delivery. The cost of deploying conventional vans for the last leg of shipping is high, and drones could offer a more cost-effective solution.
  2. Same-Day Delivery: Drones are small, fast, and lightweight, typically holding only one package at a time. This makes them perfect for urgent order fulfillment and same-day delivery services.
  3. Food and Grocery Delivery: The surge in food and grocery delivery services presents another potential application for cost-effective drones. Companies currently lose money paying their drivers, and drones could offer a more profitable solution.
The question now is, how long will it take for logistics companies to figure things out and overcome the current challenges?

This article provides an exciting glimpse into the future of logistics. I believe it's an important conversation for us to have as we continue to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape of our industry.

I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas on how we might leverage drone technology in our operations.

Read the article: https://hackernoon.com/how-close-are-we-to-widespread-drone-deliveries

The Top Three Problems Keeping Business Leaders Up At Night

I recently came across an insightful article that addresses the current challenges faced by business leaders amidst economic uncertainty, talent retention issues, and political polarization. The article emphasizes that in today's volatile business environment, leaders must prepare for various scenarios.

The article shares findings from a study conducted by Patrick Wright from the USC Darla Moore School of Business, who annually surveys Fortune 500 CHROs and interviews CEOs about the challenges they face. Here are some key points:

  1. Developing Strategic Workforce Plans: This topped the list of CEO challenges, with 41% indicating this process needs improvement and 7% indicating it needs vast improvement.
  2. Influencing the Development of Business Strategy: This was a priority, with 24% stating it needs improvement and 3% saying it needs vast improvement.
  3. Understanding the Financial Impact of HR Processes: This was listed, with 22% noting it needs improvement and 2% asserting it needs vast improvement.
To better develop their workforces, business strategies, and HR processes, the article suggests executives consider the following approaches:

  • Inclusive succession planning
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategic planning
  • Inclusion assessments
These findings and suggestions provide a valuable perspective on the current business landscape and the areas we need to focus on for improvement. I believe this is an important conversation for us as we navigate these uncertain times.

I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas on how we can better develop our workforce and influence our business strategy.

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliek...business-leaders-up-at-night/?sh=406a7c466d8c

Blockchain Technology: Harnessing It For Business And Social Good

I recently read an enlightening article that broadens the perspective on blockchain technology, moving beyond its common association with cryptocurrency. While blockchain indeed plays a significant role in the crypto industry, it's essentially a tech tool with potential applications that extend far beyond trading cryptocurrencies.

The article, featuring insights from 16 members of the Forbes Technology Council, highlights how blockchain technology can be leveraged to ensure ethical business practices and support humanitarian efforts. Here are a couple of key points that stood out:

  1. Sending Funds for Humanitarian Relief: Blockchain-based ledgers can allow instant, global transfers of wealth without relying on local currencies or government stability. This can be particularly useful during crises when steep transfer fees and local inflationary instability can make it difficult to send value globally. For instance, the government of Ukraine accepted humanitarian donations via Ethereum, demonstrating the reliability of blockchain during a crisis.
  2. Guaranteeing Contract Fulfillment: Blockchain can be used to manage the disbursements of funds. Smart contracts can lock up funds until the terms of the contract have been met. This not only gives vendors confidence in getting paid but also allows agencies to hold vendors accountable by not approving payment until the contract conditions have been met. Since it's a blockchain, the entire process is immutable and easily audited.
These examples illustrate the potential of blockchain technology in promoting better business practices and aiding humanitarian efforts. I believe this is an important conversation for us as we continue to explore and understand the potential of emerging technologies.

I encourage everyone to read more of the article and share their thoughts and ideas on how we might leverage blockchain technology beyond its traditional use in cryptocurrency.

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...for-business-and-social-good/?sh=79eea0c04abc

3 ways businesses should prepare for the AI transformation

I recently came across an interesting article that I believe warrants a discussion. The article discusses the readiness of businesses for AI transformation. According to Cisco’s AI Readiness Index for 2023, only 14% of businesses worldwide are prepared to leverage and deploy artificial intelligence. This statistic is particularly concerning for European companies, who are struggling to train their employees on AI use and develop a clear strategy for responsible AI.

David Shrier, a futurist and leader of venture studio Visionary Futures LLC, says, “At the moment, businesses aren’t well-equipped to deal with AI. It’s not going as fast as it should.” Shrier suggests that businesses must build new skills, build processes to scale AI, and change their corporate governance to align AI ambition with practice.

So, what does this mean for us? Here are some points for us to consider:

  1. Building Expertise: We need to ensure that our team, from the CEO to the employees, understands what AI can and can't do. This understanding will help us leverage AI effectively.
  2. Establishing New Processes: We need to understand where our data goes when using AI tools and how to manage and prevent leaks and cybersecurity risks. This is particularly important as the article mentions employees using AI without their manager’s knowledge and even prompting tools like ChatGPT with confidential data.
I believe this is an important conversation for us to have as we continue to navigate the digital transformation. I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas on how we can better prepare for the AI transformation.

Read the article: https://thenextweb.com/news/3-ways-businesses-should-prepare-ai-transformation

Women in Tech Advancing Women in Technology Interest Group - 19th February, 1-2 pm CET.

I am delighted that we got to kick off the inaugural CompTIA Community - Benelux: Advancing Women in Technology call today. The team discussed advancing women in the tech industry. They emphasized the importance of connections, respect, and diversity in the workplace, and the need for empowering women and increasing their representation. The team agreed on organizing a networking event for women in tech, implementing a global women intake programme, and working towards increasing the number of women pursuing tech careers. They also proposed forming a committee to address important issues and continuing regular meetings to monitor progress.

@Lieve Van de Voorde @Leanne Johnson @Katrin @Sibyl Jacob @Isabel @Valerie Vernout
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