2911: Workday on Inclusivity: Pioneering the Path for Women in Technology

Are we truly prepared to foster the next generation of female innovators in tech? In this special episode of Tech Talks Daily, I am thrilled to welcome back Clare Hickie, CTO EMEA at Workday, alongside Caroline O'Reilly, Workday’s General Manager of Analytics. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and passion for shaping a more inclusive and diverse tech industry. As we approach International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th with the theme 'Inspiring Inclusion,' Clare and Caroline share their insights on the future of females in tech. We delve into the importance of an employee-first mindset, the often-overlooked topic of menopause at work, and the value of industry experience offerings to attract more women into tech roles. Clare and Caroline emphasize why an employee-first mindset is integral for creating solutions based on feedback, ensuring an inclusive workplace for all. They highlight how Workday’s initiatives are setting a precedent for supporting women in tech, including programs to aid women experiencing menopause, thus improving retention and attraction of midlife workers. We explore the barriers that prevent women from progressing in the tech industry, such as stereotypical branding of tech roles and imposter syndrome. Clare and Caroline share how Workday’s "Return to Work" program and skill-based hiring practices are making strides to address these issues. They also discuss how early STEM education outreach, mentoring circles, and employee belonging councils like Women at Workday are crucial for attracting women to tech roles.  Clare and Caroline share strategies for continuous learning and keeping pace with rapid tech advancements, providing invaluable advice for anyone looking to thrive in this dynamic field. They discuss how Workday's "vibe" philosophy fosters unique perspectives and equal opportunities, creating an inclusive tech industry. Supporting menopause at work, Clare and Caroline stress the significance of open discussions and specialized support programs, which play a crucial role in improving retention and attraction of midlife workers. In our conversation, Clare and Caroline also delve into the importance of early STEM education outreach, mentoring circles, and the impact of initiatives like Women at Workday. They highlight the significance of treating diversity as a business goal with data-driven accountability and overcoming imposter syndrome to support career re-entry through Workday's "Return to Work" program. What are your thoughts on how we can inspire more women to pursue careers in tech? Share your insights and let’s continue this important dialogue.  

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If every company is now a tech company and digital transformation is a journey rather than a destination, how do you keep up with the relentless pace of technological change? Every day, Tech Talks Daily brings you insights from the brightest minds in tech, business, and innovation, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable takeaways. Hosted by Neil C. Hughes, Tech Talks Daily explores how emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, fintech, quantum computing, Web3, and more are shaping industries and solving real-world challenges in modern businesses. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, CEOs, Fortune 500 executives, startup founders, and even the occasional celebrity, Tech Talks Daily uncovers the trends driving digital transformation and the strategies behind successful tech adoption. But this isn't just about buzzwords. We go beyond the hype to demystify the biggest tech trends and determine their real-world impact. From cybersecurity and blockchain to AI sovereignty, robotics, and post-quantum cryptography, we explore the measurable difference these innovations can make. Whether improving security, enhancing customer experiences, or driving business growth, we also investigate the ROI of cutting-edge tech projects, asking the tough questions about what works, what doesn't, and how businesses can maximize their investments. Whether you're a business leader, IT professional, or simply curious about technology's role in our lives, you'll find engaging discussions that challenge perspectives, share diverse viewpoints, and spark new ideas. New episodes are released daily, 365 days a year, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable takeaways around technology and the future of business.