technical skills, such as coding, but many of the essential skills needed are actually the softer skills, like critical thinking and problem- solving, that can’t just be learnt by sitting on a computer.” Lewis cited the value of a
growth mindset in tech and having a strengths-based approach. “Learning Python isn’t hard if you want to put your mind to it. It’s just another language. Learning GDPR and the technical aspects of the legal side is not hard. “From a leadership perspective,
we need to give employees space to learn,” Lewis continued. “The world is changing so fast, so companies need to think more innovatively about how to allow their people to grow, make career changes or come back to the workplace after long periods off.” Lewis also stressed the need to
be open to learning and respecting other people’s capabilities, while Fernandes discussed the importance of perspectives at every level, from directors to junior members and interns, to gain fresh insights in such a fast-changing sector. “People often overlook the person
with the highest social capital,” observed Kathryn Lewis. “That person might be the number two,
or someone lower in rank, but they often know exactly what’s going on or who can help you with an issue. I was often overlooked as deputy chief information officer (CIO) for the CIO, but little did people know I could have actually opened more doors for them as I had more capacity and was well connected. So, it’s really important to not assume when you’re trying to get a foot in. “Asking for help is also extremely
empowering. The opposite of that and pretending you know everything is disempowering for you and your team. In tech, you’re making fast decisions all the time. Don’t be afraid to slow down. Stay open, and if you’re not clear on something,
don’t be worried about going back to people for more clarity.” Panellists
concluded by
discussing the value of professional networks and mentorship when switching to a tech career and the vast array of opportunities available to women. “Tech is an exciting space
because you get to build things and make stuff. If you think of any big societal problem we have now, like climate change, all these things are going to be led or solved in some part by technology. Even if you have no desire to write a line of code, there are plenty of interesting roles and problems to solve – so why not give it a try?”
“ FROM A LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE, WE NEED TO GIVE EMPLOYEES SPACE TO LEARN. THE WORLD IS CHANGING SO FAST, SO COMPANIES NEED TO THINK MORE INNOVATIVELY ABOUT HOW TO ALLOW THEIR PEOPLE TO GROW, MAKE CAREER CHANGES OR COME BACK TO THE WORKPLACE AFTER LONG PERIODS OFF.” KATHRYN LEWIS, PARTNER, PA CONSULTING
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GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUPPLEMENT
EDI CAREER
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