Embracing Diversity, Inclusion & Women Leadership in the Tech Industry

By: Mandavi Sharma, COO, JindalX

With over 20 years of experience in spearheading operations, Mandavi has proven that persistence and professionalism are the keys to long-term success. She attributes her success to data, which has helped her make the right decisions at critical junctures. She is also a mentor to young professionals, and she is passionate about helping others achieve their goals.

In a conversation with Women Entrepreneur India Magazine, Mandavi shared her views and thoughts about the key skills and attributes that women leaders bring to the tech industry to drive innovation, as well as what initiatives have to be implemented to support the professional development and advancement of women in technology.

In your experience, what role do diversity and inclusion play in driving tech innovation, and how can we promote these values in leadership?

In my role as the COO of an ITES firm, I have witnessed firsthand the significant impact that diversity and inclusion have on driving tech innovation. Embracing a diverse workforce brings together individuals with unique perspectives, experiences, and skill sets. This diversity fosters a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation, which are crucial elements in the rapidly evolving field of technology.

In addition, a commitment to diversity and inclusion is increasingly important for attracting top talent in the tech industry. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are more likely to choose and stay with organizations that prioritize inclusivity, creating a competitive advantage in talent acquisition.

Promoting these values in leadership involves a multi-faceted approach which must include leadership commitment, inclusive policies & practices, employee training & education, and diversity metrics and accountability.

Diversity and inclusion are not just ethical imperatives; they are essential drivers of tech innovation. By fostering an inclusive environment and promoting these values in leadership, organizations can harness the full potential of diverse teams to push the boundaries of technological advancement.

What initiatives have to be implemented to support the professional development and advancement of women in technology?

If leadership is committed to fostering the growth of women in the technology sector, some key initiatives need to be implemented.

Diversity and Inclusion Training - Ensuring that all employees, including leadership, are educated on the importance of diversity will contribute to a more supportive environment for women in technology.

Advocacy for Equal Opportunities – is a critical step in achieving gender equality in the workplace. It also creates a ‘virtuous’ cycle - having visible role models at the top inspires and motivates women to pursue leadership roles

Transparent Promotion Processes – having clear criteria and evaluation methods, helps eliminate biases and provides equal opportunities for career advancement.

Mentorship Programs & Training Opportunities - Establishing formal mentorship programs or associating with organizations that can connect women with experienced mentors can provide invaluable guidance, advice, and support in professional skill development. In addition, support for continuous learning through access to online courses, certifications, leadership programs, etc can contribute to their professional growth.

Some examples of organizations doing great work in these areas are Jombay’s 1000 Women Leaders program & the KARM Trust Graduate Fellowship.

In your opinion, what are the key skills and attributes that women leader brings to the tech industry to drive innovation?

Women leaders can bring in a unique set of skills and attributes that can contribute significantly to driving innovation – these are a valuable combination of interpersonal, strategic, and problem-solving skills. These include:

• Fostering collaboration and building strong relationships within teams
• Bringing in empathy and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for understanding the needs and motivations of team members and customers
• Their ability to convey complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible manner
• Embracing change and guiding teams through transitions
• Perseverance through challenges and setbacks when navigating dynamic and fast-paced environments
• Prioritizing ethical considerations in decision-making, emphasizing the importance of responsible and socially conscious solutions

How can we ensure that the team remains adaptable to emerging technologies and market shifts in the fast-paced tech landscape?

It's all about fostering a culture of continuous learning. Teams need to embrace the idea that learning is a constant journey. Encouraging ongoing education, providing training opportunities, and supporting skill development are vital components.

Things that aid this are cross-functional training, access to training programs, workshops, and online resources, and creating platforms where team members can experiment with new ideas and technologies such as innovation labs, hackathons, etc.

Another must is regular assessments of the team’s skills and capabilities and identifying areas that may need improvement or additional training.

Additionally, regularly sharing industry insights, attending conferences, and participating in forums are excellent ways to stay ahead of the curve. Being in the know about what's happening in the tech world is key to adapting to emerging trends.

Another excellent way to bring in fresh perspectives is to establish strategic partnerships with external organizations, startups, or research institutions to stay connected with cutting-edge developments in the industry.