Let's Talk About Allyship!

In this special episode of Tech Inspired, we bring you the thought-provoking closing panel from the #wetechtogether conference 2024, which focused on the powerful theme of allyship. This year’s edition, held on 27 -28 September in Zurich, gathered industry leaders, researchers, and advocates to discuss one of the most pressing issues in the tech world today: how can we truly foster inclusion and equality through allyship?

What is Allyship, and Why Does It Matter? 🌍

Allyship isn’t just a buzzword - it’s about action, learning, and supporting people across diverse backgrounds, not just in words but in meaningful ways. This panel breaks down the concept, offering insights and real-world examples from leaders who live it every day. Moderated by Priska Burkard, TechFace’s Managing Director, this engaging session features four expert voices from the field:

• Research Meets Reality: Eugenia Bajet Mestre - Research Assistant at the ⁠University of St. Gallen brings insights from her research, shedding light on why true allyship requires ongoing learning and self-reflection.

• Real Allyship Talk: ⁠Marc Maurer⁠ - CEO at ⁠⁠Mitt Liv⁠⁠ emphasises that allyship is about listening and involving people from all backgrounds - especially those not usually included in D&I conversations.
• Breaking Down Privilege: ⁠Markus Macrini⁠ - Head Product Management & Sales at ⁠⁠Siemens Switzerland⁠⁠ shares his candid perspective on understanding privilege and how men can actively foster inclusion.

• From Minority to Advocate: Martina Niggli - Entrepreneur and Organiser at ⁠Hello 50:50 World⁠ speaks on her experience in male-dominated environments and how initiatives like Hello 50:50 World foster impactful allyship through shared experiences.

What Makes This Discussion Unique?

This panel doesn’t shy away from hard truths about diversity and privilege. It explores why we need to challenge traditional mindsets and how allyship is essential in reshaping workplaces to be inclusive for everyone. The conversation offers a mix of practical advice and academic insights, providing listeners with tools to take immediate action in their own environments.

Whether you're in tech, HR, leadership, or simply someone committed to making a difference, this episode will inspire you to take the next step in building a more inclusive future.

🎧 Tune in now to hear from these industry experts and gain valuable insights on how we can all contribute to a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered. Let's build a future where inclusion is the norm, not the exception!

Join us on the latest episode of Tech Inspired as Priska sits down with Martina Niggli, a passionate advocate for diversity in tech and builder of an online toolbox for conflict resolution at the workplace. Martina shares her fascinating journey from a curious child eager to learn to navigate the challenges of studying physics and eventually stepping into the tech world with experience at companies like Sharley and Digitec Galaxus.

Allyship is all the talk these days for the TechFace team, as it's the main theme of the upcoming #wetechtogether conference 2024, happening on 27-28 September in Zurich. Martina will be joining the conference as part of the Panel on Allyship, so consider this a teaser!

In this episode, we explore:

• Allyship in Action: Martina discusses the importance of allyship in tech, especially for underrepresented groups, and how meaningful support can make all the difference.
• Journey to Tech: From her early love of solving riddles to founding a tech startup, Martina’s path is anything but conventional. She talks about the highs, lows, and the critical moments that shaped her career.
• Building Inclusive Spaces: Discover how Martina’s work with Hello 50:50 World and her tech startup are helping create more inclusive, supportive environments for everyone in the workplace.

Don't miss this episode filled with insights and practical advice on how to thrive in the tech industry while supporting others along the way. Whether you're looking to become a better ally or seeking inspiration for your own tech journey, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. 🌟

Connect with Martina Niggli on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and stay updated on her latest projects!

On this episode of "Tech Inspired," we sit down with Marion Schleifer, the Head of Developer Education at HASURA and founder of Code Blossom. Marion’s story is one of determination and passion, from her beginnings in multilingual communication to becoming a leading figure in tech education. 🚀

Key moments from the episode:

• Transition to Tech: Discover how Marion transitioned from a background in languages and business administration to tech, thanks to a three-week coding bootcamp and a supportive partner.
• Building Community: Hear about her impactful work at HASURA, where she leads the developer education team and supports the open-source community.
• Overcoming Challenges: Marion shares her journey of breaking into the tech industry, the importance of perseverance, of challenging stereotypes, and how mentorship played a crucial role in her success.
• Global Impact: Learn about Marion’s nonprofit - Code Blossom and its mission to bridge the tech gender gap in developing countries, providing opportunities for women to achieve financial independence and thrive in the tech sector.

Marion’s journey is filled with valuable insights into tech, continuous education, and making a real difference. Tune in to get inspired and start your own tech adventure! 🌍💻

Connect with Marion on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and follow Code Blossom for updates.

Ready to get inspired? Join us for an electrifying episode of Tech Inspired where Priska sits down with the familiar to us Sinja Christiani, winner of our Hidden Figures Awards 2022! 🌟 Sinja, now the head of Data Platforms and Products at Zurich Insurance, shares her incredible journey in tech, from her early teenage fascination to becoming a leader in data analytics and leadership.

Sinja is about to embark on a new professional journey as Managing Director of the Hasler Foundation, where she will focus on promoting education and research in technology. Tune in and learn why she’s taking this exciting step and how she plans to balance impact and innovation.

Other highlights include:

- Early Aspirations: from her father’s influence and early access to technology to creating her first website at 14, discover the moments that sparked her passion for tech.

- Navigating Challenges: Hear Sinja's candid experiences about being the only woman in the room, and her advice for young women entering tech.

- Career Milestoes: Sinja’s journey through roles at IBM, Deloitte, and Zurich Insurance, where she built expertise in data mining, analytics, and tech leadership.

- Balancing Roles: Learn how Sinja manages her career with motherhood, including her strategic decisions to step back when necessary and re-enter the tech space stronger.

- Future of Technology: Get insights on the critical importance of data in business, the rise of AI, and why diverse perspectives are key to driving innovation in tech.

Don’t miss out on this motivational and fast-paced conversation that underscores the importance of embracing technology and the unique perspectives women bring to the table. Hit play and get ready to be inspired! 🚀

For those looking to connect with Sinja and learn more about her work, you can find her on Linkedin.

Join us on this episode of the "Tech Inspired" as we catch up with Emmanuelle David, one of the first Hidden Figures Award winners from 2020. Emmanuelle, now the Executive Director at eSpace within EPFL, has had an incredible journey over the past four years, and we're excited to dive into her story.

She discusses her current role at EPFL, where she combines her passion for sustainability and space technology, overseeing projects and fostering a vibrant student community. Emmanuelle also introduces eSpace's initiative of creating online courses on various space-related topics. These courses are free to audit, open to everyone, and can be started at any time and completed at the student's own pace. You can check them out here.

We explore Emmanuelle’s early inspirations, including how a childhood fascination with the Apollo 13 mission led her to pursue a career in space engineering. From studying aerospace engineering in France and Germany to working with major space organisations like the German Aerospace Center and the European Space Agency, Emmanuelle shares her path and the key moments that shaped her career. She also offers insights into the challenges and rewards of working in a male-dominated field and the importance of resilience and adaptability in the aerospace industry.

For those curious about the aerospace field, Emmanuelle provides valuable advice on entering the industry, emphasising that there are opportunities for everyone, not just those with technical backgrounds. She touches on the future of space sustainability and the ethical considerations that come with it, reflecting on the need for careful management of space activities to ensure the long-term usability of outer space.

Don't miss this fascinating conversation with a true pioneer in the aerospace industry. Follow Emmanuelle on LinkedIn to connect and learn more about her work, and stay updated with eSpace by following their page as well. Listen now to learn more about Emmanuelle's work and her vision for the future of space exploration and sustainability.

Join us on a new episode of the Tech Inspired podcast where we catch up with Anais Salson, the vibrant Head of Partnerships at 42 Lausanne and last year’s audience favourite at the Hidden Figures Award. Anais shares her unconventional journey into the tech world, from her studies in political sciences and the pivotal moments that steered her towards technology as a powerful tool for solving real-world problems.

She discusses her role at 42 Lausanne, a revolutionary coding school that promotes a tuition-free, peer-learning environment aimed at anyone eager to delve into programming. She emphasises her mission of making education accessible and reflects on her role in nurturing partnerships that support diverse student success.

Anais also reflects on her entrepreneurial ventures and her insights from a global exploration of education's future, which eventually led her to her current role in Switzerland. Her story is a testament to the power of adaptability, networking, and never losing sight of one’s purpose, even when transitioning from an entrepreneur to an employee.

For anyone curious about the non-linear paths that can lead to impactful careers in tech, or looking to understand how diverse experiences can enrich the tech industry, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and advice. Anais' journey underscores the importance of embracing change, pursuing purpose with passion, and the role of education in transforming lives.

Tune in to discover more about Anais' work and her views on the future of technology and education. It’s an episode filled with valuable insights for anyone aspiring to make a difference in the tech world or anyone simply interested in the transformative power of technology and education.

Follow Anais on LinkedIn to connect and learn more about her work, and stay updated with the latest from 42 Lausanne by following their page as well.

Meet Viola Sini on the latest episode of the Tech Inspired podcast - Information Security Officer at the Swiss Post and a passionate volunteer for ISACA SheLeadsTech. Viola shares her unique journey from a marketing intern at IBM to a leader in cybersecurity. Discover how a background in languages and translation paved the way for her career in technology, and the events that led her to the forefront of information security.

In this episode, Viola discusses the crucial role of curiosity and communication in tech, highlighting her mission to make the digital world safer and more understandable for everyone. She offers insights into the challenges and rewards of working in IT audit and information security, including the importance of staying updated on emerging technologies like AI and supply chain management. Viola's story is a testament to the non-linear paths that can lead to fulfilling careers in tech, emphasising the value of lifelong learning and adaptability.

Viola also sheds light on the evolving landscape of IT security, stressing the need for "security by design" and the ethical considerations in technology development. She envisions a future where social engineering and digital deception become even more sophisticated, underscoring the importance of critical thinking and scepticism online. Her perspective is a call to action for diverse talents to contribute to creating safer digital environments for all.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation that bridges the gap between technology and humanity, demonstrating that tech careers are as much about safeguarding our societal fabric as they are about innovation. Listen to the podcast now to gain valuable career advice, insights into the dynamic field of information security, and Viola's vision for a more secure and inclusive digital world.

For those looking to connect with Viola or learn more about her work, her LinkedIn profile is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-sini/

N.B. from Viola: For those keen on staying ahead in the cybersecurity field, Viola recommends the following resources.

English speakers:

• SANS Ouch

• SANS NewsBites

• ISACA SmartBrief on Cybersecurity

German speakers:

• Inside IT

• Swiss IT Magazine

Today’s episode of "Tech Inspired," welcomes back Akira Brand for an insightful discussion on her continued evolution in the tech industry since our initial conversation in 2022. Having transitioned from opera singing to the tech space before our first interview, Akira has since made significant strides in software engineering and cybersecurity. 

Akira shares her experience moving from developer relations to a more hands-on engineering role, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building an application security program from scratch. Her story illustrates the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the unique perspective she brings to tech from her background in the arts. 

Listeners will gain insights into the realities of working in a startup, the value of mentorship, and how to approach problem-solving and project management when you're the only expert in the room. Akira also discusses her involvement in public speaking and open-source projects, emphasizing the benefits of sharing knowledge and learning in public. 

This episode is for anyone interested in the dynamics of career change, the role of women in tech, and the intersection of technical skill and creative problem-solving. Akira's journey is a compelling example of how diverse experiences enrich the tech industry. 

For those looking to connect with Akira or learn more about her work, her LinkedIn profile is provided: Akira's LinkedIn