The state of inclusion in tech is shifting. Slowly. Unevenly. And not without resistance.
So where is it going? And what are the options for the Women Disrupting Tech?
In episode 97 of Women Disrupting Tech, I’m going solo. No guest. Just a mic, my notes, and my reflections on the trends that are shaping the future for women in tech.
Key Takeaways from episode 97
Here’s what you’ll learn by listening:
🌱 Progress is happening, even if it does not look like it
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion might be under fire, but we are likely in a transition phase. This is how every shift starts.
🤖 AI is a huge opportunity for women in tech
You do not need a degree in computer science to make an impact. There are many ways in.
🤝 Role models and support networks are still the game changers
From bootstrapped founders to angel investors, visibility and community are opening doors.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
How Women Disrupt Tech Even When the System Pushes Back with host Dirkjan Hupkes | Ep. 97 – Women Disrupting Tech
Events for Women Disrupting Tech
The event season has started, so allow me to highlight some inclusive events that are worth visiting.
Female Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business – 4 June 2024 at VOCO Hotel The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
The Women Founders Table aims to empower and connect women entrepreneurs by providing a platform for meaningful conversations, mentorship, and shared experiences.
At this event, organized by Female Ventures Delft / The Hague in cooperation with #WiTNL- Women in Tech NL and yours truly, you’ll hear from three accomplished female founders how to start and scale a business, while balancing priorities at home and at work.
Did I mention that you can stay for dinner? voco® The Hague offers participants the possibility to network and connect over a delicious 3-course dinner following the event at €35 per person.
You can buy your tickets to the event on Eventbrite.
Diverse Leaders in Tech Events
If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.
Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders, and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.
You can find their events on the website. Joining your first event is free.
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
Join to receive updates, including:
🚀 Early access to new episodes, including a weekly email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.
🚀 Exclusive Research about what it takes to get a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
🚀 Access to exclusive events that we sponsor or co-organize.
- Key Takeaways from episode 97
- Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic In Episode 97 🪄
- Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- Three Practical Takeaways
- Links to the episodes that I refer to.
- The books I mention in the episode
- Share what’s on your mind!
- What’s coming up?
The Magic In Episode 97 🪄
After 96 interviews with women building the future of tech, I took a step back. I reflected on what’s really going on right now and what gives me hope. Here are three moments that stood out.
1. DEI isn’t dead. It’s in a transition
DEI programs are under pressure. Budgets are shrinking. But this might just be the resistance phase. The messy middle of every big shift. The backlash is a signal that power is being challenged. And that is when deep change becomes possible.
2. You can’t be what you can’t see
Representation still shapes who we believe we can become. Lieke Hölscher is proof. She never imagined herself in tech leadership until she saw someone break the mold. She went on to lead a 200-person team at Rabobank.
3. Self-made women build what they need
Every founder I’ve interviewed built something they wished they had. It wasn’t about chasing trends. It was about solving a problem they understood deeply. That kind of purpose fuels everything. And it creates role models for others.
When you’re ready to listen and learn the answer, check out episode 97 on Spotify!
Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the norm by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
Three Practical Takeaways
This episode wasn’t just about ideas. It was about action. If you’re a woman in tech, or want to become one, here are three things you can take away and apply right now.
1. Bias is sneaky. Interrupt it on purpose
Hiring or funding someone? Ask yourself one simple question. Would I ask this same thing if they were a man? If not, time to rethink.
2. You don’t need a tech degree to work in AI
AI isn’t just for coders. It needs data analysts, product thinkers and people who can ask better questions. Start learning. Upskill. There are loads of free and affordable resources out there while communities like Alyx, Blockverse and SkilledIn Green help women reskill and thrive.
3. Support networks matter more than ever
There are many support networks for female founders, women in tech and entrepreneurship. The episode features a number of examples, like Dutch Women in Tech, The Next Women, Female Ventures, Diverse Leaders in Tech and Joanna Invests. Find one that fits you.
Want to know more? Check out the episode on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image with the quote to watch the episode on YouTube.
“You will not hire a woman in a leadership position if you’ve only seen white men named Peter be a CEO.”
Dirkjan Hupkes – Host of Women Disrupting Tech
Links to the episodes that I refer to.
During the episode I refer to some specific episodes of Women Disrupting Tech. Here’s a non-exhaustive list:
- Episode 82 with Karim El Oteify about the need for systemic change. Another episode that covers this topic is my conversation with Constantijn van Oranje Nassau.
- In episode 89, Femke Cornelissen shares her journey to becoming Chief Copilot. She is also a co-founder of the Dutch Women in Tech community.
- Episode 57 with Wafa M’Ribah on role models and how to build a career in AI as a woman. She is one of the women leading Women in AI.
- Episode 46 with Mayam Miradi about how AI can be a catalyst for women to find their way into tech. Check the show notes for links to free training resources on AI.
- Episode 76 with Stacey Engle on the use of AI to preserve our legacy.
The books I mention in the episode
In the first part of the episode, I discuss two books: The Patriarchs by Angela Saini and about Men Machine and Modern Times by Elting E. Morisson. You can get them on Amazon, Bol.com, and anywhere else where books are sold.
Share what’s on your mind!
Should I do solo episodes more often?
1️⃣ Yes, I’m interested in more insights from you
2️⃣ No, I want you to feature role models
Let me know what you think in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.
What’s coming up?
In episode 98, we’ll hear from Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami how they’re making health data work for everyone. And believe me when I say that this episode is pure magic.
After that, we continue the journey to 100 episodes with more amazing role models from the tech ecosystem. So stay tuned for more inspiring stories.
Until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome!
Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast 