Evolving Tech: The Need for Inclusive Perspectives

With only 26.7% of women holding tech jobs, why aren’t their unique strengths and perspectives showcased worldwide? Head of Cybersecurity Affairs and IT Strategic Operations at CVS Health Tara Bucchi and I often hear that “Tech is constantly evolving." But with stats like that, clearly not enough yet.

This blog highlights how we can nurture inclusivity, focusing primarily on Tara Bucchi, Head of Cybersecurity Affairs and IT Strategic Operations at CVS Health, and Stacey Beck, Sr. Director of Technical Quality at Travel + Leisure Co. Interviewed by Olivia Dyroff, Client Relations Manager, and Donna Quinn, Strategic Account Director, they share their experiences, challenges, and successes. We provide a platform for their voices to be heard—and more importantly, recognize the indispensable strengths and perspectives women bring to our collective technological evolution.

Join us in exploring how inclusivity and diverse perspectives can drive innovation and shape the future of technology. We dive into their career paths and uncover valuable insights, advice, and strategies to succeed in the ever-evolving tech industry.

Thrive towards change, uplift voices, and leverage the diversity of thought in your organization by downloading and completing this employee appreciation template. Watch and listen to the complete interviews below:

• Celebrating Women in Tech | Stacey Beck
• Celebrating Women in Tech | Tara Bucchi

Early career: Building networks and seeking mentorship

Tara emphasizes the critical role of building a robust network and seeking mentorship in achieving career success. She states that mentorship and networking are crucial. Tara's top advice for early-career individuals is to grow their network and get a mentor. She believes her career success is due to the network she's built. Over 20 years, she's had 8 to 10 roles without applying or interviewing for any, thanks to the connections and trust she's built with mentors and sponsors. Sometimes, mentorship happens organically with someone who supports you in meetings. This is often the case for male workers, who are likelier to be assigned mentors through their organizations. It's essential to have both male and female mentors, especially in a male-dominated industry.

Stacey Beck echoes the same sentiment. She advises, "Find the women around you too. Get to know each other. You can have shared experiences and find that tribe. Those are the people who you're going to lean on." Stacey's experience highlights the necessity of building networks in a male-dominated field. Tara and Stacey's emphasis on mentorship and networking showcases the importance of creating supportive environments where women can thrive. By building strong networks, women can share their unique insights, collaborate on innovative solutions, and support each other in overcoming challenges. This collective strength drives technological progress and fosters a more inclusive industry, enhancing the company culture and creating a true sense of belonging.

Mid-Career: Advice for companies on supporting women

Stacey asserts that "Women’s natural skills are more valuable in the tech industry than they often realize. More and more, it’s about collaboration, creativity, teamwork, and flexibility. These are valuable traits that women bring to the table." Women’s unique perspectives in workspaces are not just indispensable; their abilities are equally crucial. With great ideas come excellent capabilities, and their pay should reflect this in terms of equity.

Recognizing the indispensable strengths and perspectives women bring to our collective technological evolution involves ensuring that their contributions are valued and compensated fairly. Pay equity is a fundamental aspect of this recognition. Currently, women in tech earn only 84 cents for every dollar men earn. When women are paid equitably, it acknowledges their vital role in driving innovation and shaping the future of technology. It also fosters an inclusive environment where women feel valued and motivated to contribute their unique insights and skills. By addressing pay equity, companies can support women in their mid-career stages, ensuring they are fairly compensated for their contributions and motivated to continue driving innovation.

Late career mastery: Essential skills for success

Tara reflects on her own journey, stating, "The ability to adapt and change, and keep pushing forward has really been one of the key reasons for my continued success at the company." This adaptability and resilience are essential skills for success, especially in the ever-evolving of the tech industry. Tara's skill in navigating change and persisting through adversity illuminates the indispensable strengths women bring to our shared technological evolution.

The stories of women like Tara and Stacey weave a rich tapestry of strength and perspective, showcasing the vital contributions women make to our collective technological journey. Their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination are the keys to overcoming obstacles and sparking innovation in the tech world. Recognizing and cherishing these contributions is essential for nurturing an environment where diverse perspectives flourish, crafting a more inclusive and dynamic tech landscape.

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