How do you actively support and advocate for women in the tech industry?
I mentor many women in tech from university to early career to middle management to executive board. I also actively sponsor women in industry with their permission and through channels such as LinkedIn. I also give many talks in organisations, appeared on panels and promote mentoring, reverse mentoring and sponsorship whenever I can.
Have you ever mentored or sponsored a woman in tech? How did that experience impact both of you?
Yes, several hundred (together with many 1000s in engineering and energy). I am a great believer that the mentor/mentee relationship thrives when it is one of equals. The feedback from both myself and the mentees has been very positive. Personally I have learnt more about myself and improved my ability to listen although I recognise I still have a long way to go. For the mentees the feedback has been in several areas: improved understanding of their ability and career potential, increased optimism and positivity, courage in approaching other mentors and potential sponsors etc
What steps do you take to create an inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone, regardless of gender?
I try to model my leadership on the servant/leader concept but recognise I have some way to go! The concept is all about putting others first ahead of myself and recognising that everyone is special with unique gifts. I believe strongly in getting to know my team individually and gaining an understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. I also actively welcome feedback from the team on a regular basis as I have much to learn.
“I am a great believer that the mentor/mentee relationship thrives when it is one of equals.”
Vince Pizzoni
How do you actively challenge gender biases or stereotypes within the tech community?
I recognise that I will have unconscious bias and it’s often easier to see it in others than in myself. I actively work with my peers, team and senior management to challenge and regularly give talks about this to companies and individual groups. Some recent examples were at Amazon Europe, Technip/Genesis Energies and Dyson University where I talked about gender equity, unconscious bias and allyship respectively. I have also appeared on several panels to discuss this in more detail, for example a recent one at London Stock Exchange.
How do you handle situations where you witness or hear about gender-based discrimination or microaggressions?
I haven’t witnessed many in person but if I did I would be keen to support the person who had the problem and talk openly to the individual that discriminated. I hear about issues such as this on LinkedIn and have always tried to support the people concerned through encouraging words and direct follow-up.
What books, articles, events, podcasts or resources have influenced your understanding of gender equality and allyship?
My talks to various companies have provided some superb feedback and lessons learned which I try to take onboard. I try to keep up with many in my network who always have some knowledgeable words I learn from. Examples include people like Robert Baker, Sharon Peake, Vanessa Vallely, Rav Bumbra and many others including yourself (Kellie). Recent books I found useful were: Valued at Work by Lauren Neal and How to be an Ally by Melinda Epler.
In your opinion, what role should male allies play in achieving gender parity in tech?
I think male allyship is critical given men dominate senior leadership and across the workforce in most relevant organisations. Without the active support of men, I think many of the initiatives may founder.
What advice would you give to aspiring male allies who want to actively support women in tech?
Do it! There is plenty of data to show that diverse teams in organisations deliver better results, happier work environments and greater innovation. It’s a win-win although I think we need to do more to get this message over. It may feel to some that it is somewhat a step in the dark but in my experience we make positive progress when we get out of our comfort zones.
