I believe I have spoken on many a forum on the benefits of a diversity in the technology sector, especially in the innovation and product development process. Diversity of perspectives affording companies new ideas and challenges to the conventional standard, a short-cut to thinking outside the box. Similarly, I have argued that women in IT Management have enjoyed success because they are able to establish a less threatening environment in which techies are able to thrive and collaborate. I have examples and quotes back both assesments.
My best friend has always warned me of the pitfall of working with men and falling into being the secretary, housekeeper, organizer or the busy bee that gets things done but does not get the recognition. "Women have been permitted to be managers and assistants but still are not invited to make and close deals" he warns. I have heard his admonitions and tried to be quick on identifying loosing propositions before I eagerly take the bait and write myself outside of the game. Or so I thought.
Tomorrow I am invited to speak on Women, Technology and
Business. As I reflect on the time since we entered the market, I
realize I may have been preaching of what should be. Have I been blind and
stubborn for the past
5 years working according to the ideals and values I believe in -
helped along with a healthy source of optimism and a can-do
attitude?
Much to my behest I probe into recent experiences and note that when it comes to sales, financing and banking, the technology industry proves to be no different than the larger society within which it operates. With this assesment, I begrudgingly accept that to be succesful with a technology startup still requires playing ball with the boys club and it still is a gender exclusive club in this corner of the world. So when analizing the factors that were a threat to our venture from the onset I have to include sexist attitudes
In the market among peers, I
have gotten accolades and recognition, I am both liked and resented but
when it comes down to doing business an easy sale still eludes me. Are sales ever easy? Or has the fanfarre been an easy distraction.to the bottom line of
what drives success in a venture. A pat on the back is easier given
than an invitation to a big project. So, if asked, is gender a factor in
the success or failure of a technology venture? I would now say that
gender is part of the story, a factor must be considered when
evaluating the merit of starting or continuing with an existing
company. In my context, I still think the main obstacle to growth
should be summed up as location and perhaps sexism is an element of why
the business soil is not fertile in this tropical volcanic corner of the world.
Now
as I prepare for yet another talk about women and technology, I wonder
what my message tomorrow night will be. How can I be true to my
experience and yet work for change and a brighter future? The activist
in me knows that a defeatist tone will build nothing and yet hiding the
truth because it is unpopular will block the path to real change, give
way to hardship for women entrepreneurs.