Musings on the Tech world...and why I do what I do

When I was putting my daughter to bed last night, she asked me to do some coaching with her (she asks this from time to time!). I asked her what qualities she likes most about herself. She said she was brave, funny, and kind (she is). I then asked her what she's most proud of about herself.

She told me she's proud of herself because she believes girls can do whatever they put their minds to and should be treated equally to boys - and that she makes sure to stand up for herself at school.

I couldn't be more proud of her. When I think about the future, I want to see just as many women as men leading as CTOs, shaping the next great innovations in AI and building companies that change the world. I want my daughter to grow up believing there are no limits to what she can do - because there shouldn’t be, beyond her own capabilities.

However, it’s not just about my daughter. It’s about my son, too.

I want him to grow up in a world where he sees the strength of a rich diversity of perspectives.

Because this isn’t about men vs. women. It’s about all of us benefiting from a fairer, more innovative world.

And yet, the forces working against us feel stronger than ever.

Tech companies, which once led the way on innovation and inclusion, have been publicly scaling back on diversity initiatives. It's been well publicised that Meta, for example, recently laid off large portions of its DEI teams, claiming cost-cutting measures, while prioritising expensive projects like AI features and their metaverse push. Elon Musk’s Twitter (now X) dismantled entire teams responsible for trust, safety, and diversity efforts, creating a vacuum that lets harmful behaviours resurface unchecked under the guise of free speech.

And Spotify? By hosting voices like Andrew Tate for far too long, they sent a clear message: profits over responsibility.

These aren’t small issues. They ripple through our industry and society, shaping the workplaces, products, and platforms we all use. And honestly, at times it's felt a little overwhelming.

I’ve had moments this year of wondering what impact I can have - I’m just one person, after all. But I remind myself: each of us has power. Our individual actions matter, and together, they make a difference.

We vote with our wallets, our time, and our feet. Tesla’s market value took a hit when public sentiment turned on Elon Musk’s leadership choices - proof that collective action works. Whilst not specifically Tech, Target in the US saw a similar story. Spotify felt the pressure too, as more people cancelled their subscriptions in response to their platforming decisions.

But it’s not just about boycotting; it’s about building something better.

I’ve loved seeing a host of brilliant men step forward recently as strong, positive role models for young men - examples of positive masculinity rather than toxic division and hate. Voices like Elliot Rae, James Routledge and Tim Barber, all stepping up to show there is another way.

And, of course, I’ve been inspired by incredible women building and leading in tech despite the odds. Companies like Riley, which creates innovative, sustainable period products, Lesh, which sells leakproof bras, and Ivee, a return to work platform are breaking barriers. But the numbers tell a stark story: just 2.4% of venture capital funding goes to women-led startups globally.

That’s why businesses like these - and the role models behind them - are more vital than ever; they’re blazing a trail for others to follow.

It’s also why I feel more committed than ever to my GRIT coaching programme (Girls Rising in Tech).

What’s the purpose of GRIT? I want to help more women rise in tech. To stop playing small and gain the confidence to aim high, smash through systemic barriers, and become role models for the next generation.

Because I know how transformative it can be to have someone in your corner, championing you when self-doubt creeps in. I’ve seen it in myself, and I’ve seen it in the women I coach. Studies back it up:

• Coaching improves individual performance by up to 25%, with employees citing increased focus, confidence, and accountability (International Coach Federation)

• Employees who receive coaching are 46% more likely to be promoted (Human Capital Institute)

• Coaching increases employee engagement and retention, reducing turnover rates by up to 28% (Bersin by Deloitte)  - much needed when you think 1 in 3 women are thinking about leaving the industry today and 50% of women over the age of 35 leave Tech altogether.

Through GRIT, I aim to empower women to unlock their full potential, improve their performance and take action to lead with clarity, confidence and purpose.

Whether that's

✨ Accelerating career progression & supporting promotion

✨ Evolving an authentic, impactful leadership style

✨ Building self-confidence

✨ Reigniting motivation and energy at work

✨ Thriving as a working parent

✨ Creating better boundaries for work/life alignment

✨ Exit planning & the option to add on Talent/Outplacement services

✨ Build careers that work for them - and their lives

I know the journey isn’t easy. But every woman who thrives in tech isn’t just succeeding for herself - she’s paving the way for others, too.

Together, we can create a future where the diversity of voices and ideas drives innovation.

If that resonates with you, I’d love to help. We've never needed to have GRIT more than we do today.