View more information on the speakers available in this block by clicking on their profile!
Networking
Registration Opens
60 mins
Welcome to Women in Tech Boston 2023!
Here you will have the opportunity to elevate your career through impactful sessions delivered by our expert speakers and expand your scope of influence by networking with other like-minded women in tech.
Networking
Meet Up: Networking Breakfast
30 mins
Are you attending Women in Tech Boston on your own? Or do you just want to make some extra new connections to kick off your experience? Join our dedicated Meet Up to kick-start your morning feeling energized and ready to be engaged in two inspirational days! You’ll be joined by our Networking Host to help you meet other attendees without the awkwardness and make a plan to share your experience and learnings!
Keynote
Opening Remarks
15 mins
Welcome to Women in Tech Boston 2023! Join us for the official opening and welcome remarks to kick-start your day with inspiration and empowerment!
Our two-day agenda is filled with expert-led sessions designed to help you learn how to start putting in the building blocks toward the future and securing your position as a futurist leader in tech and strategy.
Keynote
Unleashing The Power of Data & AI – Where Do We Go From Here?
30 mins
Hear from IT leader Anna Berg Asberg how AstraZeneca is unleashing the power of technology to transform the research and development of medicines for patients, why it’s an incredible time to be a female leader in tech, and where we go next. This session is for women in all stages of their careers who want to optimize their organizations’ success with cutting-edge technology and influence change to benefit society.
Keynote
Embracing the Discomfort: Will I Need a Different Me?
30 mins
We are at an inflection point. We are standing on the precipice of unknown opportunities and perils. It’s both thrilling and terrifying. Will we have to reinvent ourselves to contend with the challenges ahead or do we have all the skills we need to thrive in this new frontier?
The Why: Recognize that you already possess the most powerful tools you need to contend with in an unknown future.
Key Takeaways:
- Know your why
- The power of community
- The importance of resilience
This session is for… you if you want to know how you can prepare to thrive in the new frontier.
Keynote
Enhancing Safety With Applied AI in Aviation and Defense Verticals
30 mins
Aviation and Defense are among the many verticals where implementing responsible AI is particularly sensitive due to their respective highly regulated industries. That being said, when teaming humans and machines efficiently and ethically, applied AI can drastically enhance training outcomes and drive better operations for a safer world.
Full session details coming soon…
Networking
Networking Brunch
30 mins
Grab a coffee and connect with attendees, share your thoughts on the first sessions of the day!
Workshop
Effective Software Test Automation By Design
60 mins
Software test automation is a part of every development process nowadays. Many companies invest in the development of their own proprietary automation frameworks or buy existing ones. It is a foundation to an effective CI/CD pipeline. But how to prove that it is effective and reliable? How to measure and monitor its stability and relevance? With the growing intelligence of high-tech products, the continuous delivery process is becoming more challenging as well.
The complexity of the automation tools is a function of the complexity of the system they are attempting to test. Thus, the automation processes and technics evolve and adapt constantly. In this workshop, we will talk about test automation tools as a part of a software development process. What does a successful test automation framework consist of? How to maintain and keep it coordinated with the product development life cycle? The data analysis is based on almost a decade of experience in building test automation for smart devices with embedded software including IoT.
The Why: According to the statistics of “MarketsandMarkets Research”, the global test automation market size is expected to grow from $24.7 billion in 2022 to $52.7 billion by 2027. Building mature test automation is key for releasing software quality at speed, and as a result, being first on the market.
Key Takeaways:
- Importance of synergy between Software Development and Test Automation
- Best practices for automation tools development
Useful features and metrics for Software Test Automation Tools/Frameworks - An example of an Automation Health Dashboard
This session is for… Software Automation Engineers, Quality Engineers, Project Managers, Software Engineers, Tech Leaders.
Presentation
How Robots Will Change Our World
30 mins
There can be a collective misconception of robots’ potential effect on the world. Specifically, we tend to have a negative outlook on the impact they will have throughout the adoption phase. During this session, we will discuss how the adoption of robots will create jobs that are more fulfilling and less physically strenuous. By embracing automation, companies will grow faster and provide more to the world; a necessity with our ever-growing population. Robots are equipment, full of software that we write, made to enrich our lives. Robots that move through, and interact with our world will take many forms; humanoid robots, built in our image, are a perfect fit for a world designed around humans. Can we coexist with a humanoid robot without humanizing our robots?
The Why: As robots go from industrial sites and factories into our everyday lives, we need to have conversations about how they make us feel. Rather than focusing on feeling uncomfortable and intimidated, let’s use robots to fuel our imaginations and passions and enrich the world around us.
Key Takeaways:
- How to educate yourself and your team on issues that arise outside of the research world.
- Understand which technological issues require you to be proactive in addressing.
- How robots can improve and enrich human lives, starting today.
This session is for… you if you want to be a leader in the community, working to reverse the negative perception and misunderstandings of your disruptive technology.
Workshop
Innovation Using Design Thinking: An Interactive Workshop
60 mins
With the customer experience becoming an ever more critical aspect of our products, how do we ensure that our offerings are best-in-class? This workshop offers an approach to designing such an offering. Using an interactive design thinking methodology, we will help the participants develop innovative solutions that don’t just satisfy customers, but also delight them!
Key Takeaways:
- Understand Key Design Thinking Principles
- Practical experience with Design Thinking
- Design Thinking Pitches
This session is for…those who are looking to better approach innovative customer solutions – at the intersection of Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability. No prior experience with design thinking or innovation is required.
Workshop
How To Show Up Authentically Everyday and Strengthen your Business Acumen As A Tech Leader
60 mins
In this interactive workshop, Enna Jimenez will use her own personal experience to help you develop the business acumen required as you progress further into your career. As the future of skills will further lean on the merge of technical and business, there’s no better time for you to start developing your strategic mindset, while still being Authentic to who you are today.
The Why: Attendees should attend this session to get some tips on how to content-switch between Technology and Business meetings/emails/presentations using techniques to help build a strong Leadership presence.
Key Takeaways:
- How to become business-savvy with a technical mindset
- Gaining stakeholder buy-in by being able to communicate the ROI of tech and tech strategies
- Understanding metrics and trend forecasting
This session is for… you if you want to learn some tips on how to enhance conversations with business leaders and stakeholders.
Workshop
How Data Can Unlock AI Potential and Power Your Customer Experience Strategy
60 mins
Join this session to learn the importance of a first-party data strategy to unlock AI and then maximize your personalized customer experience strategy. Courtney will share details to prioritize identity resolution, how to build a first-party data asset, how this data + generative AI can power your internal processes, align your organization, and then focus on your use case. Attendees will take away insights on the significance of accurate customer profiles, how a standardized data model enables enterprise business intelligence and AI, the need for organizational alignment, and identifying holistic business goals.
Workshop activity:
Using your own desired business outcomes, we will work through creating a use case to uncover the needed capabilities for Data, Technology and AI to obtain the goal.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of prioritizing identity resolution
- Building a first-party data asset
- Where AI capabilities make sense
- How to take a use case-driven approach
This session is for…
- IT Operations
- Technology product owners
- IT Professionals (who want to understand business partnerships)
- Marketing Technology Professionals
Workshop
Right-Sizing Your Cybersecurity Program
60 mins
With cybercrime and security risks at an all-time high and an endless number of security tools to choose from, it’s important to have a cybersecurity protection game plan based on your company’s appetite for risk and a clear understanding of what requirements must be met within a realistic budget. Distinguishing between nice-to-haves and must-haves is key, especially considering how quickly cybersecurity regulations are evolving. In this workshop, you will identify what is your company’s risk tolerance level and where you are on the cybersecurity maturity curve. We will then discuss strategies for risk management and right-sizing a cybersecurity program roadmap.
Key Takeaways:
- Managing risks – getting to a tolerable level of residual risk
- Understanding the cybersecurity maturity curve – where you’re at, where you want to be, and what it will take to get there
- How to approach right-sizing a cybersecurity program
This session is for… anyone trying to mitigate an overwhelming amount of cybersecurity risks with limited resources and budget
Presentation
How to Design the Career of Your Dreams and Achieve It
30 mins
During this learning session, you’ll gain practical tips to help you advance in your career, including identifying your purpose and cultivating your personal career advisors. You will learn how to be marketable from an HR perspective and tap into your personal magic to spark change in your career journey.
Angela will share her own experience as a diverse woman in business on how to be heard when you are the “only” in the room. She will share her insight and practical wisdom on how to draw on courage and perseverance in the face of obstacles to help you show up more confident and achieve your goals. Hear thought-provoking real-world stories and come away with practices and tools you can use to design and develop a career you’ll love.
Key Takeaways:
- Develop your distinctive personal presence and be seen and heard in your workplace.
- Plan a flexible strategy that can adapt and pivot to the ever-evolving landscape in the tech industry.
- Identify steps to create a career path that is unique to your story.
Networking
Career Advice Hub
60 mins
Book your 1-2-1 appointment with our speakers at the Career Advice Hub to get direct advice on your personal and professional development that’s specific to you and your challenges. The Career Advice Hub will allow you to meet 1-2-1 with industry experts who are making themselves available across the day to offer valuable career advice and tips! Each meeting will run for a maximum of 15 minutes and will operate on a first come first serve basis.
View more information on the speakers available in this block by clicking on their profile!
Networking
Personal Branding Hub
60 mins
Reinvent yourself at the Personal Branding Hub with the opportunity to perfect your LinkedIn profile, and define your elevator pitch to secure your next role at #WiTB23!
Presentation
Building Scalable Cloud Applications With A Frugality Lens
30 mins
When creating applications in a cloud environment with flexible pricing models, it’s crucial to be mindful of expenses. This is especially true for applications that need to adjust their capacity dynamically and scale to accommodate varying levels of demand. In this session, I’ll be sharing several strategies for achieving scalability without incurring excessive costs.
The Why: Building applications in the cloud has become commonplace in today’s world, and with it comes challenges related to scalability and cost-effectiveness. While cloud-based applications offer benefits such as flexibility, scalability, and accessibility, they can lead to unforeseen expenses if not managed properly. As cloud-based applications grow and become more complex, costs can quickly spiral out of control.
Moreover, if these applications are not designed with scalability in mind, they may become inefficient and incapable of handling increased usage or demand. As a result, it is crucial to building applications that are scalable and cost-effective. To address these challenges, this session aims to provide developers, DevOps engineers, managers, and architects with techniques that they can apply on a day-to-day basis to effectively balance scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn the architecture, design, and coding considerations for scalability.
- Techniques on using serverless computing options for scalability with tight control on cost.
- Role of Observability around scalability and cost management.
This session is for… you if you are a developer, DevOps Engineer, Manager, or an Architect building or managing applications in the Cloud.
Presentation
Shaping The Future Of Healthcare: Digital Transformation In A Highly Regulated Industry
30 mins
Technology in healthcare is essential for improving outcomes and patient experiences. With the increasing adoption of digital technologies, it’s critical to stay informed about the latest advancements and understand the challenges of implementing these technologies such as surgical robotics, connected devices, and medical wearables in a highly regulated industry. Delve into the world of health and learn how digital technology is revolutionizing care and transforming the healthcare landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the future of digital technology in health
- Hear real-world examples of connected health implementations, and how they are addressing modern healthcare challenges including chronic diseases
- Discover strategies for implementing technology and overcoming potential challenges
This session is for… you if you are a healthcare professional, medical device designer, or digital health enthusiast looking to stay informed about the latest advancements in health or work within technology.
Networking
Workshop
How To Pitch An Idea And Get A ‘Yes’
60 mins
This masterclass is a game-changer! Too often brilliant technical and scientific minds fail to get their ideas past the decision-makers in their organization because business leaders don’t understand the benefit. In this session, you will discover the secrets of speaking to the top of any organization. You will walk away with a model that ensures the business listens when you talk tech.
The Why: Too many brilliant ideas fail because decision-makers just don’t ‘get it’. Why? Because the presenter didn’t share the key information in the first 60 seconds. This masterclass changes all that.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the mindset of business leaders
- Know the 4 key elements to include in the first minute of your talk
- Learn a proven model that ensures the business listens
This session is for… Mid-to-Senior managers seeking approval or funding from decision-makers.
Presentation
Shaping The Future Of Tech Strategy: From Farm To Pharma And Beyond
30 mins
Taking the pulse of your business and understanding customer needs is key to shaping your tech strategy. After a decade with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Kirsten transitioned to IT and now spearheads our Global Digital Commerce Strategy. Her journey from farm to pharma has taught her that profound knowledge of your business is essential for your technological path – it is not merely about adopting technology, but showcasing its importance while guiding your tech roadmap.
We will discover that value encompasses not only financial gains but also enhances customer satisfaction to provide a competitive edge. Comprehending your business and customers’ needs, illustrating the significance of technology, and effectively conveying its ROI is crucial for building your tech strategy. My career journey has helped her discover this and ultimately aligns with Boehringer Ingelheim’s goal of transforming lives for generations.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding your business is a key part of your technical journey
- The ability to demonstrate value is an integral part of driving your technical roadmap
- Learn how to communicate ROI and the value of technology to get buy-in
Presentation
Supermind Design: Helping People And Technology Work Smarter Together
30 mins
Our world is filled with complex systems of people and machines that we humans have designed: from companies and governments to economies and societies and as technologies and human desires change, the configurations of these systems often need to change, too. Supermind Design is an approach that emphasizes generating innovative new possibilities for how to configure these systems.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn about the concept of Supermind Design.
- Get tips on how to build an intelligent organization.
- Be inspired by case studies from MIT.
This session is for…
- Leaders looking to make their organization more intelligent.
- Anyone looking for a system to generate creative ideas to solve problems.
- Entrepreneurs building new companies.
Workshop
Demystifying Generative AI And Machine Learning Models
60 mins
Machine Learning has become one of the hottest fields of study and application in the last decade and is expected to rule the world for a long time. Very recently, the world of technology was blown away with the introduction of ChatGPT! There is no better time than now to delve into the world of AI. I would like to walk through some of the basic concepts around the building of a Machine Learning application from scratch. We will then move on to understand what Generative AI is and what we can build with the ChatGPT APIs. In this workshop, we will build a fun AI application using generative AI APIs. You do not need to be an expert programmer. Knowledge of python is helpful but not necessary as the code is minimal and intuitive.
The Why: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have become an integral part of our lives. It is also a very fascinating field of study. There’s no better time to learn about these technologies than now! And there’s no better way of learning than some hands-on work. However, given the information overload, it may be overwhelming and confusing to know where to start. This workshop will help you take a few simple steps towards advancing this journey for you. And you will gain information about some excellent yet freely available tools to experiment with the world of AI.
Key Takeaways:
- Demystifying Generative AI and Machine Learning
- Know about freely available tools for your DiY journey.
- How to code your own AI applications in one hour!
Please note: There are some pre-workshop activities that you must complete prior to attending the workshop to ensure you can participate fully in the session and benefit from the codealong. Please follow this link for further details and ensure you bring your laptop with you to the session.
This session is for you if…
- You want to know where to start with your Machine Learning & Generative AI journey.
- You want to understand the key concepts of Machine Learning & Generative AI.
- You are not a coder but want to try your hands at building AI applications.
Workshop
Starting Afresh: Navigating a Career Pivot
60 mins
Embrace your role as a WIT always on the lookout for the cutting-edge technologies of tomorrow. As the technical landscape evolves and expands, allow yourself to ponder how and when to step into the unfolding future. This workshop is your passport to unearthing the myriad possibilities of reshaping your career – whether through advancement or daring pivots – and venturing into these new frontiers. Embark on a creative journey to map out your career trajectory.
Throughout this workshop, work towards your hand-picked specific career goal that ignites your passion, and unveil the pathways to realizing it. Engaging exercises will empower you to reimagine your narrative, unveiling routes to attaining your aspirations. More importantly, this workshop will give you a new framework that will serve you throughout your professional journey. Dive into this workshop ready to sculpt your career path like a captivating art piece. Experience a shift in the way you perceive yourself and your innate capacity to navigate transitions fearlessly and enthusiastically.
Key Takeaways:
- Direction: A reflection on where you want to go and what you need
- Assurance: Comfort and confidence in your path
- Fulfillment: Perseverance and trust for your career choice
- Endurance: Curiosity and receptiveness to move through any currents
This session is for… individuals seeking career growth but have been waiting for a clear path to emerge. It empowers participants to create their own career trajectory, regardless of their current career stage. No matter if you’re embarking on a new journey, considering a major career change, or seeking better direction for your next steps, this workshop is designed to meet your requirements!
Workshop
Building Pathways for Inclusion: Driving Equity and Advancement through Networking
60 mins
Networking is a critical skill for personal, professional, and organizational growth, but it is easily overlooked and undervalued. As we look to a future without systemic barriers or concrete ceilings, we need to disrupt our patterns of behavior to create greater access to information, transparency, and opportunity, and affirm one another’s intersectional identities in the workplace.
Our networks are critical sources of information that lead to greater task achievement, collaboration, innovation, and they provide a sense of belonging. In this workshop participants will be guided through the business case for creating diverse and inclusive networks and learn how our networks can be powerful tools for allyship.
Participants will engage in an activity to establish networking goals and explore the diversity of their network to be more intentional and strategic, and to identify patterns in our network composition. The program will end with strategies to foster a more diverse network to generate greater innovation and collaboration.
Key Takeaways:
- Explore the role of networks in advancing equity and inclusion
- Learn about the three components of your developmental network
- Gain strategies to create more diverse networks
The Why: As organizations roll back investment in DEI initiatives, the conversations turn to the investment in talent and overall sustainability. Creating a diverse network generates access to greater sources of talent, ensuring the organization is finding the best candidates for their positions.
Additionally, organizations create access to new markets, identifying new trends and opportunities, and can take advantage of those opportunities with more agile, higher performing teams who have the right access to information and the confidence needed to achieve objectives. By promoting investment in individual networks, organizations are investing in themselves and their future as a company.
This session is for…
- You if you are seeking new opportunities in your career, either within your role or in potential endeavors
- You if you find yourself saying “I’m too busy to network” or “My work will speak for me and then I’ll get that promotion.”
- You if you lead teams, manage hiring processes, and want new ways of finding talent.
- You if you find yourself overwhelmed in networking settings (hello, introverts!)
Workshop
AI Prompt Engineering
60 mins
Are you intrigued by the wizardry of AI-driven products and the magic behind crafting persuasive content with prompts?
Join us for a workshop where you’ll delve into the metrics for effective prompts, navigate potential issues, and gain insights from real-world examples. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious beginner, you’ll leave this session with practical insights and inspiration to embark on your own AI-driven adventures.
Key Takeaways:
- Gain a clear understanding of how to measure the effectiveness and the quality of prompts in AI-driven content creation
- Be equipped with the knowledge and tools to identify and address common challenges and issues that can arise when using AI-driven content generation
- Explore real-world examples of AI-driven content and discover the principles and techniques that make them successful
This session is for… you if you are intrigued by AI-driven products and the art of crafting persuasive content using prompts, this workshop is for you. Whether you have prior experience with AI or are just starting to explore its possibilities, you will find valuable insights and inspiration to enhance your AI-driven content creation skills.
Networking
Career Advice Hub
60 mins
Book your 1-2-1 appointment with our speakers at the Career Advice Hub to get direct advice on your personal and professional development that’s specific to you and your challenges. The Career Advice Hub will allow you to meet 1-2-1 with industry experts who are making themselves available across the day to offer valuable career advice and tips! Each meeting will run for a maximum of 15 minutes and will operate on a first come first serve basis.
View more information on the speakers available in this block by clicking on their profile!
Networking
Personal Branding Hub
60 mins
Reinvent yourself at the Personal Branding Hub with the opportunity to perfect your LinkedIn profile, and define your elevator pitch to secure your next role at #WiTB23!
View more information on the speakers available in this block by clicking on their profile!
Presentation
Women Leaders Build Better Teams: Using Data to Improve Team Performance in a Hybrid World
30 mins
Join Mike Sweeney, Chief Strategy Officer at RallyBright for insights on building inclusive, resilient, high-performing Teams. We’ll highlight research on the positive impact women leaders have on team performance and assess the counter-intuitive challenges with early career confidence and imposter syndrome. We’ll explore how to use data and targeted support to open conversations designed to improve team performance.
We’ll touch on how the (over) abundance of HR tech misses the mark on leadership development because they do not address an organization’s biggest impact driver – teams. And we’ll share insights from our work with teams ranging from Fortune 50 executives to small startups on how they are addressing challenges in a volatile hybrid world. We might even hint about the rise of NHTs (non-human teammates) augmenting your teams.
Key Takeaways:
- Highlights from research on the positive impact women leaders have on teams (yet the challenge of low early career confidence)
- Practical approaches to using data to open the door to developing team resilience (with leaders who may not typically engage in the ‘soft stuff’)
- Top tips for addressing challenges in uncertain times based on our work with technology teams
This session is for… you if you are a CEO/COO of a company with many teams, a team leader, or an HR/L&D professional of a small to medium-sized company.
Networking
Afternoon Networking Break
30 mins
Grab a bite to eat and connect with attendees on the day so far!
Workshop
AI For Good: Harnessing Technology To Reduce Societal Challenges
60 mins
There have been a wide array of studies identifying different methods to address many of today’s societal issues and inequalities. Many of the suggested solutions tend to involve education, government legislation, and activism, but recently, more recent studies have been focused on technology as a solution with AI highlighted due to its power and popularity. AI is typically not used in isolation but in conjunction with other technologies. Although these societal issues impact many, if an individual is identified as being a member of a marginalized group, studies demonstrate that this individual may be impacted at a disproportionate rate. In this session, we’ll look at a case study highlighting how AI could be used to reduce Black maternal mortality.
During this 60-minute deep dive session with a combination of lectures and interactive activities, different perspectives on this topic will be identified. The interactivities during this session will be through guided conversations at our tables, dedicated reflection time, and the creation of action plans with the next steps. This session will provide an opportunity to explore what are ways that AI in conjunction with other resources could be used to address societal issues such as the increase in Black maternal mortality.
The Why: Specifically, by joining this session we can explore if AI and other technologies could be used to address one plus possibly other societal issues. The focus of the session case study is a health crisis that is occurring now and through this session, we can gain an understanding of where the technology may be able to assist to address the case study or other societal issues.
Key Takeaways:
- Explain what are the key concerns related to AI being used to address societal issues such as Black maternal mortality.
- Illustrate how you as an audience member can understand how AI could be helpful or harmful with respect to societal issues.
- Devise a plan to understand how AI in conjunction with other technologies could be used to reduce Black maternal mortality but also recognize potential challenges with this approach.
This session is for… you if you want to learn how technology could be used to address a current societal issue which is an existing health crisis and how you can understand the usage of technology in this potential solution to this health crisis.
Workshop
Unveiling Data Value: Mastering ROI Discovery In Data Investments
60 mins
In today’s data-driven world, organizations continuously grapple with the challenge of translating data investments into tangible value. Our workshop, “Unveiling Data Value,” delves into the heart of this predicament by guiding participants through an immersive scenario. During this 60-minute session, participants will explore the intricacies of identifying value drivers, strategically allocating resources, and reaping the benefits of data investments.
In this interactive 60-minute workshop, you’ll collaborate with peers to delve into a fictional company’s journey towards harnessing AI amidst data chaos. Through engaging exercises, discussions, and real-world insights, you’ll emerge armed with actionable knowledge to master the discovery and articulation of ROI in your data investments. Join us to revolutionize your approach to data value and turn investments into undeniable business impact.
The Why: In a landscape where data’s value is both a challenge and an opportunity, understanding the returns on your data investments is essential. As an executive or leader, you need the tools to confidently articulate the concrete outcomes your initiatives will deliver. This session equips you with the insights to bridge the gap between investment and impact, ensuring that your data-driven decisions pave the way for measurable and significant results.
Key Takeaways:
- Gain a comprehensive grasp of the pivotal value drivers in data investments, allowing you to align your strategies with overarching business goals.
- Acquire the skills to craft meaningful metrics that not only quantify value but also resonate with stakeholders at various levels of the organization.
- Unlock proven strategies for effectively realizing the anticipated value from data investments, drawing insights from real-world case studies and examples.
This session is for… forward-thinking executives, data leaders, and decision-makers who are driven to unlock the true potential of their data investments. If you find yourself constantly seeking ways to bridge the gap between data initiatives and tangible value, this workshop is a must-attend. Whether you’re leading AI implementation, grappling with data complexities, or navigating the intricacies of data management, this session will empower you with actionable strategies to master the art of ROI discovery in data investments.
Presentation
The Future of Technology – A CFO’s Perspective
30 mins
Every industry has become a tech industry. Companies in any sector that embrace digitization and innovation see its positive impact on business strategy. Women in tech have the opportunity to change the way leaders think about and use technology.
The Why: This session will outline how to successfully innovate from the perspective of a CFO who was responsible for leading digital transformations at large, complex companies where driving change can be challenging.
Key Takeaways:
- How to get better results from your digital transformation
- Why technology has to be central to every company’s business strategy and decision making
- How you can help leaders utilize digitization to tackle opportunities in a digital world
This session is for… you if you would like to hear about how to get business leaders who are not tech experts to buy into digitalization with enough conviction and resources to drive meaningful and impactful change.
Workshop
From Idea to Impact: Crafting a Winning GTM Strategy
60 mins
In today’s crowded marketplace, you need every advantage to differentiate and get attention. During this session, I’ll guide you through the critical components of a GTM strategy, from market research and segmentation to value proposition development, and choosing the right distribution channels
You’ll learn how to craft compelling messaging that resonates with your target audience and explore the importance of building a robust sales and marketing plan that aligns with your business objectives.
The Why: In today’s crowded marketplace, you need every advantage to differentiate and get attention.
Key Takeaways:
- GTM Strategy Framework
- How to approach positioning
- Developing an audience-centric channel plan
This session is for… you whether you’re a startup looking to launch a new product or an established business aiming to revamp your approach, this session will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you plan for a product launch that maximizes your chances of success.
Presentation
Innovating Our Path To A Sustainable Future
30 mins
In an era pivoting to electrification, the world grapples with challenges spanning the energy and transportation sectors. From grid inadequacies to electric vehicle proliferation, the quest for efficiency is paramount. This talk unveils next-generation technologies poised to revolutionize how we utilize energy, emphasizing intelligent, adaptive solutions. By addressing inherent obstacles, we pave the way for a sustainable, electrified future, harnessing innovation to optimize energy consumption and transportation paradigms. Join us as we journey into the forefront of technological transformation, championing a brighter, smarter future.
The Why: We stand at a pivotal crossroad. The electrification transition isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a necessary leap towards a sustainable future in which the shift to electrification in both energy and transportation sectors becomes crucial. But like any monumental change, it brings challenges. This session isn’t merely about the ‘what’ of the next-gen tech—it’s about the ‘why’ and ‘how’. Understand the gravity of our global energy challenge and the paramount importance of innovative solutions. Dive deep, be informed, and be part of the change.
Key Takeaways:
- Gain a holistic understanding of electrification and technological innovations that offer sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
- Learn beyond the obvious technological shifts and discover often-overlooked avenues.
- Learn how to navigate challenges in leading the transition
This session is for…
- You if a passion for clean tech drives you – If the promise of clean technology stirs your soul, and the thought of a greener, more sustainable future excites you, this session is tailor-made for you.
- You if you’re curious about transition challenges – For those eager to dive deep into the intricate challenges of electrification transition — from technical obstacles to strategic hurdles — this discussion will offer a comprehensive overview.
- You if leadership in transition intrigues you – If you’re keen on understanding or even leading the monumental shift toward electrification, learning from setbacks, and pioneering innovative solutions, this conversation will serve as both guide and inspiration. Join us to be part of the change.
Workshop
Change Happens: Setting up Transformation Initiatives for Success
60 mins
Transformation isn’t easy, but it is required more now than ever. This workshop will focus on the essential elements of setting up a successful transformation plan and program and identify key pitfalls to avoid along the way.
The session will focus on ensuring you know what problem you are solving, how to define success, identifying your stakeholders and their needs, and getting your work over the finish line in a measurable and sustainable way.
The Why: Change is the one constant in life and business – knowing how to manage it effectively, and tell your story well, can give you a leg up in making your transformation successful.
Key Takeaways:
- Be able to identify and communicate the “why” behind your transformation
- Get tips on things to look out for or avoid while building your program
- Best practices for establishing a transformation program
This session is for…
- Leaders who are driving change efforts
- Business sponsors who want to support change more effectively
- Those who want to be able to plan and communicate change with passion and data
Workshop
Making It Up As You Go Along: Improv for Presence, Presentation, and Networking
60 mins
Have you ever wished you felt more comfortable on your feet? Maybe you want to speak up more in meetings or volunteer for public speaking opportunities. Maybe you find yourself thinking about “the tightrope” that underrepresented communities often report – the one that means worrying about balancing your credibility with your approachability.
Or maybe you’re crushing it: opportunities are coming your way and you just want to feel more at ease with yourself when you speak.
Improv is here to help. Elizabeth Garber was struggling with “all that stuff” (and probably more) when she left the comfort of her corporate career to launch a startup. With the mounting pressure of public speaking, pitching, and leading a new team, she turned to improv for a bit of non-traditional personal development. Two years – and many pitches, podcasts, and presentations – later, she’s here to share how the core tenets of improv can help you feel more confident and grounded in any context. In this workshop, you’ll try new things in a really safe environment. Join us!
Key Takeaways:
- How to use the ‘yes, and’ common tool and what it means at work
- How to find support and safety in teams
- How to become a better communicator with improv
Networking
Career Advice Hub
60 mins
Book your 1-2-1 appointment with our speakers at the Career Advice Hub to get direct advice on your personal and professional development that’s specific to you and your challenges. The Career Advice Hub will allow you to meet 1-2-1 with industry experts who are making themselves available across the day to offer valuable career advice and tips! Each meeting will run for a maximum of 15 minutes and will operate on a first come first serve basis.
View more information on the speakers available in this block by clicking on their profile!
Networking
Personal Branding Hub
60 mins
Reinvent yourself at the Personal Branding Hub with the opportunity to perfect your LinkedIn profile, and define your elevator pitch to secure your next role at #WiTB23!
View more information on the speakers available in this block by clicking on their profile!
Presentation
How Can You Become An Ally For People Different From You?
30 mins
In the New Frontier, YOU have the power to show up for people in marginalized groups, even if you are a part of the traditionally disadvantaged group. How do you support other women looking to get promoted in male-dominated cultures or industries? How do you help to advocate for employees with disabilities who are fighting for accessibility to basic things such as computer equipment or captioning during virtual meetings? Do you slow the pace in which you speak when talking to colleagues where English (or whatever the native language) is not the individual’s first language? Do you stand by your Black and brown colleagues when they share stories of discrimination in the workplace, just because of the color of their skin or the way their hair grows?
In this session, we’ll talk about personal examples of when people showed up for them, and why it was so important for them in male-dominated tech spaces. We will also discuss how to show up for others and work through the uncertainty and discomfort of not knowing whether you’re “doing it right,” but being confident enough to put yourself out there and become an ally.
The Why: In a world that is constantly bringing people together from all walks of life, it’s important to understand the power of allyship. This session is for anyone looking to, or currently working for diverse organizations which are inclusive of people’s identities and why those identities are important.
Key Takeaways:
- The importance and impact of caring for others and allyship
- The power of listening to others who come from backgrounds different from our own
- Gain key, practical steps to begin your journey of advocating for others.
This session is for… you if you’d like to learn how to make stronger connections with other people in the tech space.
Presentation
Moving From Traditional Core Mainframe To The Cloud
30 mins
More details coming soon...
Networking
Networking Reception
60 mins
Join us at the Networking Reception where you’ll be joined by our speakers to quiz them further on their session and connect with your peers to share your key learnings from the event so far!
Networking
Registration Opens
60 mins
Welcome to Day Two of Women in Tech Boston 2023!
We have another day filled with inspirational content and networking aimed at providing you with the tools you need to increase your technical know-how and elevate in your career!
Networking
Meet Up: Coffee & Mingle
30 mins
Welcome back to day two of Women in Tech Boston! Grab some breakfast and start your morning feeling refreshed ready for another inspirational day filled with insight and technical expertise!
Keynote
Welcome Remarks
15 mins
Join us for the day two welcome remarks to kick-start your day with inspiration and empowerment!
Our two-day agenda is filled with expert-led sessions designed to help you learn how to start putting in the building blocks toward the future and securing your position as a futurist leader in tech and strategy.
Keynote
Fireside Chat: Redefining The Modern Structures Of Business With Inclusion
30 mins
As organizations persist through a challenging economy and periods of layoffs, it is being widely reported how DEI initiatives are the first to be cut and reduced despite an emboldened dedication to improving diversity following events and global movements in 2020. In this session, join two leaders who are spearheading inclusion within their organization for an in-depth discussion on the positive impact of DEI in today’s challenging climate and how as the industry looks to rebuild itself, putting DEI at the center of it all, can provide the solution to revitalize your workforce and unlock new opportunities for innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- Create a strong pipeline of talent to pave the way forward for business and technology.
- How individuals can create safe spaces in and outside of work.
- Learn why DEI is more critical to strategy and business during periods of large layoffs and a recession.
Keynote
Digital Business Incubation: AI Businesses at Fidelity Labs
30 mins
What do AI and Fidelity Labs have in common? Labs has two AI-based businesses in the market, created from within this global company, to better serve clients in financial institutions.
The Why: AI is changing the way we humans do our work, and in the finance industry, AI is a catalyst for accelerated growth.
Key Takeaways:
- What is Fidelity Labs and what are we building
- Gain a look at the evolution of AI in finance
- Learn from our lessons in building new businesses
This session is for… you if you are interested in AI and in new business-building, especially from the unique perspective of building from inside of a corporate.
Keynote
Fireside Chat: Creating The Future Landscape of Technology
30 mins
Despite tough economic challenges, the startup scene in Massachusetts is thriving and startups are spearheading the charge in developing the latest technology products backed by the latest research.
In this session, join two leading women in the startup scene in an intimate discussion to learn how startups drive the latest technology innovations that drastically change our daily lives and adapt to the challenges they face to keep innovating in a tough investment environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn about the latest technology that is being developed from the startup scene
- Learn about the challenges startup face in a tough economic climate to keep innovating
- Learn about the new opportunities for startups as BigTech continues to drawback
Networking
Networking Brunch
30 mins
Grab a coffee and connect with attendees, share your thoughts on the first sessions of the day!
Panel Discussion
Leading with Feminine Energy to Build Next-Gen Technology
60 mins
Full session details coming soon…
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the importance and relevance of feminine leadership style
- Learning the evolution of leadership
- Addressing institutional bias through next-gen technology
Presentation
Unlocking The Power Of AI: Leading The New Frontier Of Technology
30 mins
Join Jaime Waydo, Chief Technology Officer at WHOOP in this session exploring how women are at the forefront of the transformative power of AI, how it’s revolutionized technology, and how it’ll shape the future. We’ll discuss the immense potential of AI in optimizing health and wellness, in providing personalized insights, predictive analysis and early detection of health risks.
We’ll also explore how WHOOP is utilizing AI algorithms to optimize health and performance. Central to the discussion is the celebration of women’s leadership and contributions in health tech, along with the importance of diverse perspectives in designing AI solutions that cater to everyone.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn about the latest fast-evolving developments in AI
- How AI is transforming customer experience and product development
- The importance of having diverse perspectives in designing AI solutions
Workshop
Enhancing Engineer Productivity And Driving Innovation
60 mins
In this hands-on session, we will look at software engineering evolution and how to integrate engineers’ productivity as a Mission Critical Goal in our organization strategy. We will collaborate on challenges, ideas, and solutions that I am hoping all of us can take back with us to enhance our engineers and drive innovation at our organization.
The Why: Our engineers are the core of our organization and nurturing them in various areas is key to our business. While “Productivity” is a common terminology measuring Engineer Productivity is not straightforward. And how do we enhance something that cannot be measured? Join us in this hands-on session to find answers and share yours.
Key Takeaways:
- Integrating engineering productivity into your organization’s strategy
- Breaking down Software Development Life Cycle to understand and nurture various engineering roles
- We are not alone – get insight into common challenges and how others are approaching these challenges
This session is for…
- Engineering leaders and related roles
- HR leaders and related roles
- Strategy and Operations leaders
Workshop
Unshakeable Change: 5 Tools for Planning & Protecting Digital Transformation
60 mins
How do you balance implementing a vision and building consensus? How do you prevent old habits from eroding change? How do you create a transformation process that is inclusive, respectful, innovative … and fun?
In this practical, hands-on workshop, we’ll discuss common pitfalls to implementing digital transformation projects; learn how to build a culture of collaboration and creativity across teams and screens; and test tools and strategies for communicating and tracking the project vision, peer feedback, and project changes.
The Why: Research from McKinsey and others has shown that educating and empowering employees at all levels of an organization is key to implementing successful digital transformation. This session will give you ready-to-implement tools and best practices to ensure your organization can embrace necessary change.
Key Takeaways:
- Identify common blockers to implementing digital change
- Get strategies and tools for building buy-in, momentum, and ownership across organizational silos
- Lead lasting change with in-person and remote teams
This session is for…
- You if you are a champion or key stakeholder of a large digital transformation project
- You if you own, or run a digital transformation project
- You if you manage a large project, or team on a large cross-functional project
- You if you are interested in change management across large cross-functional teams
Workshop
Motivating the Next Generation High Performance Team
60 mins
As frontier leaders, we need to guide and develop a high-performance team to deliver the next-generation products. We are often challenged by how to inspire, engage, and motivate our team to deliver on our vision. Research has shown that most teams and organizations continue to be misaligned on how to truly motivate today’s knowledge workers, yet we keep instituting programs to provide incentives for better performance and to drive innovation. Is there a more effective way?
This workshop will discuss practical research and theory behind motivation aligned to today’s knowledge worker’s intrinsic motivators. This workshop will combine hands-on challenges, discussions, and engaging lectures to uncover motivational techniques aligned with today’s knowledge workers and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
- Motivational practices based on pay for performance are not aligned with today’s knowledge workers
- Motivational practices that are aligned to intrinsic motivators are more effective to inspire and motivate today’s knowledge worker
- How to keep your team motivated against daily challenges and uncertainty
Workshop
Product Strategy In Action
60 mins
Real product strategy is embedded in a series of guiding principles that profitably add unique value to known customers and stakeholders. Let’s, for now, assume that we are inspired by the product vision, have an unambiguous product definition, and are monitoring the North Star metric. During the one-hour session, the emphasis will be placed on crafting actionable and real product hypotheses that may or may not achieve the vision. There is only one way to guarantee success, and it’s by putting the strategy to work.
Key Takeaways:
- Break down a multi-year product vision into a series of product hypotheses
- Understand when and how to leverage convergent and divergent experiments
- Design a convergent experiment to test out a product hypothesis
This session is for… People who are ready to fail creatively, are not order-takers, and have their eyes on the ball for solving customer-centric problems.
Workshop
Human-Centered Design and Generative AI Engineering
60 mins
In this technical deep dive session, Naz and Narmatha, experts in their respective fields of Human Experience Design and Software Engineering, delve into the pivotal role of a human-centered, multidisciplinary approach in shaping meaningful generative AI solutions. Through practical insights, Naz and Narmatha share strategies to foster seamless collaboration between design and engineering teams, emphasizing the need for user research, iterative feedback loops, interdisciplinary communication, and holistic problem-solving approaches.
This is an engaging session where they will bring the audience into the discussion! Please bring your own learnings and questions to ask along the way.
Networking
Personal Branding Hub
60 mins
Reinvent yourself at the Personal Branding Hub with the opportunity to perfect your LinkedIn profile, and define your elevator pitch to secure your next role at #WiTB23!
View more information on the speakers available in this block by clicking on their profile!
Presentation
The 5R Principles Of Test Automation Leadership
30 mins
Join this session to learn how to plan a test automation strategy for the long term using the 5R principles of Roadmap, Risk, Reliability, Reusability, and Results. The focus is on providing a framework for automation that will deliver time-saving to business, and value to systems with the goal of better and faster releases to production.
The Why: Test automation is moving from a nice to have to an expected part of code delivery. Leadership across systems, development, testing, and business teams will make the difference between long-lasting scripting that grows and provides time-saving value or throwing away scripts that simply took time and resources.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn the 5R principles to work with teams in guiding effective long-lasting automation.
- Details in the automation that allows for reporting that is tailored to various audiences from senior management to business leaders to peer-level consumers of greater detailed expectations.
- Creating a scalable framework for automation.
This session is for…
- Senior IT leaders that want faster test efforts, shorter regression times, and fewer issues in production.
- QA Directors, managers, leaders, and automation engineers.
- Test leaders who want to relieve the time spent on user testing.
- Anyone wanting to understand what automation can deliver and a simplified approach to development and delivery.
Networking
Presentation
How to Unleash Your True Leadership Potential
30 mins
Shannon Gath has a simple mission…to help as many women as possible break through the barriers they face in order to level the playing field at the top of corporations. We know companies perform better with a diverse workforce and leadership team, but still, so few women hold executive leadership positions. In this session, Shannon shares the biggest lessons learned over her career and how she used those lessons to advance to a top leadership position in a multi-billion dollar company.
Shannon will share her personal stories of how she unlocked her full leadership potential and how you can apply those lessons in your own career development, whatever your aspirations may be.
Key Takeaways:
- How to navigate your career by looking backward and forward to see the full picture
- Building trust by being transparent and accountable
- Aligning your passion to an organizational need
This session is for… you if you’re working to get to the next level – Shannon will give you insights based on her own career journey on how you can truly unleash your leadership potential!
Workshop
You Belong Here, Own It! Showing up Powerfully in Every Room
60 mins
All too often we’re given signals to remain silent or to not show who we really are. Today, women of color are no longer willing to just take up space. We’re ready to show up in every room and own our seat at the table. For many of us, this is uncharted territory or a new frontier. Dictionary.com, defines frontier as uncharted territory, it may include a remote piece of land, a new or underdeveloped field of study. But if someone calls it a “frontier” then we are challenged to explore it and to conquer it.
Key Takeaways:
- Own your story
- Invest in yourself
- Share your journey
This session is for… you if you’ve found yourself not occupying space, not really showing up when you know you belong in the room and at the table.
Workshop
Laid Off or Looking? Practical Advice To Land Your Next Role
60 mins
In this session, Jenny will share advice on what to do when layoffs are looming and what to do if or when you get laid off. Learn how to structure your social media posts when looking for work and how you can help those who are looking. Discover ways to take care of your mental health throughout the job search process. Attendees will also learn the importance of networking and how to utilize your network when looking for a new role. Jenny will conclude the session by sharing her top three pieces of career advice.
The Why: Layoffs are the new normal. Maybe you recently got laid off? Or perhaps you’re worried you’re about to be laid off? Maybe you have survivor’s guilt but don’t know how to help your coworker who was laid off and is still looking? Come to this workshop to learn how to find your next role and help those who are looking.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand what to do when layoffs are likely and what to do when you get laid off.
- Learn how to take care of your mental health throughout the job search process.
- Recognize the importance of including calls to actions in social media posts and utilizing your network to land your next role.
This session is for… you if you or someone you know is now or will be soon looking for a new role.
Workshop
Experience-Driven Decision-Making
60 mins
Tech won’t work without people, but to be truly people-focused, you need good tech! In this interactive deep dive, iTalent Digital Chief Transformation Officer Leslie Ottavi will present real-world case studies and proven methodologies for using data analytics, automation, and AI to achieve the “big flip” to a stakeholder-centered, change-agile business model. Learn how market leaders have overcome resistance to change, how they’ve applied technology to improving EX and CX, and come away with practical steps you can take right away.
Key Takeaways:
- Move beyond data-driven decision-making. The name of the game for staying competitive and profitable is experience-driven decision-making where data analytics and business insights are used to optimize UX, CX, and EX
- How AI enhances experience-driven decision-making; practical ways to embed AI into your current data analytics model
- How Project Management, Change Management, and Data Analytics converge to optimize UX
This session is for… you if you are a business leader, transformation leader, project manager, or change manager of a medium-sized to large company.
Workshop
Using Data to Drive Successful Implementation of DEI Initiatives and Long-Term People Strategies
60 mins
This session highlights the crucial role of technology specifically data analytics and broadening the scope of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) beyond gender and race. By utilizing data-driven insights and embracing a more comprehensive understanding of diversity, organizations can make evidence-based decisions when creating DEI strategic plans. Attendees will learn how these approaches enhance decision-making processes and foster more inclusive environments.
Key Takeaways:
- Significance of data analytics in DEI strategic planning
- Expanding DEI beyond gender and race for comprehensive insights
- Leveraging data to identify disparities and address inequities
- Enhancing decision-making through evidence-based insights
Presentation
Thrifty Innovation: How To Innovate More With Less
30 mins
Despite shrinking IT spending, organizations will remain focused on driving teams to develop new products and generate higher revenue without increasing costs, risk and headcount. This strain on resources will require leaders everywhere to lean on creativity and a greater sense of scrutiny to minimize churn and increase software optimization in areas that will drive the greatest value to the business.
Join this session to hear how leaders are adapting to the challenges arising from economic instability and how to become a highly focused optimized organization with limited resources.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the technical needs of the business, prioritizing, and creating solutions
- Utilizing creative solutions to overcome tech challenges despite limited resources
- Minimizing churn and increasing software optimization in the areas that drive value
Networking
Career Advice Hub
60 mins
Book your 1-2-1 appointment with our speakers at the Career Advice Hub to get direct advice on your personal and professional development that’s specific to you and your challenges. The Career Advice Hub will allow you to meet 1-2-1 with industry experts who are making themselves available across the day to offer valuable career advice and tips! Each meeting will run for a maximum of 15 minutes and will operate on a first come first serve basis.
View more information on the speakers available in this block by clicking on their profile!
Presentation
The Only Constant Is Change: Embracing An Era of Change and Adaptability
30 mins
In this session, Aparna will share personal stories of how she has navigated the male-dominated industry of cybersecurity and the key leadership principles she attributes to her success.
The Why: According to the Aspen Digital Tech Policy hub’s latest report, women comprise only 24% of the cybersecurity workforce, with only a small fraction making up executive roles. This is a first-hand testimonial from a woman who has successfully beat the odds to become Chief Product Officer of a $2B cybersecurity company.
Key Takeaways:
- How to identify your breakthrough opportunities and take the right risks.
- The importance of embracing a change mindset.
- Overcoming the challenges of being a minority within a minority of a male-dominated field.
This session is for you if…
- You aspire to lead a large engineering organization.
- You have a technical background.
- You work in the hi-tech industry.
Presentation
Presentation Delivered by John Hancock Financial
30 mins
More details coming soon...
Presentation
Embracing the Power of Authentic You
30 mins
As professionals, we often compartmentalize our lives. However, in doing so we lose the ability to contribute diverse thoughts. The focus of this presentation is to provide a toolset for women in technology and their allies with an understanding of bringing their authentic selves to the workplace, and the importance of embracing its power! By being authentic, we have a greater sense of well-being and realize that sharing perspectives, ideas, and beliefs adds to a fulfilling and productive experience.
Key Takeaways:
- By embracing authenticity leaders can:
- Value unique perspectives and experiences that can develop sustainable behaviors helping us grow personally and professionally.
- Practice being vulnerable and talk openly about struggles and challenges – which helps develop deep connections with colleagues.
- Foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging and pave the path for future thought leaders.
This session is for… women professionals who aspire to grow their careers as a leader while bringing all aspects of what makes you “you” to the workplace!
Workshop
Defining Your Pathway To Leadership
60 mins
Carving a successful career path can be difficult and intimidating. It may be hard to know what the first step should be or how to advocate for yourself effectively without feeling like you are bragging. As female Engineering Team Leads (TLs), it has become increasingly common for us to be the odd (wo)men out in the room. While societal stereotypes have made it difficult for women to elevate and promote themselves, this workshop will enable attendees to learn and practice the necessary skills to build their pathways to leadership.
During this workshop, Jacqueline and Priyanka will share their own stories, how they have navigated their careers, and the lessons learned along the way as female team leads. They will discuss how to uncover leadership opportunities in your organization, and the value in finding both mentors and sponsors.
This interactive workshop tackles the challenges of transitioning from being a team member to a team manager. Attendees will walk away from this workshop with a blueprint for driving those initial conversations with their managers, building the necessary skills to make that move into management, and defining tangible next steps in their pathways to leadership.
The interactive workshop activities will address the following topics:
- How can I advocate for myself without “bragging”?
- How do I find mentors and sponsors?
- As an aspiring leader, what steps must I take to achieve my career goals?
The Why: The tech industry has historically been a male-dominated space, so we need more female representation in leadership. Women bring diverse perspectives and skill sets that can help drive innovation for technical and business solutions. It is our responsibility to lead by example in order to inspire young girls and women to pursue their dreams in the tech field.
Key Takeaways:
- It’s never too early to start the conversation about where you want to go and what you want to achieve during your career
- Mentors and sponsors can be the same person, but each has different roles and responsibilities in helping to advance your professional growth
- Self-advocacy raises awareness and empowers you to take control of your growth and career path
Workshop
Alexa AI – Making Alexa Smarter At Scale
60 mins
There are many challenges in building a smart voice assistant. How can it understand and action every customer request? How can it learn and improve to close any gaps? How can it tailor its behavior to customer preferences and their current context? How can it sound as natural as possible? And how can we do all of this at scale to delight customers?
In this session, we will dive into the many ways we at Alexa AI are using Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing techniques to find answers to all these questions and improve Alexa. You will learn how we are making Alexa more competent, natural, personalized, and proactive by employing a wide range of techniques, from building large language models that empower multi-modal use caseses, over interactively learning from customer feedback, to using neural Text-to-Speech techniques to adapt Alexa’s speaking style.
With lots of concrete examples, find out how we are making Alexa better, every day!
The Why: Machine Learning techniques and Natural Language Processing technologies are becoming ubiquitous – this session will let you dive into lots of concrete examples of what techniques exist, and how they are currently being applied within Alexa, helping you gain a better understanding of this exciting field.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn about recent innovations in NLP and smart assistants
- Get a practical understanding of how ML approaches are applied to improve Alexa
- Understand some of the challenges of building a smart voice assistant
This session is for… you if you are interested in real-life applications of Natural Language Processing, want to understand more about how Alexa works under the hood and want to learn how AI and machine learning can help address the challenges of building a smart assistant at scale. No previous knowledge of NLP techniques required!
Workshop
Key for The New Frontier: Coaching Skills for People Leaders
60 mins
Today, burnout is still prevalent, turnover is higher than ever, and economic constraints remain. How do we lead in this competitive, high-pressure environment when everyone is exhausted? We become facilitative leaders, employing coaching skills to engage, learn from, and bring out the best in those whom we lead.
You probably got promoted to your current role thanks to your organizational skills and technical competence. Very few people leaders actually get training on how to lead others. So how do you engage with your stakeholders in a way that brings out the best in them? Coaching skills are key and important to have in your daily leadership toolbox.
Key Takeaways:
- How to improve your leadership style to better engage your stakeholders
- A framework to support those you lead in their own development journeys
- Conversation skills to help bring out the best in others
Workshop
Mastering the Art of Project Triumph: Unleashing the Power of Critical Success Areas
60 mins
Join us for an exhilarating ride through the world of project management, as we dive headfirst into the critical success areas that can elevate your projects from ordinary to extraordinary!
In this dynamic and interactive workshop presentation, we will uncover the secrets to successfully navigating the most challenging moments that can make or break any project.
The Why: Mastering critical success areas is essential for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders.
Key Takeaways:
Prepare for the challenges faced during these critical success areas:
- At project initiation, define quality scope with impact descriptions and well-crafted project plans.
- At project execution, implement efficient task-tracking systems.
- Through the project life cycle, manage scope creep with the indispensable role of status reports in maintaining transparency, accountability, and momentum.
This session is for…you if you want to boost your professional reputation and credibility as a reliable and competent leader, then buckle up and get ready to supercharge your project management skills as we embark on this journey toward project excellence! Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to learn, grow, and empower yourself to conquer even the most formidable project challenges with confidence and finesse.
Workshop
Communicate the Business Impact of DEI to Develop Executive Support
60 mins
According to a recent Gartner survey, DEI leaders find it challenging to engage active leadership support and interest from other stakeholders. The new frontier of opportunity is for high-tech DE&I initiatives to directly align program benefits to business imperatives and revenue growth. For example, research data shows that companies in the top quartile of executive team diversity are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability, and IT services buyers rank “meeting diversity standards” as the second most important buying criteria. In this workshop, you will learn how to align your DEI initiatives to business impact. You will work together with other attendees to create messages and pitches for your programs that can create new funding and sponsorship opportunities.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the business priorities of different C-suite executives
- Learn about Gartner research that connects DE&I outcomes to business imperatives
- Develop personal messaging that aligns your DEI initiatives with business outcomes
This session is for… those who are looking to develop the most compelling pitches and requests possible that garner executive support, funding, and sponsorship.
