Why do only 11% of executive tech roles belong to women, and what can we do about it?
This thought-provoking conversation with Heather Dawe, Chief Data Scientist and Head of Responsible AI at UST, explores the multifaceted challenges women face in tech leadership and offers practical insights for meaningful change.
Drawing from her remarkable 25-year career spanning government, the NHS, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership, Heather shares her journey from math student to AI innovator. She challenges common perceptions by highlighting how data science demands creativity alongside analytical skills—a perspective that could attract more diverse talent to the field.
The discussion delves into the systemic barriers women encounter, from early education where STEM subjects are still viewed as “boys’ subjects” to workplace challenges including imposter syndrome and career interruptions. Heather emphasizes the critical importance of visible role models at every career stage, not just at the executive level, to help women envision possible paths forward.
With AI becoming increasingly embedded in our daily lives, Heather sounds an important warning about bias in AI systems: “AI inherently reflects the data and culture it’s trained on.” This makes diversity in tech leadership not just a matter of fairness but a necessity for creating technology that works for everyone. Developer bias combines with data bias to potentially entrench existing inequalities unless we take deliberate action.
For companies looking to improve, Heather advocates creating environments that value different thinking styles and recognize that innovation often springs from diverse perspectives. The business case is clear – research consistently shows diverse teams deliver stronger outcomes.
Whether you’re a woman in tech seeking inspiration, a leader looking to build more inclusive teams, or anyone interested in the ethical development of AI, this conversation offers valuable insights to help shape a more equitable tech future.
