Creating an inclusive experience for women in tech’ – a conversation with Ester Martinez

Join us in conversation with Ester Martinez the CEO & Founder of People Matters, Asia’s largest community and media platform for HR & talent leaders. As a visionary leader and influencer, she has transformed People Matters into a new age, niche media organization through knowledge and experience-driven content & customized events, community-driven conferences, and digital & content marketing solutions across India, Southeast Asia, and ANZ, since 2009.

Recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Global Top Voices and featured on the Remote Work Top Thought Leaders of 2023 list, she has earned a spot on the Power List of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership and is acknowledged as one of the Top 30 Influential Women Leaders in HR Tech for 2023! Ester is a sought-after speaker, having spoken at major conferences like Web Summit, RISE and featured in books like “An Idea Whose Time Has Come” and “Modern CEO.” Ester’s journey from HR professional to entrepreneur is marked by her early career at Tata Consultancy Services in India and the UK, followed by roles at Hewlett-Packard and Manpower Group.

This women’s day, we’ve taken the opportunity to get Ester’s insights into Creating an  Inclusive Experience for Women in Tech.

AdLift: What does inclusivity mean to you, especially within the context of the tech industry?

Ester: To me, inclusivity means business. It’s crucial for our tech teams to mirror our diverse customer base to avoid blind spots in product development. Our team composition is imperative for representing our end users effectively, making inclusivity a key business strategy.

AdLift: What strategies have you found effective in attracting and retaining female talent in tech roles?

Ester: Starting top-down is most effective. Diversity in the leadership team is where the change begins. It’s about tackling the challenge from all angles – making men aware, boosting women’s confidence, and ensuring gender-neutral policies. The leadership team’s diversity can drive an inclusive culture throughout the organization, so I advocate for a no-excuse rule when it comes to diversity in leadership positions.

AdLift: What steps can organizations take to ensure equal pay and career advancement opportunities for women in tech?

Ester: Addressing the legacy issue of unequal pay is critical. Organizations might need a multi-year plan to achieve equality, but it’s a non-negotiable goal. Career advancement requires tackling subtle biases, making both equal pay and career opportunities for women non-negotiable. Transparency and a commitment to equality can position an organization as a leader in fairness and inclusivity.

AdLift: How do we promote work-life balance and flexibility for women in tech roles?

Ester: Flexibility and work-life balance are essential for everyone, not just women. I prefer to call it work-life integration, emphasizing trust, respect, and the right technology and processes that allow for flexibility. This approach benefits the whole organization by supporting everyone’s needs and contributions.

AdLift: What role does leadership play in creating an inclusive culture?

Ester: Leadership is crucial in fostering an inclusive culture. It’s not just about the top leadership but about everyone in the organization taking responsibility to promote inclusivity. Establishing behavioral norms that ensure a level playing field and tapping into everyone’s potential should be a top priority for all leaders.

AdLift: What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in tech?

Ester: Seek out role models and embrace challenges and risks. These experiences are invaluable for learning and visibility. Ensure you’re in an organization that supports your growth. If not, find a place that values your enthusiasm and talent. It’s an exciting time for women in tech, with many opportunities to lead and innovate.

AdLift: How can male allies contribute to creating an inclusive environment for women in tech?

Ester: Men play a critical role as activists for gender inclusivity. It’s about being proactive in identifying and dismantling barriers, creating opportunities, and advocating for women’s advancement. Every man in the organization can contribute to a culture that celebrates and supports diversity and inclusivity.

So, there you have it, some fantastic insights from Ester that give us a great roadmap for building a more inclusive tech industry.

If there is one huge takeaway from this, it’s this – that we can all be part of the solution! From leadership paving the way for diversity to individuals championing respect and flexibility, imagine the possibilities.

On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the power of collaboration and inclusion!