TechFoundHer

Motherhood: The Ultimate Startup? If you can raise a child, you’ve already proved that you can build a business. Why? Because mothers are the most battle-tested operators out there, they’ve played the hardest game and sharpened the very skills that founders need to scale a business. 1. Problem-Solver Up at 3am with a child that’s having a tantrum or 3pm solving a cashflow crisis, it’s constant, relentless problem-solving. 2. Multi-tasker Managing kids, work deadlines and running a household? That’s CEO-level stuff. Does it get the credit it deserves? No. 3. Resourceful Mums can stretch a budget like nobody else. Why is this undervalued in the startup world? 4. Empathy Understanding needs without words - whether it’s a baby, customers or your team. That’s halfway to product market fit. 5. Decisive Under Pressure Mums make crucial decisions every day with limited information and take the hits. Just like founders? 6. Top Negotiator If you can convince a toddler to eat their vegetables, you can close deals. Easy. 7. Gets Sh*t Done You just get it done. There’s nowhere to hide. So why do most investors still view motherhood as a liability? It’s actually a bloody superpower. A Masterclass in resilience, influencing and adaptability. What product could be more important to create than the next generation of the human race? You’re happy for women to do that, so why won’t you trust them to run and scale a business? Just think about that. Your turn: Does motherhood make someone less investable? What’s your experience? #WomeninBusiness

🌟 Proud to have sponsored AICON Conference 🚀 Yesterday, Synechron had the privilege of sponsoring the #AICON2024 conference, a remarkable day brimming with insights and pioneering thoughts from the technology realm. The event was a testament to the innovative spirit thriving not just in #Belfast but beyond. The caliber of learning at AICON was truly unparalleled. Dr Lollie Mancey our keynote speaker, delivered yet another memorable session, sparking deep reflections on the intersection of AI, humanity, and technology. Her discourse on the future of AI, particularly with wearables and data privacy, was both enlightening and a stark reminder of the ethical terrain we must navigate. The regulatory landscape, as presented by John Edwards of the UK Information Commission, provided a grounding perspective on the burgeoning world of AI, while Michael McMahon from Options Technology captivated us with a deep dive into the open vs. closed source software debate, elucidating the pros and cons that are shaping our industry's future. We were also treated to a dynamic presentation by Oluwashina Akinsanmi and Natalie Smith, CPA from ASOS.com, who shared the company’s remarkable journey and the exciting prospects for AI in fashion. Their session was a vivid illustration of how AI can be a game-changer even in the most creative of industries. Our very own Prag Jaodekar from Synechron's CTO office eloquently outlined the enterprise journey in AI, shedding light on the massive investments funnelling into the sector. His analysis sparked intriguing conversations about the quest for true value in this rapid evolution. Adding to the richness of the day, Máirín Murray Murray from TechFoundHer led a panel that was nothing short of inspiring. She, along with trailblazing female founders including Tina Calder, Jemma Simpson and Angelika Sharygina, engaged in thought-provoking discussions that not only highlighted the challenges faced by women in tech but also showcased their remarkable contributions to the industry. As we reflect on the day, we're reminded that the journey of innovation is continuous and collective. Feba Blessy John Conor McCormick MBCS Emma Martin Claire Donaghy Dona Das Gupta Prag Jaodekar Connla McCann #AICON2024 #AI #Innovation #Technology #Synechron #TechConference

It’s been a busy 24hours 🚀 Starting yesterday morning with the awesome Elaine Atkinson, CPCC, ACC recording something special for TA Talks Then up to Belfast to join TechFoundHer for AICON, a jampacked day of important conversation around ethics in AI, data security, cognitive burn out and what the future might bring. Thankyou Máirín Murray for inviting me onto the Diversity in tech panel, getting to share space with Tina Calder Angelika Sharygina 💜 And to finish the day it was over to the ICC to celebrate Catalyst INVENT 😍 Massive thank you to Adam Bradley for inviting and organising all of us Role Models together. An evening that felt like a tonic for the soul, from William Crawleys Dad puns, to comedic brilliance of Emer Maguire, my table buddies Alison McMurtrie Claire Brannigan Emma Stephenson Yolanda Cooper it’s been a while since I laughed as much. A huge congrats to all nominees and winners, standing up and pitching your dream to a room of peers is no easy feat, but you all delivered flawlessly and have my upmost respect 🙌 Throughout the entire day/evening, I’d valuable chats with female entrepreneurs. Very clear, everyone is experiencing some sort of challenge. The quality of innovation, passion and pure determination in the Northern Ireland ecosystem is infectious, but fragile. Founders are asking for help, they’ve been mentored to the hilt but we need money, we need a FEMALE INVESTMENT FUND. Awesome people to follow: Clare Ryan Susan Kelly Aislinn McBride Laura McClean Michael McMahon John Ferris So many more people I’d love to tag and share some love, but sure we’d be here all day! Well done everyone, let’s keep breaking those barriers 🙌

Kicked off #BelfastTechWeek with a burst of innovation at today's Lunch & Learn! 🚀 We were treated to the wisdom of three trailblazing founders – Loraa White, Dr Rawa Lina Jawad Jawad, and Caitlin Hafer. Their stories were nothing short of inspirational, offering a wealth of guidance to entrepreneurs in the making. 🎯 Key takeaways for anyone eyeing the tech startup scene 🎯 ✨ Your background isn’t a barrier in tech entrepreneurship – diversity fuels innovation. ✨ Leverage open-source coding – it's a testament to the power of collective intellect. ✨ Lifelong learning is your secret weapon – keep sharpening those skills. ✨ Every challenge is a veiled opportunity – adapt and excel. ✨ Collaborate with academia – universities are brimming with eager, untapped potential. ✨ Pursue honest feedback – it's the crucible where good ideas are tempered into great ones. ✨ Don't be daunted by funding – with a compelling vision, resources can be found. A hearty shout-out to TechFoundHer for their role in the Innovation Labs, masterfully highlighting the power of shared knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit. And a big thank you to MCS Group | Your Specialist Recruitment Consultancy for opening up their fantastic space for this event! And thanks to, The Little Mill Bistro for their catering - delicious as always. #BelfastTechWeek #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #TechFoundHer #StartupCulture #WomenInTech Máirín Murray Alison McMurtrie Tina Calder Claire Nixon Carol Donnelly Simon Bailie Orla Fitzsimons Dima Kiselev The Little Mill Bistro