Touch Associates’ Post

International Women’s Day has transcended being just a day. It’s become the focus of the week, if not month. This year’s theme is inclusion, and I truly believe that we are striving towards a more inclusive and equitable culture within tech. I hope for a time where IWD is not a necessity but a nice to have. A culture where those who are different and are their authentic selves without having to mask, hide and suppress their being can thrive. Where women don’t have to make those soul crushing decisions between careers and family, or a constant concern about how they’ll be perceived because of what they’re wearing, or having to fight for basic respect and for their voice to be heard. Today we celebrate the women in our lives. We celebrate their uniqueness and quirks and drive. We ultimately celebrate what often is held against them. Let’s all strive and make those sometimes uncomfortable changes to work towards a culture and world where we are truly inclusive to all. #iwd #iwd2024

March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD) – a global day recognized by the United Nations that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme of #iwd2024 is #inspireinclusion. How do I see it done in my workplace? 1. Celebrate the Achievements of Women 🙌 I am more than often inspired by the women in my personal and professional lives. Not only by the talent and hard work they demonstrated but the possibilities of achievements in life they have shown me, which I would not have thought attainable. This is the power of having women as leaders, allies, and role models, where their success stories are made visible, accessible, and relatable. 2. Provide Equal Opportunities ⚖ Aside from celebrating the achievements of outstanding women, it is also important to translate the recognition into equal opportunities - for equal voice, pay, and promotion, to allow women to lead and contribute more in any arena they choose. It is the positive reinforcements that can inspire and motivate others when there is still a lot more to be done. 3. Embrace a Culture of Inclusivity 💪 Personally, I found it easier to speak up for others than for myself, whether it is to ask for support, recognition, or inclusion. When I do so, my actions are encouraged by my team who have empowered me. I believe it is therefore key to build a culture of empathy around the challenges, where women can rely on each other and allies when they feel the need to speak up and challenge the existing status quo, or overcome barriers in professional growth. I would love to hear your thoughts and the actions you/your organization is taking to support each other and inspire inclusion! #inspireinclusion #iwd2024 #internationalwomensday #inclusionanddiversity #womeninbusiness #lifeataon

📢 Exciting Update from the Women On Top Conference! 🌟 Today, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Women On Top conference, a remarkable event dedicated to promoting #equality, #diversity, and #inclusion in businesses and organizations. It was an inspiring day filled with insightful speeches and engaging workshops, all centered around the theme of equality and inclusion in technology. The conference brought together outstanding professionals from various industries, who shared their experiences and expertise on the challenges and opportunities in achieving equality and inclusion in the tech sector. One of the highlights of the day was the workshops on Equality & Inclusion in technology. These sessions provided practical insights and strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. Moreover, the conference emphasized the significance of community engagement in promoting inclusion beyond the walls of our organizations. By actively involving the community, we can create a ripple effect that extends the benefits of equality and inclusion to society as a whole. Let's continue to work together towards a future where equality, diversity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords, but integral components of every organization. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world. #WomenOnTopConference #EqualityMatters #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion

The last but certainly not least in our Women in Tech series is our powerhouse, Kristen! 💜 In Kristen's journey, gender-based treatment differences weren't a major issue when she started her career. However, as she progressed in the industry, the challenges regarding equal compensation became evident. "When have you faced gender-based treatment differences compared to male colleagues in tech?" 🙎♂️ 🙎♀️ "I've been fortunate to work in environments where gender-based treatment wasn't a major issue, or at least not overtly. But as I've delved deeper into this industry and had more candid conversations with peers, it's become evident that equal compensation remains a significant challenge." 💬 Kristen's advice for women facing similar situations? 💡 "Create a strong industry network and seek out both male and female peers who will provide honest insights about compensation and industry standards. Once you understand the market value of your desired roles, advocate for fair compensation. Too often, women base their salary expectations on past earnings rather than aligning them with market rates." And that's a WRAP for our Women in Tech series. A big thank you to Taylor Sturtevant, Gema Martín Rodríguez, Cornelia Alvelind, Amanda Mattsson, Anette Hallgren, and Kristen Friesen for sharing your experiences and thoughts! 🤗 👏 We also hope that all of you who followed this series found it insightful and enjoyable to be a part of. However, the journey does not end here. Interested in coming along? Then don't miss out on following us! #IWD2024 #internationalwomensday2024 #womenempowerment #genderequality #genderdiversity #equality #inclusivity #inspiringinclusion #womenintech #technology #strongwomen #femaleentrepreneurs

Celebrating Empowerment and Equality This #IWD24 🌍 As we step into International Women's Day 2024, I am reminded of the continuous journey towards women's empowerment and our pivotal role in nurturing an environment of equality and respect. It's a journey that finds inspiration in the most unexpected places, underscoring the profound impact of belief in women's capabilities. Reflecting on a memorable evening in Washington, D.C., a story involving the Obamas unfolds, highlighting the essence of opportunity and recognition. Amidst a cozy dinner, Michelle Obama's simple yet profound interaction with a restaurant owner poignantly reminds us of the incredible heights women can reach when given the chance. This International Women's Day, I encourage you to look around and acknowledge those who have been instrumental in championing women's rights and fostering empowerment. Whether it's a friend who stands unwaveringly by your side, a mentor who guides you through challenges, or even your journey of self-discovery and resilience – every story is a beacon of inspiration. As the CEO of Insightful Data Technologies, I am proud to lead an organization committed to these values, creating opportunities for women to excel and lead. Our dedication to empowerment and equality is not just a policy; it's woven into the very fabric of our culture, driving us toward a more inclusive and equitable future. So, I ask you – Who do you celebrate this #IWD24? Share your stories of empowerment and the remarkable women (or men) who have uplifted you or paved the way for others. Let's honor these individuals, for their contributions are the milestones on our shared path to equality. Together, we can turn moments into movements and continue building a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. You can also visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dt_w-d3h  to learn more about our services and how we empower women in the tech industry. #InternationalWomensDay #Empowerment #Equality #Leadership #Innovation

Celebrating Empowerment and Equality This #IWD24 🌍 As we step into International Women's Day 2024, I am reminded of the continuous journey towards women's empowerment and our pivotal role in nurturing an environment of equality and respect. It's a journey that finds inspiration in the most unexpected places, underscoring the profound impact of belief in women's capabilities. Reflecting on a memorable evening in Washington, D.C., a story involving the Obamas unfolds, highlighting the essence of opportunity and recognition. Amidst a cozy dinner, Michelle Obama's simple yet profound interaction with a restaurant owner poignantly reminds us of the incredible heights women can reach when given the chance. This International Women's Day, I encourage you to look around and acknowledge those who have been instrumental in championing women's rights and fostering empowerment. Whether it's a friend who stands unwaveringly by your side, a mentor who guides you through challenges, or even your journey of self-discovery and resilience – every story is a beacon of inspiration. As the CEO of Insightful Data Technologies, I am proud to lead an organization committed to these values, creating opportunities for women to excel and lead. Our dedication to empowerment and equality is not just a policy; it's woven into the very fabric of our culture, driving us toward a more inclusive and equitable future. So, I ask you – Who do you celebrate this #IWD24? Share your stories of empowerment and the remarkable women (or men) who have uplifted you or paved the way for others. Let's honor these individuals, for their contributions are the milestones on our shared path to equality. Together, we can turn moments into movements and continue building a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. You can also visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dbjFTeFK  to learn more about our services and how we empower women in the tech industry. #InternationalWomensDay #Empowerment #Equality #Leadership #Innovation

#iwd2024 #inspireinclusion 💜 We wish all the amazing women in our network a very Happy International Women’s Day. We consider ourselves to be very fortunate to interact daily with inspiring women across the globe in different industries and value the diversity of thinking and experience. Even now, in 2024 with the many advancements in life and business, there remain gaps and we all have a duty of care to play our role in inspiring inclusion. We are also very proud of our colleagues who bring great knowledge, experience and their individuality to our team. We been chatting about what inspiring inclusion means to them….. “For me, being inclusive as a colleague and inspirational as a leader is about modelling the right behaviours… being transparent, open, and honest about personal struggles, speaking up and owning your actions and contributions. I’m still learning, to seek to understand and to not always jump to resolutions, sometimes your presence is enough”.  Rebecca Homer, Principal Consultant. “It means I am being authentic, visibly being proud of who I am and what I believe in, and encouraging others to own their uniqueness. By taking the opportunities to use my voice, share my experience and collectively with others contribute to an inclusive environment all day, every day, everywhere and anywhere.”  Trace Durning, Director of New Market Growth & Organisational Culture Specialist. “International Women’s Day is about celebrating all women, embracing their diversity. Change takes collective effort which benefits from a diverse and inclusive approach by design”.  Michelle Fulford, Specialist Consultant - Change Management. Today and every day, let's play our role in being inclusive so that everyone has the opportunity to bring their uniqueness for the benefit of all. #dotherightthing #iwd2024 #inspireinclusion #individuality #innovateandimprove #castlefirth 💜

Not all women have the same experiences. And the people who understand that are the ones who make all the difference. Early in my career, I had a manager who made an effort to understand the differences in our cultures. Not in a check-the-box way, but with a true desire to understand and to support. It was the same with the different stage of life I was in, as a young mother. She never held my life circumstances against me. Instead, she worked with me so I could be the best in all areas of my life. International Women's Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to uplift and empower one another—every day, not just one day a year. Throughout my journey, I've been privileged to witness firsthand the transformative power of women supporting women. Whether it's through mentorship, allyship or simply being there to listen to a sister in need, each act of solidarity strengthens the fabric of our community and lifts us higher. It's crucial to recognize that as women, our diversity is our strength. We come from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences, yet we share a common bond rooted in resilience and determination. It’s also crucial to acknowledge the impact when women don't support each other. When we let systems divide us, when we compete with each other or allow internalized misogyny to run rampant, we perpetuate cycles of oppression and hinder our collective progress. Instead of uplifting one another, we inadvertently contribute to the barriers that hold us back. As leaders, it's incumbent upon us to foster environments where women feel empowered to thrive and succeed. This means advocating for equal opportunities, breaking down barriers and challenging outdated norms that perpetuate inequality. It also means actively championing the achievements of our fellow women and creating pathways for their advancement. I want to create in my life, both professional and personal, a sisterhood of support and encouragement. One where we uplift one another, celebrate our successes and redefine what it means to be a woman in today's world. Despite our shared challenges as women, we aren’t all the same. Understanding each other’s uniqueness is critical. And it makes us more effective when it’s our turn to help others. #IWD24

Happy International Women’s Day!    Today is an important day and one I take pride in celebrating. Today we – collectively across the world – focus on recognizing women’s achievements. This year’s #IWD theme is to #InspireInclusion.    To inspire inclusion, we must lead dynamically. We must be flexible. Nourish our people while also driving results. Create calm in a frenetic landscape of change. As a woman in a leadership role during COVID, I watched the traditional workplace turn on its head. In the last year, the warp speed impact of AI is revolutionizing everything around us. Every day, we face new challenges in unchartered waters. To be successful, we must be nimble and look at what will transform our worlds. We need to find a way towards profitable growth when historic data may no longer be relevant.   And, while doing so, we need to find a way to offer curiosity and kindness in a world that encourages us not to be. Why? Because curiosity is where progress happens. Asking questions to seek understanding – not to debate or judge – creates new pathways for innovation, culture, and prosperity. Providing feedback that’s constructive and honest. Creating psychological safety for a team to speak freely – and making space for dissenting views so colleagues can bring their authentic selves to work. Celebrating wins while checking in during struggles. Paying it forward by embracing and empowering career paths of those who will come after us.    When we lead dynamically, we inspire inclusion. When we inspire inclusion, we embrace gender parity and equality – which ultimately empowers a world of work that works for everyone. These are tenets of leadership that inspire me.     #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #LHH

Inspiring Inclusion for #IWD2024 — Metta Blog Series 💁♀️ The final blog in our 5 part series. For the final instalment of our 5 part interview blog series, we chatted to Andrea Sommer - entrepreneur, advisor, investor and strategist with global expertise in emerging technology, innovation, investment strategy and strategic growth initiatives. Andrea says - "We can start by actively promoting diversity in our hiring practices, ensuring that women and underrepresented groups have equal opportunities for growth and leadership roles. Additionally, creating mentorship programs and support networks can provide guidance and encouragement for all employees, regardless of gender." Read the full interview - https://bit.ly/3vs8VTC -- #InternationalWomensDay #InvestinWomen #EmpowerWomen #EmpowerGirls #IWD #internationalwomensday2024 #IWD24 #InvestInWomen #sustainability #progress #impact #innovation #diversity #inclusion #equity #culturematters #inclusiveculture #techforgood #womenintech #femalefounders #DEIintech #inclusivityintech