Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in IT

As the world celebrates International Women's Day 2024 with the theme of #InspireInclusion, it's a time to acknowledge and honor women's achievements in various fields, including the rapidly evolving tech industry. Vivian Qi, the General Manager, APAC at ByteBridge , is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience in the data center and IT industry. She has a reputation for successfully navigating complex challenges and exceeding expectations. Vivian's journey in the IT industry serves as an inspiring example to women who aspire to work in tech. 

In an exclusive interview with Vivian Qi, we explore her insights on the IT industry, leadership, and the significance of #InspireInclusion on this International Women's Day. 

In your opinion, what are the key qualities that women bring to leadership roles in the IT industry?  

Women are known for following through on commitments and ensuring that promises get delivered, creating a culture of trust and accountability in the workplace. Our ability to empathize, listen actively, and pay attention to the finer details enables us to build strong relationships and drive effective collaboration within teams. These qualities are key to success in the tech industry: problem-solving and inclusivity. 

What advice would you give to young women who aspire to pursue a career in tech and aim for leadership positions?   

The IT industry is an incredibly thrilling field that's always in a state of flux, with innovations and changes happening every day. Unlike traditional sectors, embracing these changes is crucial for success. It is an industry that demands young, dynamic individuals who can learn and adapt quickly in this fast-paced environment. In the age of AI and rapid technological advancements, witnessing these changes unfold and understanding how they impact human beings can be incredibly rewarding. My advice to young women is to embrace the challenges, stay curious, continuously learn, and be open to new possibilities. With dedication and a passion for technology, the opportunities for growth and leadership in the tech industry are limitless. 

The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is "Inspire Inclusion". What does #InspireInclusion mean to you?  

As an Asian woman in her 30s, my identity places me in gender, age, and racial minority categories within the IT industry. That's why I am grateful to those who have made me feel valued and included throughout my career.  

At ByteBridge, a minority-owned global company, we prioritize welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages. Communication is at the core of our values, even though it can present challenges at times. We place great importance on inclusivity in all aspects of our operations, from hiring and working with individuals to fostering a culture of openness and understanding.  

Moreover, the culture at ByteBridge emphasizes a high tolerance for mistakes and values potential over perfection. We believe in learning from mistakes, correcting them, and moving forward to improve. Embracing different voices, styles, and perspectives is key to fostering innovation within our organization. We actively encourage a culture that provides opportunities for young talent to thrive and contribute their unique ideas.  

Inclusion, for me, is not just a buzzword but a fundamental principle that guides our interactions, decisions, and growth at ByteBridge. It is about creating a supportive and diverse environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work and contribute meaningfully to our collective success.