A controversial statement, but one intended to challenge the real reasons as to why we are struggling still with gender diversity in tech. Let’s discuss what a good coder needs to be in 2019, where will this talent that’s needed come from, and what strengths can we ALL bring in terms of coding requirements for the future? Clearly, men cannot be said to be better at coding just because they are men. Code written by women garners higher ratings on GitHub for example than that written by their male colleagues, so why is gender diversity still an issue in 2019?” data-short-description=”” data-room=”” data-tags=”Coding,Gender” data-speakers=””>

A controversial statement, but one intended to challenge the real reasons as to why we are struggling still with gender diversity in tech. Let’s discuss what a good coder needs to be in 2019, where will this talent that’s needed come from, and what strengths can we ALL bring in terms of coding requirements for the future? Clearly, men cannot be said to be better at coding just because they are men. Code written by women garners higher ratings on GitHub for example than that written by their male colleagues, so why is gender diversity still an issue in 2019?” data-short-description=”” data-room=”” data-tags=”Coding,Gender” data-speakers=””>

In an industry that favours youth over experience, is there an unspoken age-cap in place which once you hit means the end? And how ‘old’ is too old, especially in a society where we are increasingly working longer before retiring? One thing is certain: Widespread age discrimination is affecting many of us working or seeking to work in the IT industry, but will this modern-day age ultimately result in the death of innovation and development?” data-short-description=”” data-room=”” data-tags=”Ageism,Business Strategy” data-speakers=””>

In an industry that favours youth over experience, is there an unspoken age-cap in place which once you hit means the end? And how ‘old’ is too old, especially in a society where we are increasingly working longer before retiring? One thing is certain: Widespread age discrimination is affecting many of us working or seeking to work in the IT industry, but will this modern-day age ultimately result in the death of innovation and development?” data-short-description=”” data-room=”” data-tags=”Ageism,Business Strategy” data-speakers=””>

Implementing mandatory diversity quotas has long been put forward as a solution for improved D&I, but it is by no means a perfect answer. Whilst it’s true that D&I Quotas are a quick way to get D&I into tech roles, some fear that people will not believe these D&I hires get these jobs based on their abilities. So, should we take the wins of an imperfect system if its increasing diversity and inclusion, should we abandon quotas all together, or we should we push for stricter quota implementation where we would see all women/all black etc recruitment mandates?” data-short-description=”” data-room=”” data-tags=”D&I Quotas,Business Strategy” data-speakers=””>

Implementing mandatory diversity quotas has long been put forward as a solution for improved D&I, but it is by no means a perfect answer. Whilst it’s true that D&I Quotas are a quick way to get D&I into tech roles, some fear that people will not believe these D&I hires get these jobs based on their abilities. So, should we take the wins of an imperfect system if its increasing diversity and inclusion, should we abandon quotas all together, or we should we push for stricter quota implementation where we would see all women/all black etc recruitment mandates?” data-short-description=”” data-room=”” data-tags=”D&I Quotas,Business Strategy” data-speakers=””>

‘BAME’ is not a new term, it’s been around since the 1970’s, but does anyone in real life ever refer to themselves in this way? Should we be using labels at all? Is to do so itself patronising and potentially insulting? Does the BAME label ultimately help or hinder when we all want to be recognised as individuals?” data-short-description=”” data-room=”” data-tags=”Ethnicity,Business Strategy” data-speakers=””>

‘BAME’ is not a new term, it’s been around since the 1970’s, but does anyone in real life ever refer to themselves in this way? Should we be using labels at all? Is to do so itself patronising and potentially insulting? Does the BAME label ultimately help or hinder when we all want to be recognised as individuals?” data-short-description=”” data-room=”” data-tags=”Ethnicity,Business Strategy” data-speakers=””>

We often hear said to us, “just be yourself”- but in a work environment is that ever truly possible? Further, is it wise to “just be yourself” in an increasingly competitive and hard-fought industry such as the IT industry? It sounds like an amazing thing to do, but what does it really mean? What if someone is a rude to other people? Is it okay for them to just be themselves and go on being rude to everyone? How about people who are fearful of being around others, or those more introverted/extroverted? What if being yourself doesn’t fit with that company’s corporate culture? It’s time to examine what’s possible, what’s advisable and where the truth ultimately lies.” data-short-description=”” data-room=”” data-tags=”Professional Development,Business Strategy” data-speakers=””>

We often hear said to us, “just be yourself”- but in a work environment is that ever truly possible? Further, is it wise to “just be yourself” in an increasingly competitive and hard-fought industry such as the IT industry? It sounds like an amazing thing to do, but what does it really mean? What if someone is a rude to other people? Is it okay for them to just be themselves and go on being rude to everyone? How about people who are fearful of being around others, or those more introverted/extroverted? What if being yourself doesn’t fit with that company’s corporate culture? It’s time to examine what’s possible, what’s advisable and where the truth ultimately lies.” data-short-description=”” data-room=”” data-tags=”Professional Development,Business Strategy” data-speakers=””>