The Most Influential Women in Technology to Follow in 2024

VOL-08 | ISSUE - 02 | 2024 From Code to CEO How Women are Leading in Technology Tech’s Untapped Poten?al Why More Women in Technology Means Greater Innova?on

Women are the “ real architects of “ society.

Visionaries Transforming the Tech World E Ed diit to or r’’s s n a sector where technology drives progress, a culture of innovation and inclusivity within their select group of women has emerged as teams, they are creating environments where I leaders, transforming the industry through creativity thrives and where diverse perspectives their vision and expertise. These individuals have are valued. made their mark by pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve, showing that Their contributions are shaping the future of the leadership in this field is about more than just technology sector, ensuring it remains adaptable to Desk technical skill—it's about shaping the future. global challenges. Their stories remind us that true leadership is about balancing technical skill, These leaders possess an exceptional ability to strategic vision, and a commitment to making a adapt and excel in an industry where change is the positive impact. The success they have achieved only constant. Their approaches often include highlights their ability to turn challenges into adopting new technologies, refining strategies to opportunities and to lead with both intelligence meet shifting market demands, and ensuring their and integrity. organizations remain at the cutting edge. Their work is not just about keeping up with trends but In this edition, "The Most Influential Women in about setting new standards for excellence in Technology to Follow in 2024," we acknowledge technology. their inspiring journeys and the contributions they are making to the industry. Moreover, these women are committed to leading with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility. Have a good read ahead! They understand that true progress in technology must go hand in hand with ethical practices and a commitment to sustainability. By cultivating a Jamie Cason

C o n t e n t s Cover story 08 Articles From Code to CEO 16 How Women are Leading in Technology Tech's Untapped Potential 20 Why More Women in Technology Means Greater Innova?on

CREDITS Merry D'Souza Editor-in-Chief James Taylor Deputy Editor Jamie Carlson Executive Editor Anish Miller Assistant Editor David King Visualizer Art & Design Director Reva Adams The Silicon Leaders Excellence in The Spotlight Associate Designer Dave Stonis Senior Sales Manager James Saw Marketing Manager John Matthew Patrick Beretta Technical Head Sandy Madison SME-SMO Executive Business Development Manager Dave Morgan David, Joe Sales Executives Business Development Executives Steve, Simon Digital Marketing Manager Dominique T. Research Analyst Frank Adams Circulation Manager Robert Brown Database Management Stella Andrew Technology Consultant David Stokes Company Name Featured Person Brief Isabella is AVP at Wintrust, a community bank that provides Wintrust Isabella Ponterio personalized and full financial services to individuals, families, and contact@thesiliconleaders.com wintrust.com AVP small to middle-market businesses. August, 2024 Julie Frigon Julie is a seasoned accounting expert with significant experience Transsystems Executive Vice President at national accounting firms and holds CPA licenses in transystems.com and Chief Financial Follow us on Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. Officer https://www.facebook.com/TheSiliconLeaders/ Inland Real Estate As the Chief Accounting Officer of Inland Real Estate Group of Kathy Holland Group of Companies, Companies, Inc., Kathy offers a wealth of experience in all Chief Accounting Inc. aspects of accounting, auditing, and financial management. Officer We are also available on : inlandgroup.com As the CEO of Apsley Consulting Group, Linda leads strategic Apsley Consulting Group initiatives by combining innovative technology with business Linda Apsley Copyright © 2024 The Silicon Leaders, All rights reserved. The content and apsleycg.com insight, helping clients secure sustainable competitive CEO images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any advantages in today's digital environment. form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from The Silicon Leaders. Nopasika Lila Nopasika is the Group Finance Director and CEO of the Reprint rights remain solely with The Silicon Leaders. Barloworld Limited Group Finance Corporate Office at Barloworld Limited. She leads financial barloworld.com Director & CEO strategy and oversees corporate operations, ensuring sustainable Corporate Office growth and financial integrity.

COVER STORY Strategic Insights in Technology Leadership! inda Apsley has traversed a modern career path shaped by a L relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in technology leadership. Linda Her journey began with a deep-seated contributed fascination for micro-computers, igniting a passion that led her to significantly to significant roles at global tech giants. Notably, she made fundamental various “ contributions at Microsoft, where she iterations of played a key role in shaping Windows Windows and iterations and in the inception of Office 365. Her expertise spans intricate played a pivotal Office 365.“ problem-solving in data-driven role in the environments, culminating in robust inception of cloud ecosystem designs and strategic implementations across diverse sectors, including Time Inc., Capital One, Citi and GEICO. As Chief Executive Officer of Apsley Consulting Group, Linda drives strategic initiatives that harness the Linda Apsley CEO transformative potential of technology. Apsley Consulting Her leadership philosophy emphasizes Group conscious decision-making and

COVER STORY collaborative excellence, underpinned by Her career trajectory was shaped A life long learner, Linda thrives on this collaborative approach, teams tackle complex challenges, gradually building a commitment to nurturing talent and significantly by mentors and sponsors at delving deeply into topics to develop a trust and cohesion. advancing inclusive growth within her Microsoft, important figures who comprehensive understanding, teams. Linda’s approach integrates facilitated her entry into leadership and eschewing superficial observations in She believes in providing opportunities cutting-edge innovation with a deep strategy programs. These initiatives not favor of informed perspectives. This for individuals to acquire necessary skills understanding of business, ensuring her only enhanced her professional acumen characteristic has been particularly or transition to roles that align better clients achieve sustainable competitive but also laid the groundwork for her valuable in her technology leadership with their strengths and aspirations. This advantages in today’s advancing digital eventual leadership roles. Linda’s roles, where she holds responsibility for proactive approach ensures that team world. commitment to nurturing talent is critical systems impacting millions of members can contribute effectively evident in the cohesive teams she has individuals and substantial financial while continually developing their Apsley Consulting Group stands as a cultivated, often characterized by resources. She challenges her team professional capabilities. beacon of Linda’s visionary leadership, engineers who have followed her members to embrace the same rigorous offering tailored solutions that empower Essential Qualities through different roles. Her leadership is diligence, fostering an environment organizations to navigate complex distinguished by the successful execution where mastery is cultivated through At a high level: technological environments with of innovative transformations under her continuous learning and a willingness to confidence and foresight. guidance, a hallmark of her managerial glean insights from mistakes. Effective technical and systems thinking approach. skills, developed through extensive Let’s delve into the impactful journey of Linda: Nurturing Leadership and experience across diverse contexts, are Strategic Leadership in Technology Collaborative Excellence crucial for addressing complex Journey through Technology and Continuous Learning challenges spanning multiple systems. In Leadership and Innovation Linda holds a deep concern for people technology, poor leadership decisions Throughout her adult life and career, within her leadership approach. can significantly impact a company’s Linda’s technology career commenced Linda has consistently pursued solutions Colleagues frequently describe her as a performance, while strong leadership with a profound fascination for micro- that prioritize collective needs and yield nurturing leader, committed to both can enhance competitiveness. computers and an eagerness to explore optimal group outcomes. This approach challenging individuals to enhance their their functionalities beyond mere necessitates a blend of strategic performance and supporting their In addition to technical prowess, strong operation. This passion propelled her foresight and tactical curiosity, exploring personal growth. She firmly believes in leadership demands adept interpersonal into the domain of Microsoft, where she possibilities and outcomes with an open amplifying strengths rather than fixating skills. Technical leaders must excel in contributed significantly to various mind and heart. She highlights the on weaknesses, recognizing that this identifying and nurturing talent, granting iterations of Windows and played an importance of vetting ideas thoroughly approach not only cultivates individual individuals the autonomy to take important role in the inception of before committing to a direction, evolution but also naturally addresses ownership of their decisions and Office 365. Within Microsoft, she was recognizing the pitfalls of indecision areas needing improvement. outcomes commensurate with their frequently entrusted with overseeing that can derail projects. expertise and responsibilities. Building projects facing challenges or aimed at She actively opposes fear-based cultures, trust and respect among engineers catalyzing transformative change. understanding their detrimental impact necessitates a balanced approach of on productivity and innovation. Linda Linda sound decision-making coupled with She thrives on intricate problem-solving advocates for an environment where empathy, albeit tempered with necessary essential for resolving complex system contributed learning and improvement flourish firmness, given the pragmatic demands issues, a skill honed extensively across openly, fostering the necessary significantly of technology implementation. numerous projects demanding deep data conditions for successful risk-taking and expertise. Her proficiency extended to “ creativity. At a more detailed level, see below: crafting robust cloud data ecosystems, iterations reflecting her evolving capabilities over However, Linda states the importance of Windows and to various “ successive years. Subsequently, she of resolving issues promptly to prevent transitioned to prominent positions at played a pivotal teams from becoming mired in Time Inc., Capital One, Citi and frustration due to ongoing missteps. She role in the GEICO, enriching her expertise in encourages teams to operate cohesively, architecture, operations and business inception of likening their synergy to a well- management. coordinated basketball team where Office 365. members collaborate seamlessly and support each other’s efforts. Through

COVER STORY Capability Description Why/Value Ability to create and communicate a compelling A strategic vision helps ensure that the tech initiatives support the vision for the organization’s Strategic Vision company’s long-term objectives and that they drive innovation. tech strategy that aligns with overall business goals. Ability to lead a team to regularly “ deliver on strategic outcomes Effective leadership motivates teams, improves productivity, by fostering a culture of Leadership and Management Skills collaboration, innovation, and ensures successful project execution. continuous improvement and accountability. “ Deep understanding of Technical expertise enables the CIO to make informed decisions, current and emerging technologies and how they implement the right solutions and stay ahead of technological Technical Expertise can be leveraged to benefit trends. the organization. Strong understanding of Business acumen ensures that tech initiatives are aligned with the business environment, including business goals and contribute to the company’s competitive Business Acumen market dynamics, customer needs, advantage. and competitive pressures. Ability to think outside Innovation drives competitive advantage and helps the the box,encourage innovative Innovation and organization stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technology solutions and lead their team to Creativity landscape. successfully deliver. Ability to identify the organizational structure and roles needed for success. The quality of the talent lies at the heart of organizational Hires the right people, is able success. The stronger the talent, the more they are able to to attract high-quality talent, and Talent Magnet has the ability accomplish independently. and grit to make the hard calls and adjustments when needed. Protecting the company’s assets is required to protect Expertise and knowledge Cybersecurity in cybersecurity principles, customers, employees and reputation. Security needs to be a Knowledge practices and risk management. priority for every CIO. Ability to communicate, Effective change management minimizes disruption and manage and facilitate Change Management ensures smooth transitions, fostering acceptance and support organizational change, including and Communication implementing from stakeholders. Skills new technologies and processes. These skills enable the CIO to identify and address issues Strong problem-solving skills Problem-solving and promptly, ensuring continuous improvement, operational and the ability to think critically and strategically, combined Critical Thinking efficiency, and the ability to decrease operational costs with good judgment. throughout the business. Proficiency in managing relationships with vendors, Vendor and Partner Effective vendor management ensures the organization receives partners, and external stakeholders. Management the best value and service from its external partners. Ability to push vendors to give their best and use them judiciously.

COVER STORY Navigating Business and Technology Trends Linda, through her consulting work, maintains a deep engagement with the latest trends and advancements in business and technology. Her focus primarily involves advising C-Suite executives on technology strategies supporting their innovation initiatives within their organizations. Additionally, she conducts assessments of various third-party technology solutions, ensuring she remains well-informed about potential products in the market. With a significant background in designing and implementing distributed data solutions and cloud ecosystems, Linda’s expertise extends into cloud infrastructure. She actively networks with senior engineers in these domains, enriching her perspective and staying abreast of industry developments. Beyond her technical acumen, Linda possesses a strong passion for business and technology strategy. She dedicates time to extensive reading of recent literature, including college textbooks and general audience books, to deepen her understanding. A notable favorite of hers is “Strategic Management: An Integrated Approach” by Hill, Schilling and Jones, a college textbook she values underscores the value of building a extensive 25-plus years in technology Through an understanding of bodily Commitment to Excellence and for its updated case studies that provide diverse network to enhance both delivery. This experiential background sensations during critical moments, she Mentorship insights into transformative business Linda advocates engineering skills and leadership allows her to empathize with her clients’ enables her clients to cultivate self- practices. Linda’s primary objectives are to deliver capabilities. Reflecting on her own career challenges firsthand. Her awareness and make more deliberate for an environment work for her clients and contribute experiences, she highlights the crucial coaching methodology blends traditional choices in their actions and Empowering Women in Technology where learning meaningfully to others. With a role of curiosity in problem-solving, coaching techniques with innovative engagements. “ distinguished career, she is committed to suggesting that maintaining a curious experiential learning modules tailored to and improvement Linda encourages aspiring women in Innovative Problem-Solving and imparting her knowledge and wisdom to mindset fosters resilience and clarity address specific client needs. technology to embrace the advanced flourish openly, Strategic Vision support the development of emerging during challenging moments, enabling nature of the field with dedication and fostering the Central to Linda’s approach is her professionals. She aims to enrich the thoughtful decision-making and growth. perseverance. She emphasizes the Linda integrates creativity and emphasis on conscious leadership. She growth of future leaders by sharing taking and creativity.“ importance of finding supportive necessary conditions innovation into every aspect of her guides her clients towards transitioning insights gained from her extensive career Empowering Conscious Leadership mentors and forming a reliable network for successful risk- approach. She approaches problems and from reactive responses to conscious experiences. for exchanging ideas and navigating future strategies without limiting herself decision-making, encouraging them to Linda’s executive coaching stands out challenges. Linda advises cultivating to past precedents, instead seeking the be more present in their professional due to its specialized focus on relationships with sponsors who can simplest solutions amid complex and personal lives. technology leaders, drawing from her facilitate career advancement. She scenarios.

From Code to CEO How Women are Leading in Technology n recent years, the tech industry has computing. Despite their crucial seen a transformative shift as contributions, these early female I women increasingly step into pioneers were often overshadowed by leadership roles, driving innovation and their male counterparts. reshaping the landscape of technology. From coding in the early days of Today, women are reclaiming their space computing to leading multi-billion-dollar in technology, building upon this legacy tech companies today, women are and breaking through barriers that have making significant strides and leaving an long restricted their opportunities. Their indelible mark on the industry. Further, journey from being underrepresented in we explore how women are leading in the field to becoming influential leaders technology, showcasing their is both inspiring and essential for the achievements and examining the future of tech. pathways they have forged from code to CEO. Leading Tech Companies The Pioneers of Tech Women in executive positions are reshaping the tech landscape with fresh Historically, women have played a perspectives and innovative leadership pivotal role in technology, even before styles. For instance, Ginni Rometty, who the term "computer scientist" existed. served as CEO of IBM from 2012 to Ada Lovelace, often credited as the 2020, spearheaded the company's shift world's first computer programmer, towards cloud computing and artificial wrote the first algorithm intended for a intelligence, demonstrating how female machine in the 19th century. In the mid- leaders are driving strategic change in 20th century, women like Grace Hopper major tech firms. Another prominent developed early programming languages figure, Safra Catz, has been the CEO of and contributed to foundational work in Oracle since 2014, playing a critical role www.thesiliconleaders.com | August 2024 | 16 17

in the company's expansion and women in tech have overcome these models and opportunities to gain hands- development in cloud services. challenges through resilience, advocacy, on experience in tech can help build the and support networks. foundation for future leaders. These leaders have not only contributed to their companies' success but have also Initiatives such as mentorship programs, Programs like Code.org and Khan become role models, inspiring the next diversity and inclusion efforts, and Academy are working to make coding generation of women in tech. Their women-focused tech conferences are and computer science more accessible to achievements highlight the importance playing a crucial role in addressing these students, while organizations like of diverse leadership in shaping the challenges. Organizations like Women TechGirlz and Black Girls Code are future of technology. Who Code and AnitaB.org are providing specifically targeting underrepresented resources, support, and community for groups. By creating pathways for young Women Innovators and Founders women in tech, helping to bridge the women to enter the tech field, these gap and create opportunities for career initiatives help to nurture the next The rise of female entrepreneurs in tech advancement. generation of female tech leaders. is a testament to women's growing influence in the industry. Melinda Gates, The Importance of Representation Conclusion, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has been a strong advocate Representation matters in technology, Women are making remarkable strides in for women in technology through and women leaders are crucial in the technology sector, moving from ensuring diverse perspectives are coding and technical roles to executive various initiatives aimed at closing the gender gap in STEM fields. Whitney included in decision-making processes. leadership positions and Wolfe Herd, founder and CEO of Research has shown that diverse teams entrepreneurship. Their contributions Bumble, has revolutionized the online are more innovative and effective, are reshaping the industry, driving dating landscape and is celebrated for leading to better outcomes and more innovation, and ensuring that diverse her entrepreneurial spirit and successful products. By having women perspectives are represented in decision- commitment to creating a safe and in leadership roles, tech companies can making processes. empowering platform for women. better understand and address the needs of a diverse user base, leading to more Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who inclusive and effective solutions. Code, has made a significant impact by addressing the gender gap in tech Additionally, women leaders often education and encouraging young girls champion policies and practices that to pursue coding and computer science. promote gender equality and work-life These innovators are not only leading balance, creating more supportive successful companies but are also environments for all employees. Their driving social change by making leadership can lead to systemic changes technology more inclusive and that benefit the entire workforce, not accessible. just women. The Challenges and Triumphs Building the Pipeline for Future Leaders While the number of women in leadership roles in technology is To sustain this progress and ensure a growing, challenges remain. Gender steady pipeline of women leaders in bias, lack of representation, and technology, it is essential to invest in workplace inequality continue to pose education and mentorship from an early obstacles for women aspiring to age. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM leadership positions. However, many subjects and providing them with role www.thesiliconleaders.com | August 2024 | 18 18

Tech's Untapped Potential Why More Women in Technology Means Greater Innovation n the world of technology, the women are more likely to address a drive for innovation is relentless. wider range of issues and appeal to a I As companies and organizations broader audience. This inclusivity can strive to stay ahead of the curve, one of lead to market advantages and drive the most compelling factors for product success. For example, female- fostering creativity and advancement is led startups like Bumble have reshaped often overlooked: gender diversity. industries by focusing on user Research and real-world examples experience from a diverse perspective, increasingly show that greater creating platforms that cater to a wider representation of women in technology demographic. leads not only to more inclusive products but also to breakthrough The Business Case for Gender innovations. Diversity The Power of Diverse Perspectives The business case for increasing gender diversity in tech is strong. Research has Innovation thrives on diverse consistently shown that companies with perspectives. When teams are comprised more women in leadership positions and of individuals with different on their boards perform better backgrounds, experiences, and financially. A McKinsey & Company viewpoints, they are better equipped to report highlights that organizations with tackle complex problems and generate higher gender diversity are 21% more creative solutions. Women bring unique likely to experience above-average insights and approaches to technology, profitability. This correlation suggests which can lead to more comprehensive that diverse teams are not just a matter and user-centered innovations. of equity but also a strategic advantage. For instance, women are often more Moreover, diverse teams are more attuned to the needs and preferences of innovative. According to a study by a diverse user base. Products and Boston Consulting Group, companies technologies designed with input from with diverse management teams www.thesiliconleaders.com | August 2024 | 20 21

reported 19% higher revenue due to women hold only about 25% of and promote equity. Technologies innovation. This boost is attributed to computing jobs. This disparity not only developed with a focus on social impact the varied perspectives and experiences limits the potential pool of talent but can lead to significant advancements in that diverse teams bring to problem- also means that the tech industry is areas such as healthcare, education, and solving and creative processes. By missing out on valuable perspectives and environmental sustainability. For including more women in technology ideas. instance, Dr. Sara Borrell has been roles, companies can tap into this working on AI applications to improve potential and drive significant Efforts to close this gender gap are cancer detection and treatment, advancements. crucial. Initiatives such as mentorship demonstrating how technological programs, diversity and inclusion advancements can have a profound Women Driving Technological training, and targeted recruitment efforts impact on public health. Advancement can help bring more women into tech roles and support their career Conclusion, Women are leading the charge in several advancement. Organizations like cutting-edge technology sectors, TechWomen and Women Who Code are The evidence is clear: greater gender demonstrating the impact of their actively working to bridge this gap by diversity in technology leads to greater contributions on innovation. For providing resources, networking innovation. Women bring unique example, Dr. Fei-Fei Li, a renowned opportunities, and support for women perspectives and insights that drive computer scientist, has made significant in technology. creativity and problem-solving, resulting advancements in artificial intelligence in more inclusive and groundbreaking (AI) and computer vision. Her work on Encouraging Future Generations technological advancements. By ImageNet, a large-scale visual addressing the gender gap and fostering recognition dataset, has been pivotal in The presence of women in technology an environment where women can advancing AI technologies. Similarly, not only benefits current technological thrive in tech roles, companies can Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, advancements but also creates a positive unlock untapped potential and gain a guided the company through a major ripple effect for future generations. competitive edge. transformation toward cloud computing Female role models and leaders inspire and artificial intelligence, showcasing young girls and women to pursue careers how women leaders drive technological in tech, thereby expanding the talent progress. pool and fostering a culture of innovation. Women are also at the forefront of emerging technologies. Reshma Saujani, Programs that promote STEM founder of Girls Who Code, is education among young women, such as addressing the gender gap in tech Code.org and Girls Who Code, play a education and inspiring a new vital role in encouraging interest and generation of female technologists. Her participation in technology fields. By efforts are helping to ensure that the showcasing successful female next wave of technological innovations technologists and providing hands-on includes diverse perspectives and learning opportunities, these programs solutions. help to build confidence and skills, paving the way for the next generation Addressing the Gender Gap of innovators. Despite the clear benefits, women The Intersection of Technology and remain underrepresented in the Social Good technology sector. According to the National Center for Women & Women in technology are also driving Information Technology (NCWIT), innovations that address social issues www.thesiliconleaders.com | August 2024 | 22 22

Women in tech are not just participating in the future; they are shaping it.

T SL The Silicon Leaders Excellence in The Spotlight

The Most Influential Women in Technology to Follow in 2024

The Most Influential Women in Technology to Follow in 2024

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